December 16, 2011
Nearly $900,000 For Immigrant Skills Training
SURREY – Immigrants in British Columbia will benefit from $873,471 in provincial funding for four skills training programs in the Lower Mainland. The programs are part of the Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA).
Why this matters:
Through ESA, eligible British Columbians are provided with tuition-free, group-based training at public, post-secondary institutions to prepare them for entry or re-entry into the labour force.
- ESA training programs are primarily focused on preparing participants for entry-level employment in industries, sectors or occupations that are currently experiencing, or are projected to experience, labour or skills shortages.
Quotes:
Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer:
“This funding for training will make a difference in the lives of new British Columbians by ensuring they have the skills necessary in order to find good jobs in the future.”
Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee:
“These programs help our newcomers develop the essential skills they need to find fulfilling work. Helping new British Columbians reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities is a great investment.”
Additional Information:
Learn More:
BACKGROUNDER
Employment Skills Access Initiative
NEARLY $900,000 FOR IMMIGRANT SKILLS TRAINING
Capilano University (North Vancouver)
• $282,298 – Business Culture in Canada for Foreign Trained Professionals, 54 participants. This 12-week program will assist unemployed foreign-trained professionals to assess and upgrade their essential skills while increasing their knowledge of the Canadian business marketplace. Prior education and experience in business and administration will be enhanced through targeted communication skill development coupled with exposure to current BC business administration practices.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Surrey and Richmond)
• $247,178– Professional Communication for Internationally Educated Health Professionals, 51 participants. This 14-week program provides foreign-trained health professionals with the communication skills necessary to obtain employment in their field.
Simon Fraser University (Lower Mainland
• $232,553 – Public Relations Certificate, 32 participants. This 17-week program is designed for Canadian newcomers/immigrants, to build the skills and cultural competencies required to succeed in the growing Public Relations field. The program is a combination of the PR Certificate program and key classes and workshops from the Advanced English for the Workplace program. In addition to classroom based learning, the program includes a practicum component which allows participants to cement knowledge and skills from the first 14 weeks of the program, gain invaluable hands-on public relations experience, and build important industry contacts.
Vancouver Community College (Vancouver)
• $111,442 – Business Readiness for New Canadians, 32 participants. This 14 week program will provide LMA eligible Participants who have business experience gained outside of Canada with the skills they need to gain entry level employment in the area of business administration in Canada. Participants will receive the following training:
• English for Professional Advancement
• Human Resources
• Introduction to Business
• Interpersonal Skills
• Team Skills
• Business Ethics
• Office Procedures
• WORD and Excel levels 1 and 2
Other courses offered at Kwantlen Polytechnic University funded by the ESA Initiative:
• $286,282 – Low Voltage Installation, 80 participants. This eight week program provides job ready skills for entry level workers hired to install low voltage technical and monitoring systems in buildings.
• $79,800 – Building Service Worker, 64 participants. This four week hands-on program provides entry-level skills to young school leavers and new Canadians who are seeking entry to the workforce and who may have formal education deficits.
Visit Dave’s website at www.davehayermla.bc.ca
Visit Richard’s website at www.richardleemla.bc.ca
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