A key strategy in addressing labour shortages is hiring immigrants. These workers provide an employer with a rich source of local talent. They also broaden the pool of qualified candidates and increase an organization’s competitive edge.
Skilled immigrants are highly educated and are usually bilingual or multilingual. They also have varied backgrounds and experiences, which enhances workplace culture and promotes creativity.
Immigrant employees also offer a new perspective that will help give you a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace. They may also help you tap into international markets.
Hiring Immigrants
The Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia (IEC-BC) helps B.C. employers access the skills, training and knowledge that immigrants offer.
To learn more, use the Hiring and Retaining Skilled Immigrants - A Cultural Competence Toolkit. This resource has tips and tools for successfully hiring and retaining these workers.
If you own a small or medium-sized business check employer’s guide Quick Links to Hiring Foreign Workers, designed by the BC Chamber of Commerce. It gives you access to useful links as well as to bridging and mentoring programs and language/career assessment and training.
Also check the Employer’s Roadmap - Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s new tool for small to medium-sized businesses that want to hire internationally trained workers. The Employer’s Roadmap is designed to help business owners, HR professionals, recruiters and managers.
For more, check out workshops and resources on Enhancing Competitiveness with Internationally Trained Workers offered through the Alliance of Sector Councils and the Conference Board of Canada.
The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program also links employers with qualified workers who are ready to apply their pre-arrival skills, knowledge and experience. This program assesses skilled immigrants and helps connect them to where their skills are needed.
Retaining Immigrants
Diversity can increase intercultural respect and understanding in your workplace. Immigrants bring fresh perspectives to the workplace and can enhance the relationships and the work environment.
Check WelcomeBC for a one-stop source of information about living, working, studying or investing in B.C.
For tips for ensuring the success of skilled immigrants in your workplace visit Hiring and Retaining Skilled Immigrants - A Cultural Competence Toolkit.
Find employers’ success stories as well as additional information on hiring and retaining immigrants at Hireimmigrants.ca.
