Integration and Retention

1. Funding Programs in BC for Immigrant Skills Advancement
2. Language Training and Assessment
3. Skills Upgrading and Professional Certification
4. Other Employer Resource Guides

Employer Supports

SOICS has been contracted through the BC Skills Connect for Immigrants Program to assess recent immigrants' skills, qualifications and experience. SOICS also provides training, workplace practice opportunities, mentorship and other services that will help the skilled immigrant to meet BC's labour market standards. Contact us for more information.

Funding Programs in BC for Immigrant Skills Advancement

• BC Skills Connect for Immigrants Program assesses and bridges skilled immigrants into the workplace in the areas of construction, transportation, energy, tourism/hospitality and the health sector. This program also provides training of various kinds, workplace practice opportunities, mentorship and other services that will help the skilled immigrant to meet BC's labour market standards. (call SOICS to access the program for your immigrant workers)

Language Training and Assessment

• ELSA Net: English language training is now available from beginners' levels to upper intermediate, with classes in labour market preparation. The program is called English Language Services for Adults (ELSA). It is government-funded and is FREE to adult students following an assessment and placement. Answers to frequent questions about eligibility, course content, etc. Contact SOICS for ELSA class schedules in Penticton and Oliver. Also contact us for more information on assessing workers Enlgish levels.
• South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS): offers FREE morning, afternoon, and evening English Language Training (ELSA) on weekdays, which also incorporates employment and workplace cultural themes into its curriculum.
• The Canadian Language Benchmarks are a measure (not a test) of English skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Professional work (medicine, teaching, engineering, etc.) demands a high level of English (Level 11 or 12) in all four skills. For detailed descriptions of these skills, download "Canadian Language Benchmarks 2000: English as a Second Language for Adults".
• Work Ready: Canadian Language Benchmarks Resource (p.52-67 offers communication tips for employer/staff in dealing with immigrant workers with lower language abilities both oral and written)
• Medical English Certificate Program.  For international health-care workers and students who want to improve their English communication skills and medical terminology in health-care settings. Credential Recognition

Skills Upgrading & Professional Certification

• BC Skills Connect for Immigrants Program assesses and bridges skilled immigrants into the workplace in the areas of construction, transportation, energy, tourism/hospitality and the health sector, and provides training. SOICS is the BC Skills Connect for Immigrants provider in the South Okanagan. Contact us to see how we can help you
• The Immigrant Skilled Trades Employment Program (ISTEP): a pilot project to help landed immigrants build careers in British Columbia's construction industry and provide employers with skilled trades workers
• A list of Nursing Refresher Programs is maintained by the College of Registered Nurses of BC. Some programs are taught with an ESL component. A list of Qualifying Courses is also available
• UBC Canadian Pharmacy Practice Programme: designed for internationally-trained pharmacists to achieve the competencies for practice in Canada
• For more information on professional training and upgrades see the Resources page of the BC Internationally Trained Professionals Network (BCITP Net)

Other Employer Resource Guides:

There are many other employer guides and toolkits that have great resources. Below are just a few key ones that might provide more details and tips on a specific topic or issue you are looking into.

• Tap into a World of Talent: step-by-step clear resource on how to find, hire, and train skilled immigrant workers
• Employer Road Map to Hiring and Retaining Internationally Trained Workers: section 2 “Planning” and 4 “Assess and Select” are good sources
• Diversity Behaviors: What We Can Do (RBC Financial Group is a great example of an employer who implements Diversity practices in hiring and training). This tool is designed to help show the benefits of diversity and break through the personal structural barriers that can stand in the way.
• Supporting Employers Embracing Diversity(SEED): good source for diversity and integration activities, what is a diversity champion and how to implement this program

The following guides are in PDF format for downloading:

• Hiring and Retaining Skilled Immigrants: A Cultural Competence Toolkit (simple hiring and Interviewing tips)
• Immigrant-Friendly Businesses: Effective Practices for Attracting, Integrating, and Retaining Immigrant in Canadian Workplaces (good sources for integration tips)
• Employer’s Guide to Hiring Newcomers (what to think about before you hire, what needs to be in place when you do, and how to hire newcomers)
• Employer’s Guide: to Integrating Immigrants into the Workplace (good info on culture,  integrating, preparing workplace)
• Employing a Diverse Workforce: From Diversity to Inclusion (great ideas for inclusion and long-term retention, good examples of companies doing this and their strategies)
• Making Connections: A New Model of Mentoring for Internationally Trained Professionals (good step by step guide to mentoring, the preparations, benefits, etc)
• Visible Minority Employers Guidebook (good souces for promoting talent within our organization, creating a culture of inclusion)
• Cultural Guide for Employers: speficically working with Chinese workers

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