Employer Toolkit

 

Why an Employer Toolkit?

The way we do business in the South Okanagan is changing as our population is becoming more diversified. In 2006 16.6% of the Okanagan-Similkameen regional district were immigrants. It is estimated that this number will increase with the 2010 census but will it increase enough to keep up with the demand for skilled workers? With the aging labour force, finding skilled workers is becoming more difficult, and more employers are looking to immigrants as the solution to their labour needs. There are many highly-skilled immigrants living in our region that are looking for the opportunity to put their education and experience to use.

 

 

As a result of research SOICS conducted in 2010, it was discovered that employers felt they lacked the resources and support needed to fully access and utilize immigrant workers. In response, SOICS, through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, has built a toolkit specifically for the needs of South Okanagan-Similkameen employers.

Employer Toolkit (PDF Print Version)

What is an Immigrant?            

Immigrants are those born in another country who have come to live and work in Canada permanently. Immigrant workers are no different than Canadian born workers and they have all the same rights. Immigrants could be:

  • Newly arrived in Canada
  • Lived here for 30 years or more 
  • Have only Canadian experience, only foreign work experience, or a bit of both.
  • Immigrants come from all over the world and come with varying levels of English from none to fluent

Each comes with a unique skillset that businesses ought to take advantage of.

Immigrants Make Strong Business Sense:

Employer Comment 1

  • Great work ethic, and appreciate being given an opportunity to prove themselves
  • Determined to succeed 
  • Bring new ideas to the workplace
  • Can help employers to better understand the needs of a diversified customer base

The South Okanagan currently has a pool of highly skilled immigrants living here who are seriously underemployed or looking for work opportunities. They are just waiting for an opportunity to apply their skills and experience to your business. This toolkit will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need in order to find, hire, and retain these skilled workers. 

Employer's Perspective:

 

This project is made possible through funding from the
Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.