Healthcare Sector

The Skills Connect for Immigrants programHealth Sector, aims to assist as many clients as possible establish careers in their field within the Canadian Healthcare system. Our program will guide clients through an unfamiliar labour market, and navigate credentialing and professional college and association barriers. In addition, we can help to overcome language barriers and provide assistance to obtain the necessary skills critical in the Canadian workplace. Our clients will:

work one-to-one with knowledgeable Employment Counsellors who provide assistance to upgrade clients qualifications to practice in British Columbia receive support in finding work and mentoring opportunities in a Canadian healthcare setting. have access to financial support for skills upgrading activities meet with other immigrant health professionals to form study and networking groups. The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program for clients trained in health related occupations is a key component of Work BC, the provincial action plan to address skills shortages. There are 12 professional categories supported by Skills Connect-Health: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Laboratory Technologist Medical Radiation Technologist Midwife Occupational Therapist Pharmacist Physician Physiotherapist

9. Registered Nurse 10. Registered Psychiatric Nurse 11. Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist 12. Ultrasonographer Health Minister George Abbott has this to say about Skills Connect-Health, Internationally educated health professionals have much to offer British Columbia, making it easier and faster for qualified immigrants to work in British Columbia and will make the province a destination of choice and bolster our workforce. (October 5, 2007)

Client Success Story

Mr. Peter M. immigrated to Canada from the Philippines. He arrived in Canada with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and professional experience as a Registered Nurse. His dream was to return to his career working in Canada. Peter initially worked a number of different jobs but not in Nursing. He worked at a glass manufacturing company in the lower mainland. He also had a part time job at Burger King, making minimum wage. He worked hard to eventually increase his income by moving to a production job in a food processing company and later a surveyors assistant.

Through the Skills Connect for Immigrants Program, Peter finally received acceptance of his education and credentials which enabled him to gain work in his field under temporary registration. He eventually was successful securing a position with Surrey Memorial Hospital.

All Other Sectors

The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program provides employment services to immigrants representing all employment sectors in B.C.

This means that immigrants with backgrounds in teaching, business and finance, IT, tourism, construction, transportation, mining, oil and gas, and health amongst other sectors, may be eligible for the program. It also means those immigrants (and their professions) who formerly were excluded from services under the Health sector program, may now be eligible for the program. Professionals like Psychologists, Dentists (and Dental Hygienists), and Veterinarians may now be eligible for assistance. The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program expansion also enables us to work with immigrants of all skill levels. There is no doubt that the B.C. workforce needs immigrants. And we are increasingly dependent upon immigrants for population growth, and for their skills to help strengthen the community and fuel the economy. Yet many hurdles exist! If you are an immigrant in B.C., and are not working in your area of training and expertisyou are likely too familiar with experiences like:

Not working in the same occupational field as you did before coming to Canada Doors being closed because you lack Canadian experience and may have difficulty transferring your credentials A high level of skills and training not being recognized. Many immigrants have a foreign credential (more than a high school diploma). Underemployment Looking for work is hard work with many barriers inherent in the systems, structures and culture of B.C. If you share experiences such as these, our Skills Connect for Immigrants Program can help you overcome obstacles related to an unfamiliar labour market, assist to navigate credentialing and professional college and association barriers, overcome language barriers and provide assistance to obtain the necessary skills critical in the Canadian workplace.

Will you be our next success story?

Speak to a counsellor now!

Phone: (604) 575-3800 Toll-free: 1-877-277-4832 Email: info@skillsconnect.ca