December 7 marked the launch of our new project aiming to connect BC employers to the new talent in BC – that of refugees. Mapping Refugee Skills and Employer Needs will focus on developing employment opportunities for refugees in Surrey and Abbotsford by creating and examining skill profiles of those clients while engaging local employers to identify barriers faced in hiring refugees.
“Meaningful employment is one of the best ways to integrate into your new home country and your community, and refugees have a lot to give – their talents, resilience and unique perspectives,” said IEC-BC’s CEO Kelly Pollack.
This year-long initiative has been funded by BC’s Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, and will be carried out in partnership with DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, Surrey Board of Trade, Abbotsford Community Services and Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. The project was launched at a festive ceremony hosted by MOSAIC, together with two other initiatives funded by the Province that aim to help refugees and immigrants to join BC’s growing economy.
Media Coverage:
http://www.cknw.com/2016/12/07/funding-boost-announced-for-refugee-and-immigrant-job-training/