In recognition of the current demand for skilled professionals in northern BC communities, IEC-BC has developed and implemented a campaign and website, www.northernbcjobs.com to connect skilled new Canadians, living in Metro Vancouver, with jobs in three northern communities – Prince George, Prince Rupert and Fort St. John.
Funding was provided by the Province of BC, Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training. Key project partners included local Chambers of Commerce and economic development organizations, Human Resources Management Association, Hecate Strait Employment Development Society, Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Promote jobs in the North
According to the BC Labour Market Outlook 2022, over one million jobs are expected to open-up in BC by the end of this decade with many of the jobs being in Central and Northern BC. The Northern BC Jobs campaign targets immigrants from Metro Vancouver with the skills to fill jobs and occupations facing immediate shortages in northern BC.
The Northern BC Jobs website, www.northernbcjobs.com features a job board showcasing current positions available in these communities. It also includes useful resources to build employer capacity to attract, hire and retain skilled immigrants, such as links to online tutorials and resources in the three communities.
Enhance local capacity to hire and retain talent
Free informative workshops were held to provide employers in the three Northern BC communities with supports in sourcing, hiring and retaining new Canadian professionals and skilled tradespeople.
The workshops provided employers with information on:
- Why hiring new Canadians is good for business
- Creating effective and inclusive job descriptions
- Sourcing and assessing the new Canadian talent pool
- Creating a welcoming workplace and successfully integrating new Canadians
Participants also received information on immigrant employment HR tools and resources such as online tutorials, tip sheets and webinars. For more information about these workshops and materials please contact our local partners:
Fort St. John
Call : 250 785 6037
Email: info@fsjchamber.com
Prince George
Call: 250 562 2454 ext. 2006
Email: kayli.vandermeer@pgchamber.bc.ca
Prince Rupert
Call: 250 624 9494
Email: dawn@hseds.ca
Build social capital and expand professional networks
The Northern BC Jobs initiative also featured mentoring and networking program opportunities for SkillsConnect clients through IEC-BC’s MentorConnect and Connector Programs.