To find a job in BC, Canada, many new immigrants often face some or all of these challenges:
- International credentials are not recognized
- No Canadian work experience
- Limited understanding of Canadian workplace culture
- No Canadian educational credentials
- Lack of industry knowledge and a network
If you are a new immigrant looking to find a job in BC, Canada that matches your knowledge and skills, these free employment programs and services funded by the government will help you overcome these challenges.
How the employment programs and services help you find a job in BC, Canada
These employment programs and services
- help you prepare for the Canadian job market using your foreign education and experiences
- help you find a job in BC, Canada that match your skill level, experience, and background
- offer financial help to pay for your professional training or licenses
- provide connections (referrals to employers and mentors) to help you find a job in your field
- offer job-related language training
- help with the evaluation of your credentials and experience
- assist with preparing your job-search portfolio (Canadian resume, cover letter)
- offer career planning and coaching
- help you find an alternative career if your occupation is not recognized or available
This post will highlight some of these programs specifically for the province of British Columbia.
CAREER PATHS FOR SKILLED IMMIGRANTS
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants assists new immigrants with foreign qualifications and experiences looking to find a job in BC, Canada. They provide bridging programs, training funds, occupation-specific language training, and connect you to employers.
There are three streams under this program:
Stream 1: This stream will help you find a job in BC, Canada if you already have foreign education and experience and require only a skill or language upgrade.
Stream 2: If you need assistance upgrading your credentials for regulated employment in BC, this stream is for you.
Stream 3: This stream can assist you to find employment in any unregulated occupation.
For more information on this program, including eligibility requirements and locations where it is offered, go to WelcomeBC.
JOB QUEST
Job quest helps new immigrants find a job in BC, Canada by providing help with
- Writing resumes and cover letters
- Job matching and placement services
- Designing a career plan
- Connecting with employers and mentors for networking
- Information on the local job market
- Relevant volunteer opportunities
- Specialized employment and training programs
- Digital literacy support
More information about this program is available at ISSofBC.
TECHWOMEN
TechWomen is a program that helps immigrant women to explore a career in BC’s tech sector. This program offers
- Training in soft skills and job readiness
- Introductory web development and web design
- Volunteer opportunities and connections to understudy a professional
- Digital industry technical language skills
- Connection to mentors and networking with other women in Tech
If this sounds like an interesting opportunity, find out how to join at ISSofBC.
SKILLS TRAINING FOR GLOBAL TOURISM
This program assists newcomers to find a job in BC, Canada through a free part-time diploma program in Global Tourism to explore a career in the hospitality industry.
Connections to local employers, information on networking events, and training on soft skills and job readiness are also available to participants.
Visit ISSofBC for more information.
IMMIGRANTS IN TRADES TRAINING (ITT)
This program helps immigrants start a career in the trades by providing them with skills and trades training, job support, and tuition assistance.
Workshops, counseling, technical training, and work experience are available from four training service providers to qualifying immigrants.
Individual and group services and supports are also available, as well as hands-on trades exploratory training, entry-level (pre-apprenticeship) technical training, industry certification training, mentorship, career coaching, and employment placement services.
Visit Industry Training Authority for more information about this program.
FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM
The future leaders program assists youths between the ages of 15 and 30 years to develop their skills and find a job in BC, Canada.
The program offers
- Short-term training certifications recognized by the industry
- Registration in recognized post-secondary programs
- Paid internships to build skills and experience
- Living allowance and completion bonuses
For details about eligibility and availability, visit DIVERSEcity.
YOUTH IN TECH
This program provides hands-on learning opportunities from dedicated tech industry leaders to help youths (ages 15 – 19) acquire digital skills and confidence to launch a tech career.
Visit ISSofBC for detailed information on eligibility, locations and activities.
SKILLS TRAINING FOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Skills Training for Business Administration position new immigrants to find a job in BC, Canada through a free part-time diploma program in Business Administration.
They also connect participants to local employers and networking events and provide soft skills and job readiness training.
More comprehensive information on this program is available at ISSofBC.
BLAZE – ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Blaze is a program that assists newcomers and immigrant youths explore and succeed in entrepreneurship.
Participants receive one year of coaching support and expertise to help them launch a new business or grow an existing one.
The program also offers participants access to business mentors, professional resources, and peer support.
Interested in entrepreneurship? Visit ISSofBC for more information about Blaze.
BUSINESS QUEST
Business quest provides online training to immigrants interested in starting a business to help them understand essential aspects of running a business in BC.
Participants get help with developing a business plan and access to a mentor.
Eligibility, locations in BC where the program is available and other relevant information is available at ISSofBC.
IMMIGRANT WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM (IWEP)
IWEP helps immigrant and visible minority women start or grow their business in BC, Canada.
They program offers
- Mentoring sessions
- Business workshops
- Entrepreneurship skills training
- Networking events
Visit S.U.C.C.E.S.S IWEP for more information.
ONLINE LEARNING FOR MIGRANT WORKERS IN BC
Online Learning for Migrant Workers in BC helps new immigrants understand the Canadian workplace culture, learn how to be assertive, manage stress and resolve conflict. They also teach you how to communicate effectively. If you are interested in this program, visit ISSofBC.
BC Settletment buddy is here to guide you in settling in BC. Book a job search assistance to help you find a job in BC, Canada.
We help you write an ATS-friendly Canadian resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile.
We also assist with interview preparation, job referral and job applications.
Are you confused about anything related to living, studying, and working in BC? Talk to BC Settlement Buddy.
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