New Canadians in the Lower Mainland will get training opportunities that build on skills they have, while forging a path to rewarding work.

The government program, with funding of $451,436, will help people feel more included in their communities as they prepare for careers in the public-works sector.

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) will train up to 36 newcomers and immigrants in working for public utilities, building and grounds maintenance, water and waste treatment and fire protection in the Lower Mainland. The program will help new Canadians who have arrived here with similar or transferable skills.

“Working with organizations like PICS is a way to help people build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the job market and take care of themselves and their families,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This employment program also supports the goals of TogetherBC, the first provincewide Poverty Reduction Strategy, to reduce the number of people impacted by poverty.”

Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers, said, “Finding meaningful employment can be a huge challenge for new Canadians. Creating opportunities for people to maximize their potential and build their careers will help them feel more at home and included in their new communities.”

Participants receive training over three full-time 12-week sessions and four weeks of on-the-job work experience placements. The second group is in progress and participants in the first group have found or are seeking employment. The final group begins Nov. 25, 2019.

“The program aims to engage new Canadians who earned skills and training in their native countries, but whose qualifications do not transfer to Canadian certification,” said Raj Hundal, director of employment programs and planning, PICS. “It’s helping immigrants work in their chosen field and develop skills to acquire the appropriate certifications and best utilize their skills.”

Quick Facts:

• This project is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction through the Project-Based Labour Market Training stream of the Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) program. CEP’s goal is to increase employment and work experience opportunities in communities throughout B.C.
• About $15 million will be invested in CEP projects around B.C. in 2019-20.

Learn More:

Learn how CEPs are helping local communities: www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-and-Employer-Partnerships.aspx

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society: https://pics.bc.ca/