Members of the BC Care Providers Association participated in a hiring fair on Monday night for skilled immigrants seeking employment in B.C.’s seniors care sector.
The hiring fair—organized by Douglas College—is part of a larger pilot program to support internationally educated health care professionals (IEHCPs) to achieve credential recognition in B.C.
To prepare for the credential assessment exam, Douglas College provides newcomers with access to online self-study modules, job shadow opportunities, simulation lab preparation, and workplace health and safety training such as violence prevention and safe handling.
The results from this rigorous preparation program are encouraging. Over 25 per cent of participants achieved direct registration, while another 53 per cent will be required to take only one or two online modules before they can fully register. This compares favourably to previous assessment rates, where only 1 per cent of applicants achieved direct registration.
Now that their credentials are fully recognized, newcomers in the pilot program are eligible to find employment as health care assistants in B.C’s seniors care sector. With stable employment, many intend to continue pursuing their long-term goal of nursing.
Participating employers are eager to employ qualified immigrants, offering full-time positions in the Interior, as well as part-time and casual work in Metro Vancouver. Many employers highlight their commitment to work-life balance, competitive wages, and support for ongoing education to attract candidates.
“We are very pleased to be working with Douglas College to bridge such highly qualified care workers to full-time job opportunities with local care providers,” says Senior HHR Analyst Lara Croll. “Reducing barriers for qualified newcomers is an identified priority for BCCPA, in light of the current shortage of health care workers in the province.”
Funding for the pilot program has been provided by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology through the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program.
Pending the results of a full evaluation, BCCPA encourages the provincial government to continue providing support for this and other successful training programs to support newcomers as they integrate into B.C.’s economy.
