Improving Job Opportunities For Skilled Immigrants in Ontario, Canada

Source: Government of Ontario, Canada
Published Monday, 24 August, 2009 - 16:01

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Internationally trained newcomers to Ontario will have greater opportunities to work in their fields as a result of expanded bridge training programs at York University.

• Since 2003, bridge training programs have helped more than 30,000 newcomers get jobs and get licensed in their field.
• About 70 per cent of Ontario's adult newcomers have post-secondary education or training.

The province is investing $5.2 million towards the university's new bridge training programs for information technologists and business professionals, in addition to an existing nursing program.

Bridge training programs help newcomers trained overseas get the local training they need to find a job in their field and contribute to Ontario's economy. The programs provide a variety of transitional supports such as international skills assessment, technical training, local work experience, occupation specific language training and mentorships.

Support for these programs is part of the government's plan to strengthen the economy by investing in the skills and knowledge of Ontarians.

N.S. lures young adult immigrants

Nova Scotia hopes to bring more young workers to the province with a new immigration plan.

On Tuesday, the provincial government announced a new stream for non-dependent adult children of immigrants already in the province under the nominee program.

The main goal is to meet Nova Scotia's labour needs, Immigration Minister Ramona Jennex said.

"Nova Scotia is facing an aging and declining population and increased immigration is one way to help ensure our economy grows and our communities thrive," Jennex said in a release.

According to provincial population projections, the 65-plus age group is set to nearly double by 2031 and grow by about 114,000 people. Over this same period, the 20-64 age group is projected to shrink by about 101,000.

The new program, which targets newcomers mostly in their 20s and 30s, has been in development for several months.

Office of Immigration officials aren't sure how many people will apply, but the department has heard from least 55 immigrants interested in getting their non-dependent children to Canada.

To qualify, applicants must be named on their parent's application form for permanent residence.

They must be at least 22 years old, able to become financially independent, intend to stay in the province, and speak basic English or French. They also need a degree, diploma or certificate, and have at least one year of post-secondary schooling.

The province issued 309 nominee certificates last year, down from 405 in 2007 and 400 in 2006.

Source: cbc.news