 Skills
Without Borders enters Phase 2
On January 2008, The Brampton Board
of Trade launched Phase 2 of its award-winning program Skills
Without Borders.
Building on the success of Phase 1, which was designed to raise
awareness about labour needs in North Peel and the ability of
skilled immigrants to meet those needs. Phase 2 will be dedicated
to creating employers' awareness about the benefits and challenges
of developing and managing a culturally diverse workforce, focusing
on the fact that cultural diversity is good for business.
In the first
phase, the BBOT conducted research on employers’ labour needs
and surveyed employers to help better understand some of the
barriers to hiring skilled immigrants. A Resource Guide was
also developed and it provides information about programs
and services available to employers to facilitate the employment
of skilled immigrants, including job placement services, language
and accreditation programs, co-op and internship programs,
wage subsidies and mentorship programs. The reports and the
Resource Guide are available at www.skilswithoutborders.com.
“Overall, we had a very positive response
from employers and we feel it is important to continue to
build on the momentum we established a year ago,” says CEO
Sheldon Leiba.
Phase 2 is a direct response to issues raised
by employers related to hiring immigrants and accommodating
cultural practices in the workplace.
“Many of the employers we talked to in Phase
1 said they required more information about what they law
requires and what constitutes best practices by progressive
employers.”
This year the Board will introduce Diversity
at Work information sessions that will provide the information
employers are seeking. The Board will also develop a resource
for employers, designed to develop a greater understanding
of the needs and requirements skilled immigrants have in the
workplace.
Funding in part comes from the Ontario Chamber
of Commerce. The BBOT has also partnered with Toronto Region
Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), a partner in Phase 1,
and Skills for Change (SFC), an organization that has been
working with employers and immigrants for the past 25 years.
“The second phase will continue to build on the relationships
we established with employers in Phase 1. We hope to educate
the business community and employers about the benefits of
hiring immigrants, and provide them with the tools they require
to make that process a success,” Leiba says.
Dr. Yamil Alonso, project coordinator
in Phase 1, has been hired to coordinate phase 2. Watch
Trade Talks for further details or visit www.skillswithoutborders.com.
Click here to download Phase 1 - Skills Witout Borders FINAL
REPORT
Progress
Report of Skills Without Border - Phase 2
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