BBOT launches
“Skills without Borders”
The Brampton Board of Trade has partnered with a number of organizations
and agencies and the Federal Government to help connect skilled
immigrants with employers in North Peel.
The year-long program called “Skills without Borders” is designed
to raise awareness about labour needs in North Peel and the
ability of skilled immigrants to meet those needs.
“North Peel attracts a large and growing pool of skilled immigrants
every year with a strong potential of contributing substantially
to our region’s economy. While not all immigrants require assistance
upon arrival to Canada, many are encountering challenges related
to unemployment or underemployment – which over time leads to
skills atrophy and the inability to be marketable, resulting
in permanent loss to the economy,” says BBOT General Manager
Sheldon Leiba.
The Brampton Board of Trade is leading the project, with significant
funding assistance from Human Resources Social Development Canada.
Other partners include The Caledon Chamber of Commerce, Brampton’s
Economic Development Department, The Region of Peel, United
Way of Peel, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council; (TRIEC),
ACCES, Human Resources Professional Association of Peel and
the Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
Leiba says that while the Federal and Ontario governments have
undertaken a number of initiatives with respect to settlement
and integration services for skilled immigrants and programs
targeted to employers, “there is little awareness about these
programs, services and resources amongst the business community.
Employers have not been engaged to any large extent in helping
to address issues related to the effective employment integration
of skilled immigrants.”
“Skills without Borders” will survey North Peel employers about
labour needs and conduct focus groups to help better understand
some of the barriers to hiring skilled immigrants. The information
will be gathered in two reports that will provide a good resource
for settlement agencies and other program providers.
“We need to consult businesses across a broad cross-section
in North Peel to better understand these issues.”
The project will also prepare a Resource Guide to help employers
find the resources they need. “We hope to educate the business
community and employers in North Peel about the benefits of
hiring immigrants, and increase their awareness about and ultimately
their demand for the many existing programs and services available
to facilitate the employment integration of skilled immigrants,
whether its job placement services, co-op and internship programs,
wage subsidies, or mentorships.
Leiba says this works both ways. “Immigrant settlement organizations
and service providers also need to better understand labour
demands, needs and challenges of employers in North Peel.”
When completed, the research and resource information will be
presented to employers through events and activities; marketing
advertisements; a resource guide and online resources. The Brampton
Board of Trade and its partners will continue to promote “Skills
without Borders” to ensure it reaches as many employers as possible
in North Peel.
“We believe this is a win, win for our community. North Peel’s
economy will be greatly enhanced through this initiative that
will better link skilled immigrants in North Peel with employment
opportunities. Employers will benefit from an increasingly skilled
and diverse labour force that meets short and long-term labour
needs,” Leiba says. “With Brampton becoming increasingly diverse
and attracting more and more immigrants, our business community
has a very strong vested interest in this issue.”
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