For an up-to-date resource on publicly-funded employment programs across the province, check out our new BC Employment Program Hub!
Employment Program of BC (EPBC)
The Employment Programs of BC offers job search assistance, training, workshops as well as specialized services to all job seekers in the province. Immigrants, Aboriginal people, Francophones, people with disabilities, youth, older workers, multi-barriered people, and those living in rural and northern communities have equal access to this employment program. More information on the types of services provided by WorkBC Employment Services Centres located across the province can be found using the interactive map on the EPBC website.
Eligibility:
• Unemployed or underemployed (less than 20 hours per week)
• BC resident
The Skills Connect program helps skilled immigrants find gainful employment in BC and provides them with employment bridging services such as assessment of skills, qualifications and experiences, career planning, skills enhancement training, and work experience. The Skills Connect program is currently delivered by five different service providers across the province.
Eligibility:
• Permanent resident of Canada within the past five years
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in the profession they are trained in
• Intermediate to advanced level of English language proficiency
Immigrants in Trades Training (ITT)
This program assists immigrants in establishing a career in trades by providing them with skills and trades training, employment support, and tuition funding. Four training service providers offer workshops, counseling, technical training as well as work experience for eligible immigrants.
Eligibility:
• Immigrant
• Unemployed and non-Employment Insurance client for the past three years
OR
• Employed but low-skilled without high school diploma or recognized certification
Multicultural Achievement Program for Learning Employers (MAPLE 2.0)
MAPLE 2.0’s priorities are to support businesses in their employee diversification initiatives and to promote economic, social and cultural integration of IEP’s into the Canadian workforce.
Foreign Skilled Workers BC Program (FSWBC)
FSWBC program provides foreign trades workers with an opportunity to work in BC’s construction sector. This program assists foreign workers in finding job placement and matches employers with qualified workers.
Eligibility:
• Unemployed or underemployed foreign national
• Want to work full-time for a minimum of twelve months in BC’s construction industry
• Recognized trade qualification certificates, diplomas or degrees related to the construction industry required
• Able to communicate in English
The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre provides job search assistance and labour market information to skilled immigrants. The InfoCentre helps immigrant job seekers find immigrant services and employer organizations, and search for jobs that match their skills and experience.
Eligibility:
• Immigrant who has been a BC resident for less than ten years
• Have obtained qualification and/or gained experience in a trade or profession in their country of origin
Building Together Settlement and Integration Program (BTSIP)
The BTSIP program assists immigrants and refugees by providing newcomer orientation, one-on-one support meetings with employment counsellors, and workshops. Through this program, newcomers would be able to learn more about BC’s job market and receive advice on job search, career plans, and interviewing techniques.
Eligibility:
• Newcomers (Immigrants, foreign workers, and refugees)
• Priority given to those who have been in Canada for less than five years
Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FIN)
The FIN Program gives newcomers with an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience at federal government and other organizations across Canada. For 90 working days, interns would work in various areas including policy, administration, project management, computer science, communications, and science. Through this internship, newcomers would be able to network, receive training, and learn more about working in the Canadian workplace.
Eligibility:
• Permanent resident or a Canadian citizen who has been in Canada for less than ten years
• Have obtained post-secondary degree
• English language ability (minimum Canadian Language Bench mark of 6-8) or French language ability (minimum Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens benchmark of 6-8)
• Required to pass screening for job readiness by programs offered by immigrant-serving organizations
• Reside in Ottawa/Gatineau area, the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Vancouver Area, or Victoria
Or
• Graduate of the World University Service of Canada’s Student Refugee Program
Business Immigrant Integration Support (BIIS)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. BIIS assists recent and prospective immigrants to BC in their settlement and economic integration in communities. BIIS provides recent immigrants with an opportunity to explore self-employment and other entrepreneurial opportunities. Participants have access to various services and programs including one-on-one business counseling, mentoring, workshops on business start-up and management, as well as case management services. Online resource centre also offers participants entrepreneurship self-assessment tool, fact sheets, and other business-related resources.
Eligibility:
• Permanent residents, including refugees and protected persons
Or
Prospective immigrants to BC approved by or interested in applying for the BC Provincial Nominee Program
• Priority given to recent immigrants who have been in Canada for less than five years
