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Tapping into the hidden workforce |
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Written by David Chadwick
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Wednesday, 07 April 2010 |
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Ottawa has the highest number of skilled immigrants in Ontario according to Statistics Canada, and employers can learn how to tap into that population with a new series of free workshops offered at Algonquin.
“The goal is to increase capacity for human resources for the hiring of immigrants who are internationally educated into small to medium sized businesses,” said Denyce Diakun, manager of the college access program, who is involved with these workshops. Ottawa has an immigrant population of 22 percent, but many of their skills are not being used because employers do not know how to find them.“We are finding a large number of highly educated immigrants who are not getting jobs in their fields,” said Diakun. The “Are You Ready” workshops teach employers from small local businesses how to seek out these educated people who are not always found through the regular channels.“Our belief is that many small to medium-sized businesses are not accessing that talent pool, so we are trying to expand that talent pool to find the right person for the job,” she said.A lot of the material covered in the workshops is based on the feedback of Canadian immigrants who have had difficulties getting a job in their field. These studies were conducted by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council.There are over 60 cultures and more than 70 languages spoken in Ottawa, so it is very important that employers learn how to be culturally sensitive and communicate effectively with immigrants.Diakun said there will be 14 more free workshops throughout the year, and they will be working with municipalities and economic development officers in rural communities to expand the program.Algonquin also offers programs for immigrants who have been educated in their home country.“They don’t have to retake things that they already have, while upgrading the skills that they are missing so they can fast-track into employment,” said Diakun.These bridge programs help immigrants get the diplomas they need to work in Canada, and workshops like “Are You Ready” help employers learn how to seek them out and hire them. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 April 2010 )
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