Forum to connect immigrants to a career path in skilled trades
The South Okanagan Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership will include local organizations as key partners at this weekend’s CONNECT 2018 forum, which has been designed to connect immigrants to a career path in skilled trades.
“Many trades positions are in demand in our region and achieving a trades ticket can lead to long-term careers,î says Tahira Saheed, program manager at South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services.
“However launching into a new career path can be overwhelming for a newcomer. Including local partners at CONNECT 2018 is incredibly important to us. They share in our goals for newcomer success.”
Local organizations will participate on a panel presentation, describing their organizations and support services. They will also be available for one-on-one conversations with immigrants in attendance.
Participating at CONNECT 2018 are YMCA Work BC, Industry Training Authority (ITA), Community Futures, BC Construction Association, Okanagan College, and HortEducationBC.
“Several of the entrepreneurs we support with training and financing have trades
backgrounds or spouses in the trades, and what we know from the data is that immigrants are twice as likely to turn to selfemployment than native-born citizens” says Anthony Mondia, general manager of Community Futures.
“What makes this event unique is that it permits a broader conversation on how a career in trades could impact the whole family.”
SOICS serves approximately 1600 immigrants each year, representing more than 70 countries. Over 400 immigrants have moved to the region within the past five years.
Returning for the second annual CONNECT forum is Amanda Fitzhugh from Unit Electrical Engineering.
“I found immense value in the opportunity to hear the perspective of immigrant job seekers in our community, their challenges, as well as success in navigating through the local job market,” she says.
CONNECT 2018 will be held at Okanagan College on June 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Immigrants can register for CONNECT 2018 by visiting www.soslip.ca/connect-18.