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Forum connect immigrants to a career path in skilled trades

The South Okanagan-Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership is hosting a forum
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The South Okanagan-Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership CONNECT 2018 will be held at Okanagan College on June 9. Photo courtesy of SOSLIP

The South Okanagan-Similkameen Local Immigration Partnership is hosting a forum 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,” said Tahira Saeed, 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.”

Related: Forum connects immigrant job seekers and employers

This is the second year for the CONNECT 2018 forum and it will include local organizations that 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 self-employment than native born citizens,” said 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 1,600 immigrants each year, representing more than 70 countries. Over 400 immigrants moved to our region within the last five years, excited to start their new lives in Canada.

Returning this year to share information about the electrical and welding trades 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,” said Fitzhugh.

CONNECT 2018 will be held at Okanagan College on June 9. Immigrants can register for CONNECT 2018 by visiting website www.soslip.ca/connect-2018/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soslip/