Despite COVID-19, the program will continue to empower skilled newcomers to achieve their professional goals with online support

ICA’s Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program is designed to equip new immigrants to Victoria with the resources they need to find employment in their chosen industry and continues to run in full capacity – using virtual tools like phone calls, video conferencing and more.

Since 2017, the Career Paths program has helped over 100 skilled immigrants who have arrived in Victoria.  These are newcomers with with higher education and professional degrees.

“COVID-19 has forced us to use a virtual approach to support clients, and we are prepared to use
multiple methods to ensure skilled immigrants have the tools they need to find the right employment
opportunity when the business world gets back to normal,” says Tim Blake, employment services
manager, ICA. “With perhaps more time on their hands we think this is an opportune moment for ICA
to offer these courses online, and through video conferencing.”

The Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program helps newcomers in a multitude of ways such as career mentorship, professional networking skills, internship opportunities, obtaining additional certifications, and assessment of educational credentials.

“The Career Paths program is important as it provides the opportunity for professional immigrants to reintegrate into their field in Canada,” says Blake. “This can be an intimidating process when you are unfamiliar with the skill needs and cultural differences of the Canadian marketplace. Career Paths provides professional immigrants with a personal guide who supports them to move forward successfully to achieve their professional career goals.”

One example is Trina Mangmang, from the Philippines, who worked as an Elementary School teacher in her home country and then later worked in the post-secondary education system in Dubai.

“When I first came to Canada, I was told it would be difficult to continue working in my profession due to a lack of Canadian experience, and that I would need to change careers to survive,” says Mangmang. “However, with support from ICA’s Career Paths program, I was able to upgrade my education credentials to fulfil requirements by the Teachers Regulation Branch, prepare for job interviews, network with members of the teaching community, and more. I am happy to say that I now work as a teacher, teaching on-call, with a school district on Vancouver Island.”

“The Career Paths program is important as it provides the opportunity for professional immigrants to reintegrate into their field in Canada,” says Blake. “This can be an intimidating process when you are unfamiliar with the skill needs and cultural differences of the Canadian marketplace. Career Paths provides professional immigrants with a personal guide who supports them to move forward successfully to achieve their professional career goals.”

Learn more about ICA’s Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program here: https://bit.ly/3cOKams