Small businesses across British Columbia continue to face challenges navigating the ever-changing, unpredictable labour market.
As job vacancies across the province remain unfilled, a joint initiative between the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) and Small Business BC seeks to assist B.C. business owners by connecting them with job-ready newcomers.
SmartMove, the new pilot program, will not only assist employers in filling vacant positions with qualified staff but will also help newcomers to B.C. overcome the systemic obstacles of securing meaningful employment.
What makes it a SmartMove for business owners?
According to the province’s recently released Labour Market Outlook 2022-2023 Forecast, more than one million job openings are predicted to become available between 2022 and 2032, 37% of which are due to a growing economy, and the other 63% are from retiring workers.
In just one year alone, job vacancies across the country have increased by over 40%. Additionally, in 2022, almost half a million immigrants arrived in Canada, many of whom come to the country with ample education and qualifications yet face bureaucratic and systemic obstacles in securing employment that matches their established skill sets.
According to the Labour Market Outlook Forecast, people new to Canada are expected to fill 38% of these openings.
The SmartMove pilot program objective is simple: connect small businesses with qualified newcomers to B.C. As such, the initiative is the ideal opportunity for small business owners to connect with eligible, qualified, job-ready immigrants while creating a mutually beneficial relationship. One that addresses labour market shortages while also assisting newcomers by addressing one of the most fundamental components of organizing their new life in Canada - finding employment.
Hiring reliable and knowledgeable staff is often much easier than done. SmartMove removes the administrative obstacles of searching for valid candidates by providing access to valuable resources and technology to help match employers’ open positions to new-coming job seekers’ resumes and relevant skill sets.
This expedited approach means less time spent searching and more time working on and building your business with the right people.
What to expect
The SmartMove program is entering its final cohort, allowing business owners to receive online educational training and additional context and instruction surrounding hiring newcomers, workplace inclusion, retaining newcomer employees, and more.
Within the three-month cohort program, participating employers gain access to the following:
- Seven free online e-learning modules - which they can access for up to one year
- Four live webinars with an HR diversity and inclusion expert to help provide further insights on the digital curriculum and provide real-world scenarios and examples, as well as answer any questions
- 24/7 access to a Diversity & Inclusion HR helpline, where business owners can speak to an expert regarding any questions or concerns with new immigrant hires
- Coaching on how to access ISSofBC’s database to optimize job descriptions and receive tailored candidate matches for open positions
- Access to customized AI competency matching technology to help match employers' job opportunities to newcomer job seekers' resumes and relevant skill sets
Enrolling in the program is easy and efficient, with registration accessible through an online submission form where employers can provide additional details about their company, including the number of staff members, the specific industry, and the business’s location.
Due to limited seating, businesses interested in applying to SmartMove must meet the following qualifying criteria: businesses must be located in the Lower Mainland, have 50 employees or fewer, and are planning to hire in the next four to six months.
People helping people
Over 20% of the Canadian population was born abroad. Still, while we appreciate and celebrate the unique vibrancy and diversity immigrants bring to our country, it doesn’t necessarily mean that making the transition is easy.
Luckily, they don’t have to face these challenges alone.
The SmartMove program is a fantastic initiative to assist newcomers to Canada while also supporting local businesses. It is also entirely free for both job seekers and small businesses, offering a win-win scenario for everyone involved.
For more information regarding the SmartMove program and how to apply, visit smallbusinessbc.ca/SmartMove.
