A partnership between a career program for skilled newcomers and one of the largest employers in Metro Vancouver is helping immigrants enter the Canadian job market and return to their pre-arrival careers.
For several years now, TransLink and its operating companies (Coast Mountain Bus Company, BC Rapid Transit Company Ltd, and West Coast Express Ltd) have worked closely with ISSofBC’s Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program to help newcomers transition into jobs with the B.C. employers.
“As the main provider of public transit in the Lower Mainland, TransLink and its operating companies want to represent the community that we’re serving. Our community consists of diverse clients, and as an enterprise, we want to be a true representative of that,” TransLink talent acquisition manager Aram Mahigir says.
“By attracting diverse candidates, we can have a diverse workforce that is a true reflection of our community.”
TransLink and its operating companies meet regularly with Career Paths to highlight open positions, areas of recruitment, and discuss candidate resumes, experience, and skills. They also provide informational events about how to write resumes, cover letters, and general job search advice.
“TransLink and its operating companies will look at our clients with the lens of whether they are suitable for open roles. If they see potential, they will forward the resume to the appropriate hiring manager. Or if they think the client’s resume needs work, they will provide feedback,” Career Paths employer relations specialist Shaunah Majcher says.
“When people come from a different country, there’s a different set of rules for how you look for a job. This program helps them look for a job in Canada, gives them the skills, confidence and support, as well as builds their network here in Canada.”
Career Paths at ISSofBC offers one-on-one support to help clients find employment that is comparable to their occupation before arriving in Canada. This support includes funding for training, re-credentialing, and licensing, as well as opportunities to broaden professional networks through participation in events, mentor matching, and employer matching.
One of the most significant benefits of the Career Paths program is that it offers its services at no cost to the client. This makes it an accessible option for newcomers who may be facing financial barriers when trying to establish themselves in Canada.
“When you’re looking for a job, you can’t be just one person looking for a job. You’re not on a desert island. You need a job search team. Career Paths becomes your job search team, and so does partnership with employers such as TransLink and its operating companies,” Majcher says.
“When our clients are motivated and they can successfully get a job with support, it’s life changing for them and their families.”
For Aram, collaborating with Career Paths is a way for her to help newcomers who are in the position she was many years ago.
“I came to Canada 10 years ago with my two young daughters. If it weren’t for programs such as ISSofBC and great employers like TransLink and its operating companies, I wouldn’t be where I am now,” she says.
“The leaders I work with have the same goal. We want to give back to the community that helps newcomers who have big dreams but don’t know how to reach those dreams.”
To learn more about the Career Paths program and to get started on your employment journey today, visit www.issbc.org/ask
