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THE NEW EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAM -The One-Stop Shop Approach

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THE NEW EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAM
The One-Stop Shop Approach
Aman S. Dhesi

Unemployment can be a frustrating experience for anyone. Luckily, for job-seekers in BC’s Lower Mainland, there are a wide range of provincial and federal employment assistance programs to help individuals get back on their feet and return to the labour market. However, the process of accessing some of these services can be an ordeal in itself due to some programs only being offered by specific service providers. This can make some employment services and programs inaccessible for job-seekers residing in a certain area. For example, someone living in Newton looking for a career exploration program that is only offered in Langley every other week of the month will likely not find it convenient.

If only there was a way to access services under one accessible location. This sentiment has been echoed by many job-seekers who are fed up of not having access to all the services they need. Well, it looks like the BC government has taken notice and after nearly two years of consultation and analysis, they will be implementing the new BC Employment Services program.

So what exactly is the new Employment Services program and how will it change the way programs are accessed? Starting in April 2012, the new program will provide all major employment services under one organization that will be responsible for the program. So what does this mean for BC job-seekers? Basically, it will mean access to a variety of services under one roof. Think of it as a single point of entry into employment and labour market services and supports. Rather than having to commute a significant distance to for different programs, everything will be conveniently accessible in one place. This includes all employment services for immigrants, youth, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people and those with addictions.

Recently, the names of the successful proponents were announced and after a competitive bidding process, Back In Motion and its partners were selected as the chosen providers in five Lower Mainland cities – Richmond, Langley, Surrey Newton, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.

The successful bid for the Employment Service program builds on Back In Motion’s reputation and experience helping those facing barriers to employment. Known as the province’s leader in providing rehabilitation, disability prevention and employment services, the company has expanded significantly in recent years through building lasting relationships with other organizations in the community and developing a strong set of core values that resulted in a spot  in the “Best Workplace in Canada” ranking for three consecutive years.

“For nearly 20 years, we’ve provided specialized employer services to help British Columbians return to work,” says Brent Mulhall, Back In Motion’s director of business development. “We’re thrilled that we were selected to implement the new Employment Program in five communities where we have a long history of working with individuals and employers.”

Job-seekers throughout the Lower Mainland will be equally thrilled knowing that services and programs will be more readily accessible allowing them to become more independent and placing them on a path towards successful and sustainable employment. The process of landing a job can be a grueling one, however with Back In Motion providing the new Employment Program, it will make a major difference in facilitating the personal and professional growth of individuals throughout the Lower Mainland.

BC Hydro, BC Ferries, VANOC And Vancouver Parks Board

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Leading Employers Hire Immigrants to Fill the Gap

Vancouver – Since 2006, Back in Motion has been helping new immigrants access employment that match their skills and training. Many clients have come back to share their success stories. Find out how these individuals overcome disappointment and how the Skills Connect for Immigrants Program and forward-thinking employers were able to help them reach their dreams.

View PDF BiM-SC_release_Final_Nov_09

3rd Annual Skills Connect Health Consortium

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Annual Consortium to bridge the Credential and Employment Gap for Internationally Educated Health Professionals

VANCOUVER—In 2007 the B.C. Government began funding a program called Skills Connect for Immigrants—Health, an employment bridging program to assist IEHPs (Internationally Educated Health Professionals) with upgrading, credential recognition, licensing and employment. Back in Motion and Douglas College were the successful proponents to deliver these services to the Skilled Immigrants. The Skills Connect Health consortium and advisory started soon thereafter with the mandate to overcome obstacles, facilitate communication and make things work better and more simply for e.g., the Nurse, or Physical Therapist who has training, skills and experience in their home country. The Consortium just had its 3rd annual meeting on November 26, 2009 to discuss the successes achieved, the changes required, and work to be done in the upcoming year. The Consortium advisory group meets 5–6 times per year, is a subset of the larger Consortium, and is charged with doing the work of the larger group.

So what has happened in these past 2 years? Well, to date 1000 IEHPs have entered the program. Of these 270 who have completed the program, and 80% have found employment. In addition, working groups of employers have met, English language training for the workplace courses have started, and regulatory bodies have streamlined and improved their processes. Most importantly communication and dialogue continues about how to do better and improve cumbersome and outdated structures. But there is still a lot of work to be done. And the work and change required in these kind of complicated interconnected systems moves unbelievably slowly despite best efforts and intentions. As hard as it is, we need to be patient and diligently challenge old ways of doing things. Of course, just when we think we’re doing better there will be new challenges to any progress made, such as the current Health Authority amalgamations, and changing personnel. In the words of Mr. Minhas, a foreign trained pharmacist from Egypt who has been successful at getting his credentials recognized, passing examinations, attaining Pharmacy Registration in B.C., and securing employment in his field, “you will always fail at 100% of the challenges you do not take!”.

This year was a special treat as it included speeches from three clients on some of the challenges and successes that they have experienced. 

In this release we have also included a link to some pictures from this years consortium. View Images >

$4 Million to Improve Foreign Credential Recognition

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The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are supporting a project that will help internationally trained professionals put their knowledge and skills to work sooner. View article >

Canadian Immigrant Magazine

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Skills for All: the Skills Connect program is now open to immigrants of any professions

Vancouver – Back in Motion’s Employment Counsellor Anna Novak uses her own immigrant experience to help other newcomers establish successful Canadian careers with help from the Skills Connect for Immigrants Program.