STEP
The Skilled Trades Employment Program is an initiative launched in the Spring of 2006 in partnership with BCCA. They are the first of a potential series of similar initiatives to be undertaken. The first two programs involve the recruiting and placing of skilled or semi-skilled foreign or landed immigrant workers with member employers. Their primary objective is to alleviate the intensifying labour market pressures experienced throughout BC. The distinguishing feature of STEP is that it is an industry driven and managed program offering construction experienced job coaches. Their experience and knowledge has proven to be invaluable in the initial success of these programs. The first two programs are:
EU-STEP has established relationships in Europe to recruit skilled trades people. The process works by first negotiating with employers who provide detailed job descriptions, rates of pay and any other pertinent information. EU-STEP then locates individuals, interviews and qualifies them. When an agreement is made EU-STEP assists both sides through the work permit process. A significant number of workers have been placed to date and feedback from contractors has been overwhelmingly positive. Program Coordinator Regina Brodersen can be reached by telephone at 250/475-1077 or email regina@bccassn.com
ISTEP has established relationships with the BC ESA and member employers. The landed immigrant in Canada often comes with skills learned in their country of origin and are often underemployed. They face unique challenges finding rewarding work. ISTEP´s main objective is to help the immigrant overcome any obstacles and connect them with an employer. The ISTEP job coach monitors and mentors his clients´ progress in what can be a confusing and stressful process. Varied and creative strategies have been implemented to make this program successful for hundreds of landed immigrants and their new employers. For further information on the ISTEP program, please contact Clayton Morris at 250/361-1607 or email him cmorris@istepbc.ca