Provincial funding will help Camosun College provide English language training for newcomers to Victoria who are looking for work in high-demand jobs.
Camosun received $210,992 in provincial funding to provide training for recent immigrants to help them overcome language barriers faced when seeking employment in the construction, engineering and health sectors, as well as other career and professional occupations.
“Camosun College is extremely pleased to receive this important funding to provide essential English language training to those new to Canada,” said Camosun College president Sherri Ball.
The training will prepare participants for employment in an industry, sector or occupation that is currently experiencing, or is expected to experience, a labour or skills shortage over the next 12 months.
“These students come to our programs with previous education and work experience from their home countries,” said Ball.
“Camosun will provide them with improved communication skills, skills to plan their occupational goals, a better understanding of Canadian business culture and the B.C. labour market.”
Total funding of $2.6 million is being provided across the province to help an estimated 1,200 newcomers to B.C. get language training for the job market.
“We want to give new British Columbians the support they need as they settle into their new home and find employment to support their families,” said Shirley Bond, minister of jobs, tourism and skills training.
“The best thing we can do is make sure they have the skills they need to take advantage of the tremendous job market here in British Columbia and this funding will help make that happen.”