August 6, 2008

New Saskatchewan program fast-tracks internationally-trained skilled workers

SASKATOON

For Saskatchewan employers struggling to hire people skilled in the mechanical trades, relief will soon be on the way.

New Canadians with international training who immigrate to Saskatchewan will be able to integrate into the work force more easily, under a recently announced federal pilot project.

The federal government has invested $3 million in the Foreign Credential Recognition Support for Labour Market Needs in Saskatchewan project.

Through the federal government’s Foreign Credential Recognition program, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology’s (SIAST) will establish a system for verifying that credentials and job experience obtained abroad are equal to established Canadian standards.

Immigrants will be able to obtain their certification before coming to Canada.

The project will be piloted in Saskatchewan and target prospective immigrants from the Ukraine, the Philippines and Vietnam with skills and experience in the mechanical trades (welding, heavy duty equipment and agricultural machinery).

JOC News Services

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