As immigration restarts, newcomers will need resources and tools to help them integrate into the Canadian labour market. Developing solutions to the underemployment of skilled immigrants is a strategy to assist Canada’s economic recovery. According to a 2019 report by RBC, the devaluation of foreign credentials and labour market experience by employer’s costs Canada $50 billion, or 2.5% of GDP. IEC-BC is committed to supporting new Canadians by collaborating with employers on programs. Microsoft has been instrumental in using technology to create a more equitable and inclusive world, especially when it comes to the workplace. IEC-BC is proud to join Microsoft on their Global Skills Initiative. This initiative will help immigrants acquire the essential skills necessary to seamlessly integrate into the Canadian labour market. Work BC forecasted that from 2019-2029, the tech sector will see 75,000 job openings and an annual employment growth of 1.4%. The Global Skills Initiative will allow newcomers opportunity to upskill and gain accreditation for the in-demand roles.
As part of the partnership, participants enrolled in our programs will be supported through the completion of Microsoft courses and certifications on Microsoft Learn, a free online training resource that provides Microsoft learning resources and certifications. The Global Skills Initiative is free and open to all who want to enroll. Start learning for an in-demand job today, click here to register
Microsoft develops programs with nonprofits, like IEC-BC to ensure every person has the skills, knowledge, and opportunity they need to succeed in the digital economy. Participants will have the opportunity to extend their learning with access to a curriculum of five beginner pathways in the form of Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Fundamentals, Azure AI Fundamentals, Power Platform Fundamentals, and Microsoft 365: Fundamentals. The five beginner pathways can be taken in combination to form three learning pathways for careers as a Data Analyst, Software Developer, or IT Administrator.