Connector BC

BCITP Net is launching a pilot program – BC Connector. Only ten internationally trained accountants will be selected for pilot stream. Each of them will be provided with three professional connections in the accounting field. Connectors are professionals with or without accounting certification but who have more than five years of experience working as accountants/payroll administrators in Canadian companies. Connectors will assist internationally-trained accountants in establishing professional networks in BC.

Why Connector BC?

Over 40,000 immigrants from around the world arrived to B.C. in 2009. Although many immigrants are highly-educated, there is still a 10% employment gap between immigrants and their Canadian counterparts in BC. (BC Stats, Immigration Labour Force Survey)

Immigrants frequently hear about ‘hidden job market’. What it means is that most of the jobs in Canada and BC, in particular, are filled in through personal and professional connections. Immigrants do not have established social and professional networks when they come to Canada. BC Connector aims to address this barrier and connect skilled immigrants with local professionals.

How the program works?

Burnaby Board of Trades is a true leader in business sector in addressing immigrant employment issues.

May 2010

Burnaby's first employers' forum on diversity gathered 50 local businesses and over 150 internationally trained professionals. The forum was organized by the Burnaby Board of Trades in partnership with the Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table. Through open dialogue and roundtable discussion immigrants were able to connect with local businesses and employers learnt about the advantages of developing and maintaining diverse workforce.