Hiring and Keeping Skilled Foreign Workers

08/12/2009

Published Tuesday August 11th, 2009
Author: Lucas Roze

These days it is not uncommon to look outside our own region to fill a position. Often times it is necessary to broaden the scope and cover the entire country to find the perfect fit.

However, if a national search proves fruitless, one important option to consider is hiring a skilled foreign worker. Pursuing this option is not only beneficial for your company but for the region as a whole.

Employing foreign workers can be an essential part of a companys growth strategy. In addition to filling labour shortages, these workers can bring new skills, knowledge and play a vital role in the growth and diversification of the community.

Furthermore, with New Brunswicks declining population and aging workforce, foreign workers can provide a much needed advantage to our continuing growth.

In Canada, the process of hiring a skilled foreign worker involves a variety of government departments and can appear quite daunting.

However, the province of New Brunswick has signed the Provincial Nominee Agreement with the federal government which acts as an accelerator for business immigrants and skilled workers. This provincial program shortens the processing time thereby resulting in quicker visa delivery.

In New Brunswick, some companies are facing a chronic shortage of skilled workers. Permanent residents, international students, or temporary foreign workers can be a valuable source of individuals possessing the necessary skills and experience.

Not only is it advantageous to the employees, but also provides companies with a competitive edge to serve diverse local and international markets.

Once newcomers are hired, it is important to start the integration process. The workplace plays an important role in this regard and so does the community as a whole.

We must constantly remind ourselves that these individuals have been completely uprooted and have chosen our community as their new home rather than any other city in Canada. As such, it is important to welcome them in our midst by including them in contexts other than the workplace. We can live up to our Canadian reputation of being most accommodating.

In practical terms, how can we do our part to help newcomers feel at home There are several possibilities.

To name a few, the Chamber of Commerces website offers valuable information on becoming a mentor to new entrepreneurs and some services are available through the Charlotte Street Arts Centre.

The Multicultural Association of Fredericton offers support for families and is always looking for volunteers.

Newcomers may need help with basic things such as transportation or grocery shopping, as well as with more specialized information such as how to acquire permanent residency status. Any guidance or support will be helpful in making them feel they are part of their new community.

We can also go a step further and organize social gatherings such as a neighbourhood potluck, or organize play dates for the children. Most importantly, we must make the first move.

In order to grow as a province, attracting and retaining foreign workers is a must. Welcoming newcomers and finding them meaningful work in our region will not only enrich our community but also allow the province to become more sustainable.

Therefore it is important that the community encourage careful integration and acceptance to ensure that New Brunswick does not simply become a point of entry to Canada instead of a permanent home.

source: www.enterprisefredericton.ca