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Finding suitable employment is a priority for newcomers. In fact, finding suitable employment ranks first on local, provincial and national surveys of newcomer needs.
To support newcomers, an Employment Working Group was formed in 2015.
This working group aims to:
- Increase awareness of the positive impact of hiring newcomers.
- Help increase engagement with and between employers and newcomers
- Create awareness across of resources that will help newcomers secure and retain appropriate employment
Building Inclusive Workplaces with Newcomer Talent
Are you looking for support hiring and welcoming newcomers?
Employer Tools & Resources
The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) offers a comprehensive set of tools and resources to assist employers in attracting, hiring, and retaining skilled immigrant talent. Their Employer Tools & Resources Library provides practical guidance and best practices to help businesses create diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Key Areas Covered:
- Find Immigrant Talent: Discover strategies and resources to attract skilled immigrants to your workforce.
- Hire Immigrant Talent: Access tools to identify and assess immigrant candidates effectively, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process.
- Retain Immigrant Talent: Learn best practices for onboarding and integrating immigrant employees, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.I
- Webinars and Podcasts: Engage with expert-led sessions and discussions on topics related to immigrant employment and workplace inclusion.
These resources are designed to help employers navigate the employment cycle and build a more inclusive workplace culture.I
For more information and to explore the full range of resources, visit the I
Projects and Activities
As part of a campaign to dispel myths and misconceptions about newcomers and employment, “Just the facts” were provided to highlight the benefits of hiring newcomers.
Did you know that 37% of New
West’s population have a mother
tongue other than English or French?
Hiring a skilled worker fluent in other
languages increases communication
options and lets employers tap into
new markets.
Did you know immigrants are highly
educated? 58% of recent immigrants
25-64 years old have a bachelor’s
degree or higher. They are prepared
to meet job shortages and want to
integrate quickly into the labour force
Did you know that for every 10% increase in immigration, exports increase by 1%?
Activities have also revolved around Networking and connecting newcomers with employers.
The concept of networking is not universally understood. Newcomers often lack connections and opportunities to network. In early 2020, working group members from WorkBC Employment Services New Westminster, Douglas College, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Purpose Society, and a community volunteer pulled together a panel of employers from child care, construction and the City of New Westminster to talk to newcomers about how to find employment within their sector. The session began with Networking 101, to explain the basics of effective networking.
A panel of employees talks about how to find work in their sector.
Free three‑day online workshop series organized by the New West WINS LIP Employment Working Group and the Justice Education Society of BC (JES).
This free three-part online workshop series helped settlement service providers build confidence in supporting clients with complex workplace concerns. Participants explored employment rights, human rights protections, discrimination, workplace standards, and responses to workplace harassment through interactive learning and discussion.
WINS LIP and the Justice Education Society of BC hosted a free three-day online workshop series to help participants better understand workplace rights and behaviour in BC. The interactive sessions provided practical knowledge, resources, and opportunities to strengthen support for newcomers and immigrants in our communities.
The series was designed for settlement practitioners, case managers, frontline workers, program coordinators, facilitators, community workers, community navigators, and advocates.
Session 1: Basic BC Employment Law
Date: April 8, 2026
Topics included:
- Key workplace rights (pay, hours, safety)
- What is legally required at work
- Recognizing potential legal issues
Session 2: The BC Human Rights Code
Date: April 22, 2026
Topics included:
- Protected grounds and accommodation
- Discrimination and workplace rights
- Employment standards vs. human rights
Session 3: Responding to Sexual Harassment
Date: May 13, 2026
Topics included:
- Recognizing sexual harassment
- Power dynamics and disclosure
- Safe responses and referral options
This workshop series highlighted the importance of understanding workplace rights and protections so that newcomers and immigrants can access accurate information, navigate unfamiliar workplace systems, and build safe and successful employment experiences in British Columbia.
Partners:
- Justice Education Society of British Columbia (JES)
- New Westminster WINS LIP Employment Working Group