ISTEP Launched

By 250 News

   It’s called ISTEP, the Immigrant Skills Trades Employment program, and it is designed to help  face the challenges posed by the growing shortage of skilled labour especially at a time when construction is booming.

Immigrants who have experience in construction or who want to start a career in the construction industry will be matched up with employers who have jobs. Immigrants will  be required to have a standard of English that ensures they are capable of doing the job well and safely.

First developed through a partnership between the BC Construction Association and the Construction Sector Council, it is funded by the Federal Government’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program.

ISTEP is scheduled to run as a pilot project for three years in B.C. after which time it will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from industry, immigrant services and government to ensure it stays on track.

The  Executive Director of the BC Building Trades is pleased the immigrants will be paid according to their skills and at industry standards.  "We’ve worked hard to set a decent wage and living standard for construction workers  in this province he says "This is about connecting immigrant workers with well paying jobs in an industry that is booming."

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