ISSofBC was recognized as a leading immigrant serving organization and an invaluable partner in professional mentorship programming for skilled immigrants during two separate awards ceremonies this month on the provincial and national stage.
ISSofBC received the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) Leadership Recognition Award in Vancouver on April 10 and the International Talent Acquisition Centre (In-TAC) Strategic Partner Award in Ottawa on April 23.
The inaugural Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) Leadership Recognition Awards recognized the innovation, leadership and commitment of IEC-BC partners, and immigrant-serving organizations in advancing the employment of skilled immigrants in BC. ISSofBC received the Immigrant Serving Organization Leadership award as a founding service provider and the first to connect clients with IEC-BC’s mentoring program called MentorConnect.
“Developing networks, understanding the Canadian workplace and the experience gained through the process gives great advantage to a newcomer,” said ISSofBC CEO Patricia Woroch who attended the event.“The mentoring process benefits both the mentor and the mentee.”
Since IEC-BC introduced MentorConnect in 2011, in partnership with ISSofBC, MOSAIC and S.U.C.C.E.S.S., more than 260 skilled immigrants have been connected with established professionals in occupation specific mentoring relationships.
The In-TAC Strategic Partner Award was handed out at In-TAC’s 6th Annual Appreciation Gala, held to recognize the success of internationally educated professionals (IEPs) who are now actively engaged in the Canadian workforce thanks to the many partnerships and collaborations across the country. Chris Friesen, ISSofBC Director of Settlement Services, received the award on behalf of ISSofBC.
“It is because of the outstanding efforts of our national partners such as yourself, that In-TAC has been so successful in making a positive contribution to the employment and integration of its internationally educated professionals across Canada,” said Sharon Kan, Executive Director of In-TAC in a congratulatory letter to ISSofBC.
ISSofBC was among eight organizations honoured for their work in mentoring programming through MAPLE 2.0. Collectively, this partnership has enabled over 600 IEPs to acquire their first professional work experience in Canada, and has trained hundreds of employers on how to enhance their cultural competency skills and create inclusive work environments.
