1. An Integrated Approach to Assessment, Planning & Bridging International Qualifications Program

2. Presentation Outline BC’s current context Limitations of the existing system Characteristics of a more effective system A proposed integrated approach Challenges to implementation Proposed first steps

3. Demographic Realities BC has a persistent labour market imbalance with shortages of workers in specific sectors or regions BC projects more than one million job openings will occur between 2004 and 2015 with half due to retirements Conference Board of Canada projects by 2010 all net labour force growth – in BC and Canada – will come from immigration

4. Immigration Trends BC receives 35,000+ immigrants annually, many with skills and experience in occupations where labour shortages exist On average immigrants arrive in BC with higher levels of education than the Canadian-born population Between 1998 and 2003 the proportion of immigrants who had attained a university degree before arriving in Canada increased from 48% to 53%

5. Economic Contradictions Immigration is becoming increasingly important to support economic growth in BC In recent surveys 80% of BC employers indicated they are “open” to using immigrants Nationally, only 20% of employers indicated they were “very likely” to use recent immigrants to address current or emerging skill shortages. Performance of recent immigrants has been declining (i.e. lower rates of employment, lower earnings, and higher incidents of poverty) compared to previous arrivals

6. Current System Existing services are generally comprised of ad-hoc pilots, short-term solutions, or some longer-term initiatives that have significant eligibility restrictions Most assessments are relatively generic in focus or are done as a screening tool for specific programs rather than as a career planning tool. Often key players that need to be involved are not at the table (i.e. regulatory bodies, employers, etc.) Little program evaluation exists that can serve as evidence to support continuation of pilots or expansion of programs

7. Limitations of PLA Practices Other than a few select occupations, relatively little prior learning assessment is available to assist immigrants in gaining recognition for non-Canadian credentials. Of those programs available, a wide range of methods and parameters are used between post- secondary institution programs, professional or trades association, or regulatory bodies. PLA processes within BC’s post-secondary institutions have restrictions on the amount of recognized learning gained through non-formal learning regardless of the competence level of the individual.

8. Desirable System Features Builds on and/or supports existing system elements and enables value-added partnerships (i.e. increased efficiency, coordination, etc.) Based on compelling evidence, rationale and demonstrated cost-effectiveness Supports innovative and flexible approaches to improve accessibility and portability. Meets existing outcome standards related to public safety and quality assurance

9. Goals for an Improved System Supports the growth of the BC economy through the provision of skilled workers Provides an effective and efficient occupational transition process for professional and trades immigrants, including areas where skill shortages exist Enhances the effectiveness of, and access to, qualification assessment, recognition and bridging processes Accelerates the journey to meaningful employment commensurate with skills and qualifications

10. An Integrated Approach BC’s Labour Market Enhanced Language Assessment Services Enhanced Language Training Services BC’s Unemployed and/or Underemployed Immigrants Career Assessment and Planning Services Pre-technical Language & Skills Upgrading Workplace Practice Technical Language & Skills/Apprenticeship Training

11. Modularized Elements Enhanced English Language for Adults (ELSA+) Proficiency Assessment Services: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels 4 through 6 Enhanced English Language for Adults (ELSA+) Training Services: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels 4 through 6

12. Modularized Elements (cont.) Immigrant Career Assessment & Planning Services: Employment Readiness Assessment English language proficiency assessment Essential skills assessment Academic qualifications assessment Technical skills/licensure assessment Information & referral Individualized action planning

13. Modularized Elements (cont.) Pre-technical Language and Skill Development Services: English for workplace and/or academic purposes (CLB Levels 7 and 8) Essential skills development Academic upgrading Career & cultural orientation Job search skill development

14. Modularized Elements (cont.) Technical Language and Skill Development Services: English for job-specific purposes (CLB Levels 8, 9 and 10) Technical skill development Workplace Practice Services: Internships/Preceptorships Job Shadowing/Mentorship Apprenticeships

15. System Entry Considerations On-line Access Single point of entry for assessment, planning and bridging Front-counter Support In-person support to complement on-line service whether accessed through a governmental agency, community-based agency, public or private post- secondary institution, regulatory body, professional or trade association, union, or employer association.

16. Principles of Governance Enhancing the employment outcomes for BC immigrants is a shared responsibility Commitment at multiple levels is critical for success Associated costs should be shared equitably where possible and cost recovery strategies should be supported Decisions related to potential programming priorities should be based on consensus and should respect jurisdictional boundaries, fiduciary responsibilities and program accountability

17. Governance Structure Multilateral Leadership Group Coalition of Funding Agencies (Minimum ADM Level) Multilateral Implementation Forum Coalition of Funding Agencies (Program Management Level) Enhanced English Language Services Career Assessment & Planning Services Employment Bridging Services Program & Project Evaluations En Employment Access Strategy for Immigrants (EASI) On-line & Front-Counter Support Elements

18. Anticipated Outcomes The existing system, consisting of an array of products and services available through a multitude of service providers, is strengthened through innovation and increased integration of services Increased collaboration and partnership leads to improved access to employment-related services Access to employment in areas commensurate with the individuals skills and qualifications is improved

19. Challenges in Implementation Respective roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders Who needs to do what, when and how? Historical allegiances and practices What are the implication of changes to my organization? Quality assurance What about all our past success? Interfacing the various elements How does it become seamless to the immigrant?

20. Possible First Steps Increase sectoral capacity: Establish sector-specific and cross-sectoral “Communities of Practice” Develop a common on-line resource to support COPs Increase career assessment and planning capacity Develop an ICAPS program logic model, processes, service standards, and an evaluation framework Develop a “suite” of on-line assessment and career planning products from existing and new resources Pilot a full-service ICAPS centre in the GVRD and up to four regional centres throughout BC

21. First Steps (cont.) Increase bridging system capacity Develop an Integrated Bridging Service (IBS) logic model, curriculum, service standards, and an evaluation framework in four occupation-specific areas: Construction Trades, Acute Care Nursing, Engineering & Applied Science Technologists/Technicians, and Pharmacy Develop an IBS program logic model, curriculum, service standards, and an evaluation framework in non-occupation specific areas Develop employer linkages (partnerships and networks) to support IBS development and delivery Pilot IBS in the identified occupational areas

22. An Emerging Approach to Integrated Assessment, Planning & Bridging Thank you!