Manitoba is investing $1.4 million over two years to improve the recognition of foreign credentials and get people working more quickly, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Erin Selby and Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Christine Melnick announced today.

“The Manitoba government has been working to improve the recognition of foreign credentials, allowing new Manitobans the ability to put their education and experience to use sooner and establish successful careers in our province,” said Selby, at a press conference held at Red River College. “Today, we’re announcing new supports for our universities and colleges to work with trained and talented newcomers to put their skills to work. It’s good for our economy and it means newcomers can more quickly put down roots in Manitoba.”

This initiative will fund pilot programs designed to assist internationally educated newcomers get their professional qualifications recognized quickly and transition smoothly into the work force.

The programs will be determined through a recently launched call for proposals (CFP). The CFP will be open to Manitoba’s public post-secondary institutions and will be targeted at science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health and trades.

“Internationally trained professionals have a wide range of talents, education and experiences, and represent a significant pool of skilled labour,” said Melnick. “By providing programs to help them integrate more quickly into the labour market, Manitoba can benefit from their skills and reduce labour shortages”

Under the previous project, bridge programs were offered for construction electricians, professional accountants, information technology professionals and financial services.

Christine Crowe, Vice-President of Community Development at RRC, says the College is committed to providing training opportunities for foreign professionals — to help them build on their previous experience and put their skills to use here in Manitoba.

“We will continue to work closely with our industry partners to ensure that RRC’s bridging programs for foreign-trained workers meet their needs and produce graduates that have the language and skill levels to be successful,” she said.