Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has a well-established relationship with Bow Valley College's Corporate Readiness Training Program (CRTP), a program designed to help new immigrants find Canadian jobs in their fields of expertise. The Board provides six-week work placements to qualified students enrolled in the program, once they have completed ten weeks of pre-employment training at the College.
New Canadians enrolled in the Bow Valley College program undergo intensive training in business English, while also attending classes in resume writing, interview techniques, labour market research, Canadian job search strategies and resources, networking, and Canadian business culture. Upon completion of the six-week work placement, internationally-trained professionals obtain valuable Canadian work experience (even if short-term) and Canadian references, two job requirements that are among the most difficult for recent immigrants to obtain.
The Board recently hired a CRTP graduate as an Human Resources Advisor who continues her involvement in the program by providing employment presentations to CRTP students, together with other ERCB human resources staff. The human resources department also counsels CRTP students, providing tips on the ERCB's interview process and how to apply for available jobs at the Board.
"Since I started working at ERCB, I have taken alot of training programs to help me learn about Canadian culture. People at ERCB are very professional and supportive."
— Linan Zhang, Mining Engineer, Fort McMurray
