As Interior employers struggle to recruit and retain staff, International Gateway Kelowna is trying to assist in filling that need

Photo: Contributed

International Gateway Kelowna is the city’s oldest language school, also offering career college diploma and certificate programs.

From its 20-year history it has created a vast network of international recruitment agents and immigration consultants. By utilizing the needs of those clients in obtaining work placements for either travelling individuals wanting to work abroad or for those looking to immigrate to Canada, there is a wonderful opportunity for both training domestically and recruiting internationally to support local businesses with a desperate need for trained staff.

Photo: Contributed

“We receive requests from international agents who have clients wishing to come to Canada from Switzerland, for example,” IGK director of recruitment Blaine Melnyk says. “These clients want to do up to 18 months of work abroad experience as part of the International Experience Canada program offered by the Canadian government. They want to come for an intensive English language study program with us first and then go to an employer for the next year or, in some cases, up to two years.”

Along with ESL language study programs, including university pathway and summer camps, IGK offers a diploma in business administration, certificate in cryptocurrency professional, certificate of hospitality and tourism management, and a certificate of winery assistant and sales. Programs range in length from six to 18 months, with paid co-op and university transfer credits available. Additional certificate programs in UX and UI design, along with a diploma of cybersecurity specialist, are available for the January intake period.

“Career colleges can effectively adapt and adjust to the market quicker, offering theoretical and practical knowledge, and partnering with industry leaders to determine and develop the courses to ensure proper training for their field’s needs,” CEO Onur Guler says.

If interested in finding out how to partner with IGK agents currently looking for local businesses, or for any of IGK’s programs, they suggest a quick phone call.

IGK is offering local students’ scholarships if applying and accepted before July 1. You can meet them at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association hiring fair taking place today, call 250-868-4827, email [email protected] for more information or stop by the college at 618 Bernard Ave.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.