SARNIA, ON: Growing the local economy through workforce development and enhancing the overall job-seeking experience of international graduates are the goals of a new initiative, “Bridging Global Talent in Sarnia-Lambton”, launched by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. Focused on creating employment connections and awareness, this program provides the opportunity to diversify our local workforce by retaining and attracting international talent to support local employer’s hiring demands.
The initiative offers a well-balanced approach to support local employers and international graduate job seekers with direct services. Focused employer activities will include engaging with businesses to understand their hiring needs, hosting a series of job fairs and sessions to create networking opportunities with highly skilled job seekers, and creating a new online employment platform to connect employers more easily with international graduates. Direct pre-employment services will be offered to international graduates to provide assistance with resume writing, video resumes, and connecting with local hiring businesses.
“It is essential that we have a highly skilled, diverse, adaptable workforce and responsive initiatives that meet the workforce’s evolving needs” says Judith Morris, interim CEO Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “We are proud to partner with local stakeholders, including Lambton College, by engaging with international graduates to strengthen the local talent pipeline and support economic growth.”
Lambton College has been instrumental in attracting international students from across the world to choose Sarnia-Lambton as a place to study. In recent years, the College has welcomed thousands of international students which offers the community an opportunity to strengthen employment pathways for future international graduates to secure meaningful careers and ultimately choose Sarnia-Lambton as a place to live and raise a family. “International students are an integral part of Lambton College and this initiative will support the retention of top talent in our community.” says Hanna Eroglu, Associate Dean of Lambton College International Education.
The efforts of this community initiative have the potential to support businesses who are faced with hiring challenges as it opens doors to new possibilities of connecting with a highly trained and educated talent pool. “Across Ontario, we know workplaces are struggling to find the skilled workers they need to grow their businesses,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour Training and Skills Development. “In collaboration with Lambton College, this Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership initiative will help employers in Sarnia find the talented workers they need to drive economic growth in the region now and for years to come.”
Employers or international graduates interested in knowing more about the project or how to participate can contact Cari Meloche of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, cari@sarnialambton.on.ca or call 519-332-1820. This Employment Ontario Project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
ABOUT Employment Ontario Project
Employment Ontario can help you get the training, skills and experience you need to achieve your goals. We connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers, and have locations across the province to help with job search and employment and training opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario.
ABOUT Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area. Visit sarnialambton.on.ca to learn more.
Media Contact
Cari Meloche
Economic Development Officer
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
519-332-1820
cari@sarnialambton.on.ca