The B.C. and federal governments are investing $12 million for the continued delivery of the BC Skills Connect program, which has successfully helped more than 5,500 immigrants connect with jobs that use their foreign qualifications and work experience. Established in July 2006 as a three-year pilot, the Skills Connect program has consistently exceeded its targets, helping 1,587 skilled immigrants connect with jobs in 2007-08, with 226 placed in the health sector and over 2,100 helped in 2008-09, including 500 in the health sector. Skills Connect assists skilled immigrants in connecting with employment in the construction, energy, health, tourism/hospitality, and transportation sectors. Owing to its success, the program has been broadened to cover all industry sectors and expand the eligibility criteria allowing more immigrants to connect with jobs that build on their pre-arrival qualifications. To date, more than 80 percent of those completing the program have been successfully connected with employment in communities throughout B.C. Under the Labour Market Agreement, the Government of Canada is providing the Province approximately $66 million annually until 2013-14. Through a variety of programs, these funds will increase training for employed individuals who are low-skilled and require essential skills, or who require recognized credentials to reach their full potential in the current marketplace. They will also help increase access to training for unemployed individuals who are not currently Employment Insurance clients, including but not limited to those who are under-represented in the labour market. If you would like more info on how the BC Skills Connect program visit http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/skillsconnect.