British Columbia

revised buttons BC   British Columbia (BC) is a province located on the west coast of Canada. BC is also a component of the Pacific Northwest, along with the US states of Oregon and Washington. The capital of BC is Victoria, the 15th largest metropolitan region in Canada. The largest city is Vancouver, the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada and the largest in Western Canada. In October 2013, BC had an estimated population of 4,606,371, about 2.5 million of whom were in Metro Vancouver. (www.cic.gc.ca and wikipedia)

Institution/Organization
& Website

Type of Resource

Potential User

Description

Contact

ASPECT (Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training) Service Immigrants Skills Connect program for skilled immigrants (certified in a profession, trade or skilled occupation with a minimum of five years of pre-arrival work experience) provides services and supports to effectively assess recent immigrants’ skills, qualifications and experiences; provides career counseling and planning; promotes skill upgrading and other enhancements, including workplace language support; and, offers workplace practice opportunities, such as mentoring. Partial fees apply for skills enhancement. ASPECT provides the Skills Connect program through a network of local providers throughout BC. See the ASPECT website for contact information of organizations in local communities.
Back in Motion Rehab Inc. Program Immigrants Skills Connect program for skilled immigrants (certified in a profession, trade or skilled occupation with a minimum of five years of pre-arrival work experience) provides services and supports to effectively assess recent immigrants’ skills, qualifications and experiences; provide career counseling and planning; promotes skill upgrading and other enhancements, including workplace language support; and, offers workplace practice opportunities, such as mentoring. Partial fees apply for skills enhancement. Back in Motion also provides Skills Connect focusing on health professions. Tel: 604.575.3800 Toll free: 1.877.277.4832 Email: info@skillsconnect.ca
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in BCIT BCIT uses a variety of methods to determine a learner’s level of skills and knowledge: challenge exams, demonstrations, assignments, interviews, portfolios and documentation. Refer to “How to Apply for PLAR” and “BCIT Admissions Policy.” Fees apply. Tel: 604.434.1610 BCIT PLAR webpage
BC PLAN (British Columbia’s Prior Learning Action Network) Web Resource Immigrants BC PLAN is a network of individuals and organizations promoting increased access to post secondary credentials and skilled employment through the recognition of the skills and knowledge adults being to post-secondary institutions, to business and to industries across BC. While the organization is still active, the website is has increasingly dated material (as of Mar 2015, not updated since Apr 2013)
Capilano University College PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Capilano Prior learning assessment is available in some programs. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge, skills and values required in the formal courses for which they are requesting credit by providing evidence that might include any one or combination of the following: work site visit, documentation, interview, oral presentation or portfolio. Requests for prior learning assessment should be made through the specific faculty area.
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society Employment Services Immigrants Provides individualized career decision making and planning; assessment of your abilities, skills and experience; and access to evaluation foreign credentials. CVIMS is also ASPECTS’ Skills Connect provider in the mid-island area. Tel: 250.753.6911 x 104 Email: employ@cvims.org
College of the Rockies PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrant Enrolled in College of the Rockies The Flexible Assessment (or Prior Learning Assessment) process looks at life experience learning that is current, at a course-equivalent level and includes an appropriate balance of theory and practical application. Flexible Assessment is available in a number of course areas including apprenticeship programs. Fees apply. Contact Flexible Assessment Coordinator,Roy Mironuck Tel: 250.489.8243 Email: MIRONUCK@cotr.bc.ca
DIVERSEcity Service Immigrants Focal Point Partner for CIIP clients, DIVERSEcity provides overseas advisory services; offers newcomer services towards a seamless transition to in-Canada settlement and labor market integration; facilitates access to language assessment and training, volunteer programs and employment services and programs; and provides financial guidance. Tel: 604.597.0205 Email: info@dcrs.ca
Financial Assistance Immigrants Provide Back to Work micro-loans ($500-5,000) to assist immigrants who had a career or work specialty in their home country and wish to work in a similar field in Canada, but require skills upgrading or certification to do so. Tel: 604.547.2002 Email: microloans@dcrs.ca
Program Immigrants Immigrant Trades Training Initiative assists immigrants in attaining recognized certification in the trades through support to determine the right trade certification, development of a Trades Action Plan and financial support. Tel: 604.547.2023 or 604.547.2031 Email:jbacon@dcrs.ca orpsajgalik@dcrs.ca
Douglas College PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Douglas College Douglas College offers two options for PLAR: PLAR for credit may provide course credit in specific college programs; and PLAR for license or field recognition (non-credit) provides formal recognition of PLAR in a field of practice, such as early childhood education or sign language interpretation. Program areas include Physical Education & Coaching, Child and Youth Care Counsellor Community Support and Early Childhood Education. A Self Assessment Quiz to see if PLAR is right for you. Fees apply. Tel: 604.527.5483 Email: plar@douglascollege.ca
Program Immigrant Skills Connect program for skilled immigrants (certified in a profession, trade or skilled occupation with a minimum of five years of pre-arrival work experience) provides services and supports to effectively assess recent immigrants’ skills, qualifications and experiences; provides career counseling and planning; promotes skill upgrading and other enhancements, including workplace language support; and, offers workplace practice opportunities, such as mentoring. Partial fees apply for skills enhancement. Douglas College also provides Skills Connect focusing on health professions. Register for an information session.Abbotsford/Chilliwack: 604.438.3045 or 604.866.0257 Burnaby: 604.438.3045 Coquitlam: 604.777.6099 Surrey/Langley: 604.588.7772 Email: skillsconnect@douglascollege.ca
Emily Carr University of Art and Design PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Emily Carr Knowledge gained through significant work, life experience or non-formal learning is defined as a minimum of five years of professional experience after high school graduation related to the applicant’s visual art practice demonstrated by a curriculum vitae that includes at least one of the following: professional public an/or commercial art gallery exhibitions of work that has received critical attention; and/or art direction or senior level professional design or media related experience. Not all courses are available for PLA. Fees apply. Academic Advising Office Tel: 604.844.3899
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria Services Immigrants Employment services include information on foreign credential evaluation services and trades training, and career exploration and planning. Tel: 250.388.4728 x 1314 or 140 Email:dhamblin@icavictoria.orgoramoosavi@icavictoria.org
Financial Assistance Immigrants Provide Back to Work Micro-Loans (up to $5,000) for those with training in a particular field who require skills upgrading, Canadian certification and/or short-term training in a new field.
International Credentials Evaluation Services (ICES) Credential Evaluation Service Immigrants Evaluates formal for-credit educational programs of study for immigrants and determines comparable levels in British Columbian and Canadian terms. Fees apply. Tel: 604.432.8800 Email: icesinfo@bcit.ca
Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IECBC) Program Immigrants MentorConnect designed to assist internationally trained immigrants to successfully navigate the Canadian labour market by matching them with experienced professionals with shared education, work experience and career goals. Tel: 604.629.5364 Email: mentorconnect@iecbc.ca
Program Immigrants Connector Program helps newcomers (who have completed a minimum of a one year post-secondary education or training program and received a diploma, certificate or degree) grow their professional network and connect with career opportunities. Tel: 604/629/5364 Email: connector@iecbc.ca
ISSofBC (Immigrant Services Society of BC) Program Immigrant Skills Connect program for skilled immigrants (certified in a profession, trade or skilled occupation with a minimum of five years of pre-arrival work experience) provides services and supports to effectively assess recent immigrants’ skills, qualifications and experiences; provides career counseling and planning; promotes skill upgrading and other enhancements, including workplace language support; and, offers workplace practice opportunities, such as mentoring. Partial fees apply for skills enhancement. Tel: 604.684.2561 x 2123 Email: skillsconnect@issbc.org
Program Immigrant LINC for Employment is a designed for internationally educated professionals and skilled workers at a CLB level 6 or higher. It helps students create an online ePortfolio as well as teaches workplace English and soft skills for a Canadian work environment. Before entry, students must have a language assessment and complete an application form through an accepted assessment centre. Vancouver Assessment Centre Tel: 604.876.5756 Program Info Tel: 604.684.2562 Email: Vancouver@issbc.org
Justice Institute of BC PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in JIBC PLA takes into consideration challenge exams, portfolio review and skills demonstration. Completion of an “RPL Request” form is required. Fees apply. Contact program area first to discuss evidence needed, assessment process and timelines.Tel: 604.528.5590 North America Toll Free: 1.877.528.5591 Email: register@jibc.ca
Kwantlen Polytechnic University PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Kwantlen PLA methods include a challenge exam, standardized test, portfolio, demonstration, interview, self-assessment and external evaluation. PLA process involves relating the body of work with the appropriate course for PLA, completing a “Prior Learning Credit” form and contacting the designated Faculty Advisor. Fees apply. Tel: 604.599.2285 Email:transfercredit@kpu.ca
Langara College PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Langara Prior Learning, Flexible Assessment and Recognition are dependent upon the resources available to support the process, and may only be available from time to time. Students are advised to check with the relevant department to confirm whether flexible assessment is available within the department. Fees apply. Main Switchboard Tel: 604.323.5511 Enrollment Tel: 604.323.5241
MOSAIC Financial Assistance Immigrants Provide Back to Work micro-loans ($500-5,000) to assist immigrants who had a career or work specialty in their home country and wish to work in a similar field in Canada, but require skills upgrading or certification to do so. Tel: 604.254.9626 x 492 Email: microloans@mosaicbc.com
Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island Services Immigrants Employment services including one-on-one career guidance and support with foreign credential recognition. Campbell River Tel: 250.830.0171 Comox Valley Tel: 250.338.6359
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in NVIT A numbers of PLA methods are used, including challenge exams, portfolios, demonstrations and work site assessments. See a PLAR Advisor for detained info regarding requirements and process. Fees apply. Merritt Campus Tel 250.378.3300 Toll Free: 1.877.682.3300 Vancouver Campus Tel: 604.602.9555Email: info@nvit.bc.ca
North Island College PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in North Island College PLAR is evaluated in one of two ways: portfolio/flexible assessment (documentation, skill demonstrations, assignments and tests) or challenge exam. An “Application for Prior Learning Credit” form is required. Fees apply. PLAR Coordinator Tel: 250.334.5065
Northern Lights College PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Prior learning is assessed through transfer credit, portfolio, formal courses and challenge exam. Website includes “Some Questions to Ask Yourself” before considering PLAR. At Northern Lights College, candidates can proceed with PLAR without application or acceptance into a course or program. Fees apply. Tel: 250.782.5251 Email: appinfo@nlc.bc.ca
Okanagan College PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Okanagan College PLA is available for some of the courses in the following programs: Administrative Assistant Certificate, Health Care Assistant, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, Continuing Studies, Computer Science and Early Childhood Education. The department will determine appropriate assessment techniques. Fees apply. Tel: 250.762.5445 Toll free: 1.877.755.2266 Email: admissions@okanagan.bc.ca
Royal Roads University PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Royal Roads Flexible Admission requires students to provide a personal statement, detail resume, letters of reference, official transcripts, and meet a number of additional requirements including submitting a portfolio. Fees apply. Email: admissions@royalroads.ca
Program Immigrants RRU is a member of Canadian Virtual University, which permits eligible individuals to begin their university program prior to arriving in Canada.
Selkirk College PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in Selkirk Fees apply. Contact the appropriate school chair for more info about PLA
SUCCESS Financial Assistance Immigrants As part of the CIC’s Foreign Credential Recognition Project, provides loans ($1,500-15,000) to internationally trained professionals in order to cover the costs of tuition for short0term training, exam fees with a professional governing association, qualification assessment fees and professional association fees. Tel: 604.232.1100 Email: FCRLoaninfo@success.bc.ca
Program Immigrants Immigrant Trades Training Initiative assists immigrants in attaining recognized certification in the trades through support to determine the right trade certification, development of a Trades Action Plan and financial support. Tel: 604.231.3344 x 120 Email: itti@success.bc.ca
Thompson Rivers University – Open Learning PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in TRU-OL TRU has two kinds of portfolios: competency-based (used to petition for elective credits toward program completion) and course-based (used to petition for credit for specific courses). Fees apply. Kamloops & International 250.852.6820 Canada Toll Free: 1.800.663.1663 x 6820 Email: PLAR_OL@tru.ca
Pre-arrival Program Immigrant TRU is a member of Canadian Virtual University, which permits eligible individuals to begin their university program prior to arriving in Canada.
Training Innovations Program Immigrant Skills Connect program for skilled immigrants (certified in a profession, trade or skilled occupation with a minimum of five years of pre-arrival work experience) provides services and supports to effectively assess recent immigrants’ skills, qualifications and experiences; provides career counseling and planning; promotes skill upgrading and other enhancements, including workplace language support; and, offers workplace practice opportunities, such as mentoring. Partial fees apply for skills enhancement. Tel: 604.298.4720 Email: skillsconnect@training-innovations.com
University of British Columbia (UBC) PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in UBC UBC accepts only PLA credits that are assigned to specific courses. Some departments that take into consideration PLA include Pharmacy, Nursing and Social Work. Fees apply. Contact individual departments for information on their PLAR processes.
University of the Fraser Valley PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in UFV UFV uses two primary methods to assess prior learning: course challenge process and portfolio assessment. Useful resources include an explanation of the difference between “learning” and “experience,” downloadable Student PLAR Guide, and a Portfolio tutorial. Fees apply. Complete the online contact info form. Email: plar@ufv.ca
University of Victoria PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in UVic UVic accepts only PLA credits that are assigned to specific courses. Some departments that take into consideration PLA include Engineering Nursing and Social Work. Fees apply. Contact individual departments for information on their PLAR processes.
Vancouver Community College Service Immigrants Focal Point Partner for CIIP clients, who are encouraged to connect for information and advice on education and training options, as well as counseling on professional and career goals. They also make referrals to other educational institutions, professional bodies and online supports based on the client’s specific occupational needs and destination. Tel: 604.443.8512 Email: counselling@vcc.ca
Vancouver Island University PLAR -> Institution Credits Immigrants Enrolled in VIU Once accepted into a program, students may consult the program Chair to discuss PLA for individual courses or a group of courses. Acceptance as a PLA candidate is dependent on the student’s ability to meet eligibility criteria for PLA in specific programs and is determined by the program Chair and faculty. Contact the Advising Centre Tel: 250.740.6410 Email: advising@viu.ca
Vancouver Public Library Resources Immigrants Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre’s online resources include Employment Guides for ninety occupations, covering labour market outlook, wages and salary information, industry associations, employment outlook, credential evaluation links, industry journals and industry websites; and Career Advice on topics such as networking, workplace culture, getting Canadian work experience, avoiding employment scams and internships and mentorships. Online resources Tel: 604.331.3603

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