OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Skills Council of Canada (SCC) is thrilled to announce the execution of a strategic partnership agreement with India’s National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI) to address the critical labour shortages in Ontario's skilled trades sector. This collaboration aligns perfectly with the Government of Canada's new immigration initiative and the Ontario government's efforts to help internationally trained immigrants work in their fields of study.

Canada is currently facing a significant labour shortage in the trades sectors, while India has a surplus of qualified tradespersons. This partnership aims to bridge this gap by aligning the supply and demand of skilled trades resources between the two countries. NSDCI, in collaboration with the SCC, will tap into their extensive network of sector skills training centers and work to align their facilities with Canadian standards, ensuring that qualified tradespersons from India are well-equipped to meet Canadian employer requirements while aligning to provincial certification standards.

Brad Loiselle, CEO of the Skills Council of Canada, said, "This partnership is a testament to our commitment to addressing the labour shortages in Ontario's skilled trades sector. By working with NSDCI, we can tap into India's rich supply of skilled trades resources and ensure their training aligns with our standards. This will not only benefit the tradespersons but also the employers who are in dire need of skilled workers."

SCC will support this initiative by working in close collaboration with NSDCI to provide ‘train-the-trainer' instruction to participating centers in India. This will involve granting access to SCC's extensive skills development libraries, which include resources for testing essential skills, soft skills, and technical skills. Additionally, tutoring services, an overview of Canadian culture, immigration requirements, and more will be made available as part of SCC’s comprehensive skills to employment ecosystem.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International said, “The rapid pace of globalization and technological advancements has intensified the global demand for skilled professionals. In this dynamic landscape, India,with its youthful demographic advantage, is harnessing its potential to emergeas a global economic powerhouse. With utmost conviction, I firmly believe that the collaboration between NSDCI and SCC will propel this mission forward, facilitating the employment of Indian workers in Canada. Our unwavering commitment lies in equipping our tradespersons with essential training and comprehensive support, paving the way for their future success, and contributing to the growth of entire economies.”

These resources will ensure that the training provided by NSDCI is comprehensive, up-to-date, and in line with the needs ofthe Canadian labour market. This collaborative effort will not only fast-trackthe immigration process but also ensure a seamless transition for tradespersons moving from India to Canada. The partnership will equip these tradespersons with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their new work environment, contributing to the Canadian economy while also addressing the significant labour shortage in the trades sector.

In December 2022, there were nearly 300,000 jobs in Ontario going unfilled. A report in 2022 by the Royal Bank of Canada entitled "Powering Up: Preparing Canada's skilled trades for a post-pandemic economy", Canada's workforce will see a 10,000-worker deficit in 56 nationally recognized Red Seal trades over the next five years — a scarcity that could be widened ten fold when 250 provincially regulated trades are added into the mix.

“Immigration is a crucial tool for helping tackle Ontario’s historic labour shortage, growing our economy, and building a stronger province for all of us,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I congratulate Skills Council of Canada for this innovative initiative to help our government achieve thismission and ensure internationally-trained immigrants have the opportunity towork in the fields they studied in.”

SCC, renowned for its comprehensive suite of training and development resources, will leverage its expertise to validate qualifications and train Indian tradespersons. The focus will be on aligning their skills with the requirements of Canadian employers and ensuring their training meets Canada's education, practice, and safety standards. NSDCI will facilitate the training and development of these tradespersons throughout their national centers. This joint effort will ensure a seamless transition for tradespersons moving from India to Canada.

“I welcome the partnership between the Skills Council of Canada and National Skill Development Corporation India"  said Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada. "As a major source of newcomers to Canada and the fastest-growing economic region in the world, India, along with other countries in the Indo-Pacific Region, will continue to play a vital role in Canada's immigration strategy. Immigrants not only enrich our communities but also drive economic growth and help alleviate labour market shortages.”

The partnership between SCC and NSDCI will include a robust, step-by-step program that assists a tradesperson in their journey from India to Canada. This comprehensive program begins with a thorough assessment of the candidates' skills and qualifications in India. If necessary,candidates will undergo additional training and certification to ensure their skills align with Canadian standards.

Preparation for immigration is a crucial part of this program, with candidates receiving guidance and support in preparing all necessary documentation for immigration, including work permits and visa applications. Prior to their arrival in Canada, newcomers will receive anorientation to help them acclimate to the new environment. This includes information about Canadian culture, work ethics, and expectations.

A key component of this program is the Canadian skills validation process, which takes place first in India, and then at SCC’s designated Trade Training Centre located at Judith Nyman Secondary School in Brampton, ON. Through a partnership with the Peel District School Board and access to the this state-of-the-art facility which houses 17 trade training facilities managed by SCC, will provide newcomers with a comprehensive environment for skills validation, and further training if necessary.

“We are excited to play such a crucial role inthis meaningful partnership that will help progress the skilled trades industry in Canada,” explained Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education for Peel District School Board. “Judith Nyman Secondary School has already amassed an impressive reputation for its skilled trades program and modern facilities and this global recognition will serve to showcase our core values, creativity and innovative approaches to learning and development on a larger scale.”

Following the skills validation process, the program then works to match the newcomers' skills with appropriate employers, ensuring a smooth transition into the Canadian workforce. Newcomers receive guidance during their onboarding process with their new employers, which includes additional language support, and if necessary, and assistance in understanding workplace norms.

Finally, the program provides ongoing career development resources and support to ensure the newcomers' long-term success in the Canadian workforce. This comprehensive approach ensures that the transition from India to Canada is as seamless as possible, benefiting both the newcomers and the Canadian labour market.

The SCC-NSDCI partnership is a strategic move that brings value to both parties, the Ontario government, and Canada as awhole. It is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing local challenges and contributing to the economic growth of both countries.

For more information about the partnership,please contact info@skillscouncil.ca

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About NSDC and NSDCI

Giving boost to Indian Government Skill India Mission, NSDC, a nodal skill development agency, working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) that aims to catalyze the creation of alarge and quality vocational training ecosystem in India. NSDC has established 37 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and implements the Government’s flagship skill development schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), among many others. NSDC enables private-sector capacity building in skill development by offering concessional loans, other innovative financial products, and strategic partnerships. NSDC is also a nodal agency to implement Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) in India.

NSDC International is a 100% subsidiary company of NSDC that is enabling the Skill India International objectives to make India a global source for quality talent, provide global job opportunities for Indians, and create an internationally benchmarked quality skills ecosystem. NSDCI aims to position India as the preferred hub for supply of skilled workforce across the globe.