Canadian recruiters eager to fast-track Irish workers

The head of Canada’s fastest growing province is to lead a delegation of its employers to Dublin and Cork next month to recruit for up to 275 jobs.

Tue, 21 Feb, 2012 - 00:00

Stephen Rogers

It is estimated that Saskatchewan will need between 75,000 and 90,000 skilled workers in the next three to five years, particularly in the sectors of advanced technology, construction, mineral exploration, agriculture and petroleum, all of which are thriving.

It has a low unemployment rate among its 1m residents — only 1.2% of the population receive unemployment benefits — meaning that, as its labour requirements expand, it will have to fill the roles from outside the province.

The delegation of 27 employers, which will be at the Working Abroad Expo on Mar 3 to 4 and Cork on Mar 7, will be led by Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall and Rob Norris, its minister for advanced education, employment and immigration. It will also include immigration officials who can help candidates with relocating.

The employers will recruit primarily for construction and trades, engineering and healthcare.

One of the employers is Tim Young of Young’s Equipment.

“We are looking to attract skilled agricultural equipment mechanics who are looking to build a bright future,” he said.

“We have positions located in seven communities in the province.”

Saskatchewan runs an immigrant nominee programme, which fast-tracks permanent residency for Irish workers who take up the jobs. All positions on offer at the expo are approved for nomination under the scheme. That means candidates who accept a position can start work in Saskatchewan in three to six months.

“Saskatchewan offers jobs, a high quality of life and a welcoming environment to newcomers,” said Mr Wall. “We look forward to telling our story in Ireland — immigration is helping sustain our economic momentum.”

Meanwhile, a number of Irish workers travelling to Australia to take up construction work are being advised by prospective employers to apply for short-stay business and tourist visas, even though these will not entitle them to take up the roles.

Edwina Shanahan, manager at www.visafirst.com, said: “For those large employers who are found to be hiring people illegally, the average fine of A$5,000 [€4,000] to A$10,000 is unlikely to have a significant impact on the business.

“What Irish workers may not know is that their punishment could be a lot more severe — they could face a three-year ban on their passport. In addition, for those who have family and loved ones in Australia, they may have to leave them behind.”

Job options

A selection of the jobs in Saskatchewan:

* Electrical journeypersons

* Electrical engineers

* Mechanical engineers

* Rebar installers

* Truck drivers

* Welders

* Parts persons

* Painters

* Machinists

* Plumbers