Canada to train immigrants to combat labour shortages

The Oil and Gas Training Program (OGTP) instructs workers the mechanics of drilling for oil in the vast prairie province. The 15 week program instructs 16 trainees to a skill level sufficient to gain an entry level position in the burgeoning industry.

Canada is home to some of the world's largest deposits of oil sands but there are concerns the country lacks the necessary workers to meet sustainable levels of demand.

The program, created by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society in conjunction with a coalition of oil and gas companies, aims to combat the shortage.

The federal government has made changes to the Canadian immigration system in recent months after consistent reports that many immigrants were arriving with non transferable skills which forced them into either menial work or unemployment.

The changes made to the system include better language and skill evaluations and reflect the government's efforts to ensure that not only are migrants capable of succeeding in the Canadian labour market but that the migrants are capable of benefitting the Canadian economy.

Nigel Smith, casework manager at the Canadian Visa Bureau, says more schemes like the OGTP are needed.

"Canada has such vast resources and, with its great way of life and all round appeal, there are plenty of people who would seize the chance to move to Canada and help out," said Mr Smith.

"But many don't have the required skills and that can often make them ineligible when really all they need is an opportunity, the OGTP scheme does than and hopefully more will follow."

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people make their application to the Canadian Embassy.