The Business Association of Richmond (BAR) will host a job fair for refugees next week, aiming to connect them with local companies, many of which are currently suffering from a labour shortage.
The job fair, co-hosted by MOSAIC and Avia Employment Services, will take place in the lobby of Aberdeen Square, adjacent to Aberdeen Station, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday Nov. 29.
More than 30 companies — mostly from Richmond — will attend, including Chinese restaurants, food manufacturers, laundry factories and garbage businesses. Hundreds of entry-level positions will be offered, according to BAR.
“There is a serious labour shortage in Richmond, and it has been going on for years,” said Sunny Ho, president of BAR. “We hope this job fair will provide an opportunity for employers and employees to communicate and get to know each other.”
BAR has hired more than 20 Arabic interpreters to assist refugees with interviews. It has also produced a video introduction for the available jobs, subtitled in both English and Arabic to help refugees.
“Language is a big problem, since many refugees still don’t speak much English,” BAR executive director William Tsu told the Richmond News.
“However, there are many jobs that don’t require English skills, such as line work in a factory. They are very simple.”
Tsu hopes the job fair is only the start of a sustained campaign to encourage more businesses to create work opportunities for refugees.
“We all need to take action to help them get back into the work force and become independent,” added Tsu.
“It’s beneficial for them and for the whole of society. Merely giving them money is not enough.
“If refugees don’t work now and keep living off benefits, what will happen in 10 years? It will put big pressure on our children.”
Tsu said he also hopes this job fair will help remove stereotypes or concerns some employers have towards refugees.
“For example, if they have their own diet restrictions, they can bring their own lunch, it’s not a problem. And they all have cell phones for contact. They are just like everyone else.”
He added that, although the job fair aims to provide job opportunities to refugees, it’s open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.
BAR hosted a free welcome dinner for 250 refugees and Richmond restaurant owners in September, resulting in some refugees receiving a part-time work in Richmond, according to Tsu.
