It's both challenging and straightforward to find and maintain jobs for the Syrian refugees who continue to arrive in Windsor. Once they're settled, officials say language and transportation can be two barriers in finding employment. On the other hand, pre-employment coordinator with the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex Colin Grimmond says even though Windsor has the highest unemployment rate in Canada, there are many jobs that sit unfilled. "I'm not [experiencing] challenges in finding the jobs. There are employers who talk about a skills gap that they're finding," he says. "If a person has the willingness to work and they can prove that they're hard workers, we'll be successful in helping them find employment." Refugees come into Canada with different backgrounds, education levels and skillsets . Sometimes Grimmond says they will need to be retrained in their field because Canada has different regulations. Even if the english language is a barrier, officials can help refugees find entry-level jobs. "Warehouse positions, factory work, light-industrial type positions, food processing, positions in the agricultural industry," Grimmond says. The city has already welcomed more than 400 refugees. Right now officials say most of them are focused on settling into their new life and the job search will come later. "The first task is to find adequate housing accommodations," says Grimmond. Refugees then need learn the basics -- accessing groceries, medical care, dental, banking and settling their children into school.
The first Syrian family that arrived in Windsor found a home close to the Canada house. (Photo courtesy the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex)
