13 December 2013

PRESS RELEASE – A record number of 43 Quebec businesses, including Sherbrooke’s Usinage UBT, participated in the Quebec government’s 9^th labor-recruitment mission known as Journées Québec (Quebec Days), which took place in Paris from November 29 to December 1, 2013. Organized by Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities, in cooperation with Sherbrooke Innopole, these events offer local employers a turnkey solution to international recruitment.

This year’s mission was a resounding success among European candidates. Nearly 1,400 candidates met with employers, who conducted over 2,440 interviews. Seventy-five hirings were confirmed on the spot and others will be in the coming months.

Diane De Courcy, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities and Minister responsible for the Charter of the French Language, is delighted with the ever-increasing success of Journées Québec. “Close cooperation between the Ministry and local partners,” stated De Courcy, “makes it possible to deliver a solution tailored to the specific needs of businesses in each region. The scarcity of specialized labor,” she underscored, “is a reality facing businesses in Estrie and explains why the international recruitment of workers is a win–win strategy gaining increasing popularity with Quebec employers.”

The clean technologies as well as information and communication technologies have recorded sustained growth for the past four years in the Estrie region. According to Sherbrooke Innopole, these leading-edge sectors will continue to expand significantly in the coming years and, as result, businesses will need qualified skilled workers. Additionally, employment opportunities through recruitment missions like Journées Québec will help Sherbrooke attract international workers able to meet its needs, particularly in fields such as engineering, computer technology, and fitting and welding.

Information about the recruitment mission and sectors showcased during the 9^th mission is available on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JourneesQuebec) and the government website at www.journeesquebec.gouv.qc.ca.