College and Government of Yukon work together to increase jobs awareness for international students

WHITEHORSE— Today, the Government of Yukon and Yukon College signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which aims to raise awareness of Yukon job opportunities among eligible international students. 

The document formalizes a partnership between the Government of Yukon and Yukon College in this regard. It was signed by the Honourable Ranj Pillai, minister of Economic Development for the Government of Yukon, and Dr. Karen Barnes, president and vice-chancellor of Yukon College. 

Under this partnership the Government of Yukon and Yukon College commit to providing information sessions to college students and staff twice per year and increasing awareness of post-study work or immigration visas for which international students in Yukon may be eligible. 

The Government of Yukon may also make available existing immigration support services for the purpose of maximizing the employment opportunities of international students attending Yukon College. 

“We are very excited to establish this joint initiative with Yukon College. The Government of Yukon values strong partnerships that support local employers and help diversify and grow Yukon’s economy. In light of the low employment rate in the territory it is important that we work with our partners to build capacity and alleviate pressures. Together with Yukon College we will work to inform and support international students so that they can make the most of the employment opportunities available across Yukon,” said minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai 

“People from all around the world are keen to further their education at Yukon College. This MOU will connect international students to immigration services and employment and post-study opportunities that will support their transition and help them build a life here after graduation,” said Dr. Barnes. 

Yukon College welcomed 127 international students in the 2019 winter term. Almost 100 are from India, with the remainder coming from more than twenty countries; including, Japan, Brazil, China, Poland, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam, USA, UK, Bosnia, Korea and the Philippines. They are enrolled in a range of programs with the most popular being Business Administration, Liberal Arts and Early Learning and Childcare. 

In 2018, the college instituted an enrollment cap to ensure that international students do not comprise more than 15 per cent of the entire credit student body.  

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