Refugee job search learning curve will be steep on P.E.I.

Syrian refugees coming to P.E.I. are entering what may be Canada's toughest job market, and the provincial government is putting together supports to help them.

Last week Awad Alkhalil, a Syrian man who arrived on the Island in September, told CBC News he's worried about limited opportunities on the Island, and that the language barrier will prevent him from landing a job.

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"I'm an agricultural engineer. I work 14 years in Syria. And I work on potato, I work in tomato, and program of fertilizers," said Alkhalil.

"I cannot continue my life without a job."

Alkhalil also suspects that will be a common concern for the 250 refugees moving here in the next three months.

Erin McGrath-Gaudet, P.E.I. director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said Alkhalil's concerns are legitimate.

"You look at P.E.I., it's a tough job market anyway, and it's certainly a tough time of year to be looking for work," said McGrath-Gaudet.

The Island is expecting another 100 refugees from Syria this month, and 150 in the new year.

McGrath-Gaudet said language skills are a particular concern, especially when it comes to safety training.

Partnering with newcomers' association

Mary Hunter, a director in the Workforce Department, said refugees are well positioned to find work within a year of arriving here.

They are offered up to a year of financial help through their sponsorship, English language training, and job search support from the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada.

"We're having a lot of success through the newcomers' association with matching newcomers and refugees to jobs with employers," said Hunter.

"We work closely with them and we want to make sure employers are aware of the opportunities."

The province is anticipating more funding from the federal government to increase staffing and supports for refugees looking for work.

McGrath-Gaudet said with the support from the province and the association, the timing could work out for the refugees.

"I expect a lot of these people will be coming up the learning curve and being settled in time for prime hiring season next year," she said.

P.E.I. Immigration Minister Richard Brown is heading to Ottawa Tuesday for meetings on the Syrian refugee file.