Connector Program Numbers: A Deep Dive

The Connector Program has been around since 2009, with the National Connector Program launching in 2013. Over that time, we have helped 8 609 Connectees (newcomers, international graduates, local graduates, and sometimes locals too!), onboarded 4 135 Connectors (leaders in their communities – people in the habit of making introductions, and those that just seem to know…. Everyone!) and have counted 2 805 jobs as a result.  

We are very proud of our impact – which is shown not just in numbers, but also in the way people feel about their connection to their community, the way they can say hello to people on the street, or walk into a business function or conference, and know a lot of people in the room. But we also wanted to use this space to explain exactly what these numbers mean. So today, we’ll take you “behind the scenes” of the Connector Program, and do a deep dive into the numbers, and why they are such good indicators of the success of the program.  

First of all, the National Connector Program is a secretariat, representing 44 communities across Canada that run Connector Programs. So, when we say we onboarded 2 749 Connectees last year alone, we want to acknowledge that this was due to the hard work of Connector Coordinators across the country – all we did was count numbers and double check our math!  

How does a community find their Connectees? 

For a community to count a Connectee, they must do several things. A Connectee has to apply to be a part of the program, and meet all the specified criteria. Some programs can only take newcomers, some can take newcomers and international students etc. All Connectees across the country should be job-ready, with sufficient French or English language skills to thrive in their profession. A positive attitude and willingness to network are also usually expected! Once they are accepted, the coordinator has an intake meeting with them, where they explain the landscape in that community for job searching. And give them general advice on their resume and interview skills. This can be very helpful for the Connectee because they learn about new companies or organizations previously unknown to them. They can ask questions and gain more insights for their job search. Then, the coordinator will find them a Connector and make the introduction.  

So, when we say 2 749 Connectees, we are saying that many people already have more knowledge and confidence around their job search in a given place. They have more tools in their toolboxes to find meaningful employment and make meaningful connections. So, there is a lot behind those numbers! 

For Connectors, it’s about building long-standing relationships. Unlike Connectees, Connectors will stay with the program and keep getting connected to new talent, over many years (some Connectors have been active for over a decade!).  

How is a Connector onboarded?  

First, the coordinator has to find Connectors. This might be through word of mouth, a LinkedIn search, personal and professional contacts, or referrals. The Coordinator then meets with a Connector to explain the program and their role in it. The Connector tells them all about their background, experience, knowledge of the sector, and why they want to be a Connector. Once the Connector agrees and has their toolkit, the coordinator can match them, and they become one of the numbers we report. A Connector is only counted once – so that’s a lot of community leaders across the country wanting to support newcomers in their journeys to find their dream job in Canada!    

How do communities count jobs? 

The jobs are the most difficult to count. Many communities don’t count their Connectee jobs, so the number isn’t as representative as we’d want it to be of one of our measures of success (we have many!). Nonetheless, when we say “job” we don’t mean just any job. For a job to be counted, the Connectee must be employed in their field, in a role that matches the experience they had in their home country. We don’t count survival jobs – we roles that are meaningful for a Connectee’s career. Which makes us very proud of this number. This year alone, 830 people found roles that were equal to those they left in their home country. That means they are using all their knowledge and skills – it means their talent matches the role and isn’t being overlooked or lost in our economy. 

Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but we are proud of the quantitative results we can share as an outcome of the hard work of our coordinators, Connectees, and Connectors across the country. Thanks to everyone who continues to make this program impactful!