DATA HIGHLIGHTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

IMMIGRATION

Based on profiles of abilities across benchmarks,2 it is assumed that: • Benchmarks 4-6 can indicate the ability to perform basic tasks required at most jobs. • Benchmarks 7 and higher can indicate sufficient language skills for high-skilled jobs.

This report presents key facts and figures of Syrian refugees settled in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This data was made available by the YMCA-GTA. The objective is to provide a better understanding of Syrian refugees’ educational and employment characteristics. It can be used by government, service providing agencies, and community groups in the GTA for planning relevant programs and services. It may also be helpful for businesses interested in hiring Syrian refugees.

Of the 2,109 Syrian refugees, 98% are of employable age between 18 and 65 years of age.

SYRIAN REFUGEES: UNDERSTANDING THE DEPTH OF HIGHLY SKILLED TALENT

AGE

13%

2%

31%

18-29 30-50 51-65 66-84

54%

65% 27% 8%

Were privately sponsored

Arrived through government assistance

Through blended sponsorship

CLB 0

CLB 1

CLB 2

CLB 3

CLB 4

CLB 5

CLB 6

CLB 7+

24%

23%

10%

9%

10%

14%

6%

5%

26,615+ Refugees came to Canada between November 2015 and November 20161

14,805 Of the 26,615+ were admittedand resetted in Ontario1

6,805 Of the 14,805 resetted in Toronto1

2,109Syrian refugees of working age

(18+ years) who arrived in Torontorepresent the sample analyzed

2% 31.2% 31.3% 35%

NONE ELEMENTARY SECONDARY POST SECONDARY

BENCHMARK PROJECTION: THEN AND NOW (MARCH 1, 2017)

SYRIAN REFUGEES’ JOB READINESS

EDUCATION BACKGROUND

A study published by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks suggests that immigrants with 8 years of education and above maintain a stable and relatively fast rate of progress from benchmark to benchmark.3 Our sample shows 65% of Syrian refugees with 8 or more years of (secondary and postsecondary) education.

Based on projections, it is estimated that this cohort would have:• Progressed 1 benchmark every 3 months • Advanced 4 benchmarks as of March 1, 2017.

BENCHMARKS ON-ARRIVAL

BENCHMARKS NOW (MARCH 1, 2017)

44%

56%

25%

CLB - 4, 5, & 6 CLB - 7+5%

The projections help understand the dynamics of job readiness among Syrian refugees based on their progress in English proficiency.

Based on the projections, it is estimated that:

• 44% of Syrian refugees “should” have reached benchmarks 7 and above by March 1, 2017 compared to 5% upon arrival.

SECONDARY EDUCATION OR LESS (63%):

Near-even distribution of elementary education and completed secondary education:

• Elementary Education: 31.2% • Secondary Education: 31.3%

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION (35%):

• University, graduate, some graduate, or post-graduate: 17% • “Other” (some college or some university): 12%4 • Certificate, apprenticeship, or diploma (“formal trade certificate” or “other non-university certificate” in the survey): 6%

2

24%

0

23%

1 2

10%

23%

5

10%

610

%6%

44%

7+

5%

4

9%24

%

3

14%

BENCHMARKS ON-ARRIVAL

BENCHMARKS NOW (MARCH 1, 2017)

ORIGINAL OCCUPATIONS (IN SYRIA)Syrian refugees were employed in their former country of residence in professions that correspond to the following occupational categories in Canada:5

3

26% SALES AND SERVICE

22% TRADES, TRANSPORT, EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

15% EDUCATION, SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

9% BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

9% NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

6% HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

6% CULTURE AND RECREATION

3% NATURAL RESOURCES & AGRICULTURE

2% MANAGEMENT

2% MANUFACTURING & UTILITIES