As Alberta's hospitality sector continues to navigate labor shortages, an innovative program is offering a solution—one that supports both rural communities and Ukrainian newcomers. The Ukrainian Rural Attraction Program (U-RAAP) is connecting skilled Ukrainian immigrants with job opportunities in Alberta's hospitality industry, and the results have been transformative.
U-RAAP is a partnership between the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Services (CCIS). Since its launch, the program has already helped place Ukrainian newcomers in roles ranging from housekeeping and food service to front desk operations. The key? A highly personalized approach that sets employers and employees up for long-term success.
A Perfect Match for Hospitality Employers
At the heart of U-RAAP is an in-depth interview process conducted in Ukrainian. Program operators work closely with each potential participant to understand their skills, experience and career goals. Our appoach goes beyond work history – we also look deeper to understand each individual’s family situation, English proficiency, immigration status, and transferable skills. Many Ukrainian newcomers actually prefer smaller communities, having lived in similar settings back home. Others are eager to apply their specialized skills, such as culinary or hospitality management expertise, in Alberta's rural regions. This approach is ensuring that the individuals understand the community they are moving to and establish a long-term plan to settle in that community.
But the program's benefits extend beyond just finding the right fit. U-RAAP also addresses the common challenge of credential recognition, offering practical solutions. By identifying roles that don't require immediate certification, the program enables participants to gain Canadian experience while working towards their qualifications. This streamlined approach makes it easier for hospitality employers to onboard and retain Ukrainian talent.
Comprehensive Support for a Smooth Transition
Success for U-RAAP isn't just about the job placement – it's about setting both employers and employees up for long-term success. The program has developed strong partnerships with community organizations, housing providers and local leaders to ensure newcomers receive the support they need to thrive in their new community.
As Alberta's hospitality industry continues to face labor shortages, especially in rural areas, the Ukrainian Rural Attraction Program offers a compelling solution. By tapping into a pool of skilled, motivated Ukrainian talent, hospitality employers can not only fill critical roles but also contribute to the vitality of their local communities.
If you're a hospitality employer interested in learning more about how U-RAAP can benefit your business, I encourage you to reach out to the program team at AAISA. This mutually beneficial partnership could be the key to strengthening your workforce and supporting newcomers as they build new lives in Alberta.
Success Stories
Recently, a young Ukrainian man with a host of skills, signed up for the URAAP program. He was in a dire situation where he was about to be evicted. After signing up for URAAP, CCIS successfully advocated for him to find a place to stay for a few days and successfully found him a job in the hospitality industry in Pincher Creek, Alberta. This timely intervention not only provided him with stable employment, but also gave him a place to call home as he began rebuilding his life in Canada.
Additionally, the URAAP program also connected a couple and their daughter with a dairy farm employer near Wainwright. More of this story can be found here in the Calgary Herald.
How Can This Program Support You?
You can also visit ukralberta.ca to learn more about the project.