Rethinking Recruitment: NTI Boilers’ Journey through the Atlantic Immigration Program
NTI Boilers Inc., a leader in premium, high-efficiency heating solutions for residential and commercial applications, has a rich history rooted in New Brunswick and the Saint John Region. It all began in Sussex as a family company in 1967, and NTI continued expanding steadily, establishing a new factory in Saint John in 2009. By 2016, NTI became part of the Ariston Group, a multinational company in sustainable thermal heating.
The acquisition marked a transformative chapter for NTI, bringing new opportunities and challenges. The integration with Ariston Group facilitated the arrival of expat employees from Italy and other parts of the world to collaborate on crucial projects and implement system upgrades. These professionals brought invaluable insights, helping NTI align with Ariston’s global standards in processes, policies, and production methods. But the transition wasn’t without hurdles.
Securing work permits and navigating the complexities of international recruitment was challenging. The company’s need for a larger, skilled workforce to meet increasing production demands added pressure.
“We faced some challenges in issuing work permits and having employees coming from all over the world to share their experiences with us,” explained Vanessa De Salvo Pineda, HR Team Member at NTI. “In order to cope with new projects and meet the production levels required by headquarters, we needed to increase the labour force and recruitment was not an easy task.
In response, NTI Boilers explored new avenues to build a robust and diverse team. This search led them to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a game-changing move that would shape their future. The AIP designation empowered NTI to broaden its recruitment strategies, enabling the company to attract talented newcomers from around the world.
“We quickly realized that in this market, we needed to be open and hire newcomers who would help us to become a bigger, more diverse, and better organization,” Vanessa said.
The journey to AIP designation involved meticulous research, documentation, and ongoing follow-ups.
“The process took time and effort, but it was worth it,” shared Vanessa.
The AIP allows skilled foreign workers and international graduates to become permanent residents in the Atlantic provinces. It is employer-driven and aims to address labour market needs. The process to become designated through the AIP takes approximately eight months.
The designation paved the way for NTI to cultivate a multicultural workplace enhanced with varied experiences and perspectives. The new team members brought diverse skill sets, improving NTI’s approach to problem-solving, innovation, and overall business growth.
The positive outcomes were clear - the expanded workforce allowed NTI to meet production targets more efficiently, drive innovation, and establish a more inclusive work environment. The company’s alignment with Ariston’s global standards was not just a compliance milestone but a significant step toward fostering a strong business culture that values knowledge sharing and continuous development.
And Vanessa has advice for other employers considering the AIP designation.
“Do it,” she said. “The first step is to research the government site, where the requirements and criteria to become a designated AIP employer are outlined. While the process demands commitment and resources, the benefits are transformative.”
NTI Boilers' experience demonstrates that with the right initiatives and a forward-thinking approach, organizations can overcome recruitment challenges, embrace diversity, and achieve sustained growth. The Atlantic Immigration Program has not only supported NTI’s immediate business goals but has also laid a strong foundation for future success and innovation.
Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency also received the AIP designation in 2024.
The government of New Brunswick has dedicated staff to support employers through the AIP process. You can learn more here: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/immigration/employer-services.html
