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Childcare Delight
THE DURHAM REGION EMPLOYER WORKBOOK
A Guide to Hiring Internationally Trained Professionals
Bringing some of the worlds best employment talent to your fingertips
Childcare Delight
WELCOME!
2
Bienvenido, Vítáme tĕ, Velkommen, Welkom,, Willkommen, Aloha,
Benvenuto, よ う こ そ , 환 영 합 니 다 ,歡 迎 , 欢迎 , Välkommen,
Тавтай морилогтун, Καλώς ορίσατε, Dobrodošli, Bienvenue,
Suswaagatham, hoş geldiniz, Mabuhay, Shalom, Marhaba,
приветствие, kärkommen, Khush amdeed, Pe kher ragle, Mirë se vini,
Sushri akal, Soo dhawoow, Ayubowan, Swaagatam, Swaagatam,
Enna vishayam, Tungji atjeta, Bem-vindo,احتفى
Main MenuTable of Contents
Gyeongseon Office Administrator
Banker
CarolineOffice Administration
Raj Electrical Eng.
Design Eng.
DID YOU KNOW?
The images is this workbook represent a small group of Durham’s own foreign trained and skilled professionals. For more information about any individual you see in this workbook, or to learn more about what they have to offer contact Durham Continuing Education at: 905-436-3211
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide you with this Resource Guide. Its purpose is to assist employers in hiring and retaining skilled newcomers. This guide can also be used by settlement agencies and organizations to provide employment services to newcomers, and by immigrants searching for programs to help secure employment.
The Resource Guide is part of the Global Experience @Work (GE@W). The content of this guide is based on research findings, focus groups, extensive readings, internet research and consultations.
The Durham Economic Prosperity Committee in partnership with Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for establishing the Global Experience @ Work initiative and the Ontario and Federal governments for the core funding for this guide and other initiatives of the Global Experience @ Work Initiative Durham.
We would also like to thank
A well deserved special recognition goes to Bob Malcolmson, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce for his invaluable guidance and support, and for patiently reviewing numerous drafts of this Guide. The success of the Global Experience @ Work Initiative Durham as a whole would not have been possible without his vision, leadership, commitment and passion.
This publication was developed by Jason J. Irani of Jacob Strategies, Program Coordinator for Global Experience @ Work Initiative Durham.
Durham Continuing Education for allowing the Global Experience @ Work Initiative Durham to profile their foreign trained professionals in this publication
Dr. Yamil H. Alonso, Program Coordinator, The Brampton Board of Trade, Skills Without Borders.
(TRIEC) for their knowledge and experience .
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JACOB STRATEGIES
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Durham Economic Prosperity Committee
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Durham Economic Prosperity Committee
The Durham Economic Prosperity Committee in partnership with Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is leading the project, with core funding assistance from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce which has been funded by both the Federal and Ontario governments.
The Durham Economic Prosperity Committee is compiled of representatives from every municipality in the region across all sectors, and from every walk of life, including business, labour, academia and government to discuss plans for Durham Region's economic future. The committee was created to encourage the expression of ideas, to encourage teamwork and to impart a passion for Durham Region's opportunities and the planning for its future.
General Responsibilities of DEPC
To help ensure Durham Region's continued economic prosperity.
To help create a coherent plan for the future.
To tap into the Region's very best minds.
To identify key problems and provide alternatives to solve them.
To facilitate new patterns of thinking and new ideas needed to move Durham Region forward.
To encourage the flexibility and responsiveness required in a world that changes ever faster so that Durham Region can prosper.
Read the Report
http://www.durhamprosperity.org/Resources/DEPC_2008_Final_Report_Complete_Version.pdf
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
5
Acknowledgements
Durham Economic Prosperity Committee
Global Experience @Work Who Is This Guide For? Barriers to Hiring Skilled Immigrants in DurhamPreparing for Immigration in the Durham Region Connecting Employers and Skilled Immigrants
Durham Immigration Council
WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES HIRE IMMIGRANTS?
LANGUAGE SKILLS
ASSESSING INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIALS
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Statement of Disclaimer
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INTRODUCTION
6-7
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11-12
13-17
Benefits of Hiring Immigrants Accessing The Large and Growing Pool of Skilled Immigrants Improving Hiring Practices
18-21
Assessing Language Skills, Proficiency Levels and Specific JobRelated Language Skills References To Programs, Services and Other Resources Available
22-25
Assessing, Comparing and Recognizing International Credentialsand Experience References To Programs, Services and Other Resources Available
26-34
Local ResourcesOntario ResourcesNational ResourcesSectoral Resources
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GLOBAL EXPERIENCE@WORK
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Studies and research results published in recent years conclude that the Canadian economy has and will increasingly have in the future a strong demand for skilled workers and professionals because of an increasingly aging population, decreasing birth rates and the retirement of baby-boomers.
In order to meet current and future labour demands for skilled workers, the Federal Government has in recent years increased the number of immigrants accepted into Canada, using a point system that is based primarily on qualifications, professional experience and the language skills of the applicants. Immigrants arriving in Canada are younger, better educated, more mobile than ever before yet many remain underemployed or unemployed for significant periods after landing in this country.
In response to this problem, different levels of government, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have undertaken initiatives to fund and operate agencies, implement programs and provide necessary services to address the settlement, integration and employment issues faced by new immigrants.
Global Experience @ Work is an initiative of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, (OCC) with support and funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. The initiative is part of an OCC strategy to better promote Ontario as a career, business and investment destination of choice, and to ensure that Ontario keeps pace with a global economy.
GE@W involves two stages:
1.Local Chamber Programs – partner within its chamber network to leverage local expertise and experience with the goal towards raising awareness about the importance of integrating foreign trained professionals into the workforce.
2.International Outreach – host a series of video conferences to provide candidates from foreign markets the opportunity to interact directly with Ontario employers.
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GLOBAL EXPERIENCE@WORK
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PART 1: Local Chamber Programs
The OCC will continue to build on the success of Global Experience @ Work to date. It is anticipated that the strategies listed below will be continued in more communities across Ontario, through the leadership of the local Chambers of Commerce.
The following strategies are demonstrated successes from the current GE@W initiatives:
· Direct placements· Mentoring programs· Credential recognition and evaluation programs· Newcomer strategies· Diversity and cross-cultural training and employer guides,· Toolkits for employers· Loan program for education/training upgrades to help IEPs meet Ontario
standards· Public education and information forums for employers and employees· Job fairs· Online resource guides
PART 2: International Outreach
GE@W and its strategic partners have hosted a series of video conferences with China, to develop new approaches to reach immigrants in an effort to assist in their integration into the labour market by having them dialogue directly with Ontario employers. The intent of part 2 of the GE@W program on a go-forward basis is to continue to utilize our partnerships in China, while also running pilot programs in other identified foreign markets to test their viability and participation.
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WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?
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This Employers' Resource Guide was developed by The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce to assist business owners, employers and Human Resource Managers to:
· Access the growing pool of skilled immigrants available in the Region of Durham, that are currently unemployed or underemployed;
· Overcome barriers encountered while hiring immigrants;
· Recruit, hire, and retain a culturally diverse workforce.
Not only do skill trained immigrants contribute to our labour market supply, they possess knowledge, expertise, and skills that are beneficial to your business. In today's highly competitive global environment, companies seek new markets and customers worldwide to grow and be profitable.
This guide can also be used as a resource for community agencies providing employment, settlement, and integration services to newcomers.
MariaAccountant
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Barriers to Hiring Skilled Immigrants in Durham
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The following are concerns employers may have about hiring Internationally Trained Individuals:
International reference checks:
How do I check references from other countries?
Bringing many cultures together to work:
Some employers are apprehensive about what might happen when different cultures
come together in one workplace. Will everyone get along?
English language skills:
Will the worker be able to speak English well enough to perform
the job and interact with coworkers?
Will they understand instructions and safety rules? Will they feel comfortable to interact socially?
Evaluating international education and credentials:
How does a degree or diploma compare to a Canadian
designation?
Lack of Canadian workplace experience:
Many employers look for some
Canadian work experience and are not always comfortable hiring
without this. Consider the whole picture – Hire the Best!
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Preparing for Immigration in the Durham Region andConnecting Employers and Skilled Immigrants
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As immigration population continues to grow in the Region of Durham, it is the belief of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce to continue to stay on top of the way the Durham business community attracts new economic growth to the Region, the chamber has identified that one way to continue this growth is through the promotion of the hiring of skilled foreign professionals, including the promotion of new Canadians starting new businesses in the Region of Durham.
By staying ahead of Durham's immigration trends, employers will begin to see and learn about the benefits of a diverse workplace before facing the evident. A diverse workforce that reflects our multicultural communities is essential in the new global economy. Canadian businesses depend on it to guarantee the growth, prosperity and future of our society. It is not a matter of “looking good” in the community or “doing the right thing”; diverse hiring practices are good business practices. Even if an employer does not interact globally, with Durham's growing multicultural population, diversity will be very important to meeting the needs of local customers.
Notwithstanding the barriers identified, employers need to understand there are benefits to hiring skilled immigrants. In more diverse populations like Brampton, ON, currently at a 52% immigration population, employers said most immigrant workers are conscientious and have a good work ethic. They further identified that immigrants can potentially open new markets in other parts of the world, giving advantages to a global companies or companies looking to go globally.
As Durham begins to grow employers will need to recognize that cultural diversity in the workplace is important in a community where future migration into the Region will be comprised mostly of immigration growth. Further employers will identify that immigrants can also help provide a stronger community connection for employers. Immigrants can also help other employers and employees better understand new cultures.
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Preparing for Immigration in the Durham Region andConnecting Employers and Skilled Immigrants
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By accessing the available pool of skilled immigrants, employers will be able to:
· Address their labour shortages with diverse, qualified and experienced trades people and professionals.
· Increase the talent pool of their workforce.· Increase innovation and productivity. · Achieve a competitive advantage. · Meet the demands of their current markets, and find new ones. · Better address their clients' needs and achieve a broader customer base. · Improve employee relations and enhance corporate image· R duce labour costs by saving on unnecessary training expenditures. · Build inter-cultural understanding and enhance social growth, harmony, and prosperity
in their communities.
By hiring internationally-trained professionals and trades people, Durham employers gain employees with great diversity in education, training, job skills, expertise and experience. Hiring skilled immigrants will help employers to grow and better succeed in the local marketplace and in today's global economy.
REMEMBER THIS
e
Remember that Diverse Viewpoints can bring:
· Cost of Losing Talent· Serve Ethnically Diverse
Customers· Attract and Retain Skilled
Talent· Profitability· Business essentials – Not
just the right thing to do, but it makes business sense
· Innovation
In recent years, businesses across Canada reported job specific skilled shortages and
workforce management concerns including high turnover and wage inflation due to:
Ÿ Aging workersŸ Shortage of experienced talent attached
with rising demand for labourŸ Shortfall of qualified graduatesŸ Upcoming retirementsŸ Competitors growing compensation
packages in bids to poach skilled talentŸ Increased competition for talent created
difficulty in attracting employees
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Durham Immigration Council
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Local Diversity and Immigration Portal Partnership
BackgroundThe Community Immigration Portal is a one-stop, community-based immigration web portal, designed to welcome, support, attract and retain skilled newcomers, newcomer entrepreneurs, businesses and other new Canadians to our Region.
There are over 35 Community Immigration Portals across the province of Ontario. With funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, the Region of Durham’s departments of Social Services, Economic Development and Corporate Information Services partnered to developed this portal.
Durham Region’s Immigration Portal is a truly collaborative and community-based initiative. Over 60 organizations from multiple sectors such as education, business, non-profit, government and business associations are taking shared responsibility for content creation and for the long-term sustainability of the portal.
The project team invited community participation from all eight local municipalities and are happy to report broad-based enthusiasm for the project and 100 percent participation.
Source: Region of Durham Website
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Durham Immigration Council
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Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council
Background Information
In February of 2008 Council for the Regional Municipality mandated the creation of Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council (LDIPC) to consider issues surrounding the changing demographics in Durham Region.
Through 2008, 2009 community consultations occurred to learn about diversity and immigration in Durham region. The consultations included a literature review, key informant interviews, focus groups, sector specific working groups, an online survey, and 2 community forums attended by over 300 stakeholders. The results of these consultations have lent direction to the work done to date and has informed the planning processes.
An interim council was formed to consider the results of the consultations and begin the process of developing a framework and structure for a Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council.
The Interim Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The LDIPC reports to the Health and Social Services Committee of the Regional Municipality of Durham.
The LDIPC has four main objectives:
a. to continue to create a culture of inclusion
b. to develop a settlement and integration plan for Durham Region
c. to develop English language opportunities in Durham
d. to attract and retain skilled immigrants to Durham Region
For more information visit: http://www.durhamimmigration.ca
Source: Region of Durham Website
RizwanaCounsellor/ Teacher
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Benefits of hiring immigrants and accessing the large and growing pool of skilled immigrants
Today, more than ever, employers are compelled to find employees from every possible source. Globalization, combined with a shrinking domestic workforce, makes hiring skilled internationally trained immigrants an important part of staying competitive. In order to compete and succeed in the global economy, Canadian employers need the best qualified, skilled professionals available in their communities.Skilled immigrants are available and employers when hiring should consider:
· Access local ethnic media
· Help meet your labour needs
· Increase your competitiveness.
· Help develop new markets.
· Make your organization more effective.
· Connect you with other valuable workers
· Establish precise qualifications and specific job-related language skills and levels of proficiency for job postings
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Guillermo Business Manager
Import and Export Distribution
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15
SERVICE PROVIDERS
There are many organizations which provide immigrant services for employers in Durham Region. They have extensive experience working with internationally trained immigrants.
Please visit the Resource Section in the back of this Workbook to learn more about Durham’s local Immigration Service Providers and what they have to offer.
Skills for Change, through its recruitment and placement services, they can help companies tap into the rich pool of skilled, professionally trained and experienced newcomers in Canada. For further information visit www.skillsforchange.org.
Career Bridge is a program operated by Career Edge Organization in partnership with TRIEC (The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council). Its aim is to break the cycle of “no Canadian experience equals no job; no job equals no Canadian experience” by providing internationally trained professionals with their first Canadian work experience in their fields of expertise. Employers register with Career Bridge as host organizations and offer internship positions. For more information visit http://www.careerbridge.ca/
JOB CONNECT, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities (MTCU), assists employers with finding and training appropriate individuals, including internationally trained immigrants, to fill job vacancies. Financial assistance may be available for employers to help offset training costs. For further information about the program, call The MTCU Job Grow Hotline toll free at 1-800-JOB-GROW or (416) 326-5656 or visit http://www.job-connect.on.ca/
Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) provides information, programs and services on human resources planning including recruiting foreign workers. In addition, HRSDC provides online placement and recruitment services as well as market and industry information. Additional information can be obtained by visiting their website at http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
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Improving Hiring Practices
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The “Federal Employment Equity Act” and the Provincial Human Rights Code are the fundamental pieces of legislation governing a fair, lawful hiring policy to ensure that everyone has equal access to employment opportunities and is treated fairly during the hiring process and in the workplace.
Legislation alone will not overcome traditional barriers. The process of selecting and hiring the best suitable applicant for a job should be based on the relevant qualifications and experience necessary to perform the work.
To realize the benefits of creating a more diverse workforce, a diverse recruitment strategy, as part of the hiring policy, means that in addition to traditional channels for job posting and recruitment, other untraditional sources should be considered, among them:
Advertising openings through settlement agencies providing employment services to newcomers
Forging connections with leaders of ethnic communities, ethnic employers and others already having a diverse workforce
Offering and advertising placements and job openings through ethnic media outlets
Creating a corporate presence at cultural and community events
Employers have identified languages skills as a barrier to hiring. Clear and precise language requirements should be part of all job postings.
Skilled immigrants bring to Canada extensive and diverse professional experiences that can help and enhance the workforce and the workplace. Employers in the Region and surrounding GTA have identified that it is difficult to assess foreign credentials and work experience. Agencies are available and identified in this Workbook to help employers assess qualifications and experience.
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
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To improve the hiring process we encourage employers to train their human resource staff to better assess competencies, skills, prior learning and foreign credentials, and to better understand the requirements necessary to manage a culturally diverse workforce.At the core of managing a multicultural workforce is being aware of cultural differences in the workplace. Misunderstandings arise from a lack of awareness of other cultural practices but also of Canadian cultural norms. We often don't start to observe our own values and practice in the workplace until we start interacting with different backgrounds.
For example, an employee new to the Canadian workplace may appear to lack initiative when in fact they are being respectful of authority and awaiting strong direction. These types of situations can only be recognized through understanding Canadian workplace practices in relation to other countries.
17
EvaImport, Export Management
Improve your recruitment process by keeping three important points in mind.
1. Focus on what it takes to do the job. This is what matters most.
2. Don't underestimate international credentials and experience because they are unfamiliar.
3. Be aware of barriers related to international credentials,
Canadian work experience and language skills.
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How to Include Hiring and Retaining Internationally Trained Professionals in Your Current Responsibility
SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYER
WHY?
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Bridge-to-Work Mentoring
Assessment Language Training Job/Skills Training
Diversity/ Inclusiveness
Meet Staffing Needs
Social Responsibility
Increased Efficiency/ Productivity/
Profitability
WHY?
Info and Research
Work Force
Planning
Job Standards/
Classification
Recruitment Orientation
Skills Development/
Training
Staff and Performance Management
Legislative Compliance
HOW?
18Source: Federal Government “Employer’s Roadmap”
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Language Skills
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Language skills, or level of proficiency in language for understanding and basic communication are a pre-condition for skilled immigrants to be accepted into Canada, and for settlement and integration needs once they have landed.
Foreign trained professionals and trades people to be able to break into the Canadian labour market in their fields of expertise, ESL training is not completely enough. A higher and more specific job-related level of language skills and proficiency in many cases is required.
For assessing Languages Skills and Levels and Proficiency, The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB) is the national standard-setting body for the Canadian Language Benchmarks and the Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC). The CCLB supports and promotes the use of these national standards in education, training, community and workplace settings, as a practical, fair and reliable national standard of second language proficiency. They cover four skill areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening, and use real life language tasks to measure language skills. For more detailed information, visit www.language.ca
VivianAccountant
The CCLB and NCLC are recognized as the official Canadian standards for describing, measuring and recognizing the language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada, in both English and French. They also provide common standards for all the immigrant-serving agencies. The CCLB provides a descriptive scale of communicative proficiency in English as a Second Language, expressed as benchmarks or references.
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To address the skilled immigrants' needs for further Language Skills Development, Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs have been developed. These are programs provided by different agencies and organizations to help immigrants during the post-landing settlement and adaptation phase. To be eligible to participate in a LINC program, the level of language proficiency has first to be evaluated by a LINC Assessment Centre.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has designated official LINC Assessment Centres. For information about locations and services, visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomer/welcome/wel-22e.html orhttp://www.tcet.com/linchomestudy/assessmentCentres.aspx?sel=q3&cat=education
In many cases skilled immigrants are required to master specific job-related language skills that even LINC Programs can't provide. For that reason, Enhanced Language Training (ELT) programs have been developed, by different organizations, for specific
trades or professions, to provide skilled immigrants with the required job-related skills in their trade or profession. These ELT Programs are a pre-condition to meet the requirements of professional regulatory bodies for licensing and practising in Canada. Some of the ELT Programs offer a follow up phase in terms of Placements orMentorship opportunities.
20
SaddNuclear Eng.
Expert in radiation effects on environment
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21
The Ontario Government provides a broad range of programs and services to help employers find skilled newcomers, as well as help skilled immigrants break into the Canadian labour market in their fields of expertise.
The site: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citdiv/apt/index.html contains information regarding bridge training programs for internationally trained individuals, as well as information regarding credential assessment and licensing, and specific information about the following programs:
Ontario Public Service (OPS) Internship Program for International Trained ProfessionalsTo encourage Ontario businesses to tap into the talents of newcomers, the Ontario government is participating in an internship program that will provide internationally-trained professionals with an opportunity to combine their acquired knowledge in jurisdictions around the world with Canadian experience.
Career Maps on entry-to-practice requirements for professions and trades are available. Developed in partnership with the occupational regulatory bodies, Career Maps provides detailed, step-by-step information on the assessment process, examinations and costs involved, and a summary of labour market conditions. It also includes the mailing address, phone and fax numbers, e-mail and website addresses. www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citdiv/apt/index.html
OluchiTeacher
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Assessing International Credentials
One of the main challenges faced by employers when hiring immigrants is to have a clear understanding of foreign credentials as well as assessing their equivalencies to Canadian earned Diplomas and Certificates, even when accurate translations are provided by the applicants.
Very often difficulties and misunderstandings arise when names of foreign institutions,internationally earned degrees, descriptions of experience gained abroad, statements ofaccomplishments and reference letters are translated without taking into consideration cultural and workplace differences.
Employers can use some of the following techniques for determining whether an applicant with international training or education meets the requirements for the job:
Source: Diagram adapted from The Alliance of Sector Councils FCR Workshop Materials
Obtain an assessment of
credentials through a credential evaluation
service
Ask for certification papers or
journey papers where applicable
Review portfolios or dossiers of
relevant documents and work samples
Discern skills through the
interview process
Conduct skills testing
Assess technical demonstrations at the worksite
Focus on skills and
competencies rather than
specific credentials
Assess employability
skills
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Assessing, comparing and recognizing international credentials and experience
23
Foreign certificates, diplomas and degrees may be equivalent to Canadian credentials. It pays to find out.
Credential assessment agencies can assess foreign credentials such as certificates, diplomas and degrees and tell you how they compare to Canadian standards. You can find some of these agencies through the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials. http://www.cicic.ca/en/index.aspx
You can help internationally trained workers by using these agencies, or you can ask potential employees to have their credentials assessed as part of their job applications.
Some sectors have voluntary certification systems that can be used to assess the abilities of internationally trained workers in non-regulated occupations.
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) services are available at many colleges and institutes. PLAR is the identification and measurement of skills and knowledge acquired outside of formal educational institutions. The PLAR process can establish competency equivalencies for skills and knowledge gained outside of Canada and determine eligibility to practise in a trade or profession.
Be specific about the documents you want
to see (résumé, credential
equivalencies, diplomas, reference
letters, etc.)
Don't assume applicants will know what to submit when they apply for a job.
Be aware of the time it takes to
have credentials assessed and
work this into your hiring timelines.
In your job advertisements , Inform applicants about credential assessment services and put link to these services on your organization's website.
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References to programs, services and other resources available
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Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) http://www.cicic.ca/ collects information for more than 800 professional associations across Canada and records the various ways credentials are assessed and recognized for a wide variety of occupations. While CICIC does not evaluate credentials, it does provide information and referrals. CICIC has an impressive website that includes specific information on more than 100 occupational groups.
The Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) http://www.capla.ca/
The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada http://www.canalliance.org/indexe.stm ensures that credential evaluation services provided by its members, including all of the provincially-mandated evaluation services in Canada, follow principles of good practice consistent with international standards.
Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists – http://www.cctt.cainformal Assessment of Foreign Qualifications and International Mobility Agreements
Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE) – http://www.ccpe.cathe Engineering International-Education Assessment Program Assesses the educational qualifications and credentials of foreign-trained engineers and their equivalencies to Canadian.
Skills for Change www.skillsforchange.org provides internationally-trained teachers with counselling and assistance regarding the teacher certification process.
“At least two-thirds of unutilized foreign-acquired skills – worth $1.6 billion–are in fact transferable to Canada.” – Tapping Immigrant Skills, JeffreyReitz,Institute of Research and Public Policy, Feb 2005”
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There are a number of resources in place to assist employers in assessing the credentials, experience and prior learning of skilled immigrants and foreign trained professionals.
World Education Services (WES) provides, among other services, International Academic Credential Evaluation for the purposes of employment, licensing and training and re-training programs. This agency has received Provincial endorsement to provide credentials evaluation services and its evaluations are broadly applicable and acceptable among a wide range of stakeholders. Many occupational regulatory bodies as well as major corporations rely upon WES evaluations. (For further information visit: www.wes.org/ca).
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada evaluates educational documents from other countries and compares them to Canadian standards. (For further information visit: www.icascanada.ca ) The University of Toronto offers Credential Assessment and Evaluation through its Comparative Education Services. (For further information visit: www.adm.utoronto.ca/ces/).
Many industries have national sector councils, in addition to professional associations, that address human resources issues in their specific industry sectors. Some councils have programs in the area of credential evaluation.
For most regulated trades and professions, the governing bodies like professional associations, set the standards and provide guidance and services for the foreign Credentials Evaluation and Accreditation process leading to licensing in Canada.
AfafMedical Laboratory Technician
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Resource Directory
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LOCAL IMMIGRATION SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) WEB:
Community Development Council Durham 134 Commercial Avenue Ajax ON L1S 2H5 Tel: 905-686-2661 Fax: 905-686-4157
Overview: (Source CDCD website)
The Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) was established in 1970 as the Social Planning Council of Ajax-Pickering and in 2003 we changed our name to better reflect our growing mandate to serve all of the communities in Durham Region. We are a membership based organization.
Our mission is to create, to advocate and to support community policies, attitudes and actions which enhance individual, family and community growth and development.
Our vision is that the CDCD shall act as a catalyst in the continuing development of a caring, inclusive community that supports the full participation of all of its citizens.
In all of our work we are guided by the following principles:
· We shall view the enhancement of social rights and freedoms as fundamental to a caring, inclusive community
· We will use a community development approach in identifying needs
· We will bring a cooperative, collaborative and coordinated approach to service and program planning and development
· We will view planning in a regional as well as local context
· We will reflect the principles of equity and fairness in all of our work
· We will view full participation in the context of the broad spectrum of community life including employment health and social supports; ensure its programs and services are responsive, inclusive and accessible
· We will advocate for these principles with others
Durham Immigration Portal
Background (Source: Durham Immigration Portal website)
The Community Immigration portal is a one-stop, community-based immigration web portal, designed to welcome, support, attract and retain skilled newcomers, newcomer entrepreneurs, businesses and other new Canadians to our Region.
There are over 35 Community Immigration Portals across the province of Ontario. With funding from Ontario's Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, the Region of Durham's departments of Social Services, Economic Development and Corporate Information Services partnered to develop the portal.
Durham Region's Immigration Portal is a truly collaborative and community-based initiative. Over 60 organizations from multiple sectors such as education, business, non-profit, government and business associations are taking shared responsibility for content creation and for the long-term sustainability of the portal.
The project team invited community participation from all eight local municipalities and are happy to report broad-based enthusiasm for the project and 100 percent participation.
www.durhamimmigration.ca/
http://www.cdcd.org
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Resource Directory
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LINC Durham
WEB:
Community Development Council Durham134 Commercial Avenue, Suite 138Ajax, ON L1S 2H5 T: 905.686.2661 Ext. 128T: 905.922.5462 / LINCT: 1.866.550.5462 / LINC
Overview: (Source LINC Durham website)
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, or LINC, is a program funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which offers language training across the country for permanent residents and convention refugees.
LINC assists the integration of immigrants into Canadian culture and society by providing thematic English language training. It includes social, cultural and economic information. Students learn basic and advanced topics related to Canada and the Canadian way of life, while learning English at the same time.
The purpose of the LINC program is to help newcomers become participating members of Canadian society.
http://www.durhamlinc.ca
: http://dce.ddsbschools.caDurham Continuing Education
WEB
Main OfficeDurham Continuing Education (E.A. Lovell site)120 Centre St.Oshawa, L1H 4A3905-436-3211800-408-9619Fax: 905-436-1780
Overview: (Source Durham Continuing Education website)
The LINC program is for landed immigrants and convention refugees. It helps newcomers to learn English and to learn about Canadian society. Childminding is provided to the preschool children (ages 6 months to 5 years) of the LINC students. Classes are held part-time and full-time in Oshawa and part-time in Pickering. Canadian citizens are not eligible for LINC classes.
English Language Training in the Workplace (EWP) assists newcomers to Canada, who are non-native speakers of English, with their English language skills in the workplace. Customized sessions are designed to meet the language training needs of learners in a Canadian workplace environment. EWP is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). To be eligible for this program, you must be a permanent resident (landed immigrant or convention refugee) and currently employed. A. EWP for Office Staff Sessions are suitable for internationally trained professionals, who are newcomers to Canada and currently employed in an office environment. To register for EWP for Office Staff, learners must enter class with a Canadian Language Benchmark result of 6/7 in all skill areas. B. EWP for Customer Service Staff Sessions are suitable for newcomers to Canada currently employed in front line, customer service positions. To register for EWP for Customer Service Staff, learners must enter class with a Canadian Language Benchmark result of 4/5 in all skill areas.
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The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre
WEB:
Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre - Head Office
272 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1C8
Tel: (905) 579-1821
Fax: (905) 579-1857
Overview:
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre understands the difficulties associated with moving to a new country, and so we provide services to help new Canadians.
The DREN Network
WEB:
60 Bond Street West, 8th FloorOshawa, OntarioL1G 1A5Phone: (905) 720-1777Fax: (905) 720-1363
Overview:The Durham Region Employment Network (DREN), a not-for-profit agency, was established in 1993. The organization was developed in response to the need for a single, coordinated effort to unite and share information on the vast array of employment, education/training and community services and programs available in Durham.
DREN advises/refers over 1500 individuals on a weekly basis to its 70 member agencies that offer employment services, education/training services and community support services across Durham.
DREN offers its members innovative workforce solutions by hosting Job Developer Meetings, Network Meetings, a Job Posting Service as well as advocating and promoting the member agencies through community outreach. Let DREN help you in your growth towards success and become a member.
http://www.unemployedhelp.on.ca/clientcanadian.htm
http://www.dren.org
(Source The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre website)
(Source The DREN website)
Resource Directory
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Northern Lights
WEB:
Northern Lights50 Richmond Street East, Suite 3McLaughlin SquareOshawa, OntarioL1G 7C7
Overview: (Source (Northern Lights)website)
Enter the Canadian workforce with confidenceEnter the Canadian workforce with confidence! Our Job Search Workshop gives you the tools necessary to begin the search for meaningful employment. We provide guidance, planning, support and job search information to those newcomers seeking employment.
Who can participate?Newcomers to Canada between the ages of 13-24 yearsNewcomer Youth looking for full-time, part-time or summer workProof of immigration is required
Follow-up supportIf you are experiencing challenges with employment and adjusting to life in Canada, give us a call. You can meet with an Employment Specialist who will assist with identifying needs and help determine appropriate services, resources and referrals within your community. You will also have access to a computer, internet, photocopier and fax machine for job searching purposes. Staff is available to provide support and to respond to individual job search issues and questions.
The Literacy Network of Durham Region (LiNDR)
WEB:
The Literacy Network of Durham Region 850 King Street West, Suite 20,Oshawa, Ontario L1J 8N5 In Oshawa:Phone: (905) 725-4786Long Distance: 1-800-263-0993
E-mail:
Overview: (Source (LiNDR)website)
Literacy is no longer considered an "all or nothing" skill. It is suggested instead that literacy abilities exist along a continuum. Statistics Canada defines literacy as "the information processing skills necessary to use the printed material commonly encountered at work, at home, and in the community. "
The International Adult Literacy Survey broke reading and writing skills down into several components and provided statistics on Canada's national literacy levels.
http://www.northernlightsosh.com/jsw/index.php?file=jswmain
http://www.lindr.on.ca
Resource Directory
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Durham College Internationally Trained ImmigrantsWEB:
Oshawa Community Employment Resource CentreT: 905.721.2000 ext. 2020E:
Overview: (Source Durham College website)
Our internationally trained immigrants advisor can help you develop a personalized plan of action including:
· Requirements for your profession or career;
· Specialized training;
· College programs, timelines and services;
· Available fast-track options;
· Credential assessment options;
· Potential employment opportunities and Canadian job search strategies for your career or an immediate job;
· English language training for college and/or employment;
· Professional skill enhancement; and
· Referrals to community resources and services.
Durham College
http://www.durhamprosperity.org/globalexperience.html
The Durham Economic Prosperity CommitteeGlobal Experience @ Work Initiative Durham
WEB:
Durham Economic Prosperity Committee44 Richmond Street West,Suite 100,Oshawa, Ontario L1G 1C7Telephone: 905-728-1683Fax: 905-432-2359
Overview:
Global Experience @ Work (GE@W) is part of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) strategy to better promote
Ontario as a career, business and investment destination of choice. As Ontario's Business Advocate, the OCC has an
ongoing interest in issues impacting economic growth, prosperity and sustainability in our province. GE@W is designed
to help Ontario keep up with the global economy. In an effort to better integrate foreign trained workers into the labour
force, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is assisting fifteen communities as they facilitate bridging between
workers and potential employers.
Resource Directory
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OTHER ONTARIO IMMIGRANT SERVICES
Durham Immigration Portal
Access Centre for Regulated Employment (ACRE) (Southwestern Ontario)
Bridge to work — Ontario Immigration
Comparative Education Service (CES)
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
Internationally Trained Workers Partnership (Ottawa)
LASI World Skills (Ottawa)
London-Middlesex Immigrant Employment Council (LMIEC) (London)
Mentoring Partnership (Toronto)
Global Experience at Work Initiative — Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Ontario Skills Passport: Skills and Work Habits for the Workplace
Skills for Change (Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Technologists and InformationTechnology Professionals) (Greater Toronto Area)
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) (Toronto)
Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) (Waterloo)
World Education Services
http://www.durhamimmigration.ca
http://www.accesscentre.ca
http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/english/bridge_other.asp#professions
http://learn.utoronto.ca/ces.htm
http://www.icascanada.ca/
http://www.itwp.ca
http://www.ottawa-worldskills.org
http://www.lmiec.ca
http://www.thementoringpartnership.com
http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/ENGLISH/geo.asp
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/working/employers
http://skills.edu.gov.on.ca/OSPWeb/jsp/login.jsp
http://www.skillsforchange.org/elt/index.html
http://www.triec.ca
http://www.wrien.com/main.cfm
http://www.wes.org/ca/employers/index.asp
Resource Directory
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NATIONAL RESOURCES
Alliance of Sector Councils
Application for Permanent Residence: Guide for Provincial Nominees — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Assisting Local Leaders with Immigrant Employment Strategies (ALLIES)
BioTalent Canada — (Pan-Canadian)
Canada's Top 100 Employers — Best Employers of New Canadians
Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment
Canadian Experience Class — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)
Canadian Labour and Business Centre (CLBC)
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
CanLearn
Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB)
Cultural Profiles Project — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Educational Testing Service Canada, Inc.
Employment Access Strategy for Immigrants — Looking Ahead Initiative
Enhanced Language Training — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Essential Skills — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Federal Skilled Worker Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Foreign Workers — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Going to Canada Portal — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Hire Immigrants
http://www.councils.org
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-application.asp
http://www.maytree.com/integration/allies
http://www.biotalent.ca/
http://www.canadastop100.com/immigrants/
http://www.capla.ca/
www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-how.asp
http://www.cicic.ca/
http://www.clbc.ca/files/Reports/Immigration_Handbook.pdf
http://www.cme-mec.ca/shared/upload/on/reference_piece.pdf
http://www.canlearn.ca
http://www.language.ca
http://www.cp-pc.ca
http://www.etscanada.ca
http://www.iecbc.ca/
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/cs/comm/hrsd/news/2005/050425ba.shtml
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/essential_skills/general/home.shtml
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/index.shtml
http://www.goingtocanada.gc.ca
http://www.hireimmigrants.ca
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NATIONAL RESOURCES CONTINUED
Human Resources Management Canada
Immigration Programs — Foreign Credentials Referral Office — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Immigrant-Serving Organizations — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Intercultural Insights
Integration-Net — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Integration Resources Canada
Job Bank — Service Canada
Labour Market Opinion Application — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Labour Market Opinion Basics — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
National Occupational Classification — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Off-Campus Work Permit Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Professional Associations — Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Provincial Nominee Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Temporary Foreign Worker Units — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Test de connaissance du français
Test de français international
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOE FL)
http://www.hrm.ca/jobs.htm
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/welcome/wel-20e.asp
http://www.thiagi.com/email-intercultural101-tips.html
http://www.integration-net.ca
http://www.integrationresourcescanada.com
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/intro_en.aspx
http://http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/fwp_forms.shtml
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/welcome/wel-22e.asp
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Welcome.aspx
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-offcampus.asp
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp
http://www.cicic.ca/en/profess.aspx?sortcode=2.19.21.21
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-who.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/tfw-units.asp
http://www.ciep.fr/en/tcf/index.php
http://www.etscanada.ca/tfi/index.php
http://www.toefl.org
Resource Directory
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NATIONAL RESOURCES CONTINUED
Test of English for International Communication (TOEI C)
Test of Workplace Essential Skills — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Visa Offices — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Worker Rights and Minimum Wage Rates — Going to Canada — Citizenship and Immigration
Working in Canada Tool — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Working Temporarily in Canada — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Work Permit Exemptions — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Visa Applications — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Visa Exemptions — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s Accessibility and Removal of Barriers Project
Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council
Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council
Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN)
Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council
Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council
Construction Sector Council Strategy Paper
Electricity Sector Council’s Foreign Credential Recognition Research Project
Engineers Canada
Information and Communications Technology Council
http://www.etscanada.ca/toeic
http://www.towes.com/home.aspx
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/index.asp
http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/content_pieces.do?content=worker_rights&lang=en
http://workingincanada.gc.ca
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/index.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-nopermit.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLish/visit/visas.asp
http://www.caf-fca.org/en/reports/accessing_apprenticeship.asp
http://www.cars-council.ca
http://www.camc.ca/en/35.html
http://www.celban.org/celban/display_page.asp?page_id=1
http://www.cthrc.ca
http://www.cthrc.com
http://www.csc-ca.org/pdf/Strategy-english-2.pdf
http://www.brightfutures.ca/resource-centre/reports.html
http://fc2i.engineerscanada.ca/e/index.cfm
http://www.ictc-ctic.ca/en/
SECTORAL RESOURCES
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SECTORAL RESOURCES CONTINUED
Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada
Skills for Change (Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Technologists and InformationTechnology Professionals)
Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of British Columbia
Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists of British Columbia
Textiles Human Resources Council’s Global Skills Connection
http://www.petrohrsc.ca
http://www.skillsforchange.org/elt/index.html
http://www.sitebc.ca
http://www.speatbc.org
http://www.thrc-crhit.org/en/programs/development-en.asp
Resource Directory
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce44 Richmond Street, W Suite 100
Oshawa, ON L1G1C7Phone: (905) 728-1683 Web:
The Clarington Board of Trade 181 Liberty Street South, P.O. Box 434
Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3Z2Phone: (905)-623-3106 Web:
The Whitby Chamber of Commerce128 Brock Street SouthWhitby, ON L1N 4J8
Phone:(905) 668-4506 Web:
Scugog Chamber of Commerce181 Perry Street, Unit G3
PO Box 1282., Port Perry, ON L9L 1A7Phone: (905) 985-4971 Web:
Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce2 Campbell Drive, Suite 810,
Uxbridge, ON, L9P 0A3Phone: (905) 852-7683 Web:
Beaverton District Chamber of CommercePost Office Box 29
Beaverton Ontario L0K 1A0Phone: (705) 426-2051 Web:
Ajax Pickering Board of Trade144 Old Kingston Road, Suite #10 – 2nd Floor.
Ajax, Ontario, L1T 2Z9Phone: (905) 686-0883 Web:
www.oshawachamber.com
www.cbot.ca
www.whitbychamber.org
www.scugogchamber.ca
www.uxcc.ca
www.beavertononlakesimcoe.com
www.apboardoftrade.com
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND BOARDS OF TRADE IN DURHAM REGION
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Statement of Disclaimer
The information contained in this Guide was compiled by The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce from data supplied by organizations, agencies and program providers, or extracted from descriptions available in printed materials and on websites. The inclusion in this Guide is not an endorsement of organizations listed within.
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce does not assume any liability for the accuracy, reliability, completeness and currency of the descriptions and the content of this Guide, and sincerely regrets any unintentional omissions of other agencies, programs or services pertinent to the purpose of this publication. Programs and services provided by agencies listed in this guide, which are not related to its purpose, have not been included. Furthermore, The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the changes in contact information contained herein, and assumes no responsibility to the user or to any third party for the consequences of any errors or omissions, disclosure of personal information or the unlawful, commercial or bad faith use by any third party of information provided by this Guide.
If there are errors or omissions please send an email to [email protected] so that we can update the online version.
Statement of Disclaimer
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