Backup_of_Global Workbook FINAL

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
WELCOME!
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
Gyeongseon
Office Administrator
Banker
Raj
Electrical Eng.
Design Eng.
Caroline
Office Administration
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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
Main Menu
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2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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
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 .
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. [email protected]
Childcare
www.jacobstrategies.ca
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JACOB STRATEGIES
3
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Durham Economic Prosperity Committee
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
Acknowledgements
3
Durham Economic Prosperity Committee
4
INTRODUCTION
Global Experience @Work
Who Is This Guide For?
Barriers to Hiring Skilled Immigrants in Durham
Preparing for Immigration in the Durham Region
Connecting Employers and Skilled Immigrants
6-7
8
9
10
10
Durham Immigration Council
11-12
WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES HIRE IMMIGRANTS?
13-17
Benefits of Hiring Immigrants
Accessing The Large and Growing Pool of Skilled Immigrants
Improving Hiring Practices
LANGUAGE SKILLS
18-21
Assessing Language Skills, Proficiency Levels and Specific Job
Related Language Skills
References To Programs, Services and Other Resources Available
ASSESSING INTERNATIONAL CREDENTIALS
22-25
Assessing, Comparing and Recognizing International Credentials
and Experience
References To Programs, Services and Other Resources Available
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Local Resources
Ontario Resources
National Resources
Sectoral Resources
Statement of Disclaimer
26-34
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5
GLOBAL EXPERIENCE@WORK
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
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?
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.
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Maria
Accountant
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Barriers to Hiring Skilled Immigrants in Durham
The following are concerns employers may have about hiring Internationally Trained Individuals:
Bringing many cultures
together to work:
Evaluating international
education and credentials:
Some employers are
apprehensive about what might
happen when different cultures
come together in one workplace.
Will everyone get along?
How does a degree or diploma
compare to a Canadian
designation?
International reference
checks:
How do I check references
from other countries?
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!
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?
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Preparing for Immigration in the Durham Region and
Connecting Employers and Skilled Immigrants
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 and
Connecting Employers and Skilled Immigrants
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
Reduce 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
In recent years, businesses across Canada
reported job specific skilled shortages and
workforce management concerns including high
turnover and wage inflation due to:
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Ÿ
Aging workers
Shortage of experienced talent attached
with rising demand for labour
Shortfall of qualified graduates
Upcoming retirements
Competitors growing compensation
packages in bids to poach skilled talent
Increased competition for talent created
difficulty in attracting employees
Remember that Diverse
Viewpoints can bring:
·
·
·
·
·
·
Cost of Losing Talent
Serve Ethnically Diverse
Customers
Attract and Retain Skilled
Talent
Profitability
Business essentials – Not
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just the right thing to
do,
but it makes business
sense
Innovation
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Durham Immigration Council
Local Diversity and Immigration Portal Partnership
Background
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 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, nonprofit, 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.
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Source: Region of Durham
Website
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Durham Immigration Council
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
Rizwana
Counsellor/ Teacher
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For more information visit:
http://www.durhamimmigration.
ca
13
Source: Region of Durham
Website
Table of Contents
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
Guillermo
Business Manager
Import and Export Distribution
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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) 3265656 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
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:
Ÿ Advertising openings through settlement agencies providing employment
services to newcomers
Ÿ Forging connections with leaders of ethnic communities, ethnic employers and
others already having a diverse workforce
Ÿ Offering and advertising placements and job openings through ethnic media
outlets
Ÿ 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.
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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.
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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Eva
Import, Export Management
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Table of Contents
How to Include Hiring and Retaining Internationally
Trained Professionals in Your Current Responsibility
SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYER
WHY?
Increased
Meet Staffing
Social
Efficiency/ Productivity/
Needs
Responsibility
Profitability
HOW?
WHY?
Info and
Research
Assessment
Bridge-to-Work
Mentoring
Language Training
Job/Skills Training
Diversity/
Inclusiveness
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Work
Force
Planning
Job
Recruitment
Standards/
Orientation
Classification
Skills
Development/
Training
Staff and
Performance
Management
Legislative
Compliance
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Source: Federal Government
“Employer’s Roadmap”
18
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Language Skills
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
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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Vivian
Accountant
19
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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 or
http://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 or
Mentorship opportunities.
Sadd
Nuclear Eng.
Expert in radiation effects on environment
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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
Professionals
To encourage Ontario businesses to tap into the talents of newcomers, the Ontario
government is participating in an internship program that will provide internationallytrained 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-bystep 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
Oluchi
Teacher
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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 of
accomplishments 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:
Obtain an
assessment of
credentials
through a
credential
evaluation
service
Conduct skills
testing
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
Assess technical
demonstrations
at the worksite
Focus on
skills and
competencies
rather than
specific
credentials
Assess
employability
skills
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Source: Diagram adapted from The Alliance of Sector Councils FCR Workshop Materials
22
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Assessing, comparing and recognizing international
credentials and experience
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.
Don't assume
applicants will
know what to
submit when
they apply for a
job.
Be specific about the
documents you want
to see (résumé,
credential
equivalencies,
diplomas, reference
letters, etc.)
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
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.ca
informal Assessment of Foreign Qualifications and International Mobility Agreements
Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE) – http://www.ccpe.ca
the 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.
Afaf
Medical Laboratory Technician
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. Childcare
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Resource Directory
LOCAL IMMIGRATION SERVICE PROVIDERS
Durham Immigration Portal
www.durhamimmigration.ca/
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.
The Community Development Council Durham (CDCD)
WEB: http://www.cdcd.org
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
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LINC Durham
WEB: http://www.durhamlinc.ca
Community Development Council Durham
134 Commercial Avenue, Suite 138
Ajax, ON L1S 2H5
T: 905.686.2661 Ext. 128
T: 905.922.5462 / LINC
T: 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.
Durham Continuing Education
WEB: http://dce.ddsbschools.ca
Main Office
Durham Continuing Education (E.A. Lovell site)
120 Centre St.
Oshawa, L1H 4A3
905-436-3211
800-408-9619
Fax: 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.
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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: http://www.unemployedhelp.on.ca/clientcanadian.htm
Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre - Head Office
272 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1C8
Tel: (905) 579-1821
Fax: (905) 579-1857
Overview: (Source The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre website)
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: http://www.dren.org
60 Bond Street West, 8th Floor
Oshawa, Ontario
L1G 1A5
Phone: (905) 720-1777
Fax: (905) 720-1363
Overview: (Source The DREN website)
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.
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Resource Directory
Northern Lights
WEB: http://www.northernlightsosh.com/jsw/index.php?file=jswmain
Northern Lights
50 Richmond Street East, Suite 3
McLaughlin Square
Oshawa, Ontario
L1G 7C7
Overview: (Source (Northern Lights)website)
Enter the Canadian workforce with confidence
Enter 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 years
Newcomer Youth looking for full-time, part-time or summer work
Proof of immigration is required
Follow-up support
If 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: http://www.lindr.on.ca
The Literacy Network of Durham Region
850 King Street West, Suite 20,
Oshawa, Ontario L1J 8N5
In Oshawa:
Phone: (905) 725-4786
Long Distance: 1-800-263-0993
E-mail: [email protected]
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. "
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The International Adult Literacy Survey broke reading and writing skills down into several components and provided
statistics on Canada's national literacy levels.
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Durham College Internationally Trained Immigrants
WEB: Durham College
Oshawa Community Employment Resource Centre
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2020
E: [email protected]
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.
The Durham Economic Prosperity Committee
Global Experience @ Work Initiative Durham
WEB: http://www.durhamprosperity.org/globalexperience.html
Durham Economic Prosperity Committee
44 Richmond Street West,
Suite 100,
Oshawa, Ontario L1G 1C7
Telephone: 905-728-1683
Fax: 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
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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.
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OTHER ONTARIO IMMIGRANT SERVICES
Durham Immigration Portal
http://www.durhamimmigration.ca
Access Centre for Regulated Employment (ACRE) (Southwestern Ontario)
http://www.accesscentre.ca
Bridge to work — Ontario Immigration
http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/english/bridge_other.asp#professions
Comparative Education Service (CES)
http://learn.utoronto.ca/ces.htm
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
http://www.icascanada.ca/
Internationally Trained Workers Partnership (Ottawa)
http://www.itwp.ca
LASI World Skills (Ottawa)
http://www.ottawa-worldskills.org
London-Middlesex Immigrant Employment Council (LMIEC) (London)
http://www.lmiec.ca
Mentoring Partnership (Toronto)
http://www.thementoringpartnership.com
Global Experience at Work Initiative — Ontario Chamber of Commerce
http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/ENGLISH/geo.asp
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/working/employers
Ontario Skills Passport: Skills and Work Habits for the Workplace
http://skills.edu.gov.on.ca/OSPWeb/jsp/login.jsp
Skills for Change (Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Technologists and Information
Technology Professionals) (Greater Toronto Area)
http://www.skillsforchange.org/elt/index.html
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) (Toronto)
http://www.triec.ca
Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) (Waterloo)
http://www.wrien.com/main.cfm
World Education Services
http://www.wes.org/ca/employers/index.asp
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NATIONAL RESOURCES
Alliance of Sector Councils
http://www.councils.org
Application for Permanent Residence: Guide for Provincial Nominees — Citizenship and Immigration
Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-application.asp
Assisting Local Leaders with Immigrant Employment Strategies (ALLIES)
http://www.maytree.com/integration/allies
BioTalent Canada — (Pan-Canadian)
http://www.biotalent.ca/
Canada's Top 100 Employers — Best Employers of New Canadians
http://www.canadastop100.com/immigrants/
Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment
http://www.capla.ca/
Canadian Experience Class — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/apply-how.asp
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)
http://www.cicic.ca/
Canadian Labour and Business Centre (CLBC)
http://www.clbc.ca/files/Reports/Immigration_Handbook.pdf
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
http://www.cme-mec.ca/shared/upload/on/reference_piece.pdf
CanLearn
http://www.canlearn.ca
Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB)
http://www.language.ca
Cultural Profiles Project — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cp-pc.ca
Educational Testing Service Canada, Inc.
http://www.etscanada.ca
Employment Access Strategy for Immigrants — Looking Ahead Initiative
http://www.iecbc.ca/
Enhanced Language Training — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/cs/comm/hrsd/news/2005/050425ba.shtml
Essential Skills — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/essential_skills/general/home.shtml
Federal Skilled Worker Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp
Foreign Workers — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/index.shtml
Going to Canada Portal — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.goingtocanada.gc.ca
Hire Immigrants
http://www.hireimmigrants.ca
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NATIONAL RESOURCES CONTINUED
Human Resources Management Canada
http://www.hrm.ca/jobs.htm
Immigration Programs — Foreign Credentials Referral Office — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp
Immigrant-Serving Organizations — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/welcome/wel-20e.asp
Intercultural Insights
http://www.thiagi.com/email-intercultural101-tips.html
Integration-Net — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.integration-net.ca
Integration Resources Canada
http://www.integrationresourcescanada.com
Job Bank — Service Canada
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/intro_en.aspx
Labour Market Opinion Application — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/fwp_forms.shtml
Labour Market Opinion Basics — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/welcome/wel-22e.asp
National Occupational Classification — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Welcome.aspx
Off-Campus Work Permit Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-offcampus.asp
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp
Professional Associations — Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
http://www.cicic.ca/en/profess.aspx?sortcode=2.19.21.21
Provincial Nominee Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/apply-who.asp
Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/index.asp
Temporary Foreign Worker Units — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/tfw-units.asp
Test de connaissance du français
http://www.ciep.fr/en/tcf/index.php
Test de français international
http://www.etscanada.ca/tfi/index.php
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOE FL)
http://www.toefl.org
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NATIONAL RESOURCES CONTINUED
Test of English for International Communication (TOEI C)
http://www.etscanada.ca/toeic
Test of Workplace Essential Skills — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
http://www.towes.com/home.aspx
Visa Offices — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/index.asp
Worker Rights and Minimum Wage Rates — Going to Canada — Citizenship and Immigration
http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/content_pieces.do?content=worker_rights&lang=en
Working in Canada Tool — Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
http://workingincanada.gc.ca
Working Temporarily in Canada — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/index.asp
Work Permit Exemptions — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-nopermit.asp
Visa Applications — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp
Visa Exemptions — Citizenship and Immigration Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLish/visit/visas.asp
SECTORAL RESOURCES
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s Accessibility and Removal of Barriers Project
http://www.caf-fca.org/en/reports/accessing_apprenticeship.asp
Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council
http://www.cars-council.ca
Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council
http://www.camc.ca/en/35.html
Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses (CELBAN)
http://www.celban.org/celban/display_page.asp?page_id=1
Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council
http://www.cthrc.ca
Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council
http://www.cthrc.com
Construction Sector Council Strategy Paper
http://www.csc-ca.org/pdf/Strategy-english-2.pdf
Electricity Sector Council’s Foreign Credential Recognition Research Project
http://www.brightfutures.ca/resource-centre/reports.html
Engineers Canada
http://fc2i.engineerscanada.ca/e/index.cfm
Information and Communications Technology Council
http://www.ictc-ctic.ca/en/
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SECTORAL RESOURCES CONTINUED
Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada
http://www.petrohrsc.ca
Skills for Change (Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Technologists and Information
Technology Professionals)
http://www.skillsforchange.org/elt/index.html
Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of British Columbia
http://www.sitebc.ca
Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists of British Columbia
http://www.speatbc.org
Textiles Human Resources Council’s Global Skills Connection
http://www.thrc-crhit.org/en/programs/development-en.asp
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND BOARDS OF TRADE IN DURHAM REGION
The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
44 Richmond Street, W Suite 100
Oshawa, ON L1G1C7
Phone: (905) 728-1683 Web: www.oshawachamber.com
The Clarington Board of Trade
181 Liberty Street South, P.O. Box 434
Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3Z2
Phone: (905)-623-3106 Web: www.cbot.ca
The Whitby Chamber of Commerce
128 Brock Street South
Whitby, ON L1N 4J8
Phone:(905) 668-4506 Web: www.whitbychamber.org
Scugog Chamber of Commerce
181 Perry Street, Unit G3
PO Box 1282., Port Perry, ON L9L 1A7
Phone: (905) 985-4971 Web: www.scugogchamber.ca
Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce
2 Campbell Drive, Suite 810,
Uxbridge, ON, L9P 0A3
Phone: (905) 852-7683 Web: www.uxcc.ca
Beaverton District Chamber of Commerce
Post Office Box 29
Beaverton Ontario L0K 1A0
Phone: (705) 426-2051 Web: www.beavertononlakesimcoe.com
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Ajax Pickering Board of Trade
144 Old Kingston Road, Suite #10 – 2nd Floor.
Ajax, Ontario, L1T 2Z9
Phone: (905) 686-0883 Web: www.apboardoftrade.com
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Statement of Disclaimer
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.
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