Newcomers to Canada should head straight to this Web site to get information about this country's employment and training opportunities.

The site is run by Skills for Change, a Toronto-based non-profit service agency, which has been helping immigrants and refugees upgrade their skills and get ready for the Canadian labour market for 20 years.

The Web site provides current links to services and information, a calendar of program events and a free monthly e-mail newsletter for subscribers.

Check out the inspirational "My Story" section to read experiences from immigrants who are trying to make their way in Canada. You'll read about the frustrations, challenges and even joy newcomers face when settling here.

To get the latest employment and training news, go to the "SFC News" E-section, which has links to information including the latest census immigration numbers and a handy explanation of bureaucratic terms and acronyms that might make newcomers stumble.

The "Access to Trades" section is a great resource for professionals and skilled tradespeople who want detailed information about how to become accredited in Canada. This section includes links to a handy reference chart that helps match skilled immigrants with the contact information they need to start the process of being professionally recognized in Canada. There is also a "how-to-kit" for agencies looking to develop workshops or information sessions for foreign-trained individuals.

Skills for Change has been working tirelessly to make sure skilled newcomers aren't underemployed or unemployed after they get here. Visitors to the site can download for free "Making a Change Together," a 132-page resource handbook for promoting access to the trades and profession.

While the Web site mainly includes information for new Ontario residents, any immigrant can find this site useful.