Skills for Change



SfCeNews
September 30, 2003
Volume 4  Issue 09

Skills for Change (SfC) is a non-profit agency based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Our mandate is to provide learning and training opportunities for immigrants and refugees so that they can participate in the workplace and wider community.

In this edition...

United Way 2003 Campaign
Nominations for 2004 New Pioneers Awards
Convention Centre Job Fair
Success Story
Which way to the "White House"?
What's new at ONIP
TechSkills Course Calendar
DERC News
Programs and Services Updates

SfC United Way Campaign Launch Meeting
September 26, 2003

Pictured (left to right): Alan Simpson (guest speaker from Youth Link);
Kanchan Lakhotia (SfC); Joanna Williams (Sponsored Employee from RBC Bank); Ari Wahl (United Way Fundraising Manager); Beth Graham Eccles (SfC); Trisha Grace (SfC)

Donate to our Flea Market Our 3rd annual flea market will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2003 at Skills for Change. All proceeds go to the United Way of Greater Toronto
Donations of books, electronics, CD's, small furniture, adult and children's clothing, toys, crafts, kitchen items, tools, and other attic treasures are especially welcomed. If you are interested in making a donation to this event, please call 416 658-3101 ext. 208 for more information.

United Way at SfC
 

2004 New Pioneers Awards
Thursday, March 25, 2004

Nomination deadline is
Wednesday, October 8, 2003

Nominate a friend, client, volunteer, employee, employer, student or teacher for the 2004 New Pioneers Awards and honour him/her for his/her achievements in Canada.

The New Pioneers Awards recognize the achievements of immigrants
and refugees in six award categories:

Arts
Community Service
Entrepreneurship
Science and Technology
Youth
Skills for Change Graduate

The 2004 New Pioneers Awards will be held on
Thursday, March 25, 2004
at the Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto.

If you are interested in sponsorships call Karobi Ray
at 416-658-3101 ext. 231

Click here for more information
 

Convention Centre Job Fair
Skills for Change participated in the National Job Fair at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on September 17th and 18th. Over the two day fair, SfC met with more than 800 individuals seeking information on our employment preparation services.

Many jobseekers were new immigrants who were unaware of our programs, particularly STIC, EPRS, and TechSkills. An overwhelming number of inquiries related to our Work Experience Placements and Mentoring programs which were seen as innovative programs for gaining employment.

In addition to jobseekers, SfC staff provided information to employers at the Fair on our Human Resource Service for Employers.

 

Manuel Stanciu writes "EPRS was a good fit for me as I have several years experience working in sales in my home country. The program was one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had. I was placed at the Bay/Bloor location in the Housewares Department. As a result of my hard work and excellent customer service skills, the Bay hired me! I have been in Canada for only one year and I am really enjoying my job. My success because of the training and support I received from Skills for Change!"

More success stories here...
 

Which way to the "White House"?

At the Employment for Retail Services (EPRS) graduation held September 19, graduate Maria Christina (Christie) Quiazon spoke:

"I was so curious on how to locate Skills for Change, so I asked the assistance of 211 and gave me the address. I remember him saying that the nearest intersection is Christie. So I walked and walked but no Skills for Change was found. I decided to try St. Clair West and finally I reached what they referred to as the “White House”. more...

Check out what's new at

First Anniversary Open House
The Ontario Network for International Professionals Online celebrated its First Anniversary with an Open House event on Friday, Sept. 26. A volunteer Recognition Ceremony, trivia quizzes, a “Find it on www.onip.ca” contest, and a live demonstration of online chat made for an informative, and entertaining afternoon, enjoyed by both guests and Skills for Change staff.

 

Help your Client find a Professional Mentor Online

ONIP.online has mentors available to work with internationally-trained professionals in our Online Mentoring  program.

If you have clients interested to enter the following professions

• Chartered Accountant - Audit

• Civil Engineer - Transportation

• Quality Assurance - Manufacturing

• Teacher - Secondary School

you can refer them to our program immediately.

The referral process is quick and easy. The program is open to internationally-trained professionals from all over Ontario. Mentors can help your clients in many different ways, including:

• provide current labour market information and trends

• set realistic career goals / plans

• help tap into the hidden job market

• target specific resumes

• introduce Canadian business practices and professional requirements

• provide information on employer expectations and employment guidance

• provide support and guidance through the professional licensing process

• provide guidance in building professional networks

For more information, and with questions, contact Farida Zuberi, e-mail mentoring@onip.ca.

 

October Online Workshops

For Internationally-trained Professionals:

"How to Google - Advanced Internet Research Skills" presented by Dora Rabinovich, Online Researcher ONIP.online Friday, October 3, 10:30 - noon "Online Resources for Internationally-trained Professionals" presented by Elga Nikolova, Coordinator, ONIP.online. Thursday, Oct. 30, 10:30 am - noon

For Service Providers:

"Providing Job Search and Career Planning Support to Internationally-trained Nurses"

presented by Carmen Hust, Coordinator, Bridging Program for Internationally Trained Nurses, Algonquin College, Friday, Oct 10, 10:30 am – noon

All events require prior registration. To register and to receive login information, send an e-mail to coordinator@onip.ca.

 

ONIP.online is a project of Skills for Change,
funded by Volunteer@ction.online
and the Ontario Trillium Foundation

To register, call 416 658-3101 ext. 218

Download application form in pdf format
 

In the October issue of DERC E-News:

Cold Calling Employers...
- What is cold calling?
- How to overcome the fear
- Special tips and amazing resources...

Learn about cold calling employers and how it can land you that next interview. Learn where to get contacts, what to say to employers and how to get what you want. Several resources are recommended for further reading/information.

Also in this issue....

Support United Way, Your Invited...Onip.online Anniversary, Tip of the Month, Resource of the Month, Video Highlights, Hot Workshop of the Month, and Cool Sites of The Month...

Acronym Soup

Confused? Don't be. Here's a list of our agency acronyms, what they mean and (where applicable) a link to the program web page.
 

CES	Clerical Employment Services
CIS	Cultural Interpreting Service
EAS	Employment Assistance Services
EPRS	Employment for Retail Services
ERC	Employment Resource Centre
FOAP	Finance & Office Assistant Program
IAT	Intake, Assessment and Training
ITAB	Internationally Trained Accountants and Bookkeepers
JSC	Job Search Centre
JSW	Job Search Workshop
LINC	Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
ONIP	Ontario Network for Internationally-training Professionals Online
NPA	New Pioneers Awards
STIC	Sector Terminology Information & Counselling

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