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October 31, 2005
Volume 6 Issue 10
Circulation 6,780 Subscribers
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.
Download our
Programs and
Services Calendar
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In this
edition...
Are we ready
for more immigrants?
Skills for Change is Hiring
Swedish Visit
one2one
Coaching
Riding the
Waves of Change
New
Pioneers Awards March 30, 2006
New Canadians
Help Grow Your Business
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Are we ready
for more immigrants? |
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Not if you talk to the people who help settle them
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by Bruce Campion-Smith
Ottawa Bureau
October 11, 2005 |
OTTAWA—Jane Cullingworth is quick to commend
the federal government for its proposed plan to throw open Canada's doors to new
immigrants.
And she's equally quick to add a caution.
"With that there needs to be a commitment to provide appropriate supports to
people when they get here," says the executive director of Skills for Change, a
Toronto agency that works with newcomers.
Later this month, Ottawa is expected to take the wraps off its immigration
vision. At its centre will be a strategy to allow up to 320,000 immigrants into
the country each year, up 100,000 over current levels.
But experts say the government's immigration strategy is bound to fail unless
Ottawa is also prepared to give more money and flexibility to agencies that help
new immigrants find their feet in this country.
Cullingworth expects she will, through Skills for Change, face the big task of
helping some of these new immigrants find work.
Accountants, social workers, health-care professionals, experts in information
technology and engineers — some 9,000 a year — all come to her St. Clair Ave. W.
office looking for a new start in their adopted land.
Their average age is 33, they've been in the country less than a year — and
they're keen to find work, Cullingworth says.
The agency offers help ranging from three-day job search workshops to intensive
six-month courses to upgrade skills. Specialized language training in medical
terminology, bookkeeping and the workplace is available, and there are basic
language lessons for everyday tasks such as shopping and using the phone.
Cullingworth applauds Ottawa's "aggressive" plan to boost immigration, but says
there has to be an "aggressive" strategy to support the newcomers.
"We want to make sure that accountants are in the accounting field, engineers
are in the engineering field. That does take resources," she says.
"They need help getting connected to their profession."
Continued...
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Skills for
Change is Hiring |
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Facilitator/Counsellor
Closing date: November 14, 2005
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Swedish Visit |
On October 17, Skills for Change had the
honour of hosting a delegation from Stockholm, Sweden.
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Click photo
for a larger view |
The
delegation was in
Toronto
for the Metropolis Conference and was interested in learning
about how our agency provides programs and services to immigrants
and refugees.
The party included representatives from Stockholm city government
(elected officials - including the Vice Mayor - and civil servants),
political parties, regional government, as well as a researcher from
the Lund University.
We all enjoyed the opportunity for dialogue about the opportunities
and challenges posed by integration initiatives in our two cities.
Thank you to the City of Toronto for coordinating the event.
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one2one
Coaching |
 one2one
COACHING is for job seekers looking for work in any field. You
may need help with your work search documents, preparing for an
interview or conducting an effective job search. Our coaching team can
help you with resume critiques, cover letter reviews, mock interviews,
and much more.
one2one COACHING is for you if you want training or
coaching designed specifically for your employment-preparation and
technical upgrading needs.
 The
Dufferin Mall Employment Resource Centre (DERC) coaching team is
experienced in helping job seekers prepare for finding employment. They
are expert in assessing your needs, and preparing you to apply job
search techniques successfully.
one2one COACHING is a free service of Skills for Change and
the Dufferin Mall Employment Resource Centre.
All coaching takes place at the Dufferin Mall Employment Resource
Centre, 900 Dufferin Street,
Suite 101.
Here are our services:
Mock Interview -
Gearing Yourself Up for an Interview
We will develop a customized mock interview based on the
actual position, company or industry you are targeting.
Learn what types of questions to expect, how to respond to
tough questions, and how to present yourself confidently
using positive body language.
You will be able to rehearse for the actual interview under
the guidance of a professional. We will videotape your
practice session and give you feedback as we review your
interview.
Book in advance at our reception desk. We'll need a copy of
your cover letter, the job advertisement for which you are
applying and your resume. We will contact you to set up a
mutually convenient date and time. |
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My Resume is Not
Working!
Let us help you fashion an attractive and effective resume,
one that accurately reflects your specific job objective.
We will edit your existing resume, making sure that it is
formatted appropriately for your situation, that your
terminology is correct and that you have included buzz words
and key phrases. We will also proofread for typos and
grammar and spelling mistakes. |
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Cover Letter
First Aid
You’ve written a cover letter but no one is reading it!
This one2one COACHING “fix-it” session will
help you personalize your cover letter, focus it on the job
you want, match your qualifications with employment
requirements, and make a good first impression that will
motivate an employer to invite you in for an interview.
Resume and cover letter assistance is available Monday
through Friday, every at 9 a.m. sharp. Get a number at our
reception. First come, first served. Maximum of 4 critiques
per day. |
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Resume and Cover
Letter Clinic
Every Wednesday, by appointment only. Call 416-516-4689 to
register. |
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Fashion Models
Need a Portfolio –
and so do Professionals Like You!
This private one2one COACHING session will
cover the what, why, when, where and how of portfolio
building: What will you include in your portfolio? When and
where will you use your portfolio? How will you actually
organize your portfolio and use it strategically for
self-marketing and job search purposes? Call 416-516-4689 to
book an appointment. |
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Microsoft Word,
Internet and E-mail
Need to use Microsoft Word to create a resume? Not sure how
to fill out an online application? Want to learn how to
create your own e-mail account to contact employers?
Our one2one COACHING Computer Clinic is for
you!
Learn how to use the computer for job search purposes in a
fun, relaxed and easy-to-learn environment. The clinic is
held every Thursday at 5 p.m. Call 416-516-4689 to reserve a
seat.
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Riding the
Waves of Change |
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Skills for Change held its first
annual fundraising boat cruise in September 2005 aboard the Northern
Spirit at the Toronto Harbourfront.
The event was a great success and we are already looking forward to
next year’s event!
The guests enjoyed spectacular views of Toronto from Lake Ontario.
The evening began with guests boarding the ship to the music of
bagpipes, followed by dinner, dancing and an exciting Live Auction.
Many thanks to our sponsor – Canada Pure.
Also thanks to those who donated to our successful auction and guests:
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IBM
Councillor Joe Mihevc
Councillor Brian Ashton
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Jozef Stefanka
Marko Katic
Mayor David Miller
Michael Close
Michael Prue MPP
SunLife Financial
The Canadian Newcomer Magazine
The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario |
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New
Pioneers Awards March 30, 2006 |
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Reception, Dinner and Awards Ceremony
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North
Individual
Ticket
$100
Personal Table
(Seating ten of your friends or clients)
$1,200
Corporate Table
(Premier Seating, 10 per table, with signage)
$2,000
Corporate Table
(Seating 10 per table, with signage)
$1,500
General Information
Call 416 658-3101 ext. 231
More information
here
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New Canadians
Help Grow Your Business |
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Skills
for Change and Textronics Communications Inc. invite Toronto employers to a breakfast presentation -
New Canadians –
The Essential Business Asset - on Friday, November 18, from 7:30 am
– 9:00 am.
 Learn more about how Textronics grew their business with the
experience and expertise of skilled new Canadians and how your company
can access this important labour source.
For more information or to
register, contact David Hughes at 416-658-3101, ext. 216, or
hughes@skillsforchange.org.
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SfC
Programs Start Dates |
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Click link for course description and registration information.
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A+
Certification Preparation TBA
AccPac for
Windows November 14, November 19 and January 14/06
AutoCAD
Level I November 2
AutoCAD
Level II TBA
CCNA
Certification Preparation TBA
Clerical Employment Services (CES) November 7
Employment Preparation for Retail Services (EPRS) October 24, January
9, 2006
ESL/Accounting and Computer Skills for Immigrant Women November 21 and
February 20/06
ESL/Advanced
Communication in the Workplace for Working People November 14
ESL/Bookkeeping (Intermediate) December 10
ESL/Communicating
Clearly November 15
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ESL/Customer
Service Program TBA
ESL/English for
Academic Purposes November 21
ESL/Intensive
English November 14
ESL/Introductory
Bookkeeping December 10 and November 22
ESL/Keyboarding
December 10 and November 14
ESL/Medical
Terminology December 10
Information Session—Internationally-trained Accountants TBA
Information Session—Internationally-trained
Engineers TBA
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Information Session—Internationally-trained Accountants TBA
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Information Session—Internationally-trained Accountants TBA
Job
Search Workshop for New Immigrants TBA
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) TBA
MCSA
Preparation TBA
MCSE
Preparation TBA
Microsoft Access (Level 1) TBA
Microsoft
Access (Level 2) November 7
Microsoft
Excel (Level 1) TBA
Microsoft
Excel (Level 2) November 1
Microsoft
FrontPage – Build a Web Site November 12
Microsoft
Office (Word, Excel, Access) November 14
Microsoft
PowerPoint TBA
Microsoft
Word and Excel Essentials November 19
NEW!
PMP
Certification TBA
Quality
Assurance & Control TBA
QuickBooks November 22
NEW!
QuickTax November 16
NEW!
Simply
Accounting November 14
Software
Testing & Quality Assurance TBA
Teach in Ontario: Bridge to Employment for Internationally-trained
Teachers TBA
Teach in Ontario: Language Upgrading Course Oct. 28, Dec 23, Jan 9/06, Mar
20/06, Apr 19/06, May 23/06
TOEFL Level 7+ November 21
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TechSkills
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TechSkills specializes in hands-on, instructor-led training in the latest
software applications. We offer instructors with years of real-world
expertise in a fun informal setting, teaching everything from basic web
site development to more advanced accounting and database design.
Our courses are structured to encourage beginners and professionals to
start at the level that matches their skills and to lead them
progressively to more advanced topics. Because our classes are limited in
size, students have more hands-on interaction with the instructor.
 · Experienced professional instructors
· Small class sizes
· Quality training materials
· Competitive pricing
Registration
By phone - 416 658-3101 ext. 700
On-line -
www.skillsforchange.org/register
Complete course listing -
www.skillsforchange.org/techskills
Tuition tax credit forms will be issued.
Some classes are held at another location. Additional materials or
textbook fees may be charged for some courses. EI recipients welcomed.
NEW COURSES
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Course |
Start |
Days |
Length |
Hours |
Fee |
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QuickBooks |
Nov 22 |
Tue & Thurs |
3.5 wks |
25 hrs |
$225 |
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Quick Tax |
Nov 17 |
Wed |
6 wks |
20 hrs |
$180 |
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Word and Excel 2002 |
Nov 19 |
Saturday |
4 wks |
20 hrs |
$180 |
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November Guest Speakers |
 We
have five amazing guest speakers coming in November. Register early by
calling 416-516-4689. Please arrive on time. Latecomers will not be
admitted.
Sell the Sizzle! Keys to Successful Self-Promotion and Branding
Emmanuel Lopez, Cracker World Communications
Thursday, November 3, 2005 @ 1 pm
Every personality is a goldmine of rich resource material ready to be
developed into a successful, brand image. This informative workshop will
help participants identify their personal interests and apply them towards a
strong, memorable business name, job title, business card, tagline, etc.
Exploring your passions and unique personality differences is the magic key
to finding the "hook" to your promotional strategy.
There are only 20 seats available for this workshop. Please arrive on time;
latecomers will not be admitted.
Job Search Tips for Newcomers
Ruth Antiwiwaa, Midaynta/Culture Link
November 14, 2005 @ 1 pm
 Guest
Speaker Ruth Antiwiwaa offers a general overview to the job search process
for Newcomers to Canada. Ruth will also discuss programs and services
offered by Midaynta/Culture Link specifically geared towards helping
Newcomers find meaningful work opportunities.
Upcoming Interview? Learn How to Create a Powerful First Impression
Renee Munro, Image Matters
Tuesday, November 15, 2005 @ 1 pm
First impressions play a very important role at the job interview stage. Are
you making THE RIGHT IMPRESSION with on Employers?
In this workshop you will:
· Learn how to create a memorable First Impression
· Measure Your Impression Quotient
· Seven Steps to a Dazzling IQ
· The importance of greetings, handshakes and body language
The ABC's For Meeting New People and Networking
Emmanuel Lopez, Cracker World Communications
Wednesday, November 30, 2005 @ 1 pm
Meeting new people can be a frightening prospect. This informative workshop
will unleash your innate people and networking skills and tap into your
hidden self-confidence. Discover how your passions and personal interests
are fundamental elements in achieving your work or career goals. You will
take away sure-fire methods and a sense of play that will help you make
connections with anyone, anywhere.
There are only 20 seats available for this workshop. Please arrive on time;
latecomers will not be admitted.
First Aid for Wrongful Dismissal
Bruce Campbell, Labour Relations Associates
Thursday, November 17, 2005 @ 1 pm
Have you been unfairly dealt with or even terminated without just cause?
Learn about your rights, options and resources. Bruce Campbell is the head
of Labour Relations Associates, an organization which provides support
services to employees in Toronto and the surrounding area. The following
topics will be covered: discipline and termination of employment, employment
standards, labour legislation compliance and human rights issues. There will
also be a question and answer period.
More info? www.derc.ca
Contact Us:
t: (416) 516-4689 e:
erc@skillsforchange.org
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SfC
Changes |
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We wish the
following staff the very best in their new endeavours:
Kate Moore, Teach in Ontario - STIC Program
We welcome:
Helen Tam. Coordinator, Clerical Employment Services
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Programs
and Services Directory |
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Skills for Change
791 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6C 1B8
A
United Way member agency
Skills for Change is a
registered non-profit organization
Charitable registration #121471858RR0001
Telephone 416 658-3101 · Fax 416 658-6292
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