Resources for skilled immigrants and employers

Toronto Star
January 15, 2009

The Mentoring Partnership (hireimmigrants.ca, a program that provides employers with interactive tools, information and resources to help them find, interview, hire, promote and retain skilled immigrants. Employers can access a cross-cultural interviewing guide, sign up for free “webinars” and read about how other companies have already leveraged the talents of skilled immigrants.

Career Bridge (careerbridge.ca)

A program of Career Edge Organization that connects employers and skilled immigrants through paid internships ranging from four months to one year.

Immigrant internships are in mid-level positions and provide the “first Canadian experience” many new immigrants lack. Many internships end in full-time employment.

Employers get access to a highly skilled and educated talent pool with no commitment to hire at the end of the internship. Fifty per cent of candidates hold master’s or PhD degrees and more than eight years’ work experience, and all are pre-screened for high-level language skills.

Consortium of Agencies Serving Internationally-trained Professionals (casip.ca)

This eight-member group of agencies works collaboratively to co-ordinate employment and training services for skilled immigrants within the GTA.

Members offer immigrants services such as job search workshops, resumé and interview preparation, and bridging programs for specific occupations.

All members have job developers who serve as no-cost recruiters, helping employers find appropriate candidates from their client pool

World Education Services (wes.org/ca)

This not-for-profit group evaluates credentials and provides Canadian equivalency for international degrees.

Credential evaluation for immigrants is fast and easy and recognized by many employers.

Employers learn the Canadian equivalency of international degrees and better understand the educational backgrounds of skilled immigrants.

Skillsinternational.ca

This is a web-enabled, searchable database of skilled immigrant job seekers in Ontario.

Immigrants can have their resumés seen by employers across Ontario who use the site as a recruiting tool.

Like Workopolis but with exclusively immigrant resumés, employers can access pre-screened, internationally-trained candidates, who have beenrecommended by experienced employment advisers at community agencies across the province.

Internationally Educated Professionals Conference (iep.ca)

Feb. 20 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Registration is free.

Immigrants can make face-to-face connections with other IEPs and potential employers, mentors, and opportunities to gain Canadian work experience and learn about Canadian business culture. Participate in personal and professional development sessions

Employers have the opportunity to exhibit products and services in the marketplace and connect with hundreds of IEPs.

Settlement.org

This agency provides information and resources for new immigrants to Ontario on job search employment assessment, business start-ups, and work language training. It also has a very busy discussion board with information on various topics related to settlement.

Ontario government immigration (ontarioimmigration.ca)

A provincial government site for new immigrants to Ontario provides links to professional licensing, how to qualify for professional practice and prepare for employment, as well as comprehensive guides on living, working, doing business and studying in Ontario.

Reference: Toronto Star