PRESS RELEASE                                           

March 23, 2007

Innovative New Opportunity for Foreign Trained Engineers -

VANCOUVER, BC - S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Spectra Energy, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and their Year 3 Funding Partners collaborate to address the foreign credential recognition issue and energy sector labour market issues by forming the Immigrant Engineering Orientation Program (IEOP).

Press Conference Thursday, March 22, 2007

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. CEO, Tung Chan said that this initiative was a long time coming, and that it was successful because it was a joint effort.  Mr. Danny Strilchuk of Spectra Energy said that they were excited about launching this new program and were committed to helping new immigrants and ensure diversity in the workplace.

About the IEOP program:

IEOP is a first of its kind program in BC that supports professional immigrant engineers in overcoming foreign credential recognition barriers and provides them with the opportunity to directly continue with their professional careers here in Canada.

The training begins on April 23^rd, 2007 including 10 weeks of workplace culture and language preparation developed and delivered by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. This is followed by 6 weeks of Canadian engineering work experience at Spectra Energy facilities in Northeastern B.C. Employment opportunities in the energy sector will follow the field practicum.

The program is funded by Spectra Energy, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and their Year 3 Funding Partners.

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S.:

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social services and immigrant services organizations in the Lower Mainland.  It was established 33 years ago and currently operates in 12 locations providing settlement, employment, business and economic development services to over 230,000 people annually.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Craig Woods
IEOP Program Manager
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Surrey Campus
604-588-6869
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Or learn more about IEOP online at:
http://www.successbc.ca/eng/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,164