VANCOUVER, BC - The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. BC are proud to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind pilot program to help prepare internationally educated professionals (IEPs) for employment in Canada’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

The Integrated Work Experience Strategy (IWES) pilot program is being hosted in Greater Vancouver and will run throughout 2009. It provides IEPs with an intensive introduction to Canadian workplace culture and the communications skills they require for success on the job. The program also prepares candidates for specific occupations and arranges work placements with ICT employers. By December 2009, 30 participants will have completed the program.

“We’re proud to be a part of this initiative. We believe it will have a real impact at the ground level, giving highly skilled internationally educated professionals the chance to become thriving, contributing members of Canadian society,” said Thomas Tam, Acting CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

This IWES pilot will help address current employment barriers facing highly skilled ICT IEPs, create opportunities for these professionals to find meaningful employment in the ICT industry, and support the industry as it responds to workforce skills shortages.

The IWES program consists of a five-week intensive training session including full-time classroom training and interactive workshops followed by guided work experience. It allows IEPs to identify and improve their soft skills which are necessary for successfully integrating into the Canadian ICT workplace. The program will increase the availability of highly qualified IEPs to meet the demand of the ICT sector.

IWES is part of ICTC’s Immigration Initiatives, which aims to strengthen Canada’s competitive advantage in the global ICT market.

“We’re hoping to roll this pilot our across the country as part of our broader IEP initiative. IEPs are an important part of a highly skilled Canadian labour market and we’re committed to doing everything we can to foster their smooth integration into the workforce,” said Paul Swinwood, President and CEO of ICTC.

The IWES program provides training in workplace cultural intelligence, workplace communication, business networking and community connections. If the pilot proves successful, it may be replicated throughout Canada.

The IWES program is available to unemployed or underemployed internationally educated ICT professionals who are legally entitled to work in Canada and are recent immigrants to Canada. Eligible IEPs must have a background in ICT/IT, be committed to completing an intensive program, and have an interest in working in Canada’s ICT sector.

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CONTACT:
Eileen Lao                                                     Stephanie van Riel       
Manager, Public Affairs, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.          Project Manager, IEP Integration Initiative, ICTC
Tel: 604-408-7243                                          Tel: 613-237-8551 ext 147
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