ICTC Launches Canada Readiness Tool and Immigration Initiatives

First-of-its-kind Tool Helps Global ICT Talent Integrate into the Canadian Labour Market

OTTAWA , Jan. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - On January 27, 2010 , the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) launched the Canada Readiness Tool, the most robust tool developed to date to help internationally educated ICT professionals (IEPs) from around the world integrate more effectively into the Canadian workforce. Funded by the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program, the Canada Readiness Tool is a bilingual, online competency-based self-assessment tool that educates IEPs about the three C's for success in the Canadian ICT workplace - Culture, Communication and Competencies.

"Our Government is taking concrete steps to facilitate the integration of newcomers into the work force so that they can put their skills to work sooner, helping to strengthen the labour market and improve the standard of living of all Canadians," said the Honourable Diane Finley , Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. "Attracting and retaining the best international talent to address existing and future labour market challenges is critical to Canada's long-term economic success."

After incorporating feedback from partners and ICT IEPs overseas in India , China and the Philippines and across Canada in Montreal , Toronto , Vancouver , Ottawa , the Canada Readiness Tool offers three self-assessment modules on Workplace Culture, Workplace Communication, and Workplace Competencies as well as guides on resumé building, interview preparation, and the Canadian ICT labour market.

"The Canada Readiness Tool is the first tool of its kind developed to meet the needs of the ICT workforce in Canada ," said Paul D. Swinwood, President of ICTC. "Through our innovative Immigration Initiatives that include programs, resources, and tools such as the Canada Readiness Tool, ICTC is paving the way towards helping global ICT talent integrate successfully into the Canadian ICT sector."

The tool was launched at ICTC's 2010 Immigration Initiatives Partnership Celebration in Ottawa , which recognized the successful launch of multiple programs, resources and tools developed for IEPs and employers, including a highly effective pilot bridge-to-work program (IWES), pilot mentorship programs, and various guides for IEPs. These have been developed with the integral support of partners and stakeholders under the Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Integration Initiative project, as part of ICTC's Immigration Initiatives. Leaders from industry, government, and immigrant serving agencies attended the event to celebrate the successes of the IEP Integration Initiative and launch of the Canada Readiness Tool.

An archive audio webcast of the event and launch is available at: http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=185429&s=1&k=0AF6FA2F5522A191E8FE80AA1245F04A

A podcast is available at: http://podcast.newswire.ca/media/ICTC-CTIC_20100128.mp3

Access the Canada Readiness Tool online at: www.ictc-ctic.ca

About ICTC

The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), is a not-for-profit sector council that strives to create a diverse, prepared and highly educated Canadian ICT industry and workforce. We forge partnerships that will help develop the quantity and quality of ICT professionals needed to maintain and improve Canada's position as a leader in the global marketplace. www.ictc-ctic.ca

For further information: Tammy Bokhari, Communications Manager, Immigration Initiatives, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), [phone] ext 129, [email protected]