Media Advisory - Employers and Global Talent Say "Yes" to IWES

VANCOUVER , Jan. 11 /CNW Telbec/ - After six weeks of intensive in-classroom training and a minimum of three months guided work experience (or practicum), internationally educated professionals (IEPs) from around the world, with a background in information and communications technology (ICT), are now prepared to integrate more effectively into the Canadian workforce as a result of the Integrated Work Experience Strategy (IWES) program.

IWES is a bridge-to-work program that was piloted in the Greater Vancouver area under ICTC's Immigration Initiatives, in partnership with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. In addition to helping IEPs, the program benefits employers and strengthens Canada's competitive advantage in the global ICT market by providing training and experience in workplace cultural intelligence, workplace communication, business networking and community connections.

The remarkable success of this innovative program will be shared on January 15 at a special media briefing, followed by a formal graduation event celebration later that evening.

IWES is funded by the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program.

    
    Media Briefing:

    WHEN:        January 15, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

    WHERE:       3rd floor Board Room, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Social Service Centre,
                 28 West Pender Street, Vancouver

    SPEAKERS:    Tung Chan, CEO, S.U.C.C.E.S.S; Faye West, Chair, ICTC;
                 ICT Employers: Scott Michaels, Atimi Software and
                 Boudewijn Neijens, Aquatics Informatics; IWES Participants

    IWES Graduation and Awards Ceremony & Dinner:

    WHEN:        January 15, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

    WHERE:       Choi Hall, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Social Service Centre,
                 28 West Pender Street, Vancouver

    

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

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

Founded in 1973 and incorporated in 1974 as a non-profit charitable organization, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is now one of the largest immigration and social service agencies in British Columbia. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is a member agency of United Way of the Lower Mainland. Its primary objective is to promote the wellbeing of Canadians and immigrants by providing social, educational and health services, and through business and community development and advocacy. www.successbc.ca

For further information: and to RSVP: Eileen Lao, Manager, Public Affairs, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., [phone], [email protected]; Tammy Bokhari, Communications Manager, Immigration Initiatives, ICTC, [phone] ext 129, [email protected]