Media Advisory - New IWES Skills Training Program in Ontario to Help
Newcomers Launch Career in Canada

TORONTO, March 23 /CNW Telbec/ - An exciting, joint effort is underway between industry, government, and the not-for-profit sector to help newcomers to Canada succeed. The Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration will attend the launch of the Integrated Work Experience Strategy (IWES), a new skills training pilot program in Ontario on March 29. There will be an opportunity to take photos.

IWES will help internationally educated professionals with an information and communications technology background develop the skills they need to succeed in the Canadian workplace. Through intensive in-classroom training with a focus on workplace cultural intelligence and communication, business networking, community connections and mentoring, followed by guided work experience (or practicum), the program will also benefit employers and help to further strengthen Canada's competitive advantage in the global ICT market.

The IWES program in Ontario is funded by the Government of Ontario, who receives support for some skills training programs from the Government of Canada. It is being offered by ICTC in Markham, in partnership with JVS Toronto.

Official Launch Briefing:

WHEN: March 29, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (registration will begin at 10:30 a.m.)

WHERE: Livewire, 109 Vanderhoof Ave., Toronto

SPEAKERS:

The Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Paul D. Swinwood, President, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)

Karen Goldenberg, CEO and President, JVS Toronto

Scott MacDonald, Vice President, Channels & Technology, Livewire

Akash Mahajan, Manager, Corporate & Stakeholder Relations (York Region), Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)

IWES Participants from the first intake of the program will also be in attendance and available for interviews.

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 JVS Toronto

JVS Toronto is a non-profit organization that was founded over 60 years ago to assist Jewish immigrants in finding employment after World War II. Today, the organization works with thousands of people from diverse backgrounds with diverse needs. JVS Toronto helps clients identify their strengths and goals, and develop the necessary skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school, work and life. Since 1947, this remarkable organization has enabled over 500,000 people to fulfill their potential. www.jvstoronto.org

For further information: RSVP: Amanda Batchelor, Manager of Communications and Marketing, JVS Toronto, [phone] ext. 287, [email protected]; Tammy Bokhari, Communications Manager, Immigration Initiatives, ICTC, [phone] ext. 129, [email protected]