CANADIAN EMPLOYMENT SKILLS PROGRAM
The YWCA of Calgary empowers skilled immigrant workers to find employment in their fields of expertise.
The YWCA of Calgary's Canadian Employement Skills Program (CES) is a bridging program that combines communication skills, computer training and job readiness preparation with work experience placements to prepare new Canadians for employment in their professions in Canada.
To qualify for the program, the participants must have occupational training and work experience from their country of origin as well as intermediate English language skills. Many of the participants are working in survival jobs in Calgary in spite of having university degrees and diplomas from their first countries. This 25-week program is fully funded by Alberta Employment and Immigration and has been offered at the YWCA of Calgary since 1999.
Program Components
Canadian Workplace Culture (10 weeks)
* Adapting to the workplace
* English upgrading
* Job readiness
* Computer training
* Speakers
Work Experience (12 weeks)
* On-the-job settings that match the immigrants’ occupational skills
Job Search Assistance (3 weeks)
Participant Profile
To qualify for the Canadian Employment Skills program:
* You must be a Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen (in Canada 10 years or less).
* You must have High-Intermediate English Language Skills (assessed at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark Level L/S 6, R 5, W 5).
* You must have occupational skills, training and experience from your country of origin (may include: Engineering Technologist, Accounting Clerk, Bank Teller, Office Clerk, Hair Stylist, Personal Care Attendant, etc.)
* Both men and women are eligible to apply. You may be an unemployed Albertan, an EI (Employment Insurance) or EI Reachback client or on IS (Income Support) recipient.
Registration
Call (403) 294-7336 for an appointment to attend an information session or e-mail cesoff@YWCAofcalgary.com.