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For Immediate Release

December 20, 2005

Enhanced Language Training Program for New Immigrants Receives Funding Renewal!

Burlington, ON - The Centre for Skills Development & Training (The Centre) is proud to announce the renewal and re-launch of its exciting, higher level and employment focused English as a Second Language (ESL) program for new immigrants: The Enhanced Language Training Program (ELT).

Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and designed for individuals who already possess a baseline level of English language skills, this dynamic, full-time, eight-week program is offered in two distinct strands. The first, a more generic job preparation program, focuses on improving general fluency and “business English” while also helping to familiarize participants with the Canadian job market, workplace culture and job search skills. The second strand, which is directed at those interested in careers in the Residential Construction industry, combines higher-level trade-specific English language training with a hands-on trade specific training component that will help them to become familiar with Canadian codes, procedures and licensing requirements. Regardless of the strand they choose, all participants will have access to a dedicated Employment Counsellor who will work with them to identify any further training or re-training needs, to obtain non-paying positions where they can gain much needed Canadian work experience, or, ideally, to find permanent, full-time, employment in their desired fields.

“For most new immigrants, even foreign-trained professionals, finding employment in their chosen field can be a real challenge,” says Barb Krukowski, Manager of The Centre’s ESL programs. “Language barriers, a lack of familiarity with the dynamics and unique characteristics of their chosen industrial sector and a lack of Canadian work experience are often significant barriers to a smooth transition into the Canadian workforce. This program addresses those specific issues and we’re very pleased that Citizenship and Immigration Canada has seen fit to renew the funding for this program.”

In addition to the Employment Counsellor, participants also gain access to The Centre’s Bay Area Employment Resource Centre, which is staffed by four career information specialists and which contains a comprehensive array of career decision-making and job search tools.

Both strands of the program are scheduled to start on January 9th, 2006. Because it features a “higher level” of English language training, a pre-assessment may be required.

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a leading provider of quality career and workforce development programs, products and services specializing in Pre-Apprenticeship Trades and Technology, Career Planning and Development and Language Skills and Academic Upgrading.