About the Centre
News/Media

For Immediate Release

October 28, 2008

Internationally trained professionals benefit from
The Centre’s language programs

New Canadians often struggle to find rewarding work in their field after they arrive in Canada. At an event held at The Centre for Skills Development & Training on October 23, graduates of The Centre’s Enhanced Language Training (ELT) for Internationally Educated Professionals and Business People program shared stories about their hardships and successes.

“Newcomers face many challenges finding rewarding work in their field when they arrive in Canada, and someone whose first language is not English may encounter barriers to finding a good job,” said Kathy Mills, Chief Administrative Officer of The Centre. “The Centre helps people like these ELT graduates develop the language skills and career action plans that will help them achieve success.”

Offered at The Centre’s Burlington location, the ELT program provides new Canadians with advanced job and business-specific English language training, job search skills training, and one-on-one career counselling, leading to non-paid placement to gain Canadian experience. The program is fully funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is free to qualified participants. The Centre’s ELT program also offers a full suite of employment services, accessible through their Employment Resource Centres at locations throughout Halton.

Victoria Watters completed the ELT program in 2006. After coming to Canada from the Philippines, Ms. Watters found her initial job search to be very frustrating. Signing up for the ELT program was the best choice she could have made for her career. “Communication is the best tool you can have for finding a job,” says Ms. Watters. “It helps you have confidence in talking to people.” Victoria is now a Senior Tax Analyst with Deloitte & Touche LLP.

“Last night’s reunion was a great opportunity for the ELT graduates to network and expand their contacts,” continued Ms. Mills. “It’s also great for us to hear how they’re doing in their job search. We’re proud to be a partner in their success.”

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. The Centre offers its programs at locations in Burlington, Georgetown, Malton, Milton, Mississauga and Oakville. For more information, visit www.thecentre.on.ca.

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Contact: Melissa Pedersen
The Centre for Skills Development & Training
905-333-3499, ext. 258 | pedersenm@thecentre.on.ca

Alternate Contact: Maria McDonald,
Manager, Communications The Centre for Skills Development & Training 905-333-3499 ext. 135 | mcdonaldm@thecentre.on.ca