Helping newcomers put their skills to work
Published: June 28, 2012
They come to Ontario with much-needed skills and experience but can’t work without Canadian credentials for fields such as engineering, medicine, law or business.
The solution: bridge training programs.
“Bridge training projects have a proven track record of success," said Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. "In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever that we help our skilled newcomers put their talents to work in Ontario’s economy.
“When newcomers succeed, Ontario succeeds.”
Sousa visited U of T recently to announce $57 million in new and ongoing funds for bridge training programs across the province which will provide aid among a broad range of professions including IT, health care, green economy, and business administration.
“It was a wise decision to enrol in the bridging program as I am now a fully Registered Physiotherapist,” said Nada Khairallah, a recent graduate of U of T’s bridge training program. “We were introduced to the Canadian communication skills and documentation style - both of these areas were not part of my previous education or practice.”
Medicine, law, business, and engineering are among the departments at U of T that will benefit from $9.8M in operating funds for three renewed programs and three new programs. The programs offer internationally trained newcomers skill assessments as well as relevant workplace experience. Preparation for license or certification examinations and relevant language training is also included.
"The U of T's bridge training programs - from Pharmacy to Physiotherapy and beyond - help in-demand professionals to find work in their fields, said U of T president David Naylor. “This strengthens Canada's capacity to attract and retain talented people from around the world - and that is crucial in our efforts to build a prosperous, successful society.
“The government deserves credit for this very smart investment."
Approximately 70 Ontario bridge training projects are offered across the province. More than 11,000 skilled newcomers will get training and support.
“Helping skilled immigrants in Ontario enter and integrate quickly into the Canadian labour market is part of the federal government’s plan for economic growth,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
Read more about some of U of T's bridging programs:
