November 2016  NEWSLETTER
As we enter the month of November, we start to reflect on the year that is coming to an end, and the start of a new year ahead. As such, our leadership team is continuing our work on how to refine and expand our programming to serve our clients in the best possible ways; as well as looking at new, innovative tools to help our clients and the broader community to succeed in the workplace. Part of this work includes the development of our annual Diversity@Work conference, which will take place February 23rd, 2017, titled "The Changing Faces of Diversity." More information is to come, but we hope that this conference will allow us to build upon and support the work we do, around diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Last month, we were fortunate to host two Toronto MPs for a roundtable discussion with our Language Instruction for Newcomers program participants, and started to open up the conversation about the government's commitment to CPP, and addressing the immediate needs of new immigrants. We also hosted executives from CIBC for their "Day of Caring", which saw over 40 clients get a one-on-one chance to meet with CIBC to talk about resume building and job preparation.

This month, we focus on our Trades program, with the start of new classes (listed in this newsletter) and hosting ur 3rd annual Trades Expo, at Metro Hall on November 24th. Last year's event saw over 250 attendees. It is a fantastic opportunity to get a chance to network and meet with prospective employers within various trades' fields.

We are also launching our Hamilton and Dundas programs this month, providing employment and educational services to youth and seniors, and we are looking for referrals and volunteers to help make these programs a success.

Finally, I'd like to congratulate Skills for Change, on our 34th anniversary! We have accomplished a lot in 34 years but there is much more to work to do, as we look towards our milestone 35th anniversary next year!

We encourage you to read through the newsletter to see more details about our programs and services, and we encourage you to contact us at communications@skillsforchange.org for more information about our work.

Warm regards,

Surranna Sandy
Chief Executive Officer

MPs Carolyn Bennett and Marco Mendicino discuss the Canada Pension Plan with SfC clients
We would like to thank the Hon. Carolyn Bennett, MP for Toronto-St. Paul's and Marco Mendicino, MP for Eglinton-Lawrence for leading a discussion with Skills for Change's Language Instruction for Newcomers' Program, on the government's commitment to CPP, and other issues newcomers face when they immigrate to Canada on October 21, 2016. You can see more pictures of this event, which took place on October 21, 2016,  here.

SfC and CIBC Day of Caring 
Last Thursday, October 27th, Skills for Change hosted CIBC Senior Executives for their Day of Caring event. The event drew in close to 40 SfC clients, who had an interest in working in the IT and Finance fields. These Executives spent time talking to our clients about how to prepare their resumes, what employers are looking for in job interviews, and shared with them other job searching skills. Clients had the opportunity to meet one on one with each executive and get customized assistance with resumes and guidance on effective job search techniques. Thanks to CIBC for such a great event!
Immigrant Business Expo
On October 22nd, Skills for Change participated in the Immigrant Business Expo: an event dedicated to promote entrepreneurship services to newcomers. Attendees had the chance to network with new immigrant entrepreneurs and business experts, as well as learn about SfC and the support services that we offer for newcomer entrepreneurs.
Wednesday, November 30th, 10:00am - 3:00pm, at 791 St. Clair Avenue West, Room 310
Breakfast and Lunch included. CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Link to Employment
LINC
Want to improve your English? Learn Canadian culture and participate in field trips throughout the GTA. Language Instruction for Newcomer to Canada (LINC) levels 4/5 and 6/7 is the answer. Session 4 started on October 31, 2016 and end December 16, 2016. LINC runs on continuous intake. We offer child care through the Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) program for LINC participants with children from 19 months to 5 years of age. Registrants must be assessed by the YMCA to be eligible for the LINC program.

Please contact  Faduma Muse at
fmuse@skillsforchange.org or call 416-658-3101 ext. 229

ELT
Are you an Internationally-trained Engineering/IT or Retail Sales Management professional? Learn Canadian workplace culture, sector-specific terminology and prepare to secure employment in your profession through our Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program. The next session will commence on November 14, 2016. Registrants must be assessed by the YMCA to be eligible for the LINC program.

Contact: 416-658-3101 ext. 0

ESL
English as a Second Language classes are offered on a continuous intake. This program is 26-weeks long for the following skills:

English for Work: Business Skills - CLB 7-8 : You will practice business writing skills for effective email correspondence, reports and memos, apply effective professional workplace communication strategies (meetings, managing conflicts, building rapport) and increase your knowledge of Canadian workplace culture.

English & Social Media for work - CLB 7-8: You will learn to practice effective workplace presentation skills using PowerPoint, utilize interpersonal communication skills to work in teams and communicate professionally and learn to effectively use social media (LinkedIn) to market your skills and build your professional network.

Contact:
416-658-3101 ext. 0.

Settlement
Are you new to Canada and looking for settlement advice in the GTA? Our Settlement Workers will be happy to meet with you and your family to discuss your settlement needs, refer you to services and appropriate support, and prepare an action plan to ensure you are on track to reach your settlement goals.

Contact one of our Settlement Workers:
416-658-3101 ext. 0.

Lynda Davey-Longstreet at ext. 232,
ldavey-longstreet@skillsforchange.org

Refugee Youth
Are you new to Canada and between the ages of 16-29? Skills for Change facilitates the integration into the Canadian society and workplace culture through workshops, networking activities, information and counselling sessions covering topics such as educational/professional development, financial literacy, health and wellness, and Canadian culture, among others. 

For more information contact:
416-658-3101 ext. 0.

Mentoring for Change
Have you completed an employment preparation program? Need to increase your networks? Still having trouble finding employment? Are you an internationally-trained professional? You may consider getting matched with a mentor in your profession. Mentors can coach and guide you through the Canadian workplace culture or answer questions.   

Want to become a Mentoring Champion?
As a Mentor, you can help job seekers in various ways: Enhance communication skills, sharpen job search techniques and provide guidance to access community information and resources. Consider the rewards of helping to develop others through mentoring. 

Contact Rosaline Graham at
rgraham@skillsforchange.org
or 416-658-3101 x264.
Trades Win Support Program Update
The Trades Win Support Program provides training and employment support to internationally-trained tradespersons: electricians, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, industrial millwrights and plumbers.  The program is delivered from our Peel (Brampton) and York (Markham) locations and  consists of employment preparation (including occupation-specific language training) delivered by Skills for Change and technical hands-on training delivered by our training partners Humber College or Stanford International College.  Additional supports include: mentoring, work experience placements and job development support.

We are currently recruiting for the following sessions:
Millwrights (433A) - December
Electricians (309A, 442A) - December

Contact Details
Peel (905) 595 1679 ext 103
York (905) 764-0202 ext 101
Email: tradeswin@skillsforchange.org
Skilled Trades Expo 2016
Join us for interactive exhibits, employment opportunities and information on skilled trades training program.

November 24, 2016
At Metro Hall Toronto

Halloween Spooktacular & United Way Fundraising Luncheon
Our Halloween Spooktacular luncheon was a huge success! We raised close to $300 to United Way and we'd like to thank everyone who participated in this annual event! We had a great turn out of staff, clients and children from our Care for Newcomer Children program. The food was fantastic and prizes were awarded to those who displayed the best costumes. Congrats to all of our winners of the costume contest!
Mentoring for Change: 
Connecting Professionals 
On October 22nd Skills for Change held a Mentoring for Change: Connecting Professionals event. There were approximately 40 participants in attendance and the purpose was to create the opportunity for mentors and mentees to interact and learn from each other. We engaged the participants in a speed networking activity, facilitated by our employment specialists, where each participant could practice their networking skills and a brief mentoring session, in which mentors could do what they do best: coach, share experiences, and give advice.
News from our Southwest office

Our program Bridging the Gap in launching in Dundas and Skills for Trades is launching in Hamilton. We are currently accepting referrals and seeking volunteers. Please contact Kathryn Baker-Reed for more information at
Skills for Change


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