Backgrounder - Higher level English as a second language training for the internationally trained

Each year, thousands of immigrants choose Ontario as their new home. More than 70 per cent of adult newcomers who come to Ontario are highly skilled with postsecondary education or training.

While the provincial and federal governments have a long history of providing basic English and French as second language programs, the issue for internationally trained individuals has been the requirement for higher level language skills that are specific to each occupation.

Both governments are moving forward to leverage the huge potential that arrives on Ontario’s doorstep by investing $3.4 million over two years to support 13 projects that will provide higher level and job-specific language training to more than 1,300 internationally trained individuals. The projects are part of the provincial government’s agreement with the federal government to cost-share 50-50 the Enhanced Language Training Initiative of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The following projects will be receiving funding:

City and Organization Project Description Number of Clients Government Investment
BURLINGTON – The Centre for Skills Development and Training Provide higher level language training to help learners make the transition to the Job Shop or Career Explorations programs. 147 $278,269
HAMILTON – Mohawk College Develop and deliver job-specific language training as well as facilitate appropriate job shadowing, mentorships, work placements and internships. 100 $344,670
MISSISSAUGA – Centre for Language Training and Assessment Inc. Provide newcomers who have basic to intermediate language abilities with higher levels of English courses through flexible and user-friendly delivery methods. Development project $304,214
Develop assessment tools to help place learners with higher levels of English language proficiency in appropriate language training programs. Development project $63,960
MISSISSAUGA – Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre Provide higher level and job-specific language training in the business administration and management sector. 140 $87,940
MISSISSAUGA – Peel Adult Learning Centre Develop and implement higher level language training to help newcomers carry out successful job searches and work effectively in the Canadian workplace. 80 $92,344
MISSISSAUGA AND OTTAWA – Centre for Language Training and Assessment and the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks Develop an online assessment tool for higher level language training. Development project $499,512
OAKVILLE – Halton Multicultural Council Develop and deliver higher level language training and job-specific language training in the office management and education sectors. 84 $54,880
OTTAWA – Algonquin College Develop and test higher level language training curricula in the following sectors: advanced technology, business, health care, construction trades and transportation. 120 $625,960
OTTAWA – Graybridge Malkam Provide job-specific language training for those interested in the law enforcement field. 80 $97,500
TORONTO – George Brown College Develop and test higher level language training curricula for information technology and microelectronic programs. 100 $116,380
TORONTO – Toronto District School Board Provide higher level language training to help learners make the transition to the Newcomer Opportunities for Work Experience (NOW) Program. 250 $353,626
TORONTO – University of Toronto Develop and test a higher level language training curriculum for pharmacists. 200 $544,544
TOTAL 1,301 $3,463,799

Provincial funding for these projects is part of the Ontario government’s commitment to improve access for the internationally trained to the professions and trades they were trained to perform. As announced in the 2004 Budget, Ontario is providing $12.5 million annually by 2005-06 to meet this commitment.

Initiatives to meet the commitment include:

  • Working with professional regulatory bodies and employers to increase access and eliminate barriers to credential recognition and job entry
  • Expanding training services to help internationally trained individuals make the transition to Ontario’s workforce
  • Improving information on employment opportunities and requirements for individuals considering immigration to Ontario.

Contact:

Wilma Davis
Communications Branch
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
416-325-6730

Maria Iadinardi
Media Relations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-0740

www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca

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