Health News For South West


Tuesday, August 09, 2016
Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade
Ontario Helping Internationally Trained Immigrants Find Jobs

Province Supporting 11 New Bridge Training Projects

The province is investing $3.35 million over tow years through the Ontario Bridge Training Program to help internationally trained professionals find jobs that match their skills and experience.

The investment will support 11 new bridge training projects that will:

  • Improve access to career assistance services for internationally trained immigrants, for example career mentoring, employment events, language skills-training and a micro-loan program
  • Help employers recruit, hire and retain internationally trained immigrants, with networking events, an online recruiting service and employer workshops
  • Identify newcomers' transferable skills and alternate career pathways through, for example, mentoring events and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

Every year Ontario's Bridge Training Program helps over 6,000 internationally trained professionals get the help they need to find jobs that match their skills and experience. Increasing immigrant employment rates is key to growing the province's globally connected economy.

Investing in supports for internationally trained professionals is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts:

  • Ontario's Bridge Training Program provides training and support for immigrants to become registered to work in regulated professions and other high-skilled jobs. The program also works with employers to develop resources to help them hire, retain and integrated internationally trained immigrants into the workplace
  • The program aligns with recommendations from the Premier's Highly Skilled Workforce Expert Panel to position all Ontarians to meet the needs of the province's dynamic economy
  • Nearly three out of four working-age immigrants to Ontario have a post-secondary education
  • Each year, over 6,000 skilled immigrants access Bridge Training Projects in more than 100 professions including such as nursing, medical technology and the skilled trades

Background Information:


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Quotes:

"Ontario's Bridge Training projects are making a real difference. By helping internationally trained newcomers get work in their fields, bridge training projects support our globally connected economy and change people's lives. This investment will strengthen our communities and help immigrants and their families build better lives in Ontario."

— Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

"We're delighted with the government's further investment in the Ontario Bridge Training Program. We see first-hand how these opportunities for our internationally-trained newcomers make a difference in their lives and the positive effects they have on the community. Working in partnership with business and industry, we're preparing our students to be career-ready and to contribute to a strong Ontario."

— David Agnew, President Seneca College

"Ontario's Bridge Training Program allows us to connect with internationally trained newcomers. It enables us to recruit employees who have the necessary skills and expertise to support the delivery of an exceptional patient experience while, at the same time, connecting and contributing to the larger community be providing much needed job opportunities."

— Ms. Connie Dejak, President and Chief Executive Officer at Runnymede Healthcare Centre

Media Contacts:

Gianluca Ferrari
Minister's Office
416-325-6216

Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch
416-314-7010

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