Improving Job Opportunities For Skilled Newcomers
McGuinty Government Investing In Bridge Training Programs

NEWS
August 20, 2009
Internationally trained newcomers to Ontario will have greater opportunities to work in their fields as a result of expanded bridge training programs at York University.

The province is investing $5.2 million towards the university’s new bridge training programs for information technologists and business professionals, in addition to an existing nursing program.

Bridge training programs help newcomers trained overseas get the local training they need to find a job in their field and contribute to Ontario’s economy. The programs provide a variety of transitional supports such as international skills assessment, technical training, local work experience, occupation specific language training and mentorships.

Support for these programs is part of the government’s plan to strengthen the economy by investing in the skills and knowledge of Ontarians.

QUOTES:

“Newcomers often face challenges in finding appropriate and suitable employment.” “This new funding will go along way to help newcomers bridge the gap between their foreign credentials and the local experience.”
- Harinder Takhar, MPP for Mississauga-Erindale and Minister of Government Services.

Ontario’s newcomers are both educated and skilled. This investment in bridge training will help employers access their qualifications and talent sooner.”
- Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

“Once again, the McGuinty government has shown it understands that an investment in postsecondary education is an investment in Ontario’s future. This funding is a vote of confidence for internationally trained newcomers and for York University.”
- Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor of York University

QUICK FACTS

? Since 2003, bridge training programs have helped more than 30,000 newcomers get jobs and get licensed in their field.
? About 70 per cent of Ontario’s adult newcomers have post-secondary education or training.

LEARN MORE
? About bridge training programs.
? About working in Ontario.