Annual Report 2012-2013

A New Approach

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Chapter 4

An Exemplary Story

4.1.2 Bridge training programs for internationally trained Francophones

On October 1, 2012, the Labour Market Integration Unit (LMI) of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration began funding a new three-year pilot project aimed at bridging Francophone immigrants with early childhood education (ECE) experience abroad into the profession. The project is hosted by Collège Boréal and is based in London, Ontario.

In addition to the newly funded ECE program, LMI continues to fund six French and three bilingual bridge training programs aimed at helping internationally trained Francophone professionals re-enter their professions in Ontario. The following are examples of other projects:

  • The University of Guelph hosts a program called ESSOR at its Campus d’Alfred near Ottawa. The program is designed to help agronomists find work in the field of agri-food and the environment.
  • La Cité Collégiale in Ottawa hosts an Information Technology (IT) program called PRATIC. This program offers soft skills and technical training to participants with a background in IT and helps them find work in their profession in Ontario.
  • La Cité Collégiale also hosts a program called Arrimage Emploi that offers one-on-one coaching to all Francophone professionals looking to re-enter their fields. This program offers a variety of support, including culture/communication training and assistance in finding work placements.

Employment is important in the settlement of newcomers and their family members. Through its bridge training programs, the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration reaches out to employers in different ways to encourage and support the hiring of internationally trained professionals.

On January 25, 2013, the Ministry’s Labour Market Integration Unit brought together the managers of its 10 bridge training programs for internationally trained Francophones to discuss best practices. Discussion and knowledge-sharing have continued since then, and the result will be a more robust employer strategy, which in turn will increase the number of internationally trained Francophone professionals who find work in their professions in Ontario.

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