March 13, 2009

On-site academic advisor offers free one-on-one service designed to improve educational, training and employment opportunities

OSHAWA, ON. – In an effort to assist internationally trained immigrants in finding meaningful employment that matches their skills and experience, Durham College is now offering critical resources and services through the Colleges Integrating Immigrants to Employment (CIITE) project. Each year, thousands of men and women arrive in Ontario with global training and skills that are valuable to the province’s workforce, yet many of them are not employed within their field due to numerous barriers.

“The CIITE project is an essential resource, not only for internationally trained professionals seeking employment, but also for colleges from across the country to help improve the nation’s economy by providing more access to education,” said Mary Blanchard, Durham College dean, School of Communication, Language & General Studies. “We are pleased to offer this service and look forward to the opportunity to help immigrants settle in their new environment and find rewarding careers that reflect their skills and experience.”

Through CIITE, Durham College offers a wide range of services intended to improve educational, training and employment opportunities, including one-on-one advising; customized solutions; information specific to Durham Region; and a centralized point of contact. Weekly information sessions are now being held Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at the Oshawa campus in Room B299 of the Gordon Willey building.

In addition, an on-campus advisor is available to discuss and explore academic options; credential assessment; employment opportunities; language and professional skill enhancement; and referrals to community resources and services. To make an appointment, call 905.721.2000 ext. 2020 or e-mail itiadvisor@durhamcollege.ca.

In June 2008, Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration allocated $5.3 million to the CIITE project. The funding supports upgrading the capabilities of Ontario’s colleges to help immigrants find employment quickly. Each year almost 15,000 immigrants apply to full-time college programs and well over 40,000 enrol in continuing education courses.

The CIITE project is another example of Durham College’s commitment to providing quality programs and services that are aimed at assisting individuals in finding good jobs that lead to productive citizenship. This in turn helps boost the Durham Region, Ontario and national economy through a highly skilled workforce.

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About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 100 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for more than 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of 95.6 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,300 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@durhamcollege.ca

 

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