The vocational counsellors at Jewish Family Service use a variety of methods in working with new immigrants. We endeavour to tailor the method to the client needs. We meet individually with clients to discuss their career history, current occupational interests and goals . In accordance with the client’s needs, we work in cooperation with all clients to:
-Assist with finding suitable English as a Second Language (ESL) or job preparation
courses, ie ESL, job related computer, vocabulary and job culture courses.
-Assist with cover and broadcast letters
-Assist with completing job application forms
-Assist with developing or amending resumes to suit the Canadian job market. Although many
clients come armed with ready resumes, at times these resumes do not suit the Canadian
market and have to be slightly altered
-Assist with gathering information on current local job market (professional and
practical) for the newly arrived Canadian
-Teach how to research job leads through personal and professional networks
-Introduce the client to the library and Labour Board Library
-Assist with developing and nourishing a network of contacts
-Researching job leads from newspapers, professional journalis and other publications
-Researching the "hidden job market" through information gathering interviews
-Referring clients to other agencies offering complimentary vocational and career services
-Assist in employment upgrading
We also advocate on behalf of our clients with potential employers. With the client’s permission we work as a liaison between employer and potential employee in developing presentation and interview skills.
Whenever possible, we seek to develop and maintain relationships with employers within the local community and aim towards ferreting out clients to fill positions within their organizations. Once our clients have been placed (i.e. have secured employment) we maintain contact with both the client and the employer, to monitor our cleints and to provide continued support as needed.
We endeavour to motivate the client to assume personal responsibility in finding employment, after arming them with resume and cold calling practice.
We work on anxiety regarding approaching employers, and low self confidence. We help work through discouragement and anger during the job search.
Together we work on cultural issues that may arise
in the Canadian work culture and help acclimatize the clients to the Canadian living and working environments.
We work individually or on a workshop basis, as the need arises. There is no time limit on this process - the worker will work at the client’s pace.
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INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT SERVICE
Main Floor, 10808-99 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 0G5
phone (780) 427 2655, fax (780) 422-9734
IQAS provides evaluation services for individuals who receive their education outside Canada. Their educational documents are compared to the educational credentials in Canada. IQAS issues an assessment certificate that can be used for job searches, educational or professional upgrading and counselling.
TYPES OF ASSESSMENT OFFERED:
BASIC:
A general evaluation that gives the level of education achieved outside Canada and compares it to educational credentials in Canada.
DETAILED:
Provides the same information as a basic assessment and also includes a listing of course work and associated credits earned in the specific subject areas.
POST SECONDARY:
Identifies courses and grades required for admission into specific post-secondary educational institutions.
There are fees associated with these services.
Speak with your vocational counsellor to get an application and more information.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR STUDYING
Limited financial assistance may be available as either grants or loans for adult learners to continue their studies either full time or part time. Eligibility depends on length of residency in Alberta, immigration status, financial need and program of study.
For further information and to receive applications contact:
Students Financial Board
Room 401,
855-8 Avenue S.W.
Calgary Alberta
T2J 3P1
Tel: (403) 297-6344