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CATHOLIC CROSS-CULTURAL SERVICES
(formerly Catholic Immigration Bureau)
Metro Toronto Region
780 Birchmount Rd, Unit #3, Scarborough, Ontario M1K 5H4
Tel: (416) 757-7010. Fax: (416) 757-7399
CAREER STEP PROGRAM ORIENTATION
Welcome to the CAREER STEP PROGRAM. We are pleased to have you as a participant in our Job Search, Cultural skills, English as a Second Language Program. This orientation handout
will answer some of the questions you might have, and will give you some information about the program.
What is Career Step?
The CAREER STEP PROGRAM is sponsored by Catholic Cross-Cultural Services, Metro Social Services and the Metropolitan Separate School Board.
The CAREER STEP PROGRAM is designed to meet the needs of refugee claimants, convention refugees and landed immigrants entering the Canadian workforce.
The program incorporates language skills refinement, cultural skills and job search techniques in a seven week training course, and is complimented by a five week follow-up in which
participants are assisted in their job search. The course is designed to help participants develop the skills necessary to land and keep a job.
The CAREER STEP PROGRAM has 3 important parts:
1. Job Search:
The job search component of the program will develop in participants the skills needed to find, land and keep a job. Beginning with an assessment of the
transferability of skills and qualifications acquired in a participant's native land, participants are then led through resume and application preparation, basic computer training, finding and contacting prospective
employers, telephone skills, interview preparation techniques and alternative methods of job search. Aside from its obvious value, this part of the program is designed around the fact that 80-85% of jobs are not
found through the newspaper.
2. English as a Second Language:
The E.S.L. component of the program is the part, which is most like a traditional classroom. It concentrates on the development of vocabulary,
grammar, reading, composition, pronunciation, presentation skills, and communication strategies.
3. Cultural Skills:
This component is designed to help participants adapt to Canadian culture. It examines some culture specific means of communication (i.e. different cultural
interpretations of eye contact and physical contact), as well as such things as:
Canadian history, geography, politics, law, rights and duties, health, time management and decision making. This part of the program features speakers dealing with such things as
landlord/tenant rights, volunteering, and starting your own business. Speakers such as a Member of Parliament and members of the Scarborough business community offer first hand advice and information. There are also
trips to the Provincial Legislature, Metro Reference Library, Training Information Centre and the Royal Ontario Museum.
The 5 week follow-up:
After completing the basic 7-week program, participants will have better developed language and communication skills, greater familiarity and confidence
with Canadian culture and society, and confidence in their ability to secure a good job. They will enter the job market with these new tools and the support and assistance of counsellors until their objectives are
met. Support may include assistance in areas such as locating employment opportunities, vocational direction planning, volunteer placement, letters of reference, use of fax and computer facilities, or composing
targeted resumes for specific employers.
Eligibility for the Program
The program is designed for refugee claimants, convention refugees end landed immigrants. Priority is given to applicants who are receiving social
assistance and who have a valid work permit. In addition, participants should have sufficient English language and work skills to be ready to accept employment.
CATHOLIC CROSS-CULTURAL SERVICES
(formerly Catholic Immigration Bureau)
Metro Toronto Region
780 Birchmount Rd, Unit #3, Scarborough, Ontario M1K 5H4
Tel: (416) 757-7010. Fax: (416) 757-7399
CAREER STEP PROGRAM
Career Step is a seven-week, full time program that includes:
- job search strategies - how/where to look for jobs
- evaluation of education and skills
- occupational research
- job targeting
- resume preparation and applications
- cover and thank you letters
- computer training
- Canadian geography, history and politics
- interview techniques
- networking
- time management
- labour market trends
- grammar and pronunciation
- public speaking
- telephone strategies and protocol
- cross-cultural communications
- rights and responsibilities in the Canadian workplace
The CAREER STEP PROGRAM is available to immigrants and refugees who are work-ready. Interested participants must attend an orientation session any Thursday at 9:00 a.m., during
which they may meet the instructors and find out more about the program. They may also fill out an application form in order to be considered for a future program.
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- From Warden Stn. take bus #17 and get off at Bonniewood Road (one stop south of Eglinton).
From Kennedy Stn. Take bus #34 C to Birchmount Road and walk south 1 block.
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