A plar approach to assessing engineering competencies Program A plar approach to assessing engineering competencies

Mission Statement ISANS is a leading community organization that welcomes immigrants. Working in partnership, ISANS offers services and creates opportunities that enable immigrants to participate fully in Canadian life.

Values ISANS values represent the philosophy and beliefs of the organization, guiding all our decisions and actions. Diversity Respect Innovation Collaboration Accountability

Who We Are 4188 clients served last year 2222 new clients 1000 trained volunteers 147 qualified staff 90 countries of client origin 100+ NS communities served 45 countries of staff origin staff who is dedicated, diverse, highly professional, qualified and experienced in their field. serving immigrants for over 35 years connecting immigrants with employers connecting immigrants with the community

What We Do Distance and Online Services Get Settled Learn English ISANS provides many opportunities for immigrants to develop skills and make connections pre-arrival, online and throughout Nova Scotia. *Services available by distance or online are printed in black. Get Settled We help immigrants to settle and gives orientation to living in Nova Scotia. • Intake, needs assessment and referral • Orientation services • Settlement support • Crisis intervention services • Refugee support • Family support • Counselling • Interpretation and translation • Health support services • Private refugee sponsorship support • Legal support services Learn English We offer a variety of language programs for immigrants to Nova Scotia. • Literacy • Literacy and Sign Language for deaf students • Family learning program • English for everyday living • English for work and business • Communication for healthcare professionals and engineers • Evening English classes • English in the Workplace Find Employment We help immigrants to be independent and effective in their job search. • Employment counselling • Job search workshops • Job Search Resource Centre • Online Skills Match • Practice interviews • Work placements • Professional mentors • Profession-specific bridging programs • Bridge to Work Program • Pathways to licensure • Career Pathway Loan Fund • Computer training • Youth Employment Project • Trades Practical Assessment Do Business We provide services and support to immigrants at all stages of business start-up and development. • Business counselling at ISANS and on-site at businesses • Business training, information and referral • Networking and showcase events • Monthly business newsletter • Online Business Directory

What We Do Connect with the Community Get Involved Stay Informed ISANS connects immigrants with volunteers and the community. • Community volunteers • Welcoming events • Building Cultural Competence Workshops • Newcomer Community Wellness Project • Growing Strong Neighbourhoods Project Get Involved We offer training and a variety of opportunities for volunteers. • Community volunteer • English tutor • Professional mentor • Practice interviewer • Classroom assistant • And more! Stay Informed Our resources are available online at www.isans.ca • Facts and statistics • Reports • Articles • Teaching and learning materials Employer Support We help employers build strong and diverse workplaces. • Online Skills Match • Work placement • On-site recruitment sessions • Workplace culture workshops • English in the Workplace Temporary Foreign Workers We provide support for Temporary Foreign Workers and their families. • Intake, needs assessment, information and referrals • Translation services • Labour Standards Information • Employment Counsellor support

History of IEE Bridging program Engineering has always been one of the leading occupations of ISANS clients (130 engineers referred from Apr 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016). In 2005, Engineering Multi-Stakeholder group formed Partnerships are central to our work: Engineers NS, Engineers Canada, local employers Provincial funding: Labour and Advanced Education and NSOI Led to development of IEE Bridging program

IEE Bridging Program Is a twelve week, full-time, unpaid, work-based competency assessment program. Based on seven engineering competencies defined by Engineers Canada: A. Apply Engineering Knowledge, Methods and Techniques B. Use Engineering Technology, Tools and Equipment C. Protect the Public Interest D. Manage Engineering Activities E. Communicate Engineering Information F. Work Collaboratively in a Canadian Environment G. Maintain and Enhance Engineering Skills and Knowledge

Who are the participants? Professional and experienced engineers, from all engineering disciplines: mechanical, biomedical, chemical, software, civil/structural, industrial, etc. Companies representing many sectors across NS: NSHA, TIR, Dept. of Environment, Dexter Construction, NSPI, Green Power Labs, Emera Energy, WM Fares, Pinto Engineering, SNC Lavalin, NSCC, Bank Group, Michelin, Duron Atlantic, Banc Group, Nautel, Boomers Technical Resources, Amec, SBM Offshore, Jasco, Saint Mary’s University, etc

Competency Assessment Client is assessed for language, previous work experience, education, cultural competency, professional development, etc. Allows engineers to demonstrate what they know to a local employer Gives employers a chance to assess an engineer’s competencies on the job Provides an opportunity for a performance assessment and feedback

Coordinator Helps to explain pathway to licensure Assesses clients prior learning and markets clients to employers Works with engineer to identify engineering employers Looks for ideal placement opportunities Provides training for engineer and supervisor on how to demonstrate and evaluate competencies Builds relationships with engineering companies Refers client to appropriate ISANS services Supports the relationship between the Engineering supervisor and the Engineer with mid term and final check ins

Benefits Creates an opportunity to demonstrate engineering competencies with a local engineering firm Local references and employer connections Meet other professionals, networking opportunity May lead to paid employment Work experience may be eligible for credit towards the 1 year of Canadian work experience required for licensure

Client Supports Pre/post arrival employment workshops: job search strategies (resumes, cover letters, practice interviews, job searching), Canadian workplace culture & integration Orientation programs for client (Introduction to NS) Orientation and Communication Skills for Engineers Practice Interview English in the workplace; writing and pronunciation courses On-line learning community Career Pathways Loan Fund

Success in Numbers Since 2013, 57 engineers completed program and 24 licensed as P.eng or EIT 21 engineers placed in 2015 (exceeding target) 15 engineers hired during or after placement in 2015/2016 65% have gained employment before or after placement since 2012 19 engineering companies participated in 2015; some hosting multiple placements 282 company contacts made in 2015 79 engineers worked with Coordinator in 2015

Success Stories- Employer Feedback Was the program a benefit to your company? “Yes. It provides some of the same benefits a company gets from a co-op program with two additional upsides to it. First, the candidate came with more experience. This allows the employer to assign a more in-depth project to the candidate.  Second point is the cost factor compared to co-op programs.” (Michelin) “This program was definitely a benefit for our company. It gave us a highly skilled engineer who was able to help with advanced data analysis and bring a project to completion.” (IWK)

Success Stories- Client Feedback “I am writing this email to let you know that one month has passed since I have started my work placement. I am very very like the company, my role and people I work with. Currently, I am working on one of the very interesting project that contains very complicated wireless system. Rosemary, I would like to thank you so much for arranging me this work place…(employer name) very special for me!” (client)   “I had one job interview in the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal on June 29, 2015. The interview went very well and guess what? I GOT THE JOB. I received the official offer letter yesterday mentioning that I will be a Road Safety Engineer in the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (my dream job). I am joining on August 4, 2015. I guess I am another successful WPAC candidate getting the job. ” (client)

Thank You Questions?