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

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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
• 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. Success Stories- Client Feedback
“I am writing this 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, 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, I guess I am another successful WPAC candidate getting the job. ” (client)

17. Thank You
Questions?