W RKS A MODEL THAT INNOVATION PREPARING FOR THE CANADIAN WORKPLACE - ACCES EMPLOYMENT
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Innovation
Preparing for the
Canadian Workplace
Expanded Services
A Model that
W RkS
Integrated Services Mentoring & Networking
Annual Report 2012 | 2013
Employer Engagement
A MODEL THAT WORKS
ACCES Employment is a leader in providing employment
services to job seekers in the Greater Toronto Area. We
specialize in meeting the needs of new Canadians. Over the
years, we have seen many changes in labour market trends,
government policy, immigration, settlement, government funding
and private sector support. Throughout all of these changes,
ACCES has continuously demonstrated the ability to adapt,
build and refine our model of service delivery. In our 2012-2013
Annual Report, we would like to share with you ‘a model that
works’ and how it has helped us to achieve incredible results for
our clients.
OUR VISION
A fully inclusive labour force that reflects the diversity, skills and
experience of Canada’s population.
OUR MISSION
ACCES Employment assists job seekers from diverse
backgrounds who are facing barriers to employment, to integrate
into the Canadian job market. We achieve this by providing
employment services, linking employers to skilled people and
building strong networks in collaboration with community
partners.
2
Integrated Services Expanded Services
Employment Ontario 6
Engineering 8 Leadership Connections 20
Information Technology 10 Entrepreneurship Connections 22
Financial Services 12
Sales and Marketing 14
Human Resources 16
Supply Chain 18
A Model that
W RkS
Preparing for the
Canadian Workplace Mentors Matter
Job Search Workshop 24 Speed Mentoring® 26
Language for Workplace Connections 24
The Mentoring Partnership 26
START 24
Employer Engagement Collaboration &
2013 Walk of Fame Awards 27
Special Thanks
Community Partners, Board of Directors,
Sponsors and Donors. 30
Financials 31
3
Leadership Report 2013
From our initial delivery of our experience of the key ingredients and job development continue to
employment services at one needed to continue to thrive and be our first area of service. What
location in downtown Toronto, remain relevant to the communities also makes ACCES unique is a set
to our expanded delivery across we serve in a climate of change and of programs that enhances the
four additional locations, our uncertainty. overall support for our clients and
organization has seen and their ability to be successfully and
experienced many changes. Over FIRST AND FOREMOST - A STRONG sustainably employed in their sector.
CUSTOMER FOCUS
the years, we have been committed
Each year, we serve more than What we know is that employment
to providing high quality, effective
employment services to both our 16 000 individuals. Each of these and job search is much more
clients looking for work and our individuals has unique needs, skills, complex than a one-size-fits-all
employers looking to hire. While talents, and experiences. Our goal approach. There are different
there have been broader changes is to provide programs and services reasons why individuals face
in job sector trends, government that meet their exact needs and challenges in finding employment.
policy, immigration, settlement, to maximize our resources to help Language skills, communication
government funding and private them reach their employment and style, knowledge of the Canadian
sector support, there is one thing training objectives. Our 99 per cent workplace, a lack of networking
that has remained constant – our customer satisfaction rate reflects opportunities, and sector specific
ability to adapt, build and refine our our ability to meet the needs and challenges are just a few of the
model of service delivery to ensure expectations of our clients. Our barriers that our clients face. What
service excellence and to meet the collective commitment to serve our ACCES has developed is a model
needs of those we serve. We are very clients is the driving force behind the of service delivery that effectively
proud to say that we have a model success of our model. integrates various programs and
that works. approaches that work together to
INTEGRATED SERVICES support our clients as a whole.
Across all of the services and
programs that we offer, there is one EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT
A MODEL THAT WORKS consistent objective: employment. ACCES dedicates significant
Increasingly, we have been asked This past year, 86 per cent of resources towards building employer
to share our specific experiences our clients found employment or connections for our clients. Beyond
around employer engagement, achieved their training objectives. just job development, engagement
program development and involves providing employers
administration, integrated services, With this end goal in mind, ACCES with opportunities to participate
capacity building, governance and has built a model of integration in developing, implementing and
the other key factors that have that optimizes services for our evaluating our programs. Employers
contributed to our success as an clients, while maximizing the participate in program advisory
organization. Finding our voice in a various resources and expertise committees, they expand their
climate of continuous change has available across various programs. recruitment networks, give back to
not been easy. Yet, what we realize Employment Ontario provides the the community through mentoring,
is that ACCES has knowledge and foundation for the delivery of our and sponsor or support programs
experience that can add value to the core services including employment that align with their companies’
employment sector, help to guide preparation, job search, referral values and goals. Our companies
future trends and approaches, and and resource services. Job are leaders in supporting a diverse
help to strengthen our case for search workshops, employment workforce in Canada. Employer
support in the future. In our annual counselling, informational and engagement at ACCES has resulted
report of 2012-2013, we are pleased resource support, and perhaps most in over 1000 employer connections
to share ‘a model that works’ and significant, employer engagement across the GTA; connections that
4
create opportunities for our clients in Mentoring® program created the documenting our experience
new ways every day. opportunity for 543 mentors to and continuously evaluating
meet with 610 mentees through opportunities for improvement
SECTOR EXPERTISE 45 different events. Our mentors are just some of the ways in which
To better serve both our employers represented 60 different companies ACCES has developed strong
and our clients, we developed sector across the GTA. These mentoring organizational capacity. Our human
specific bridge training programs programs support our clients to resources, information technology,
that support new Canadians with build their professional networks, quality assurance, and business
securing employment in their tapping into the hidden job market development practices create the
fields of expertise. Currently we and strengthening their potential infrastructure that supports new
have programs that focus on for building a successful career in ideas, calculated risks, creative
the following sectors: financial Canada. Mentoring provides our approaches and unique programs.
services, engineering, information clients with invaluable practical For ACCES, a solid infrastructure
technology, sales and marketing, advice from working professionals results in innovation.
human resources and supply chain. who have experience to share. At
Across these programs, 84 per cent the same time, these programs A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
of participants have found work allow our employers to connect to We recently articulated a version
in their field within 12 months of our diverse clients and to experience of our perfect world at our annual
completing the program. Leveraging firsthand the incredible talents and staff development day. Our vision of
the success of these programs, skills that our new Canadian clients the perfect world includes several
ACCES has developed organizational offer their workplaces. key elements: immigrants knew
expertise, knowledge, employment about ACCES and other settlement
and partnership connections that LEARNING THROUGH services before they arrived in
inform our service delivery approach COLLABORATION Canada; potential immigrants could
for all clients – not just those that ACCES actively collaborates with gain valuable information about the
participate in the programs. other organizations in the immigrant Canadian job market before leaving
settlement and employment their country; and highly qualified
Our established sector expertise is sectors. Through our participation newcomers will find a job in their
what provides an added edge for in the Consortium of Agencies sector. This vision is what drives the
clients who are looking for jobs with Serving Internationally-trained passion for the work that we do at
employers in these sectors. This Persons (CASIP), Local Immigration ACCES. With a ‘model that works’ we
knowledge also allows us to better Partnership (LIP), and other come closer to reaching this vision
serve our employers. We are able community networks, we believe every day.
to work effectively with small and in the power of a collective voice to
medium sized enterprises as well as improve the future of our sector, and WE ARE PLEASED TO
larger corporations. We understand the future of newcomers in Canada.
both employer needs and the
PRESENT OUR 2012-2013
As an organization, ACCES continues
specific hiring needs of a sector – this to learn from the best practices of
ANNUAL REPORT.
continues to be a critical piece of our other organizations and to share our
success. approach as well.
MENTORING AND NETWORKING CAPACITY BUILDING AND
OPPORTUNITIES INNOVATION
ACCES recognizes the tremendous ACCES has learned that a strong
value of mentoring through our work organization with good governance
with The Mentoring Partnership (in and capacity creates the optimal
partnership with the Toronto Region conditions for innovation. Investing
Immigrant Employment Council) in our most valuable resources
and our unique Speed Mentoring® – our staff, developing sound Allison Pond Dauna Jones-Simmonds
program. Last year, our Speed service processes, tracking and Executive Director Chairperson
5
Integrated Services
Job seekers face a variety of challenges when looking for employment. Some encounter
language and communication issues, others require support with learning about Canadian
workplace culture and many require an opportunity to begin building their professional
networks in Canada. At ACCES, we have developed an integrated model of service that
moves beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Our integrated service model combines multiple
programs and services to support the specific needs of our clients.
OUR CORE SERVICES: EMPLOYMENT ONTARIO
Employment Ontario assists • resources and information Services are tailored to meet
job seekers with securing • job search workshops the individual employment and
sustainable employment by • employment counselling training needs of each participant.
providing a foundational set • job development The Employment Ontario
of services for our clients. • job matching and placement program is funded in part by the
Services include: • job retention services Government of Canada.
OUR RESULTS
86% 99%
Total workshop participants (across five locations):
find employment or
achieve their training
objectives
customer satisfaction
rate
19,495
Total job seekers
across five locations
16,000
Total visits across five locations
70,899 6
SUCCESS STORY
Fenny Chen
Financial Analyst, Wincor Nixdorf Canada Inc.
Fenny Chen came to Canada with more than 11 years of experience as a financial analyst. She emigrated from China
knowing that Canada had something more to offer her both professionally and personally.
Fenny came to ACCES Employment because she was struggling with her job search. She knew she was qualified
for the jobs she was applying for, but was receiving no calls for interviews. Through Employment Ontario, Fenny’s
Employment Consultant guided her through the job search process in Canada. With a refined resume, Fenny re-
applied for a position she was particularly interested in and received a call shortly after inviting her to an interview.
With an interview booked, Fenny turned to her Employment Consultant at ACCES who took her through several
mock interviews to prepare her. Thinking back now, she realizes how important the mock interviews were in landing
her current position – “it was really helpful.” Fenny honed her interview skills and gained confidence leading into her
scheduled interview.
Fenny is now a Financial Analyst with Wincor Nixdorf Canada Inc. She is enjoying her success and has hopes to
continue to grow, saying “I really love my job so I’m looking to grow my expertise and to move to a more senior
level.” Fenny continues to attend the Talk English Café offered at ACCES Employment; as she points out, “language
and vocabulary can always be improved.”
SECTOR EXPERTISE
AND BRIDGING PROGRAMS
Over the past 10 years, ACCES has developed sector specific expertise
across six different sectors. With funding from the Ministry of Citizenship
and Immigration, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, ACCES’s
bridge training programs support professionals new to Canada to find
work in their respective fields. The programs allow us to develop strong
partnerships with employers, mentors and sponsors in each sector,
building connections and sector knowledge that benefit all ACCES
clients – even beyond those that participate directly in the program.
7
SECTOR EXPERTISE
Engineering
Expansion demand, on a national basis, creates
Canadian firms provide
16,000
engineering services in more than
125
international markets.
jobs for engineers from 2011 to 2020.
Canada ranks among the world’s leading exporters of engineering
services. In recent years, Canada has been the third largest exporter of
engineering services, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
Source: The Engineering Labour Market in Canada: Projections to 2020 (2012), Engineers Canada, Engineering and Technology Labour
Market Study (2009) funded by Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program
Engineering Connections Program
In the Engineering Connections program, participants learn and practice effective job search strategies,
develop an understanding of sector-specific workplace communication, employer expectations and
learn about the engineering labour market in the province and across Canada. They gain important
insights on professional engineering standards, the Canadian project management environment,
and professional licensing in Ontario. They
are also connected to employers hiring in the
sector. Engineering Connections is funded by the SOME OF THE EMPLOYERS
Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario WE WORK WITH:
and delivered in partnership with Ryerson University AECOM, Aero Plastics, Bombardier
and Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Aerospace, Dillon Consulting Ltd.,
Learning. EllisDon, Harris Canada Systems Inc.,
Hatch, Honeywell Building Solutions,
Kelk, Linde Canada Ltd., Mount Sinai
Hospital, Nelsons Canada, Ontario
Total number Employed
Power Generation, Parmalat Winchester,
of participants within 12 months
(2012-2013): in their field: SDM Construction Inc., Siemens, SNC
Lavalin, Soil Engineers Ltd., Trinity Tech
264 75% Inc., URS Canada Inc.
8
SUCCESS STORY
Everol Smith
Supervisor, Control Centre, Toronto Hydro-Electric Systems Limited
Everol Smith, an engineer by profession, came to Canada with more than 20 years
of experience. He was confident there would be more opportunities in Canada to
elevate his career. He connected with ACCES Employment to seek help in guiding
him through the job search process.
Soon after coming to ACCES, Everol began the Engineering Connections program,
where he was able to gain insight into the job market and his industry. The
program at ACCES served as a place of learning, but also a support system for him:
“It was a breath of fresh air to connect with other engineers and to be able to share
experiences.”
Everol was encouraged by the program alumni who came in to speak about their
own success: coming to Canada, facing struggles, and eventually succeeding as an
engineer. The connections to internationally trained professionals in Canada were a
particular source of inspiration for Everol, as was the support from ACCES. He says,
“My Employment Consultant always told me, ‘it’s a matter of time – just be
persistent.’” His consultant was right – Everol is now Supervisor, Control
Centre, at Toronto Hydro-Electric Systems Limited. He enjoys his
“
work, and has plans to further advance his career.
We are pleased to support the
Engineering Connections program by
providing new Canadian engineers
with feedback on their technical
presentation skills and giving them “My Employment Consultant
advice about finding work in their field. always told me, ‘it’s a matter of
We have also been proud sponsors of time – just be persistent.’”
the Engineering Sector Room at the
annual Speed Mentoring® Marathon
events. We look forward to expanding
the work we do with ACCES.”
Jim Jarvis, Managing Director,
Hatch
9
SECTOR EXPERTISE
Information Technology
1/3
of Canada’s entire Information Communications
Technology (ICT) labour force is employed in the Greater
Toronto Area (GTA).
The industry wage average is
52%
The ICT sector currently
represents 5% of Canada’s
gross domestic product (GDP)
and accounted for 11.5% of all higher than the national average.
real GDP growth since 2002.
Source: Information and Communications Technology in Brampton, Economic Development, City of Brampton. The Importance of Global
Workers in Canada’s ICT Industry, Information Technology Association of Canada. Growing the Communications and Technology Industry,
Government of Canada
Information Technology Connections
Program
This program helps internationally trained IT professionals to pursue their careers in Canada.
Participants learn Canadian IT-sector standards, terminology, and tips on how to enhance
their job search. They are also connected to employers hiring in the sector. IT Connections was
designed in close collaboration with key stakeholders – employers, professional associations
and an academic institution. One of the key
components of this program is the job retention
support that addresses employment needs SOME OF THE EMPLOYERS
related to language and sector-specific soft WE WORK WITH:
skills development. Information Technology
Connections is funded by the Government of Accenture, ADP Canada, Asigra, BMO
Ontario and delivered in partnership with Ryerson Financial Group, Cancer Care Ontario,
University. Ceryx Inc., CISNET, Dapasoft, Data CPR
Inc., Deloitte, DesTech, Dillon Consulting
Total number Employed Ltd., EmergiTel Inc., InfoSkill, Moneris
of participants within 12 months
(2012-2013): in their field:
Solutions, RBC Dexia, Redwood Global,
RSA Group, Scotiabank, Softchoice, TD
137 88% Bank Group, Telus, UNIKRON.
10SUCCESS STORY
Nobel Phipps
IT Professional, Deloitte Canada
Nobel came to Canada from the Dominican Republic with more than 13 years
of experience working in information technology (IT). With a passion for his
industry, he arrived looking to grow his career. Having learned about ACCES
Employment before arriving in Canada, he knew this was a good place to start.
Nobel Phipps completed the IT Connections program at ACCES equipped with
the tools he needed to find meaningful employment in Canada. For him, ACCES
was more than a bridging program: “ACCES has great people. For me, working
with ACCES was awesome. The way they treated me and everyone else – that, plus
all the tools we got.”
Working with the ACCES team helped him feel confident and prepared
to take on interviews, and subsequently, employment in his field. Nobel
thoroughly enjoys his job as an IT professional with Deloitte
Canada. Nobel advises other newcomers, saying “ACCES will
give you everything you need to get started with your
job search – it’s not the same as
back home!”
“
“Supporting the IT Connections
program at ACCES helps bring to life
Accenture’s commitment to building
skills. Our team members are able to
share their expertise through guest
speaking roles, mentoring and other
volunteer opportunities. We have been
“ACCES has great people. For me,
working with ACCES was awesome.
The way they treated me and
everyone else – that, plus all the
tools we got.”
impressed with both the quality of the
program and its participants.”
Michael Wilson, Managing Director,
Canadian Corporate Citizenship,
Accenture
11SECTOR EXPERTISE
Financial Services
Banks alone make up over half of the Canadian financial sector employing over
230,000 people.
The Financial Services sector employs
over half a million Canadians with a yearly
payroll of approximately $24 billion.
• The Toronto Stock Exchange is the third largest in North America after New York
and Chicago, seventh largest in the world by market cap and second globally in
number of listings.
• 90 per cent of foreign financial institutions in Canada have their country head offices
in the Toronto area.
Source: The Canadian Financial
Financial Services Connections™ Program
This program provides internationally-trained financial services professionals with practical job
search information and connections with employers in the financial sector. Participants learn how
to integrate into Canadian workplace culture and how to effectively communicate with colleagues
and clients within the financial services industry. The program has two streams: the customer
service stream that prepares individuals for the Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) course; and
the accounting stream. Financial Services Connections™ is funded by the Government of Ontario,
sponsored by Scotiabank, and delivered in partnership
with George Brown College, CSI Global Education and
OTEC. SOME OF THE EMPLOYERS
WE WORK WITH:
Accountemps, ADP Canada, B2B Bank,
Total number Employed BMO Financial Group, BDC, CI Investments,
of participants within 12 months CIBC, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Freedom
(2012-2013): in their field: 55 Financial, HSBC, KPMG, RBC,
233 83% Scotiabank, TD Bank Financial Group.
12SUCCESS STORY
Ansah Maryiam
Personal Banking Officer, Scotiabank
Ansah Maryiam started her career as an accountant in the United Arab Emirates. When she
moved to Canada, she saw this as an opportunity to transfer into the banking industry –
where she had always wanted to be. Like any newcomer, Ansah headed to the bank to
set up an account. It was this very person helping her at the bank who suggested she
go to ACCES Employment to seek help in launching her career in Canada. Ansah
points out, “you need the right information and to go to the right source.” The bank
representative assured Ansah that ACCES would lead her in the right direction and
help her make informed decisions.
Ansah joined the Financial Services Connections™ bridge training program at
ACCES Employment. The program focused on some of her information gaps:
Canadian workplace culture, employer expectations, and the importance of
networking.
During her time in the program, Ansah participated in several Speed
Mentoring® events that gave her direct access and exposure to
potential employers. It was a Speed Mentoring® event at
Scotiabank that led her to her current position as a Personal
Banking Officer with the bank.
Ansah is grateful to ACCES Employment for the constant
support and guidance. ACCES staff helped her to stay calm
and focused in a new country: “they were so confident I
“
would succeed – that helped me stay positive.”
“Scotiabank has been the proud sponsor of
the Financial Services Connections™ (FSC)
program since 2007. ACCES Employment “If I had been placed in my
has a unique program model that targets workplace without the preparation
individual sectors and focuses on training delivered by ACCES, I would have
pertinent to professionals in a Canadian really struggled.”
workplace. We are proud to work with the
FSC program, it is an invaluable support
for financial services professionals who are
looking for new opportunities in Canada.”
Deanna Matzanke,
Director of Human Resources,
Scotiabank
13SECTOR EXPERTISE
Sales and Marketing
Over the course of 2011-
There are 2020, the projected number
46,000
of sales and marketing
manager job openings in
Canada is:
61,009
sales and marketing employees in the Toronto Region
This is as a result of
labour force alone.
expansion and replacement,
retirement, and emigration.
Sales and marketing professionals are employed most
often in wholesale trade followed by professional, scientific
and technical services, information and cultural industries, finance and insurance,
other services (except public administration), and administrative and support services.
Source: Working in Canada, Sales, Marketing & Advertising Managers, Government of Canada
Sales and Marketing Connections Program
This program is designed to help internationally trained sales and marketing professionals succeed in the
Canadian labour market by equipping participants with training that is current and relevant to Canadian
practices. This unique program builds on participants’ previous sales and marketing expertise, by
providing an orientation to the Sales and Marketing sector in Canada, sector-specific workplace skills and
connections with employers in the Sales and Marketing
field. The program also features a specialized workplace-
based post-employment business communication and SOME OF THE EMPLOYERS
language coaching support. The Leadership in Project WE WORK WITH:
Management component of the program is a three-week Accenture, Bash Interactive,
intensive program that supports senior level professionals BMO Financial Group, California
with securing employment commensurate with their skills Innovations, Canadian Windows
and qualifications. The Sales and Marketing Connections & Doors, Chantler Packaging,
program is funded by the Government of Ontario and Distex, E & W Development Center,
delivered in partnership with the Humber Institute of Fastenal Canada, Hallmark
Technology and Advanced Learning. Canada, HBC, Hewitt, Kraft Canada,
Loblaw, Mercer, Mitsubishi Motor
Total number Employed Sales of Canada, Nestle Canada,
of participants within 12 months
Omega Direct Response Inc.,
(2012-2013): in their field:
Opal Manufacturing Ltd., Rogers
133 88% Communications, Scotiabank,
Sunlife Financial, Tim Hortons.
14SUCCESS STORY
Eliana Da Costa
General Manager, Fastenal
For Eliana Da Costa, ACCES Employment gave her the confidence and assurance
she needed to put her skills to use and to achieve her professional goals in
Canada. The tools and support provided to her throughout the Sales and
Marketing Connections program proved to be the right fit for Eliana. Looking
back on her time at ACCES she says, “I’m really grateful to ACCES…I
wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that program.”
Eliana now works as a General Manager at Fastenal – exactly where she
wanted to be – working in industrial sales. She acknowledges the support
of her job developer who truly understood her and where she wanted to
go in her career. Eliana says, “She took the time to understand me and my
strengths and to create a resume that was reflective of that.”
With the support of a mentor, the placement in her job at Fastenal, and
the knowledge acquired through the Sales and Marketing Connections
program, Eliana became the confident, successful professional she is
today: “Being in a new country makes you vulnerable and insecure
about your skills. For me, it was an important reminder that
I’m a professional and that I’m capable. ACCES was able
“
to show me myself again.”
“I am proud to support ACCES “Being in a new country makes
as an organization that helps you vulnerable and insecure
skilled new Canadians to find about your skills. For me, it was
employment. E & W Development an important reminder that I’m a
professional and that I’m capable.
Center Inc. has hired ACCES
ACCES was able to show me
clients and are really impressed
myself again.”
with the experience and knowledge
that they bring to our company.
I look forward to participating in
Speed Mentoring® and other training
activities.”
Larry Gu, Managing Director,
E & W Development Center Inc.
15SECTOR EXPERTISE
Human Resources
The sector that employs
In the next 10 years the highest number of
118,062
HR professionals is public
administration – 24 per
cent as of 2006 followed
by professional, scientific
and technical services,
HR job openings are expected to surface. other services, finance
and insurance, and
manufacturing.
Based on projections and considering the recent shortage of workers in this occupation,
it is expected that the professionals in the field will continue to be insufficient to fill all
job openings over the 2011-2020 period.
Source: Working in Canada, Specialists in Human Resources, Government of Canada
Human Resources Connections Program
Human Resources Connections is a seven-week employment-outcome program designed to move
internationally trained human resources professionals into their field of expertise. Our model
includes: strong employer and advisor interaction; an academic curriculum focusing on Canadian
context; mentoring opportunities; job placement; and post-hire supports in the form of workplace-
based language supports and sector-specific coaching. Human Resources Connections is funded
by the Government of Ontario and delivered in partnership with Sheridan College, OTEC and is
supported by HRPA.
SOME OF THE EMPLOYERS WE
WORK WITH:
Compass Group Canada, Express Scripts
Canada, Fairmont Royal York Hotel,
Foresters, Kingbridge Conference Centre
& Institute, Maple Leaf Foods, Novotel
Total number Employed
Mississauga, North 51st Group Inc.,
of participants within 12 months
(2012-2013): in their field:
Summit Search Group, Target Canada,
TD Bank Group, Walmart Canada Corp.,
70 77% WSIB.
16SUCCESS STORY
Maha Al Amin
Human Resources Business Partner, BMO Financial Group
Maha Al Amin made a tough decision coming to Canada and leaving a successful
career back in Qatar. But she knew what was waiting for her in Canada: a place
where she would feel welcomed. Maha feels that Canada is different from many
countries, “Canada is one of the few places in the world where you are seen as
a new Canadian, not an immigrant. It is your home.”
Maha came to ACCES Employment to seek help in achieving her professional
goals in Canada. Upon completing the Human Resources Connections
program, Maha was presented with the opportunity to attend Speed
Mentoring® sessions with several of the major banks in Canada. With a
background in both finance and HR, Maha was interested to hear
more from HR professionals in the financial industry in Canada:
“I had the opportunity to meet with a lot of people from the
financial industry. I had several opportunities to attend
Speed Mentoring® programs through which I received
several job offers to choose from.”
Maha is now a Human Resources Business Partner
at BMO Financial Group. With BMO, Maha has
participated in volunteer projects with ACCES
Employment, now as a mentor offering insight
and advice to newcomers.
“
“Canada is one of the few places in
the world where you are seen as a
new Canadian, not an immigrant.
It is your home.”
“Employers who don’t create
barriers, who don’t get stuck on these
candidates having ‘local experience’
and who see the high level of
transferable skills being offered, will be
lucky employers indeed.”
Anita Sampson Binder,
Director of Recruiting,
Diversity & Inclusion (Canada),
Compass Group Canada
17SECTOR EXPERTISE
Supply Chain
As well as an anticipated
continuation of growth
Currently, more than
27,000
in new jobs, the sector is
expected to face a vacancy
rate of more than
80,000
supply chain positions in Canada sit unfilled. jobs a year due to
(Government of Canada) retirements and turnover.
This essential sector in Canada employs nearly 770 000 individuals across the country.
Source: Supply Chain Sector Council Canada
Supply Chain Connections Program
The Supply Chain Connections program assists internationally trained professionals with moving
into a range of positions within the sector. The program features an orientation to the supply chain
sector in Canada, sector-specific workplace skills and connections with employers in the supply
chain field. The program also features a specialized workplace-based post-employment business
communication and language coaching support. Supply Chain Connections is funded by the
Government of Ontario and delivered in partnership with Sheridan College, OTEC and supported by
the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council.
“The Supply Chain sector in Canada is facing human resources and labour market challenges.
These include issues with finding skilled and experienced employees to meet growing and changing
needs. There is a growing need to highlight the availability of jobs in this sector as a career option for
new Canadians and current students.”
Kevin A. Maynard, CAE, Executive Director of the Canadian
Supply Chain Sector Council
Total number Employed
of participants within 12 months
(2012-2013): in their field:
75 90%
18SUCCESS STORY
Alfonso Jauregui
Materials Planner, Bard Canada Inc.
Alfonso Jauregui came to Canada with hopes of continued growth in his career.
With an MBA and 10+ years of experience in supply chain management from
Peru, Alfonso was looking for a senior level position with a large corporation.
“For me, it was a fresh start.”
Alfonso completed the Supply Chain Connections program at ACCES
Employment and within a few short months was working as a Materials
Planner with Bard Canada Inc. Supply Chain Connections helped him gain an
understanding of how things are done in Canada – the priorities of individuals
and companies: “it helped me to close the gap between how I was selling myself
and what employers were looking for.” Alfonso knew he was technically
qualified for positions in his field, but he needed to gain knowledge as to
how people connect, how recruiters evaluate candidates, and how
employers select a good fit in a Canadian business context.
Alfonso is incredibly grateful to ACCES Employment for
supporting him through the Supply Chain Connections
program. He recognizes he needed the guidance of
the team at ACCES to gain the necessary insight to
job seeking in Canada. He says, “I guess it was like a
starting point. ACCES was taking me by the hand and
advising me on what I needed to do. At some point,
“
I was able to continue on my own, but without that
initial help I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
“I guess it was like a starting point.
ACCES was taking me by the hand
and advising me on what I needed
“The only way Canada can sustain its to do. At some point, I was able to
global leadership and growth is through continue on my own, but without
skilled immigrants. ACCES is helping that initial help I wouldn’t be
to make this happen by mentoring and where I am today.”
coaching newcomers looking for their
first job in this country, and they have
demonstrated successful results. Bard
Canada has benefited by hiring a Supply
Chain Analyst from ACCES’s Supply
Chain Connections Program.”
Miguel A. Lopez, Sr. Supply Chain
Manager, Bard Canada Inc.
19Expanded Services
In 2012-2013, ACCES Employment launched two new programs
that support new Canadians in leadership and entrepreneurial
roles. The Leadership Connections program was developed in
response to the need for new Canadians to be able to capitalize
on their leadership experience and to find employment at senior
levels in Canada. The Entrepreneurship Connections program
was developed to support new Canadian entrepreneurs to
launch their business in Canada by providing them with the
necessary tools and training.
“
“Deloitte believes in celebrating our achievements and
recognizing leadership and excellence in Canada’s
business landscape. We are pleased to get involved
with ACCES Employment’s Leadership Connections
program. We have met many qualified international
leaders, we offer networking and mentoring
opportunities and of course, consider them for our own
talent pool here at Deloitte.”
Jane Allen, Global Leader, Renewable Energy, Chief Diversity Officer,
Deloitte Canada
20EXPANDED SERVICES
Leadership Connections
Leadership Connections is designed to assist internationally-
trained professionals to move into senior level roles in
various sectors. Participants learn about the critical aspects
of leading and managing in a Canadian context and how to
effectively communicate with colleagues and clients. The
program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
SUCCESS STORY
Majid Kazmi
Senior Product Manager, Consumer Deposits, CIBC
Majid Kazmi relocated to Canada with the intent to broaden his
horizons and add an international perspective to his successful
career. After just a few months in Canada, he succeeded in
pursuing a role commensurate with his 10+ years in the
banking industry.
After arriving in Canada, Majid was referred to ACCES
Employment by a friend as a starting point to launch
his career here. He was accepted into the Leadership
Connections program at ACCES where he had access
“ACCES Employment not only
to a supportive community of fellow mid to senior level connected me with my employer,
international professionals. The program allowed Majid they also prepared me to put my
to fast-track his career goals: “Leadership Connections best foot forward.”
exceeded my expectations in terms of bringing out my true
leadership potential and helping me create and cultivate my
critical first connections,” Majid says of the program.
It was through a Speed Mentoring® event at ACCES
Employment that he was introduced to his current
employer. In a one-on-one session with one of the mentors,
a director at CIBC, Majid had the opportunity to showcase
his skills. Soon after, he was called in for an interview,
thanks to the connection initiated through Speed
Mentoring®. Reflecting on his experience with ACCES,
he notes, “ACCES Employment not only connected
me with my employer, they also prepared me to put
my best foot forward.” Majid is now a Senior Product
Manager, Consumer Deposits, at CIBC.
21EXPANDED SERVICES
Entrepreneurship Connections
Entrepreneurship Connections is designed for new Canadians who have owned
or operated a business in their country of origin and who are now interested in
starting a business in Canada. The program helps with transferring international
business experience into the Canadian marketplace by assisting with individual
coaching, developing a business plan, providing legal consultation and mentoring.
Entrepreneurship Connections is funded by the Government of Canada.
ENTREPRENEURS IN CANADA
Small businesses are essential to the growth and development
of the Canadian economy. Over the past 10 years,
98.5% of all new jobs in Canada were created by firms with
under 100
employees, and almost 60 per cent of those jobs were created by firms with
fewer than five employees.
Self-employed workers in Canada tend to have higher levels of education than paid
employees, and this holds true for immigrants as well.
Immigrants who ranked high in terms of education, knowledge of multiple languages,
and presence of social networks were more than twice as likely to be self-employed as
immigrants who ranked low on these factors. Among the self-employed, immigrants on
the whole earned higher incomes than their Canadian-born counterparts particularly
among the most successful entrepreneurs.
Sources: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, July 2009, Immigrant Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship in the GTA: Literature,
Data, and Program Review, Maytree and Metcalf Foundation, 2011 Statistics Canada, Ethnic Diversity Study, 2003
22SUCCESS STORY
Judy H. Chang
Entrepreneur
Judy H. Chang came to Canada by way of Japan, hoping to start her
own business. For over nine years, she worked as a direct investment
consultant and a tax accountant, but always in the back of her mind
considered entrepreneurship. With the help of ACCES Employment and the
Entrepreneurship Connections program, Judy is currently starting her new
import-export business in Canada.
Judy first came to ACCES Employment to improve her English communication
skills with the Language for Workplace Connections program. After graduation,
she discovered ACCES was launching a new program to support international
entrepreneurs with starting a business in Canada. With the entrepreneurial seed
still planted in her mind, Judy continued with ACCES services, taking the first
session of Entrepreneurship Connections. The program provided her with the
knowledge she required to find success as an entrepreneur. Consulting
with partners like the Business Development Bank of Canada, Judy
worked closely with experts and seasoned entrepreneurs to develop
a business plan. Judy particularly enjoyed the collaborative
nature of the Entrepreneurship Connections program. That
initial knowledge of where to go and who to speak with was
important for her in setting up her company. She says, “The
professional knowledge and connections I made through
“
the program are invaluable assets for my future growth
and success.”
“It is always a privilege to work with entrepreneurs. “The professional
ACCES’s Entrepreneurship Connections program knowledge and connections
gives the Business Development Bank of Canada I made through the
(BDC) an opportunity to work with new Canadian program are invaluable
entrepreneurs. Participants of the Entrepreneurship assets for my future growth
Connections program bring a passion and and success.”
enthusiasm to the program which is contagious
and BDC employees are equally passionate about
assisting participants in realizing their dreams. The
collaboration is impactful and a true reflection of
Canadian entrepreneurial spirit. BDC is proud to
support this important initiative.”
Ellen Austin, HR Business Partner, BDC
23Preparing for the
Canadian Workplace
Language for Workplace
Connections
Language for Workplace Connections™ helps participants to develop their workplace
communication skills in a range of areas including: the art of making small talk, working in
a team, understanding cultural differences, and how to build relationships with colleagues
and supervisors. Participants also learn how to write appropriate business correspondence,
build powerful presentations, and communicate effectively over the telephone.
Supporting Talk English Café
Women The Talk English Cafe® provides newcomers
to Re-enter with an opportunity to enhance and refine
their English conversation and workplace
the Workforce communication skills in an informal, café-
type setting. These English conversation
sessions help participants build fundamental
The START program supports women with communication skills needed to succeed in the
re-entering the work force. START provides Canadian workplace. Through activities led by
participants with career goal setting, Microsoft a qualified ESL instructor, as well as informal
Office computer training, and job search group discussions, participants develop skills in
skills and coaching. Supported by Toronto making small talk, working effectively in teams,
Employment & Social Services, this program is and gain an understanding of workplace
highly effective in motivating participants and nuances. Participants also practice and
preparing them for achieving success in their enhance their pronunciation, grammar, and
employment goals. vocabulary. Talk English Cafe® is sponsored by
Tim Hortons and TD Bank Group.
24PREPARING FOR THE CANADIAN WORKPLACE
Job Search Workshop
Job Search Workshop (JSW) provides newcomers with information
on the Canadian labour market, trends in various sectors of the
Canadian economy, and insights on Canadian workplace culture.
Participants practice job search skills such as cold calling, networking,
and interviewing. The JSW program is funded by the Government of
Canada.
SUCCESS STORY
Apurva Kumar
Software Developer, Metroland Media
For newcomers like Apurva Kumar, coming to Canada and
restarting a career can be daunting. But with help from
ACCES Employment and the Job Search Workshop
(JSW) series, that challenge can be overcome. As
Apurva says, ACCES “eases you into Canada.”
Apurva is grateful for the job search support
she received at ACCES. “It was very nice to
meet everyone and have a place to go to “It was very nice to meet everyone
share your thoughts on the things that and have a place to go to share
are troubling you about starting your your thoughts on the things that
career in Canada.” are troubling you about starting
For Apurva, it was the little things
your career in Canada. “
that mattered most: during mock
interviews, the facilitator was
particular about small details.
When put into a real interview
situation, she quickly realized
how valuable that feedback was.
With a successful career underway,
Apurva is now looking forward to her
future in Canada. She enjoys her job as a
Software Developer with Metroland Media.
She hopes to one day pursue a Master’s
degree and perhaps pass that knowledge
along in a teaching position.
25Mentors Matter
Highly skilled new Canadians are faced with the challenge of acclimatizing to the Canadian
business culture, building a professional network of contacts and navigating sector specific
job trends. Speed Mentoring® offers new Canadians an opportunity to meet and network
with professionals in their field who provide sector-specific advice, job search and resume
tips, and other valuable information for a successful career in Canada.
Total events Total number Total number Total number Total number
last year of mentors of mentees of companies of connections
45 543 610 60 3050
“
2013 Speed Mentoring® Marathon
This year, we hosted over 250 mentors and
“Skills are a key driver of economic
mentees from across the Greater Toronto
Area at our annual Speed Mentoring®
empowerment for individuals and
Marathon. Mentors from six different sectors communities. Supporting ACCES with
including engineering, finance, human Speed Mentoring® initiatives brings
resources, information technology, sales and to life Accenture’s commitment to
marketing and supply chain participated in building skills that help strengthen the
the high energy event. The event was funded communities in which we live and work.”
by the Government of Canada, and was
generously supported by Accenture.
Michael Wilson, Managing Director,
Canadian Corporate Citizenship,
The Mentoring Partnership Accenture
ACCES Employment partners with The
Mentoring Partnership at the Toronto Region
Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) to
identify mentors and to match them with
appropriate individuals. ACCES recognizes the
tremendous value that mentors offer to new
Canadians while they are engaged in their job
search. Mentees receive advice on their job
search, learn about their sector in a Canadian
context and are also given the opportunity to
begin building their new professional network
in Canada.
26Employer Engagement
Preparing our job seekers is just the start, the other half of what we do is making connections
and providing quality services to our employers. With over 1000 employer connections across the
Greater Toronto Area, we are working strategically on addressing the needs of our local labour
market. The 2013 Walk of Fame Award winners have built a strong relationship with ACCES over
the past year. They have hired our clients, contributed their expertise and time to our programs,
supported our work, and aligned themselves with the ACCES Employment mission.
2013 Walk of Fame Winners
share the reasons why they work with ACCES Employment:
Employer of Distinction Award
This award is presented to Accenture Canada for their
exceptional partnership and organizational support of
ACCES Employment.
Accenture Canada
Elizabeth Fletcher, Senior Manager to support a number of ACCES services, namely
Speed Mentoring®, IT Connections, Supply Chain
Accenture is a global management consulting, Connections, START and the Talk English Café®.
technology services and outsourcing company, with A member of our leadership team serves on the
approximately 266 000 people serving clients in ACCES Board of Directors, and we have managed
more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled two pro bono projects.
experience, comprehensive capabilities across
all industries and business functions, and Why do you feel it’s important to support the work
extensive research on the world’s most successful of ACCES?
companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to
help them become high-performance businesses An economy cannot achieve its potential, or be its
and governments. Through its Skills to Succeed most productive until it maximizes all available
corporate citizenship focus, Accenture is committed resources. There is so much that the private sector
to equipping 500 000 people around the world by can learn and benefit from by engaging with
2015 with the skills to get a job or build a business. ACCES and tapping into their highly qualified talent
pool.
How did you learn about ACCES initially? In what
ways have we worked together? What sets ACCES’s clients apart from other
candidates?
Accenture was introduced to ACCES through the
United Way back in 2009. Since then we have The high level of preparedness, strong
formed a wonderful partnership through our communication skills, and deep experience are all
Skills to Succeed initiative. Accenture is pleased factors which set ACCES candidates apart.
27B2B Bank
Zina Khan, Manager, Recruitment
B2B Bank is a leading provider of banking products
to more than 27 000 financial advisors and brokers
across Canada. Through the professional advisor top talent. Our relationship has enabled us to tap
and broker channels, it offers a broad range of into experienced candidates who are ready for the
products and services to consumers. workplace. Our most recent recruitment event
at ACCES was very successful. ACCES was able
In what ways have we worked together? to identify high caliber candidates with relevant
experience for us to meet with. We screened a good
I have worked with ACCES over the past ten years group of candidates, identified a shortlist, and have
in different organizations. When I joined B2B Bank started placing these individuals at B2B Bank. The
four years ago, we began working with ACCES to ACCES team did a fantastic job with making the
source candidates for our recruitment blitzes. It is very entire process run very smoothly.
competitive to recruit great talent, as we are located
next door to the key players in the Toronto financial What sets ACCES’s clients apart from other
district. Outreach recruitment is one of the key candidates?
focuses of our overall recruitment strategy to find
top talent and provide employment opportunities The high caliber and the diversity of candidates
for people from diverse backgrounds. ACCES is the that ACCES provided to us was very impressive,
perfect fit as it provides us with the opportunity especially the new Canadians who brought
to connect with a qualified and diverse group of a tremendous amount of work experience,
candidates and to give back to our community. eagerness and motivation to work. This aligns to
our corporate values: responsive, driven and honest.
What is it like to work with ACCES? ACCES plays a great role in reaching out to influence
and impact employers to help them see the great
ACCES has been instrumental in providing us with experience that new Canadians have to offer.
QiiQ Communications Inc./EcoCarrier
Carl Teo, President
QiiQ is focused on creating and supplying
intelligent solutions and providing managed by the human resources that we can find with the
services for the provision of telecom services appropriate qualifications. We are 20 people, but
for voice, data and text communications that we do business by establishing relationships in
represent the best in technologies. different countries.
In what ways have we worked together? What sets ACCES’s clients apart from other
candidates?
ACCES is very effective in providing a service that we
need. I always look at effectiveness and efficiency I would like to share a story about one of the
for work relationships. We have an international ACCES clients that we hired. She brought a
business so for us, the international experience that great set of skills including being multi-lingual.
ACCES clients bring from their native market is more Her fluency in French and Spanish along with
important than experience in Canada. her industry background allowed us to develop
additional contacts in a growing market. She is
Why do you feel it’s important to support the work now a Project Manager, Business Development
of ACCES? with QiiQ.
It’s mutually beneficial. Very often, we are limited
28Cyclone Manufacturing Inc.
Buz Forbes, Controller
Founded in 1964, Cyclone Manufacturing Inc.
(Cyclone) is an established producer of precision
specialty components and sub-assemblies for the The ACCES team that we work with has visited our
aircraft, aerospace and defence industries. This facility on a number of occasions. They understand
company represents the leading edge of aircraft the nature of our business as well as the kind of
parts machining and manufacturing in Canada. experience and qualifications we are looking for. We
have been successful in recruiting newcomers with
In what ways have we worked together? very relevant experience and qualifications.
Our company is rapidly expanding and we are constantly How does ACCES’s diverse team support your
hiring skilled workers through various sources. We company’s hiring needs?
have been working with ACCES Employment since Canada is a multicultural society with people from
April 2012 and to date we have successfully recruited different countries, ethnic backgrounds, and cultures.
approximately 35 candidates. We found that ACCES staff are also diverse, this is an
added advantage in recruiting the right candidate.
What are some advantages of working with ACCES? Working with ACCES staff from three GTA locations
helps us to handle our recruitment needs. They are
ACCES acts as a bridge between employers and extremely knowledgeable, courteous, helpful and
potential candidates. Skilled newcomers to Canada with willing to take that extra step to find us the right
a lot of experience are connected to the right employers. candidates.
Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)
Reena Ruparelia, Human Resources Generalist
OREA represents 57 800 real estate brokers and
salespeople members of Ontario’s 41 real estate
boards, offering member services and education.
Why do you feel it’s important to support the work of in the job search; it’s not just another job they are
ACCES? applying for. Ultimately, this means a better fit for
the organization and a happier employee during the
Diversity is so important to us. Working with ACCES, course of his or her employment.
I know that I’m getting people from all levels of
experience from all over the world. I know how How does a diverse team add to your business’
much work ACCES puts into preparing clients. That success?
preparation really pays off for OREA.
A diverse work force is reflective of the diversity of
What sets ACCES’s clients apart from other candidates? our members and students and helps OREA better
anticipate and meet their needs, especially when
Because of all the work ACCES does with candidates English may not be their first language. With a diverse
before I meet them, they are well versed and have team, we have different experiences, attitudes and
a good grasp of the position when they come in for skills all coming together which allows us to see things
the interview. By attending networking seminars and from different viewpoints. That just leads to better
workshops, ACCES’s clients are actually engaged customer service in general!
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