Enhanced Language Trainingfor

Careers in Office ManagementFunding provided by

www.halton-multicultural.org

HMCs ELT INITIATIVES

To meet an ongoing demand for professional language required for the Canadian workplace

• ELT Office Management-2005 & ongoing

• ELT Education - 2005

• ELT Community Policing – 2007

ELT OFFICE MANAGEMENTGENERAL GOALS

• Improve major aspects of language: Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading

• Special focus on the language of business according to NA standards

• Emphasis on spoken and written communication

• Resulting in entry-level employment opportunities for newcomers in a variety of offices

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

• To provide new Canadians with higher level language training as required for business and professional careers

• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills needed to express self and present information clearly and accurately

• Orient participants with the real-life demands of office work through placement in a Canadian office setting

ELIGIBILITY/SUITABILITY

• Previous international office experience

• Language Requirement: CLB 7-10

• Technology Skills

• New Canadians with specific resident requirements

• Expressed interest in office employment

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Screening interview

• Interest and „serious‟ level of responsibility

• Daily Time Commitment: In-class and individual study times

• Full participation in all class activities: Assignments; Information Interviews; Reports; Work Placement; Scheduled off-site experiential learning

• Demonstrated ability for teamwork

• Minimum 85% Attendance Rate

KEY ELEMENTS OF ELT CURRICULUM

• The Canadian Business Office: Individual Roles; Office Hierarchy: Information Processing; Office Functions; Technology; Technical & Transferable Skills;

• The Canadian Workplace Culture: Norms of address; communication styles; Cultural differences; Interpersonal skills; less formal/social work environments; business introductions;

• Organization, Planning and Scheduling

• Time Management; Prioritizing daily tasks;

• Business Communications: The Telephone, E-mail; Letters; Memos; Reports; Pronunciation; Voice Recordings;

• Internet Research

• Individual/Group Presentation/Projects

ADVANCED COMMUNICATION

• Essential Skills Training

• Public Speaking; PP Presentations

• Professional Writing: Reports; Letters; E-mail; Evaluation Letters

• Decision-making & Problem solving

• Recognize Cultural Differences

• Reporting Information

PROGRAM SUPPORT - JSW

• Job Search Tools

• Skills Recognition

• Marketing and Self-Promotion: “Making a good impression”

• Employer Research

• Career Direction

• Community Partnerships

WORK PLACEMENT

• Authentic language

• Appropriate work environment

• Build self-confidence

• The ability to use technical expertise

• Better understand Canadian employer expectations

• WSIB onsite insurance for Volunteers

• Employer Buy-in: The Mayor‟s Lunch

THE MAYOR‟S LUNCH

• Generate partnerships within the business community

• Forum to link employers who recognize the value of international professionals

• Allows an opportunity to showcase skills IPs can bring to organizations

• Outreach tool for HMC to generate an ongoing source of potential employers for placement

CLIENT NEEDS• Awareness of the demands of

language required for success in their careers

• The real value of their previous experience and transferable skills to establish what they need to learn

• Professional communication as required by Canadian employers

• The necessity for Self-Marketing: How to look for and identify work that matches skills and interests

MEETING CLIENT NEEDS• Enhanced sector-specific language skills:

Professional Communication

• Job-Specific Workplace Orientation

• Direction that comes with the tools necessary for taking the „next steps‟ in their career

• Information related to careers in Canada and requirements of Canadian Standards for the profession

• A Network: Strengthened social connection from exposure to community contacts initiated in the workplace

• A warm, welcoming environment

CHALLENGES

• Extreme lifestyle changes

• New Language

• Financial constraints

• Cultural stresses

• Low self-confidence/self-esteem

• Transportation

MEETING EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS

• Advanced English Communication

• Professional Language

• Local Office Procedures

• Business Office Operations

• Communication Skills

• Information Technology

SUCCESS STRATEGIES

• Early intervention

• Ongoing adaptation of program curriculum and materials to meet individual needs

• Computerized classroom environment

• Draw on relationships in the business community

• Dedicated, talented, knowledgeable staff focused on meeting client needs

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Support and employment opportunities come from offices of a number of community partners in Halton, including

• Town of Oakville

• COGECO

• CIBC

• RBC

• HMC‟s own Employer Experience

SUCCESS STORIES

• Marketing Communications Assistant• Construction Draftsperson• Medical Receptionist/Secretary• Graphic Designer• Administrative Assistants• Account Manager - Banking• Consumer Banking Representative• Customer Service Representative• Data Entry Clerk & Receptionist

CONTACT INFORMATION

Halton Multicultural Council635 Fourth Line, Unit 48

Oakville, ON L6L 5W4

(905) 842–2486

www.halton-multicultural.orgE-mail: info@halton-multicultural.org