Leading advocate of foreign trained professionals being honoured at event

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2010 − Internationally educated professionals enrolled in a unique program at York University are receiving career advice today from executives of some of the leading firms in the Greater Toronto Area and are showing off their range of skills.

The Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Professionals focuses on preparing business and IT professionals who have been trained internationally to gain professional licenses in Ontario and transition into suitable positions in their field. It offers them training to address gaps in skills such as English, communication and management skills relevant to their profession, and business law and ethics. It also offers training in specialized skills needed for professional certificates, as well as mentoring and internship opportunities.

About 60 internationally trained professionals who have completed one semester of studies at York and the second cohort of 60 who just started the program, are attending a day-long event at York that is bringing them together with government partners, professional associations, and employers such as CIBC, IBM, Kraft Foods, Siemens and TD Canada Trust.

“Helping our highly-skilled newcomers put their talents to work for the Ontario economy is a top priority for our province,” says Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.  “Bridge Training programs like the one at York University are such a great example of the partnership between government, educators, employers, and newcomers themselves. I’m proud that my Ministry provides funding for this worthwhile initiative.” 

The Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Professionals is presenting its inaugural makeMORE Ontario Connections Award to Fiona Macfarlane, Ernst & Young managing partner, people. Macfarlane, who began working for Ernst & Young in South Africa in 1983, immigrated to Canada in 1987. She is a recognized leader in business and volunteer organizations, a role model for many newcomer professionals, and a tremendous advocate who encourages businesses to hire foreign-trained professionals.

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at York offered the bridging program for the first time earlier this year, attracting applicants from more than 30 countries.

"Our bridging program for internationally educated professionals has built strong and innovative business and industry partnerships through advisory groups, professional mentorship and experiential learning initiatives,” says Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Dean Martin Singer. “Ms. Macfarlane exemplifies the key role our partners play. This award recognizes her commitment and advocacy work, helping match organizations and businesses who want to strengthen their global competitive edge with experienced and qualified immigrant professionals." 

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 Faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

-30- 

Media contact:

Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22101 / wallsj@yorku.ca