Workplace Cultural Intelligence – WCI
As Canadian demographics change – more and more multiculturalism -- the pattern extensively reflects all aspects of our life (in school, work, community, neighbourhood, etc.). Cultural awareness has become a needed essential skill that is applicable to everyone living in this nation. The WCI component will address Canadian workplace culture from an ICT context and then expand on the importance of the multicultural settings of respect, appreciation and harmony.
Workplace Communication – WC
As most IEPs are challenged with their verbal communication in a Canadian context, the WC sessions will put strong emphasis on project presentation, public speaking, business discussion/negotiation, etc. The sessions will equally look at verbal and non-verbal business communication approaches, ways to achieve the most results, informal communication beyond the business context, common topics of interest in the workplace, etc.
Guided Work Experience – GWE
As expressed by most IEPs, lack of Canadian experience is one of the most dominant obstacles of their labour market integration. It has long been advocated by employment service providers that a guided work experience (work practicum) is the key to success – as equally shared and owned by the work practicum hosts (employers) and the practicum trainees (IEPs). The GWE component is delivered and facilitated by the Program Manager who will match an IEP with a work practicum company. The IEP, under the guidance and supervision of an assigned supervisor at the practicum company, is expected to take on assignments, tasks and project during the GWE stage. The Program Manager will provide on-going support and guidance to the participating IEPs during the GWE as well as to the practicum supervisor.
Business Networking Experience – BNE
A lot of IEPs have expressed their concern over a “lack of personal network” as another key obstacle to their successful labour market integration. Indeed, the challenge is well illustrated when newly immigrated internationally educated professionals are put on “cold calling” practices during the job search intervention. The Program Manager plays a critical role to ease tension and anxiety by providing close guidance, support, encouragement and recognition to the IEPs in practice sessions. The BNE component will encourage IEPs to connect with local support groups on information and communication technology. In addition, the BNE will initiate seminars, workshops, and roundtables for the IEP. As time goes on, participating IEPs will organize their own “support group” to generate some self-help strategies.
Connection to Community – CTC
The process of landing in a new country, being unemployed or underemployed for some time, or being unrecognized or declined (in terms of qualifications and experience), IEPs could logically enter a vicious cycle of depression, loss of confidence and self esteem. The IWES model will integrate a Connection-to-Community component so that IEPs gain value, belief and trust in the community. “Volunteering” is strongly promoted and advocated in this CTC component. During the process of CTC, IEPs could better integrate themselves with their peer IEPs, their Canadian partners and their community. As such, the social sense of belonging (in addition to economic attachment via labour market integration) is expected to be the ultimate outcome.