The document summarizes Halton Multicultural Council's (HMC) Enhanced Language Training Program which provides unpaid work placements for international professionals to improve their English skills and gain Canadian work experience. The program places about 12 participants per session in fields like administration, IT, marketing, and graphic design. Employer partners provide flexible work schedules and hands-on training for at least 40 hours and have an opportunity to evaluate potential employees. HMC insures volunteers and asks that employer partners interview candidates and provide meaningful tasks and feedback to support the participants' professional development.

1. Enhanced Language Training Program with Volunteer Work Placement

2. About HMC’s ELT Program & Work Placement Since 2005, Halton Multicultural Council (HMC) has offered an Enhanced Language Training Programs (ELT) to allow ITIs prepare for careers in office management while improving English language skills. There are 3 sessions annually, 12 participants each, representing a variety of professions which include ( but not limited to ) : Admin Assistants - IT Specialists Office Managers - Marketing Professionals Graphic Designers - Business Receptionists Work schedules are flexible and built around the needs/availability of Employer Partners. The program has a minimum 40-hour unpaid work placement component which must provide participants with hands-on work experience in their field.

3. Benefits of Becoming an HMC Employer Partner Becoming a HMC Employer Partner is an opportunity for your organization to: “ Try-out” a potential employee for immediate or future staffing needs Tap into a pool of international business talent to bring a new perspective to your business Reduce any work load back-log Demonstrate your company’s commitment to cultural inclusivity

4. Expectations and Responsibilities We ask that our Employer Partners… Interview all participants to ensure a good fit for your organizational needs. Provide meaningful, hands-on tasks so that candidates can gain experience in a Canadian work setting Provide the participant with feedback on their performance Accept an offer of placement only if the professional is a good fit for your organization

5. Insurance HMC carries insurance that covers volunteers while they are on your site to complete a work placement with your organization.

6. Any Questions? If you… Have any questions Are interested in becoming an Employer Partner Would like to look at a selection of participant resumes Want to set up an interview with a participant Please contact Kimberley John, Work Placement Facilitator (905) 842-2486, ext 247 [email_address] www.halton-multicultural.org

7. I want to thank HMC for inviting me to be a guest speaker at the graduation event for the class ended on May 9 th , 2009. The material in this presentation is reproduced with permission.