First Set of Graduates

First Set of Graduates Celebrate After Completing Skills Training Employment Project.

Toronto, ON – The Working Skills Centre (WSC) is pleased to announce the first graduates from the Skills Training Directly Linked to Employment Project, funded in part by the City of Toronto. The men and women attended a six-month long program that included academic training at WSC’s career college and a six-week placement in the private sector. However, it is due in part to the generosity of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that WSC is able to provide this program, since two capital grants, one is 2008 and one this year, worth $149,600, supported the purchase of computers, furniture, and other equipment, as well as the renovation of new space, now called “Lab 4”.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and awarded this prestigious grant,” said Mandy Thomson, Past-President of Working Skills Centre. “The role of community-based trainers in preparing individuals for the Canadian workplace is critical and the recognition of Working Skills Centre’s efforts through its Academy of Computer and Employment Skills is critical to helping alleviate poverty in Toronto.”

A formal ribbon cutting ceremony proceeded the graduation ceremony, all held at 55 Eglinton Ave. East. Susan Salek, a volunteer from OTF’s local Grant Review Team to bring congratulations and to see the good work being done by Working Skills Centre to help newcomers become active participants in Canadian society.

“I am so proud of the graduates from this great program,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, MPP for St. Paul’s. “This capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will help Working Skills Centre deliver their programs in top-notch facilities. I know their clients will benefit a great deal from this grant, and that’s going to make our community stronger.”

At the ceremony two of the graduates spoke of their incredible journey and the success they have had in finding employment following this program.

Working Skills Centre works to empower immigrants, primarily women, to fully participate in Canadian society and to make a positive labour market attachment leading to self-sufficiency for themselves and their families. To learn more about our work please visit www.workingskillscentre.com. WSC operates a licensed career college called Academy of Computer & Employment Skills, with six diploma options approved as vocational programs under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. www.trilliumfoundation.org

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