Flint Energy Services Ltd.—Careers Brand New January In this issue:

PatchWork
Volume 1
Issue 1
December 2011
Patchwork is a publication produced by Edmonton Immigrant Services
Association (EISA). EISA assists newcomers to Canada integrate into society by
providing programs and settlement services.
 Flint Energy Services Career Info Session
 EISA Highlights
 Immigration and Employment
 Community Calendar, and more!
Flint Energy Services Ltd.—Careers
The Edmonton Immigrant
Services Association will be
hosting a Career Information
Session with Flint Energy
Services Ltd. on Wednesday,
February 22, 2012 from
6:00pm-8:30pm.
From 7:00 pm-8:30 pm we will
be joined by Yvon La Forge,
Senior Sourcing Specialist
from Flint Energy, a premier
player in the energy sector.
Flint is currently looking for
office staff, engineers and other
skilled workers, and
experienced professionals
capable of managing large
industrial projects.
*researching Flint Energy Ltd
website: www.flintenergy.com
*obtaining CSTS, H2S, and
Emergency First Aid
certification from a Safety
Training Centre
*bringing an updated copy of
your resume
Flint is a market leader
providing an expanding range
of integrated products and
services for the energy
industry including production
services; field construction;
oilfield transportation; tubular
management services; and
plant management and
maintenance services.
From 6:00 pm -7:00pm we will
examine strategies for
communicating effectively in
the Canadian workforce.
Requirements for the event
include:
The final portion of the
evening will consist of spot
interviews for current job
openings with Flint Energy.
Please be prepared to indicate
salary expectations.
(www.alis.alberta.ca/
WAGEinfo). Please come in
casual attire, no suits and ties.
Light refreshments will be
served, but we will only be able
to accommodate 25 people, so
please contact Dorina at
dgerminario@shawbiz.ca to
register in advance.
Brand New January
The holidays are over and its time for a
new year! The Roman Calendar
established January as the first month
of the year. This month was named
after the Roman god of doors and
gates, Janus. Depictions of Janus show
him having a double head that looked
both ways., signifying his ability to look
at both the past and the present years.
As we look into a new year, we know
that there are new Canadians who are
looking forward to a multitude of new
beginnings. Newcomers must adjust to
new
communities,
new schools,
new careers
and a new
culture. As an
organization,
EISA aims to
do all that we
can to help newcomers successful
adjust to their new life in Canada.
Thank you, to
EISA and all
settlement
agencies, for
your
dedication to
Career Info Session
1
this
important
Immigration &
2
work.
In this issue:
EISA Highlights
3
Immigration and Employment
Canada’s immigration policy has opened the doors to a
foreign skilled labour force. They are often given the impression that Canada will be able to give them jobs in
their areas of expertise and training. The real picture is
much different than this.
Recent statistics from Citizenship and Immigration Canada show the majority of immigrants seeking employment
encountered many barriers. Skilled worker principal applicants had the highest proportion (73%) followed by refugees (71%) and skilled worker spouses and dependants
(70%).
Lack of Canadian job experience ranked as the most commonly reported serious difficulty (27%). Language problems were the second most commonly cited difficulty for
all immigrants, although language problems were quite
different by category immigration. Refugees had the highest proportion reporting language problems at 30%, while
only 9% of skilled worker applicants reported the same
problem. However. language barriers seem to improve
with time. Two years after arrival, only 21% family class
immigrants who tried to look for a job reported language
as the most serious problem. Male immigrants were less
likely (12%) than female immigrants (20%) to report language problems, given that more males immigrated as
skilled worker principal applicants (77%). Immigrants in
this category are selected in part based on their language
abilities. Skilled worker principal applicants may still encounter language difficulties with the subtleties and cultural references that are commonplace in a working environment.
As difficulties with language improve over time, so do immigrants job opportunities. Last year, almost 12% of immigrants who had been in Canada five years or less were
unemployed – more than double the five per cent unemployment rate of native-born Canadians. After five to ten
years, just over 7% of immigrants were unemployed,
which is equal to the same unemployment rate of Canadian-born workers.
Even if immigrants are employed, 76% of new immigrants
and refugees do not find work in their professional field.
They often end up working “survival” jobs to meet financial demands. Working multiple, low-paying jobs leaves
little time to assist their family in their settlement in Canada, upgrade their skills, or develop professional networks
and contacts to improve their job prospects.
Ruth Ramsden-Wood, president and CEO of United Way
of Calgary and Area states “If every immigrant who chose
Calgary as their home could find a job in their professional field to match their education, experience and skill level
on which their application to Canada was approved, they
would be able to contribute in more significant ways, doing what they do best. They could also contribute from a
higher standard of living – a plus for all of us.” The same
can be said for all Canadians, whether newcomers or their
Canadian born counterparts.
English as a Second Language Classes
Beginning January 10, ESL classes for adults will begin.
There will be two locations running morning and afternoon
time slots. Classes will run three times a week, from January
10 to March 22, 2012.
Location 1: McKee School, 10725—51 Avenue, Edmonton
- Morning Class: ESL Level 4 and 5 will be taking
place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:15 am to
11:30 am.
- Afternoon Class: ESL Level 3 will be taking place
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:15
pm.
Location 2: Nazarene Church 10712—29 Avenue, Edmonton
- Morning Class: ESL Level 2 and 3 will be taking
place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9:30
am to 11:30 am
- Afternoon Class: ESL Level 4 and 5 will be taking
place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 1:00 to
3:00 pm.
Registration for classes is $60 per section. For more information please call Alex at (780) 474-8445.
EISA recognizes that finding employment is one of the
primary concerns that newcomers have. In recognition of
this concern, EISA developed the Adult Mentorship Program, which is facilitated by Dorina Germinario.
The Mentorship Program assists newcomers who have
been in Canada less than three years with all facets of
integration into Canadian society. A major focus is in
the area of employment. Clients are offered information
on resume and cover letter techniques, and job search
strategies. When available, a Volunteer Mentor in a related career field also may assist with this process. Clients will receive information on employment opportunities through email, and resumes will also be directed to
businesses connected with EISA who are hiring new
staff.
However, the Mentorship Program includes adult support beyond employment concerns. Clients and families
are also invited to participate in group activities such as
visits to the Muttart Conservatory, or the Ukrainian Village. Scheduled information sessions on topics such as
Culture Shock, or Labor Laws are also available. Newcomer seniors can contact Mentorship Coordinator for
any assistance they may require. For more information,
please contact Dorina at (780) 474-8445, or email dgerminario@shawbiz.ca.
Article Sources: “The Labour Market Progression of the LSIC Immigrants
---A Perspective from the Second Wave of the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to
Canada (LSIC)-Two Years after Landing,” Citizenship and Immigration Canada,
October 5, 2010.
“Ramsden-Wood: We can do more to welcome immigrants.” Calgary Herald online,
December 26, 2011.
EISA
highlights
New year, new programs! Here are some of the
highlights of the activities happening at EISA:

The New Neighbours Program collaborated with the
Adult Mentorship program
and shared a City of Edmonton group leisure pass. On
December 9, eleven newcomers enjoyed free access to the

Muttart Conservatory.

EISA held a very busy, very
delicious Open House and
Potluck Mixer on December
15. Thank you to all who
stopped by, we enjoyed meeting you!

Thanks to the Winspear Centre, EISA clients and volunteers were able to enjoy a
Christmas concert on December 21.

All youth programing in
Bridge-2-Success (In-School
Programs) have resumed as
of January 9, with regular
tutoring and/or recreational
activities in five locations.
ESL Classes begin January 10.
The classes are running at
two locations, McKee School
and Nazarene Church. Classes will run three times a
week, in either the morning
or the afternoon. It costs
$60.oo to register. For more
information, please see page
2 or call Alex.

The Language Bank would
like to welcome back Jewel
He.

The Language Bank is in
need of volunteers who can
translate or interpret Portuguese, Serbo-Croatian, Punjabi, Ukrainian, Polish, Dari,
Uzbek, Azerbaijan and
Dutch.

A Saturday Youth Mentorship program has also moved
from EISA to McCauley
Transition Centre in order to
serve a great diversity of
youth.
Coming Up This Month:
Skating at Hawrelak Park
January 21, 1:00 pm—3:00 pm
EISA’s Youth Program will be hosting this
event and covering the cost of skate rentals
for youth. Please contact Jenika at EISA (780
-474-8445) to register and confirm attendance,
or to request transportation assistance.
Please meet at the building by the skating
pond.
Potluck Mixer
Come enjoy some yummy food and friendly
conversation! We will be meeting on Thursday, February 2, from 1:30 pm—3:30 pm at
the EISA office. To register, please contact
Dorina at dgerminario@shawbiz.ca
EISA Office
10720—113 Street, Suite 201
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3H8
Tel: 780-474-8445
780-477-0883
www.eisa-edmonton.org
Please submit your idea, story, or comment to Jessica Smart at:
smartj@shawbiz.ca
Community
Calendar
Metropolis International Winter Festival
Edmonton’s first winter festival where Churchill Square
is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights,
sounds and visuals. There are a variety of activities including winter food, music, live entertainment, family
activities, and interactive exhibits. Free.
January 23 to 24, Chinese New Year—The Year of the
Dragon. January 25 to 29, twenty to thirty age group
presentations brought to you by NexGen. January 30 to
February 5, Firefly Theatre presents SKY LIFE: an imaginary explanation for the mysterious Aurora Borealis.
Skating at Hawrelak Park
January 21, 1:00 pm—3:00 pm
EISA’s Youth Program will be hosting
this event and covering the cost of
skate rentals for youth. Please
contact Jenika at EISA (780-474-8445)
to confirm attendance.
Ice on Whyte Festival
January 12 to 22, 2:00 pm—10:00 pm
The park will be filled with ice slides, stunning ice and
snow carvings, an interactive children's play area, a serene park, a skating rink and so much more. Artists from
around the world will create magical and amazing works
of art during the international ice carving competition.
Admission is $2.50 for children and $5 for adults.
Bredin Institute Career Fair
January 24, 1:00 pm—4:00 pm.
The Bredin Institute will be holding a career fair on January 24. Over 20 employers are expected to attend, including positions available in retail, the trades,
healthcare, engineering, hospitality, engineering, labour,
accounting, for professionals, and much more! Please
bring your resume.
Mill Creek Adventure Walk
January 27, 7:00 pm—11:00 pm
A magical winter walk through one of Edmonton’s best
loved parks, Mill Creek Park. Featuring dazzling light
designs, warming fires, music and performances. Free.
International Week 2012
Living Democracy: Citizen Power in a Global Age
January 30 to February 3
International Week is the largest educational extracurricular event on the University of Alberta campus. There
are over 60 free events designed to instigate new
thoughts, inspire discussions and animate debates on
current global issues. Connect with your community
during presentations, panel discussions, exhibits, creative
workshops and film screenings throughout the week.
January 2012
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Resolu
That Wtions
ork
(source: “Top 10 Resolutions for Your Possible New Year: Recommended New Year’s Resolutions
for People Who Work”, by Susan M. Heathfield, About.com Guide)
The new year means new beginnings, new goals, new control, you are less likely to have frequent interactions with your
boss. Thus, it is important that you recognize yourself for excellent
plans and dreams and new directions to fuel your
efforts. One way to do this is to keep a file of positive notes, thank
thoughts. Writing out your resolutions will restore,
you letters, and reminders of successful ventures. Stop to assess
success after each project you complete.
revitalize, and renew your spirit and help you take
advantage of all the new possibilities in 2012. Resolu- Strive to learn something new every single day. It is easy to get
down with the same old, same old. Read an article; discuss a
tions are habits that need to be worked on almost ev- bogged
new approach with a colleague; research what other organizations
er day. May this year be your best year ever!
are doing on the Web. This is the great thing about living in the
Be good to yourself this year:
Information Age!
Make new professional contacts and network. Look up colDo something you love to do, and that you do best every single leagues with whom you have lost touch. Try to attend at least one
day. Authors Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, in their book professional meeting a month. You will benefit from the friendships
First, Break all the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do
Differently, interviewed 80,000 managers discovered this important
element. For their interviews, they narrowed down the questions
asked to twelve that most clearly appeared to define happy, motivating and productive workplaces. These were the first three:
 Do I know what is expected of me at work?
 Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my
work right?
 At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do
best every day?
People who could answer these questions affirmatively were more
likely to be happy and productive. Get passionate about you work
and do something you do best every day!
Do something just for you every single day. As a manager or
business professional at a settlement agency, you can get caught up
in doing for others (clients and coworkers) every minute of your
work day. If you have family members who occupy the off-work
hours, this problem is compounded. Resolve to set time aside for
yourself every day to exercise, relax, reflect, cook something YOU
like to eat, garden, read a book, or any other activity that you like to
do. Just make sure the activity is different from what you do all day
long, it will help you feel like you have a life!
Give yourself credit and pat yourself on the back when you
deserve it. In the Gallup study above, this question defined the
and relationships you develop from active participation. It is not
enough to “join”. You will need to participate to reap the rewards
from professional collaboration.
Practise professional courage by stepping out of your comfort
zone. You know when you are in your comfort zone. An issue occurs. You hear yourself making up excuses in your mind about
“why” you don’t need to speak, or “why” taking a stand on an issue
will get you “in trouble.” Just once, when you find yourself in this
situation, state what you are really thinking. It is important that
organization members provide honest feedback and participate in
needed conflict to improve your services for clients. Most people
who practise professional courage, expected the worst, but found
they were rewarded for their new stance. It is important to work
somewhere you can safely speak your mind.
Listen more than you talk. The old adage about two ears, one
mouth is generally true. Plan this year, to listen to all that your
coworkers are saying; they may want a sounding board, not advice
or problem solving. Your listening may empower them to solve their
own problems.
Develop a method to track your life goals, your daily engagements, and your to-do list. Whether using an electronic or on
paper method planner, will help you to accomplish your most important priorities. It will also give your mind room for more important thinking.
most productive workplaces. People who had received praise or
recognition for their work in the past seven days were more produc- Read voraciously to continue to learn and grow. Try to read
widely and broadly, and see how different subjects enhance your
tive and happy.
In this era of empowered employees and broad spans of managerial point of view.