Province Funds Two New Fanshawe Programs

On Friday, May 16, 2008, Fanshawe College hosted a press conference to honour the latest in funding announcements by the provincial government. Approximately $27.4 million is being invested in training programs to help skilled immigrants gain meaningful employment. Guests of the conference included Khalil Ramal, MPP, London-Fanshawe; Deb Matthews, MPP, London-North Centre; and Anne Langille from WIL Employment Connections in London. (In photo at left: Joy Warkentin, Sr. VP Academic, with MPP Khalil Ramal.)

As Ontario faces a shortage in skilled labour, immigration becomes crucial to the province's success: by 2011, Ontario's labour force growth will come entirely from immigration, and nearly 70 percent of newcomers will have post-secondary education or training. Says Matthews: "[Individuals are] allowed to immigrate because of their high skills. But when they get here they face a lot of barriers."

"Community colleges have a crucial role to play in helping immigrants earn the skills and credentials they need to fill important jobs in our economy," says Joy Warkentin, Senior Vice-President Academic, Fanshawe College.

The announcement directly impacts the city of London as the funding will initiate three training programs that involve Fanshawe College and the London Middlesex Immigrant Employment Task Force (LMIETF). Approximately $300,000 will be allocated to two new Fanshawe programs: the first will assist individuals to obtain certification and employment in the electrical and electronics field; the second will incorporate language training, mentoring and clinical placements in nursing. Both programs will help to bridge international credentials and experience into Ontario qualifications.

"This new funding will definitely help [Fanshawe] provide valuable programs that will make the transition as complete and efficient as possible," says Warkentin. "Fanshawe is pleased to see that the provincial government is committed to serving foreign-trained workers."