Vitesse Bridging Program

for Internationally Trained Scientists and Engineers

Program Overview

The Vitesse Bridging Program (VBP) builds on Vitesse’s experience working with the knowledge-based industries and internationally trained professionals (ITPs) since 1996. VBP is a one-of a kind initiative aimed at transitioning ITPs into Ontario’s high-tech and science based industries. Target sectors for the program include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, microelectronics, IT, photonics and telecommunications.

The program begins with candidates undergoing rigorous evaluation and training in Canadian workplace practices and technical communications. Successful candidates, selected by companies for a work-term, may proceed to hands-on or in-depth academic studies, depending on their re-skilling needs and company requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To Qualify, You Must:

- Have a university degree in science or engineering (degree must be obtained outside of Canada and accredited in Ontario)

- Be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen

-  Demonstrate proficiency in the English language (test scores required)

-  Have at least two years of professional experience

Program Components (*depending on individual assessment)

1. Skills and credential evaluation

2. Canadian workplace practices, standards and ethics  and also technical communication

3. Academic studies

4. Work placement (based on availability of a sponsoring company)

Program participants will:

1.       Submit an application for security clearance (required to work in government departments)

2.       Receive training in safety in the Canadian workplace and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

3.       Receive training in Canadian workplace practices, ethics and standards

4.       Receive training in technical and scientific writing

5.       Receive training in employability skills

6.       Receive an assessment of their personal strengths and weaknesses as per the prevailing skills and credentials in Ontario’s current labour market

7.       Obtain an action plan on ‘how-to’ address their personal skill gaps and overcome skill weaknesses

8.       Obtain Canadian academic credentials (if enrolled in academic studies)

9.       Receive orientation to the Canadian academic environment

10.   Obtain Canadian work experience (if selected by a sponsoring company)

Application Procedures

Application Deadline (FOR THE winter academic term):
NOVEMBER 15, 2005

Before you apply, please make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, then follow these steps:

STEP 1:
Download and complete the application form (PDF format)
[if required, click here to download the PDF viewer]

STEP 2:

After completing the application form, prepare the following documents:

a.	A non-refundable $80.25 (GST included) application fee (cheque made payable to Vitesse Re-Skilling™ Canada Inc. or credit card information)
b.	Cover letter explaining your interest in the program (paper copy and on a floppy disk) [click here for tips]
c.	Resume (paper copy and on a floppy disk) [click here for tips]
d.	Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status
e.	Official university transcripts (certified English copy)
f.	Academic credential evaluation report (e.g. general report from ICAS)
g.	Copy of English language assessment results (e.g. CAEL or CanTEST)

STEP 3:
MAIL or SUBMIT in-person your completed application form and the documents listed in STEP 2 to: 

Vitesse Re-Skilling™ Canada Inc.

349 Terry Fox Drive

Kanata, ON K2K 2V6

Note:
You will be notified by e-mail upon receipt of your application package.

Vitesse Re-Skilling^TM Canada Inc. takes no responsibility for loss of mail or for applications not received by the deadline date.
 

Information Session

The information session will provide an overview of the program, allow you to meet the coordinators of the program, and there will also be a Q&A period.

When
TBA

Where
YMCA - Ottawa
180 Argyle Ave
4th Flr, Rm 426 (Job Connect Flr)
Ottawa, ON K2P 1B7

• copy of your academic transcripts
• copy of your diploma and/or degree
• copy of your current resume

If interested in the info session or would like more information about the VBP, please complete our expression of interest form