October 04, 2004

Dear Colleagues,

In this October’s 2004 newsletter, we have the regular topics to cover end next Meeting.

Training and Employment

We received couple of letters from COSTI Centres

From: Julie Sheehey <sheehey@costi.org>

Hi Everyone!
Please find attached a copy of the October workshop schedule for COSTI - Vaughan.

Julie Sheehey
Employment Facilitator

COSTI - Vaughan Employment Services

Dynamic Resume Writing (2 ½ Hours)

Learn how to write a targeted resume with accomplishment statements
Understand what information the employer looks for on your resume and where they look for that information
Understand the different styles of resumes and which one markets your skills and abilities most effectively
Facilitator will walk participants through step by step to build an effective resume

Transferable Skills (2 Hours)

The ability to identify your skills is essential when job searching
Learn to identify your skills
By identifying your skills you are able to communicate effectively in job search correspondence and to the employer during the interview
85 % of job searchers can not effectively communicate their skills to an employer

Cover Letter Writing (2 Hours)

Cover letters are an important part of the job search process and function as an initial selling tool
Learn the do’s and don’ts of cover letter writing
Participants learn how to write an effective cover letter

Interview Tips – Level 1 (2 Hours)

The ability to handle yourself well at the interview is a skill, which can be learned
Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the interview helps to relieve anxiety, therby increasing confidence and the chance of a successful interview
Participants will learn what the interviewer is really asking, learn how to handle those difficult questions
Learn when the appropriate time to negotiate with the employer is. (HINT: It’s not at the beginning of the interview

Interview Tips – Level 2 Mock Interviews (by appointment only)

Interview Tips – Level 1 is a prerequisite for this workshop
You will have an opportunity to be interviewed by a Facilitator and this interview will be video taped!
You will have an opportunity to watch how you responded to interview questions; Did you squirm & wiggle? Did you hesitate when providing your answers? What were you doing with your hands? Are you ready for your interviews?

Internet – Beginner Level (2 Hours)

Never been on the Internet? This workshop is for you!!
Learn to navigate the web and all the exciting things it can do for you

E-Job Searching (2 Hours)

Learn the latest way of job searching, learn how to post and send your resume through the Internet, lots of jobs are on the Internet – find out where they are
Learn the latest job searching technique E-Networking

Job Finding Strategies (All day)

Learn how to uncover the hidden job market
Learn how to build and use your networking skills

Career Portfolios (1 ½ Hours)

Learn how to create a career portfolio
Learn how career portfolios “Wow” employers during interviews

Introduction to Canadian Work Force for Internationally Trained Individuals (3 Hours)

l Employment Standards Act l Occupational Health & Safety l human Rights & Unions

Accessing Your Professions and Trades for Internationally Trained Individuals (3 Hours)

l Labour Market Information l Regulated & Unregulated Occupations and Trades l Unions l Professional Associations

l How to Access Professions & Trades

Presenting Yourself Professionally - For Internationally Trained Individuals (3 Hours)

l Dressing for Success l Understanding Cultural Diversity l Communicating Effectively l Effective Job Search Strategies

Making Canadian Connections (3 Hours)

|What is networking?|Using Directories|Communicating with Employers|Creating a Career Portfolio

2) From: Jacquie quinnell@costi.org

Please see the attachments regarding our schedule and workshop explanations.

Jacquie Quinnel

COSTI - Markham Employment Services

Attached are October schedules for Vaughn and Markham COSTI Services

Employment

Computer Support Technician 30 k

We are presently recruiting for a Computer Support Technician to assist in the IS Department. This position will be located at MMM Head office and will report to the IS Manager.
Duties & Responsibilities:

- Hardware and software support for approximately 600 users in a professional services consulting organization.
- Assists in maintaining the local area network or wide area network (cable, hubs switches, routers, servers, firewalls, etc.) including installations, inventories, and other related duties.
- Assists in maintaining the Novell and Windows operating systems and security software utilized on the network, including the addition of new users to the network and establishment of rights and privileges.
- Undertakes the preparation and deployment workstations for staff, including re-installations and repair of existing workstations.
- Performs routine backups and archival and recovery of files stored on the network.
- Troubleshooting hardware and software problems.
- Assistance with training and development of users.
Position Requirements:

- Three or more years of progressively responsible related experience in a hardware/software support role.
- Considerable knowledge of computer operating systems and computer hardware.
- Considerable knowledge of office automation, engineering and CAD software applications e.g. AutoCAD, GIS, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
- Working knowledge of local area networks (LANs), Internet, Intranet and Client/Server
- Ability to install and operate a variety of software programs and to patch, upgrade or otherwise maintain existing software programs and computer systems.
- Ability to effectively troubleshoot common hardware and software problems.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, clients and vendors, i.e. good communication and interpersonal skills.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and we offer a comprehensive benefits package. Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources Department
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited
80 Commerce Valley Drive East
Thornhill, Ontario
L3T 7N4
Fax: (905) 882-0055
Email: hr@mmm.ca

Intermediate Transportation Engineer / Planner / Technologist (Travel Demand Forecasting) 30 k

Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited is seeking to fill an intermediate position in our Transportation Planning Department. We are looking for highly motivated graduates of a University or College program in either civil engineering or planning, with four to six years' experience in transportation planning, and specifically with expertise in travel demand forecasting. Candidates should be ready and able to take on the role of project coordination, in a growing practice.

This is an opportunity to participate actively in the transportation division of a leading Toronto based multi-disciplinary consulting firm involved in high profile and innovative projects. Some of these include the redevelopment of the Toronto Waterfront, York Rapid Transit Program, the GO Transit rail infrastructure improvement program, the TTC St. Clair Streetcar EA, expansion of Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plans for numerous municipalities, Detroit River Tunnel Project, and municipal transportation plans. MMM is also a leader in the provision of traffic impact, noise and vibration and parking studies for development projects.

Candidates with experience in demand forecasting and transportation planning would be welcomed. Knowledge of other traffic engineering, modeling or GIS software would be considered an asset. Excellent report writing, presentation and research skills as well as an ability to work in a team environment are also desired.
We offer the potential for rapid career growth in an exciting and team-focused environment, within one of Canada's leading professional service firms, together with a competitive benefits package.
If you have the skills and experience we are looking for, and are interested in a challenging, dynamic position, we encourage you to contact us. Please apply in writing (cover letter and resume) to:

Human Resources
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited
80 Commerce Valley Drive East
Thornhill, Ontario
L3T 7N4
Fax: 905 882-0055
Email: hr@mmm.ca

Party Chiefs 26 k

Our Geomatics division is presently recruiting for several Party Chiefs.

The ability to work under minimal supervision and a willingness to travel are essential. A diploma/degree in a certified Survey/Geomatics program would be an asset, but is not required.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and their resume to:

Human Resources Department
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited
80 Commerce Valley Drive East
Thornhill, Ontario
L3T 7N4
Fax: 905-882-0055
Email: hr@mmm.ca

Transportation Engineer/Planner/Technologists 32 k

Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited is seeking to fill entry level, intermediate and senior positions in our Transportation Planning Department. We are looking for highly motivated graduates of a University or College program in either civil engineering or planning, with experience in the transportation planning and engineering field.

This is an opportunity to join the transportation division of a leading GTA based multi-disciplinary consulting firm involved in a number of high profile and innovative projects. Some of these include the redevelopment of the Toronto Waterfront, York Rapid Transit Project, expansion of Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plans for numerous municipalities, St. Clair Avenue West Transit Improvements Class Environmental Assessment, Detroit River Tunnel Project, and Niagara Fallsview Casino and Resort project. MMM is also a service leader in the provision of traffic impact, noise and vibration and parking studies throughout Ontario.

Candidates must have knowledge and experience in at least three or more of the following areas:
- Municipal transportation planning studies
- Traffic impact studies
- Parking facility design and planning
- Traffic operations
- Functional design
- Travel demand forecasting
- Road and transit environmental assessments
- Bicycle and recreational trail planning
- Transit planning
- Sustainable transportation & TDM
- Field data collection / analysis
- Transportation modeling

Candidates should have experience using intersection capacity analysis software such as Synchro, HCS, or InterCap / CCG-Calc as well as AutoCad and Auto TURN, CorelDraw, MSWord, Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of other traffic engineering, modeling and GIS software including MapInfo and ArcInfo would be considered an asset. Excellent report writing, presentation and research skills as well as an ability to work in a team environment with minimal supervision is also a requirement.

We are currently seeking candidates for Engineer / Planner / Technologist positions who match the following experience profiles: 0-3 years 4-6 years 7-10+ years.

We offer the potential for rapid career growth in an exciting and team-focused environment, within one of Canada's leading professional service firms, together with a competitive benefits package.

If you think you have the skills and experience we are looking for and are ready for a change, we encourage you to contact us. Please reply in writing to:

Human Resources Department
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited
80 Commerce Valley Drive East
Thornhill, Ontario L3T 7N4
Fax: 905 882-0055
Email: hr@mmm.ca

Transportation Engineer-In-Training 55 k

Our Transportation Engineering Division currently has an opening for an Engineer-In-Training. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering or should be in the process of completing their final term towards an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work on high profile projects including a variety of freeway planning and design assignments being undertaken on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation throughout the province. Members of our staff are currently involved in the preparation of designs for several major highway expansion programs in Ontario as well as numerous transportation projects in Canada and throughout the world.

Specific duties will include preliminary and detailed design of arterial roads, highways and freeways, checking of designs, drawings, quantity calculations, contract preparation, construction inspection and preparation of reports.
Excellent technical and communication skills are a necessity. Familiarity with AutoCad and Softdesk is preferred but not essential. MMM provides in-house training to familiarize staff with our procedures and quality systems.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
Interested individuals should forward a cover letter, resume and transcripts to:

Human Resources Department
Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited
80 Commerce Valley Drive East
Thornhill, Ontario

L3T 7N4
Fax: (905) 882-0055
Email: hr@mmm.ca

News

On September 29, our Association ABEC was invited to participate on the Press Conference - Release of PROMPT paper “In the Public interest”

The press Conference was held in North York Civic Centre.

I was there and took all printed materials and notes for my report in the next ABEC Meeting.

· The introductory Speech and Welcome Address was given by Uzma Shakir, Executive Director of CASSA. In her Address she explaind the purpose and the policies of PROMPT.

PROMPT (Policy Roundtable Mobilizing Professions and Trades) Purpose.

Prompt’s long-goal is to improve the economic and social integration of immigrants to Canada who are professionals and trades people in regulated fields. PROMPT works towards this long-term goal by developing policy recommendations and advocating for policy change related to access to professions and trades. PROMPT seeks to become the recognized collective immigrant voice on policy issues related to access to professions and trades. PROMPT is the first initiative of its kind in Ontario.

Policy Roundtable Members The policy roundtable is made up of a diversity of associations (and in some cases, individuals) representing immigrant professionals, trades people, ethno-racial social planning councils, umbrella groups and community initiatives. All roundtable members have an active commitment to working on issues of access to professions and trades. The roundtable aims to be representative of professional and trades groups, of ethno-racial communities, and of gender. The majority of representatives on the roundtable are immigrants.

The paper outlines the urgency for making changes in how we regulate professions in Ontario. The study adds the perspective of internationally educated professionals to the growing discussion in Ontario about access to professions. The intend is to move towards a system of registration that equitably regulates professions in the interest of today’s public.

· Keynote Speech was given by The Honorable Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities In Her speech The Minister outlined that:

Government Moves To Reduce Barriers To Employment For The Internationally Trained;

Appoints Advisor To Review Appeals Process, Strengthen Economic Growth

TORONTO, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is appointing an advisor to work with Ontario's regulatory bodies on ways to further reduce barriers to help the internationally trained pursue their chosen professions, Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities said today.

"The government is committed to working with professional regulatory bodies to reduce barriers to registration and licensure for internationally trained individuals to help them pursue their chosen occupations here in Ontario," Chambers said. "We recognize the important contribution the internationally trained make to build a strong, prosperous economy."

Former Ontario justice George Thomson has been appointed to review the regulatory community's current appeals process and develop a set of common principles upon which to base a standard independent appeals mechanism. Currently, there are different appeal processes run by several different regulatory bodies. The advisor will work with the regulatory bodies to review best practices for independent appeals and make recommendations including:

Appeal processes that meet common standards of fairness and independence
Any potential changes in legislation and regulation to put those appeal processes in place.

About 70 per cent of adult immigrants to Ontario are highly skilled with postsecondary education or training.

"We're committed to building the highly skilled workforce needed to attract jobs and investment," Chambers said. "By working with professional regulatory bodies, educators, employers and community groups, we can ensure all Ontarians can use their skills and expertise to their fullest potential thereby ensuring Ontario's prosperity."

Backgrounder

GEORGE THOMSON APPOINTED TO REVIEW

REGULATORY APPEALS PROCESSES

Former Ontario justice George Thomson, executive director of the National Judicial Institute in Ottawa, has been named by the McGuinty government to advise the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities on processes and principals for the independent appeal of licensure decisions by professional regulatory bodies.

After the speech was Seminar with Panel of Speakers:

PROMPT and Recommendations from Study – Jane Cullingworth and
CAPE – Council for Access to the Profession of Engineering – Ms. Bambrah
AIPSO – Association of International Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario,

For more information on PROMPT and CAPE see Websites:

http://www.promptinfo.ca
http://www.capeinfo.ca

Gem & Mineral Fall Show and Sale

Skyway Trade Center.
65 Skyway Ave., Toronto

Open to the Public & Trade 22, 23, 24 October 2004

Adults 7$, Age 12-18 5$

Under 12 free with adult

Also, I am reminding for our 2004 Membership collection. Please send your cheque of $50.00 dollars to our Treasurer and indicate if you need temporary Membership Letter.

Mrs. Tonia Bojkova.
91 Cosburn Av. Apt. 902
Toronto, Ontario, M4K 2G2

Please be advised, the next Meeting of the Association of Bulgarian Engineers in Canada will take place on 24^th of October 2004, after service - 12.00 o’clock in the lower Hall of Macedono – Bulgarian Orthodox Cathedral “Sts Cyril and Methody”.

237 Sackvill Street, Toronto, M5A 3G1

We will have coffee and refreshments.

Best Regards to all our Members,

Pauline