Accreditation Assistance Access Centre

1. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre

2. Regulated Professions Ontario has over 30 regulated professions – from architecture & engineering, to social work and veterinary medicine. A licence is required to work in these fields in Ontario. Ontario also has more than 140 recognized trades, of which about 20 require mandatory certification. Professions and trades are regulated in Canada to protect public health & safety. To work in a regulated profession, one must be registered by the appropriate Regulatory Body. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

3. Getting Licensed To Work In Your Profession or Trade in Ontario In Ontario, some professions set their own standards of practice. These are known as regulated professions. Regulated professions make sure that their members meet specified standards of practice. They have the authority to: - Set entry and training requirements - Set standards of practice - Assess qualifications and credentials - Register qualified applicants, and discipline members. The following professions are regulated in Ontario: Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

4. Regulated Non-Health Professions Agrology Architecture Certified Engineering Technician and Technologist Certified General Accounting Certified Management Accounting Chartered Accounting Early Childhood Education Forestry Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

5. Regulated Non-Health Professions Geo Science Insurance Brokerage Land Surveying Law Professional Engineering Real Estate Agent Social Work and Social Service Work TeachingVeterinary Medicine Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

6. Regulated Health Professions Audiology and Speech Pathology Chiropody and Podiatry Chiropractic Dental Hygiene Dentistry Dental Technology Denturism Dietetics Massage Therapy Medical Laboratory Technology Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

7. Regulated Health Professions Medicine-Physician or Surgeon Midwifery Naturopathy Nursing Occupational Therapy Opticianry Optometry Pharmacy Physiotherapy Psychology Respiratory Therapy Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

8. Alternatives to Regulated Professions Some professions and trades are not regulated by law, but may have voluntary professional bodies that provide certification courses and registration, which may help one to get work. Membership in these bodies is not mandatory. • About 20% of people working in Canada, such as nurses, engineers, electricians and teachers, work in regulated professions and trades. • The majority of jobs in Ontario are unregulated. This means that one does not need a license or certification to do them. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

9. N.O.C. Codes • The National Occupational Classification (N.O.C.) is the authoritative resource on occupational information in Canada. It is used daily by thousands of people to understand the jobs found throughout Canada's labour market. • The N.O.C. is the nationally accepted reference on occupations in Canada that organizes over 30,000 job titles into 520 occupational group descriptions. It is used daily by thousands of people to compile, analyze and communicate information about occupations. • AAAC facilitators use the N.O.C. codes extensively to search out and recommend alternative occupations that are related to the Internationally Educated and Trained Professionals’ education, skills and training. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

10. Alternatives to Regulated Professions Recommended Websites • www.settlement.org/alternativejobs/default.aspx • www.citizenship.gov.on.ca • www.jobfutures.ca • www.citizenship.gov.on.ca • www.aaacentre.ca Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

11. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) is: - A career, professional recognition information and referral service for Internationally Educated and Trained Professionals (IEPs/ITPs) - Staffed by Certified PLAR Practitioners and Portfolio Advisers who collectively have over 27 years of career and professional recognition/accreditation counseling experience - Who served 12,393 clients from the beginning of the program in 2003 Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

12. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) – our services: • We review & analyze the accreditation process, explaining how clients can receive professional recognition for their foreign education and experience • We conduct comprehensive & thorough research on behalf of each of our clients to create detailed action plan to career pathways in order to help them gain professional recognition and find employment in their field • We provide in depth personalized one-on-one professional conversation and discussion with clients explaining our research in detail Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

13. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) – value added service: Providing, explaining & delivering: • Detailed information on clients’ specific occupation • Labour market sector-specific information • Inter-cultural differences in the Canadian workplace • Global integration into Canadian workplace • Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) • Alternatives to licensed/certified careers • Professional Portfolio workshops Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

14. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) – how we do it: • By performing individualized, custom tailored research according to clients’ career, employment goals, experience and education • By providing personal and confidential one-on-one interviews that offer an opportunity for our clients to ask questions, receive detailed explanations and discuss alternatives • By delivering comprehensive, printed action plans with specific steps toward clients’ goals • By having professional, experienced staff with up-to-date knowledge of the local employment market and trends Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

15. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) WE empower our clients, Internationally Educated & Trained Professionals to succeed by delivering knowledgeable and caring service with current and accurate information on all regulated, non-regulated professions and alternative careers. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

16. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC)-client eligibility: • Internationally Educated & Trained Professionals or • Trades People • Newcomers to Canada as permanent residents (PR) • (3 years or less) • Eligible to work in Canada (with a permanent SIN) • Unemployed or not working more than an average of 20 • hours per week. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

17. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) – Q we can answer: Q: Am I qualified to work in my profession? Q: What type of training or education do I need to enter my profession in Canada? Q: How can I get my professional credentials (both educational and experiential) recognized in Canada? Q: What are other alternative job options in my field? Q: What other services can you refer me to that can help with my employment, promotion, education or training goals? Q: Can I fast track my goals? Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

18. AAAC Pathways and Action Plans Pathway to Certification • 1. Comparative Evaluation:Full information on the need for evaluation, on evaluating institutions, sector specific evaluation, evaluation and licensing, usage, cost, translation of documents • 2. Licensing/Certification:Full information & guidelines on accreditation/licensing/ certification; assess eligibility; information on regulatory bodies, the process, cost, length • 7. Accreditation Portfolio:AAAC Accreditation Portfolio Workshop Pathway to Skills Upgrading 3. Training:Suggestions for bridging programs, professional development, upgrading courses/programs, apprenticeship, PLAR) full-time/part-time, externship/internship, English proficiency requirements • 4. Improving English Skills:Suggestions for LINC, ESL, TOEFL, ELT, industry terminology courses organized by community partners Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

19. AAAC Pathways and Action Plans Pathway to Skills Upgrading 7. Accreditation Portfolio:AAAC Accreditation Portfolio Workshop 9. Improving Computer Skills:Discussion & analysis of client’s computer skills, recommendation to appropriate workshops/courses organized by community partners 13. Financing Accreditation Goals:Analysis of client’s financial needs, information on OSAP, bursaries, scholarships, OW 14. Transferable Trades Skills Profile:Inventories client’s transferable trade skills; identifies skill gaps, assists in completing trades certification Pathways to Alternative Related Occupations 5. Improving Job Search Related Skills:Referrals to workshops organized by community partners: job finding clubs, resumés, cover letters, interview, tapping into hidden job market, networking, job search methods Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

20. AAAC Pathways and Action Plans Pathways to Alternative Related Occupations 6. Analysis of Resumes:by comparing clients objectives to N.O.C. Definitions and Job Descriptions 7. Accreditation Portfolio:AAAC Accreditation Portfolio Workshop 8. Canadian Experience:Referrals to volunteering, co-op programs, mentorship, community participation programs, practice firms 10. Alternative to Licensing Career:Introduction of related career options that do not require accreditation/licensing; suggestions for certification; regulated vs. non-regulated professions 11. Employment Advisors:Referrals to employment advisors 12. Special Needs & Special Groups:Referrals to special agencies & programs, community groups Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

21. Accreditation Portfolio Workshops An Accreditation Portfolio is an organized collection of documents such as: assessment of foreign credentials, work history, work samples and other relevant material with the purpose of getting professional recognition in Canada A powerful marketing tool which focuses on the specific needs of Internationally Educated Professionals and Trades People as they integrate into the Canadian labour market The AAAC offers workshops, delivered by certified PLAR practitioners and portfolio advisors. Materials are provided at no cost to AAAC clients. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

22. Types of Portfolios Portfolio for Licensing, Certification & Membership Portfolio for Employment Portfolio for Continuing Education Master/Working Portfolio Portfolio for Professional Upgrade & Course Challenge Portfolio for Self-employment Portfolio for Promotion Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

23. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

24. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) Top Five Professions Served

25. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS), was established in 1892. It is a regulatory body, responsible for the licensing and governance of professional land surveyors, in accordance with the Surveyors Act. As with all regulated professions, the AOLS has a responsibility to ensure that the public interest is paramount. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

26. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration funded this pilot project with the following objectives and intended outcomes: To guide and help IEPs obtain license applying principles of PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition), developing PLAR portfolio as the assessment tool. To create new pathways and processes for gaining formal recognition as certified land surveyors To discover new learning regarding PLAR and regulatory bodies that can be shared with other provincial or national certifying organizations Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

27. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project A Certified PLAR Practitioner and Portfolio Advisor is assigned to each candidate to provide guidance in the process. Participants are required to create a PLAR portfolio which contains the entire material supporting theirformal education, training, experiential learning, testimonials and work samples. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

28. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project The portfolio is aiming to challenge the competencies that are required by AOLS. Upon examining the portfolio, the Academic Experience Requirements Committee-AERC, the assessing committee, will make a decision whether some or all competencies are met by the candidate. Therefore, the project enables the candidates to fast track their licensing goal. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

29. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project The PLAR Practitioner and Portfolio advisor and the candidate would have one-on-one meetings throughout the project. These meetings would include: An orientation of the general portfolio components (what is a portfolio, why make a portfolio, types of portfolios and items/material to be included in a portfolio Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

30. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project The next stage would include: collecting & selecting sector specific material. The PLAR Practitioner and Portfolio Advisor would also conduct sector specific research, including job descriptions, tasks, duties, regulations, codes, and skills and competencies required. Advising candidates on how to complete self assessment and demonstrate competencies Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

31. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project The final stage would include: modifying and proof reading all materials, checking the sequence of all documentation, compiling all supporting proof, according to the competencies required, and finally have the candidate present the PLAR portfolio to AERC of the AOLS Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

32. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project Information Gathering and Documentation Writing Portfolio Components

33. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project

34. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot Project There are two specialists who are PLAR Portfolio Assessors, working jointly on this pilot project, to support the process and provide advice during the portfolio project development. Regular meetings have been set up between project manager, portfolio assessors and portfolio advisors to meet and discuss the progress and challenge of developing PLAR portfolios. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

35. Association of Ontario Land SurveyorsPLAR Pilot ProjectOutcomes • Candidates developed PLAR portfolios • The assessor pre-assessed the portfolios • Competencies that meet AOLS requirements are recognized • Learning gaps are identified • Learning contracts will be planned with participants Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

36. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) Three Locations to Serve You: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services 9100 Jane St. Bldg. H Vaughan, ON L0K 0A4 Phone: 905-761-1155 Fax: 905-761-2080 Email: aaac@socialenterprise.ca Website: www.aaacentre.ca Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

37. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) Three Locations to Serve You: Scarborough 2100 Ellesmere Road, Suite 120, Scarborough, ON M1H 3B7 Phone: 416-439-4369 Fax: 416-439-4372 Email: aaacscarborough@socialenterprise.ca Website: www.aaacentre.ca Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

38. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) Three Locations to Serve You: Newmarket 17750 Leslie St., Suite 202, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3E3 Phone: 289-470-5314 Fax: 905-953-8241 Email: aaac@socialenterprise.ca Website:www.aaacentre.ca Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada

39. Accreditation Assistance Access Centre (AAAC) Thank you Accreditation Assistance Access Centre Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada