News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A New Life for Newcomers – both in Canada and the Trades
Winnipeg, MB – Options for Success Inc. a thriving local enterprise celebrates another
successful pilot project by assisting newcomers to launch themselves into the trades in Manitoba.
The project focused on taking newcomers from Africa and the Philippines, some with previous
knowledge and experience in welding, while others just wanted the opportunity to learn the trade
and get jobs as production welders and metal fabricators.
“Options for Success uses competency based approach-assessing people skills and identifying
gaps in language, essential skills and culture. Our team takes a customized approach to closing
the gaps to meet the individual needs and with a focus on what employers need. We value the
need to define and clarify context and focus on emergent curriculum. Our team is highly flexible
and close attention is paid to learning styles and culture values of our clients. Our ultimate goal is
successful integration into the Canadian workplace and building capacity of the individuals.“ –
Eddie Calisto-Tavares, President of Options for Success Inc.
The goal of this project was to take fourteen newcomers - some who had previous welding
experience in other countries, yet could not secure work in Canada in their field due to gaps in
their experience, skills or training. These people came here looking for a new life – and one of the
doorways to that life is securing gainful employment beyond the ‘survivor jobs‘ that immigrants
usually have to take when they first arrive in Canada.
Using PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) principals the team at Options for
Success created Individual Learning Plans for each participant and focused on common values
and employment goals. “This is not a one size fits all cookie cutter approach – this is designed to
fill the gaps of each person – the program is focused on the participants, their needs & learning
outcomes..Not on the needs of the program or the outcomes of pre-packaged curriculum“ says
Calisto- Tavares
Options for Success leverages relationships with employers and works to provide information on
strengths and weakness of the potential candidate which makes a huge difference to the
employers. It is critical to the success of our projects that we work with employers who see the
value of integration of the newcomer into their company. It is important that both sides learn to
adapt and value the skills and work ethic that these newcomers bring as a result of their chance
in their new country.
To date over 95% of the participants – 13 out of the 14 – have gained employment as production
welders in industrial manufacturing with great Manitoba companies. Many went from earning
minimum wages to being fully employed and earning up to $17 per hour and truly enjoying their
work and knowing they are making a positive contribution to their employer and to their families.
“Our employers are very happy with the dedicated and skilled workers they have hired. Our
participants are very happy with their new employers. It is a win/win for the industry and for the
participants. We are very proud of their accomplishments and their determination to succeed.” says Calisto-Tavares, "Of course, we could not achieve these results without the commitment of
the provincial government and employers in the community."
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Eddie Calisto-Tavares – 989.0141
Options for Success Inc.
Congratulations! Options for Success Inc. has being selected as a
nominee for the DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL AWARENESS AWARD by Human Resources Management Association of Manitoba.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eddie Calisto-Tavares, CIM, President of Options for Success Inc. is honored with P.R.I.M.E. award for individual excellence by Canadian Institute of Management (CIM) Winnipeg Branch Board
Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 11, 2009
Karen Pellatt, C.I.M., P.Mgr. President, CIM Winnipeg Branch who made the announcement that this prestigious award will be presented as part of the CIM National Conference happening in Winnipeg stated “ Our conference theme is: Brilliance Within: Leadership in Action. Eddie’s accomplishments with the re-training of out-placed women from Nygard plant closure and how they (Options for Success ) have helped them better their lives caught our attention… Eddie is living our theme – and on daily basis.”
The team at Options for Success Inc. is thrilled with the recognition, this project meant a lot to the team who were energized by Eddie, to go above and beyond in many cases, to help these displaced workers, find the resources within the community to move onto bigger and better places.
Details of the award are as follows -
Professional Recognition for Innovation & Management Excellence Award
Eddie Calisto-Tavares, C.I.M, President for Options for Success Inc.
For outstanding performance, leadership, and providing inspiration for immigrants, women and small business owners to enable them to discover and achieve excellence in their lives
Options for Success Inc is a Human Resource company in Winnipeg, providing leadership development, performance management and career transitions services.
Contact – Brad Tyler-West, Lead Associate or Eddie Calisto-Tavares, President – 204.989.0141
Options for Success Inc.
bradtw@options4success.com
www.options4success.com
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