Ontario's North: a Land of Possibilities

Written by CNM

In Canada, the expression “a blank slate” can be a good thing. It means you get to draw or write whatever you want on it. It’s ready to be turned into whatever you need it to be.

Northern Ontario is a little like that. Although there aren’t as many people in the North as there are in the South – it’s a geographically large land that’s filled with opportunity and possibility. You see, because there are not many people, there are shortages of skilled labour especially in professions like engineering. And because communities can be so remote and services so hard to access, many of the employment opportunities pay very well indeed.

When the Faculty of Management at Laurentian University’s Management Development Centre identified a need for a support program that integrates internationally-trained professionals (ITPs) into the workforce in Northern Ontario, they developed Professions North/Nord (PNN) – a not-for-profit bridge training program funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration (MCI).

PNN works in concert with frontline service delivery agencies in all major communities in Northern Ontario to provide much needed community information, newcomer services, employment services and more. For those communities not serviced by partners, videoconferencing through Contact North, online support, and calls to their head office in Sudbury are readily available.

PNN can help you career goals by helping you make the most of foreign credential evaluations; develop Canadian workplace communication skills; develop a portfolio that will be invaluable in applications for employment or accreditation; build a network; meet a mentor; or find a job placement.

PNN offers distance learning (online) courses to eligible clients free of charge. Most services are available in both French and English.

Bridging Programs

With funding from the Government of Ontario, PNN began developing services geared towards professionals in the fields of financial services and accounting.  In the North, there is a strong need for bridging programs accessible to all professions, so PNN has expanded its service. Currently, they offer bridging programs for regulated and non-regulated professions alike. They’re currently expanding the number of bridging to accreditation programs to include fields like engineering.

Whether you are looking for work in Northern Ontario, are interested in upgrading your current position to work in your trained field, or are looking to gain a competitive advantage within your current work, PNN is there to help you reach your fullest potential. Visit the Professions North website and turn that blank slate into a blueprint for your future.