The Canada Readiness Tool is a bilingual, online competency-based self-assessment tool that will enable ICT internationally educated professionals (IEP) to self-assess against employer requirements regarding workplace culture, workplace communication and workplace competencies in the ICT sector in Canada. Developed by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), it has been pilot tested overseas (India, China and the Philippines) as well as across Canada (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa).

The Canada Readiness Tool is funded by the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program.

After incorporating feedback from partners and ICT IEPs overseas in India, China and the Philippines and across Canada in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, the Canada Readiness Tool offers three self-assessment modules on Workplace Culture, Workplace Communication, and Workplace Competencies as well as guides on résumé building, interview preparation, and the Canadian ICT labour market.

“The Canada Readiness Tool is the first tool of its kind developed to meet the needs of the ICT workforce in Canada,” says Paul D. Swinwood, president of ICTC. “Through our innovative Immigration Initiatives that include programs, resources, and tools such as the Canada Readiness Tool, ICTC is paving the way towards helping global ICT talent integrate successfully into the Canadian ICT sector.”

The tool was launched at ICTC’s 2010 Immigration Initiatives Partnership Celebration in Ottawa, which recognized the successful launch of multiple programs, resources and tools developed for IEPs and employers, including a highly effective pilot bridge-to-work program (IWES), pilot mentorship programs, and various guides for IEPs. These have been developed with the integral support of partners and stakeholders under the Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Integration Initiative project, as part of ICTC’s Immigration Initiatives. Leaders from industry, government, and immigrant serving agencies attended the event to celebrate the successes of the IEP Integration Initiative and launch of the Canada Readiness Tool.

ICTC is a not-for-profit sector council that strives to create a diverse, prepared and highly educated Canadian ICT industry and workforce. We forge partnerships that will help develop the quantity and quality of ICT professionals needed to maintain and improve Canada's position as a leader in the global marketplace.