Arthur Villacorte gained local work experience and much more at the Practice Firm, offered by
The Training Group at the Surrey Training Centre.

Arthur Villacorte: Practice Firm
makes perfect sense for new

immigrants

For Arthur Villacorte, the
Practice Firm makes perfect

sense,

The 38-year-old landed
immigrant with a background
in purchasing was looking for
meaningful employment after
moving to Canada from the
Philippines.

“I didn’t want to land a survival
job -- I wanted to pursue my
career,” he says.

So when Villacorte found out
about the Practice Firm, he
jumped at the chance to be a
member of the first class in the

new program,

Offered by The Training
Group, The Practice Firm

is designed for immigrants
like Villacorte who have the
skills required for a job, but
lack the local work experience
required to make a successful
transition into the Canadian
workforce. It’s funded by the
Government of Canada and
open to immigrants entitled to
work in this country.

The Practice Firm model
operates internationally with
over 4,000 organizations
conducting business across
the network, creating a virtual
economy. Hagen’s Travel and
Cruises has provided
Douglas College with the
data to duplicate their head
office operations, allowing
program participants to
conduct actual business
activities.

Villacorte soon found himself
researching and developing

a business plan and learning
more about marketing, sales,
Web site development and
accounting. He found the
program challenging and

the instructors helpful.

“The instructors are very
knowledgeable and very
supportive. They cover all
the aspects of running a

business.”

The program is also enhanced
by Hagen’s Travel and Cruises
acting as its business

mentor — just one example

of the support the Surrey
Training Centre has received
from local business. It’s the
kind of partnership that
helps students both in

the classroom and in the

job market, says

Program Coordinator

Stephanie DeRapp.

“The Practice Firm provides
a true understanding of
local business practices and
Canadian workplace culture,
while providing support for
participants as they conduct
job search activities” says

DeRapp.

Villacorte considers himself
fortunate to have participated

in the program. And he’s
confident about his employment
prospects.

“It won't take me long to

get a job,” he says. “I

already have a second interview
scheduled with a firm. I

didn’t want a survival job.

Now, thanks to the Practice
Firm, I can get the kind of job I

want.”

wD

Silvia Wilson
Associate Dean,
Health Sciences

 

Health Sciences Dean Joy Holmwood is pleased to announce
that Silvia Wilson is the new Associate Dean in the Faculty
of Health Sciences. Wilson brings with her a background in
nursing clinical practice and teaching. She's also taught within
allied health and English skills programs. Her membership
on a variety of community and health care boards has given
her a well-developed community network. Wilson engages

in a variety of scholarly activities, has published several
papers, made many presentations and is currently engaged in
doctoral study. Her administrative knowledge and experience
within and outside the College has prepared her well for her
new role.

“Silvia’s energy, enthusiasm, warmth and creativity will be

a definite asset to the Faculty of Health Sciences and the
College,” said Holmwood. “Please join us in welcoming Silvia
into this role as the Associate Dean of Health Sciences.”

Employee ID Cards at
David Lam Campus

Make a date with Employee Relations to get your Employee
Photo ID cards. Employee Relations will be at the David
Lam Campus on Tuesday, January 24 for employees to
receive their new Employee Photo ID cards. Please book

an appointment with Wendy Davies (local 5340). Please
ensure you bring Government Issue ID. If you cannot
make this date, Employee Relations will be available on a
monthly basis. A schedule of alternate times will follow.

President's Writing Contest on
Diversity

President’s Writing Contest on Diversity is back for its sixth
year. Students are encouraged to submit their creative or
academic work on the subject of Diversity. Watch for the
posters around both campuses announcing submission
requirements and deadlines. President Susan Witter thanks
instructors in advance for encouraging submissions from their
students.

Correction:

Due to an editing error, the December issue of /Nside
carried a picture on Page Three that identified Brian
Marrs (English) as Ian Joyce (Geography). We apologize

for any inconvenience this may have caused.