Employment Program

Internationally trained dentist professionals in the regulated professions receive services to reach their career goals. Services provided include:

• Orientation session to the profession
• Discussion and learning session on preparing for the examinations set by the regulatory body
• Assist in specific individual requirements

Having assisted internationally trained dentists, physicians, nurses, and engineers to enter their professions, ANIW is currently assisting international trained dentists enter their profession in Canada.

Online services are provided to ITDs to complete the assessment examination set by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).

• Fundamental Knowledge Assessment examination
  • The learning sessions are on line, discussion groups are face to face, participants out of town are digitally connected.

• Assessment of Clinical judgement Examination
  • The learning and discussion sessions to further practice critical analysis are on line.

• Assessment of Clinical Skills examination
  • Participants need to attend the sessions in person.

For further information and applications to the program please email info@aniw.org

Overview of the project:

Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIW), in partnership with the University of Calgary and the Alberta Men’s Network (AMN), received funding from Women and Gender Equity Canada (WAGE) to carry out a pilot project to examine the anecdotal information received by ANIW on biases, racism, and discrimination in employment and hiring practices in Alberta. The partnership, along with the guidance of the project advisory committee members, approached this problem through a community change model, which engaged two action groups: (1) immigrant women who have experienced employment discrimination, and allies working in human resources. The key objective of this project was to create equitable opportunities for immigrant women to participate fully in Canadian society.

The project documented immigrant women’s experiences of discrimination in hiring practices in Alberta. These experiences were shared with HR Allies, who also reflected on their own experiences and, importantly, HR allies described strategies that were working and had found to be effective ways to challenge the institutional barriers. The findings from the two action groups were shared and validated at a one-day Community Conversation symposium, attended by 62 HR allies, immigrant women, members of non-profit organizations, businesses, academics, and government representatives in June 2023.

Activities:

Focus Group Discussions

Community Conversation: Collective Strategies to Address Biased Hiring

Reports:

1) Snapshot brochure overview of project result

2) Community Conversation:

Video Report :

Booklet Report: Please Email info@aniw.org if you wish to have a copy.

 

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We wish to thank the members of the project advisory committee, our ANIW Executive Director, Board members and staff.

We also wish to acknowledge the financial support of Women and Gender Equity Canada and our project advisor, who encouraged and promoted this work.

And to all the project participants, the immigrant women who participated in focus groups, those who are HR professionals and all those who joined in the community conversation and resulting social change process. This collective story would not have been possible without your fearless vulnerability. We hope we have honoured your courage, insights, and experiences and that this project will continue to enhance the economic inclusion of immigrant women in Alberta, Canada.

Introduction

The Needle and Thread Program is the sewing initiative launched by ANIW with the support of funding from the Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus in November 2024. Designed to provide accessible sewing education, the program supports women in developing valuable skills while building pathways toward economic security, entrepreneurship, and sustainability

Program Goals

Short-term Goals

• Build confidence and practical sewing skills
• Foster a sense of community
• Create opportunities for friendships and networking
• Provide space for practicing conversational English

Long-term Goals

• Support women’s economic security
• Equip participants with skills for:
  • Industrial sewing
  • Launching design stores
  • Starting small businesses
• Promote sustainable practices such as mending, repairing, and reusing clothing
• Encourage environmentally conscious living by reducing textile waste

Program Structure

The Needle and Thread Program

1. Basic Program (8 weeks):
   Fundamentals of sewing — hand stitching, machine setup, and simple garment construction.
   Final project: elastic-waist pants, shorts, or skirt.
2. Intermediate Program (8 weeks):
   Open to graduates or those with prior experience. Covers serger machines, stretch fabrics,
   and making T-shirts or hoodies. Includes basic mending and alterations.
3. Advanced Program (Starting Oct 2025):
   In collaboration with Riyoko Work/Shop (Urban Bikewear) at their Marda Loop studio.
   Focuses on patternmaking, garment fitting, and advanced alterations.

Contact: Ciza Zoya, Program Coordinator — ciza.zoya@aniw.org

For further information and applications to the program please email info@aniw.org