By Devin Munro

WIL Employment Connections & Libro Financial Group Announce Skilled Immigrant Loan Program

On December 7th, 2007, WIL Employment Connections (WIL) and Libro Financial Group announced a new Skilled Immigrant Loan Program that will give skilled immigrants access to funds for training or certification assessments needed to qualify for employment in their fields.

“The Skilled Immigrant Loan Program is another tool that can be utilized by newcomers to maximize their skills and abilities in pursuing careers in Canada,” says Anne Langille, General Manager of WIL. “We expect many of our clients will wish to access this loan with the goal of obtaining licensure in regulated professions. WIL is proud to work with many community partner organizations that provide excellent employment and settlement services for immigrants and newcomers. We hope that their clients will also benefit from this new program.”

Skilled immigrants who meet program criteria are eligible to borrow up to $5,000 and may choose to pay interest only during the training period. Approved loans will be short-term and must lead directly to employment in an in-demand industry. The training or certification assessment must be provided by a recognized post-secondary institution. WIL will recommend applicants to Libro.

“Skilled immigrants are important to the economy of London and southwestern Ontario,” says Frank Kennes, VP Credit, Libro Financial Group. “We’re happy to be able to partner with WIL to provide the resources to help local immigrants find work in their chosen field. It means more employment satisfaction for immigrants and that helps to foster prosperous communities.”

WIL is a not-for-profit government-funded corporation that has built a solid reputation in providing quality employment preparation programs and career counselling services to London’s immigrant population since 1984. WIL’s clients have strengthened hundreds of local companies and provided many with a global advantage in an increasingly competitive business environment.

Libro Financial Group is south-western Ontario’s full-service financial institution operated by a community of owners and open to everyone. With 50,000 owners and more than $1.4 billion in assets under administration, Libro delivers a full range of chequing, savings, investment, RRSP, insurance and loan products along with financial coaching and advice for consumers, and farm and business owners.

For more information on the loan program and to obtain a copy of the program brochure, visit our website at www.wil.ca or phone WIL Employment Connections at (519) 663-0774.

Submitted by Devin Munro. Devin is the Manager of Business & Government Relations with WIL Employment Connections located in London Ontario