FAQ

A practice firm is a business simulation where participants work to gain valuable employment skills and experience, similar to an internship.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Is Experica, a training program? Does it include job training?

A. Experica is not a training program. It is an employment program where particiants gain real work experience based on their skills. Experica provides job search support and information sessions to help the participant find permanent, full-time employment.

Q. How can Experica help me with employment?

A. Experica provides participants with valuable on-the-job experience, while developing their employment search skills. Participants are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to optimize their job search providing them with an 'edge' in securing gainful employment.

Q. What type of placements does Experica do?

A. Experica is not a placement firm. The participants who join the program work in Experica's office in positions for which they are seeking employment. They receive job descriptions for their positions and are assigned projects based on their skills.

Q. What departments exist at Experica?

A. As with any real business, Experica has the following departments:

Accounting
Marketing and Communications
Information Technology/ Application Development
Graphic Design
Website Development
Human Resources
Office Administration

Q. How do I participate in Experica's program?

A. To participate in Experica's program you must do the following:

1. Obtain a referral from Northern Lights Vocational Services. Northern Lights can be reached at the following two locations:

West End Centre:

2525 Carling Avenue, Suite 227A,
Lincoln Fields Centre Ottawa K2B 7Z2
Phone: 613-688-2147
Fax: 613-688-2167

East End Centre:

1980 Ogilvie Road, Suite 163,
Gloucester Shopping Centre,
Ottawa K1J 9L3
Phone: 613-688-3670
Fax: 613-688-3671

2. Send your resume and cover letter either by fax or email to Experica's Coordinator. In your cover letter, specify the position which you are applying. Our fax number is (613)-688-3981 and email address is HR@experica.ca

3. The candidates are then screened and selected if they meet the requirements of the position.

4. If there is a match between the candidate and the job position, then the candidate is invited for an interview.

Q. How are participants selected?

A. Every participant must go through a selection, pre-screen, interview, during which the candidate's education and expfor the position in their field.

Q. When can I start Experica's program?

A. This depends on availability for that position. Experica has continuous intake. You could start working at Experica as soon as the position for which you were interviewed becomes available. Qualified candidates on a waiting list are placed on a first come/first serve basis (based on date of the referral from NLVS).

Q. How long can I participate in Experica's Program?

A. The program duration is a maximum of 12 weeks. The practice firm offers a 12 week 'open'contract. Should the participant find employment at any point during this period, they may exit the program without penalty.

Q. What are the hours of operation?

A. Participants are required to work 35 hours per week, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Experica does not operate on weekends or official holidays.

Q. Are there any fees involved in the program?

A. No, the program is absolutely free.

Q. How do I know if I qualify for this program?

A. In order to qualify for this program, candidate must meet the following criteria:

Must be an Ontario resident
Person returning to the workforce
Must be a recent graduate
New canadian
Person changing careers
Person having difficulty integrating into the job market

To join Experica, the practice firm, you must first obtain a referral from Northern Lights Vocational Services.

Q. What happens if I am offered employment while in the program?

A. If you are offered employment while participating in the program, you would notify the coordinators and move on to paid employment immediately.

Q. Must I participate in the program on a full-time basis or can I participate
part-time?

A. Working at Experica is a full-time commitment (35 hours per week).
Participants must be willing to work full days (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM), Monday to Friday.

Q. Would I still be eligible for Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits if I participated in this program?

A. Yes, you still qualify for E.I. benefits, while taking part in the program.

Q. Who funds the employment program?

A. Experica, the practice firm, administered by the Vanier Community Service Centre is funded by Service Canada.

Q. Where is Experica located?

1. Location: Experica is located at
1365 Richmond Road 3rd floor in Ottawa,
Ontario K2B 6R7
Tel: 613-688-3980
Fax: 613-688-3981

Q. How do I get there by bus?

Bus: Bus route information can be obtained from the
OC Transpo website : OC Transport .(#18, 2 etc.)

Q. Is there any parking and if so, is it free?

Parking: Parking at 1365 Richmond Road is limited. Participants can park at Pinecrest Queensway Community Services main building or at the secondary parking at the corner of Rydon and Richmond. Participants are required to sign the visitors book at Pincrest Queensway Community Services on the 2nd floor reception desk. If a participant does not sign in, they risk their vehicle being ticketed or towed.

Q. Can I repeat or re-enroll in this program?

A. No. Once you have completed this program, you are not permitted to repeat it. Participants can only complete this program once.

Q. Are the work activities performed by participants in Experica representative of real work? Do they work in a 'real work' environment?

A. Yes, working at Experica is like working in a real business company. Program participants must apply, be interviewed and selected to fill a position. Punctuality and attendance is as important in Experica as with any company. Participants are given real projects and job responsibilities. They are expected to meet deadlines, follow procedures, complete paperwork and participate in regular business activities. The performance of each participant is assessed and evaluated by coordinators for the purpose of job referrals and reference checks.

Q. Does the participant receive a diploma or certificate upon completion of the program?

A. No, participants receive work experience and job search support. The work experience acquired can be included in participant's resume and work references are available based on performance at the end of the program.

Q. As an employer, how can I benefit from Experica, the practice firm?

A. Employers benefit by having a skilled and highly motivated worker join their team. Knowing each of the participants professionally, the operations manager can refer, at no cost, the ideal candidate to fill various positions in business-related fields.

Q. How do I spend my time while participating in the Experica program?

A. Participants are required to complete 'real' projects and tasks related to their field of expertise. For example, a website developer could be responsible for enhancing the company website, while the Marketing Communications agent would be responsible for developing a corporate strategy and press releases. Approximately 30% of the participants' time is spent conducting job search activities to facilitate entry into the job market.

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