Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

Needs assessment and Information and referral to community and social services

• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• community support through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice French
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture
• Citizenship Preparation -- offers courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test

Bridging services -- connects skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Settlement Workers in Schools -- assists newcomer students and their families with settling into schools and the community; offers outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June

Bridging Services

• offered online and provide internationally trained professionals with customized job search training, workplace communication, labour market information, credential assessment, referrals/placements and mentoring connections
• for individual bridge training programs, see separate listing for Ontario Bridge Training Program

Online Workshops and Resources

• articles, resources, webinars, interactive games and videos to help find work
• topics covered include resumes, interview preparation, networking, the job market, career self-assessment and workplace success

Job Search Workshop (JSW) -- for new immigrants and convention refugees, legally entitled to work in Canada

• 5 day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking
• extensive individual assistance

Pre-arrival services for newcomers preparing to immigrate to Canada

• Canadian Employment Connections provides sector-specific training and job search support for individuals approved to move to Canada

Entrepreneurship Connection and Entrepreneurship Connections Pre-Arrival

• provides support for newcomers interested in starting a business in Canada
• pre-arrival stream helps entrepreneurs who are approved to move to Canada, build a network and start preparing to open a business before they arrive

Mentoring Programs

• connect with professionals that will support you with your career growth and development

Programs for Women

• specific learning components designed to support women into specific sectors of work
• mentoring and guest speakers from leading employers to enhance learning

Programs for Refugees

• build professional networks, find mentors, learn about the labour market in Canada, access real opportunities with employers, and improve their job search skills

Programs for Youth (ages 15-29)

• support youth to find their way in the current job market and launch a meaningful career

Assists highly skilled internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) gain equivalent work experience in Ontario

• regulated occupation (for example, nursing, engineering, etc.)
• non-regulated occupation currently in demand, such as information technology, financial services

Settlement services
Individual assistance with immigration, orientation and other settlement-related issues

• information and referral
• identification documents, applying for government benefits/services, housing, legal issues and accessing healthcare services
• employment education and support
• group settlement sessions
• client advocacy support

Group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees (all ages)
Trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist with language learning in English language settlement groups, orienting to new community, and establishing social and professional networks

• volunteering and civic engagement
• financial literacy
• skills and career development
• free immigration legal clinics

Newcomer Youth Program for youth 13-30 years

• leadership training
• entrepreneurship
• homework club
• one-to-one help with resume writing and job search skills
• post-secondary and scholarship applications
• cooking classes
• mentorship
• sports clubs and recreation
• art and design activities
• volunteer program
• civic engagement activities
• individual and group mental health and wellness support

Connects internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) with established professionals in Canada, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the Canadian labour market through targeted mentorship in their specific fields.

• regulated occupation (for example, nursing, engineering, etc.)
• non-regulated occupation currently in demand, such as information technology, financial services

Mentoring Partnership

• matches immigrants with established professionals in their fields
• provides information and online registration for potential mentors
• offers instructions for those looking for a mentor
• includes mentorship tools and resources

Assessments program to assess the competencies of health professionals and their readiness to practice in Ontario

• administers examinations to ensure health professionals meet Canadian standards
• learning programs to help health professionals transition to training and practice
• educational programs to support international medical graduates in their transition to residency training

Additional services in the area of test design and administration, and curriculum development and delivery

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• three campuses located in the Greater Toronto Area

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• three campuses, and multiple sites located in Toronto

Provides training and employment opportunities to job seekers, incumbent workers and employers through a partnership-driven approach

Skills Development Fund Training Stream

• projects support hiring, training, and upskilling to jobseekers, apprentices, and workers

Skills Development Fund Capital Stream

• supports organizations with upgrades or construction of training centres in high-demand jobs, like the skilled trades

Full and part time degree, diploma, postgraduate, entrepreneurial and apprenticeship programs

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• employment services
• multiple campuses located in the Greater Toronto Area

Matches groups of volunteers with refugee newcomers for up to six months of social and integration support, including

• English language practice
• tutoring for young learners
• job search assistance including resume building, job searching, interview preparation
• support with system navigation (education, health care)
• cultural transition support
• social support and community involvement
• social events and recreation activities
• support available in-person and virtually

• information and referral, orientation, housing referrals
• one to one gambling counselling and workshops
• translation and interpretation
• documentation, form filling
• outreach, social development program, educational workshops, career mentoring

• employment counselling
• resume preparation, job search techniques
• access to telephone, fax, photocopier
• assistance obtaining certification of education and/or trade documents

• information and referral
• individual counselling
• job search assistance, newcomer job search resources
• health and family services support
• information and orientation group workshops
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

Assists highly skilled internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) gain equivalent work experience in Ontario

• regulated occupation (for example, nursing, engineering, etc.)
• non-regulated occupation currently in demand, such as information technology, financial services

Settlement Program

• needs assessment and referral, information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• assistance with government applications and form filling
• citizenship classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding and TTC tokens available -- see separate entry

Newcomers from the Ukraine who came to Canada via the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can also receive settlement services

Employment Support Services

• assessment and employment counselling
• job search training, resume preparation, workshops
• referral to employment centres
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier

Newcomer Youth Program

• social, educational and recreational services
• information and outreach
• employment assistance
• peer tutoring - suspended until further notice
• youth leadership development

Income Tax Support

• year round income tax clinic by appointment for individuals and families with low incomes
• seasonal income tax clinic with West Neighbourhood House

Educational and Cultural Activities

• workshops and information on Canadian culture and multicultural diversity
• annual events and recognition of global celebrations
• anti-racism and access and equity programs
• community events, festivals and celebrations

Settlement Program

• needs assessment and referral, information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• assistance with government applications and form filling
• citizenship classes and facilitation of ceremonies
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding and TTC tokens available -- see separate entry

Settlement services are also available to newcomers from the Ukraine who have come to Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

Employment Services

• assessment and employment counselling
• job search training, resume preparation, workshops
• referral to employment centres
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier

Newcomer Youth Program

• social, educational and recreational services
• information and outreach
• employment assistance
• peer tutoring (suspended until further notice)
• youth leadership development

Income Tax Support

• year-round income tax clinic by appointment for individuals and families with low incomes
• seasonal income tax clinic with West Neighbourhood House

Educational and Cultural Activities

• workshops and information on Canadian culture and multicultural diversity
• annual events and recognition of global celebrations
• anti-racism and access and equity programs
• community events, festivals and celebrations

Child Minding Training Program: in partnership with Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre, and Queen West Community Health Centre

Seniors Programs

• Saturday social and exercise program
• Tibetan Seniors Program
• Tai Chi, Line Dance and Yoga
• Thursday afternoon English conversation class for Tibetan seniors
• drop-in facility and social, emotional and settlement support for seniors

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses

Newcomer Services Settlement Program

• information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• referral to community resources
• assistance in filling out forms including the health card, permanent resident card renewal and Canadian citizenship application
• supportive counselling
• employment related services
• information workshops
• income tax preparation for low income newcomers

Newcomer Youth Programs: youth 12-17 years

• athletics and recreation
• tutoring/homework help
• gaming programs
• newcomer youth drop-in program
• educational workshops
• summer Newcomer leader-in-training program

• information and newcomer' orientation; group information sessions on settlement
• referrals to access other programs and services
• interpretation
• support with applications to government programs and services
• settlement counselling; family reunification support
• English conversation classes
• computer skills training; life skills seminars

• employment counseling
• career exploration, goal setting and planning
• job search assistance and workshops e.g LinkedIn workshops
• networking with employers
• resume and cover letter preparation, mock interviews
• labour market information and exploration
• referral to other employment-related information and programs

• leadership training and workshops, education and information sessions on topics relevant to youth
• summer activities and festive seasonal celebrations
• financial literacy training, financial planning support for post-secondary education
• career planning, academic support
• life coaching, supportive counselling
• information sessions on topics that impact family wellbeing

• leadership training and workshops, skills development
• supportive counselling
• support for women in abusive relationships

• social, recreation and wellness programs
• information and support in applying for Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, Guaranteed Income Supplement, seniors housing
• supportive counselling

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services
• all services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of all client groups

Better Jobs Ontario

Skills training and financial support for unemployed workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for Employers

• offers help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Employment Services

• online job postings; hiring events
• pre-employment workshops
• Integrated Employment Services, see separate listings

Pre-employment development programs including career exploration and setting goals, assistance with training sessions and skills and/or education upgrading, and individual assistance in addressing barriers to employment, health and housing

• hands-on training and work experience
• hospitality employment training
• peer training programs
• newcomer employment programming
• drop-in services
• one on one employment services

• regulated occupation (for example, nursing, engineering, etc.)
• non-regulated occupation currently in demand, such as information technology, financial services