Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

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

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• three 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
• 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

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

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

• 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

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

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

Centre for French speaking women

Services for Victims of Violence and/or Sexual Assault

• individual counselling
• emotional support and accompaniment

Community Programs (for all francophone women)

• sexual assault prevention in primary and secondary schools
• sexual assault prevention within the community
• volunteer opportunities

Services for Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Women

• settlement services for French-speaking immigrant and refugee women
• accompaniment to settlement related appointments
• Action Femmes -- social and education group for newly arrived refugee and immigrant women who are feeling isolated

Transitional and Housing Support Program for Women who are Victims of Violence

• assistance in finding housing

ÉLAN Program

• employment preparation for all Francophone women in search of employment
• computer courses

Tremplin Program

• self-employment and entrepreneurship workshops

Family Court Support Worker Program

• information on the family court process
• assistance in documenting the history of abuse for family court proceedings
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• accompaniment of the victim to court proceedings, if necessary

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

Supports internationally trained immigrants with obtaining commensurate employment in regulated and non-regulated professions and trades

• occupation-specific technical training, workplace culture and communication training​
• licensure examination preparation
• connections to professions in Canada through mentorships, internships, clinical placements, and networking events

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

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

• 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

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

Integration -- integration pack includes settlement tools and workshops

• cultural skills training for francophone newcomers
• IKUEN community kitchen
• Café branding -- showcasing skills and talents
• English café
• Rapid response -- settlement assistance for african refugees
• housing support including a furniture bank

Economic development

• entrepreneurship program, business acumen and economic development
• networking evenings
• luncheon meetings about employability
• counselling and mentoring
• information and referral

Conferences

• annual bilingual conference Résolutions: "Overcoming racism together"
• Francophone Human Capital Forum

Services to help and support immigrants begin their new lives in Canada

Settlement Information and Referral

• information on topics such as essential government documents and benefits, immigration and citizenship, employment and job search, access to trades and professions, foreign credential assessment, education and training, language classes, health and housing, community, recreation and consumer resources, human rights, legal and social services, child, youth and family resources, food, shelter, and clothing
• settlement information sessions in various locations
• monthly webinars
• guest speaker series
• Newcomer Network
• access to computers, fax, photocopiers, and phone; computer area
• settlement resource library
• English conversation circle

Library Settlement Partnerships - outreach program at Toronto Reference Library

• settlement information and referral
• Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program) - group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks, trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Newcomer Youth Services -- youth-focused settlement information and referral

• Newcomer Youth Leadership Development -- youth learn about their community, gain volunteer hours and build leadership, language, communication and social skills
• workshops and activities for parents and youth

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