Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- 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 at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

COVID-19 Response
Contact for service. Until further notice - remote/digital services available only.

Regular Service
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

Services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Youth and Women

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Satellite offices located in

• Roseneath -- 9059 County Road 45, Roseneath, Ontario K0K 2X0 (Alnwick Civic Centre). Hours of Operation: Wednesday 1pm to 4 pm
• Colborne -- 6 King Street, Colborne, Ontario K0K 1S0 (Cramahe Public Library). Hours of Operation: Thursday 1 pm-4 pm.

COVID19 - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19 concerns. * Staff will respond to email and phone (705-743-0882, 905-377-8100 or 705-761-3174). * In person meetings through appointment only..

Regular service
Offers support to immigrants, refugees and other newcomers through the following services:

Immigration & Settlement Services

• Orientation to life in Canada
• Information & referrals to local and government services
• Support in obtaining Canadian identity documents
• Support with elementary and secondary school registration and orientation
• Support in resolving vulnerable immigration situations and family reunification
• Support with Canadian citizenship applications
• Free certified language assessment and referrals to language programs

Employment Services

• Information & referrals to employment supports
• Information on accreditation and credential evaluation
• Community Connections
• Visits to Canadian cultural & heritage sites
• Social events for newcomers and the broader community
• Social groups for women and youth

Advisor available to discuss and explore options

• career and educational goals
• post-secondary programs and courses
• language programs
• bridging programs
• credential assessment
• available funding for education and retraining
• referrals to community resources and services

Settlement Program (formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program)

Orientation and Adaptation Services

• Needs assessment and Information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• community support through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English or French
• help with connecting to language classes

Citizenship Preparation

• courses
• tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test

Employment Counselling and Preparation

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

Job Search Centre

• walk-in job search centre
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• staff assistance available
• resource materials
• job boards
• labour market information

Job Search Preparation and Training

• developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills

Employment Counselling

• resume help
• job readiness clinic
• employment counselling
• skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks

Other settlement services
Settlement Workers in Schools

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

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

Competency-Bridging Program of Study for Internationally Educated Nurses. Offering a pathway for nurses who were educated in other countries to become registered and practice their profession in Ontario by providing courses that specifically address the full range of RN entry-to-practice competencies, including:

• two English language and communication courses
• six competency-based courses
• 96 hours of simulation labs
• 432 hours of intensive clinical placements
• 24 hours of preparation for the licensing exam
• a workshop on resume writing and interview skills
• job counselling support

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

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Second Career Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- 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

COVID-19 Response
Services offered virtually and in person by appointment. Staff available by phone or email and in person by appointment.

Regular Service
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

Employment services at this agency/location can be tailored to meet the needs of: Indigenous people, Older workers, Francophones, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Businesses, Students, Women and Youth

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- 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 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 individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on Social Assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Women, Youth and Businesses

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Satellite location: 14 Queen St, Lakefield, 705-652-1935, Fax:705-652-5191

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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples , Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Women, Youth

Services for employers -- 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

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

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples , Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Women, Youth

Services for employers -- 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Council acting as a strategic planning body to coordinate and enhance the newcomers' integration in the community.

COVID19 - Services are available by phone, email or video conferencing where possible * for settlement services call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at ­1-877-761-1155


Assists newcomers to Canada

• supports newly arrived immigrants in Canada
• information and referral for immigrants - immigration documentation, economic, social, health, cultural, educational, income supports, housing supports, and recreational services in Durham Region
• assist with government application
• help with information on banking, shopping, everyday tasks
• employment supports, learn job search skills
• non-therapeutic counselling
• services are free, confidential and culturally sensitive

COVID19 - Offering in-person by appointment only * staff are still available to support you by phone, email or video where possible * call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at 1-877-761-1155 to book or re-book an appointment or for any other information



Welcome Centre for refugees, immigrants and newcomers to Durham Region

Settlement and Orientation Services

• Assistance with housing, health care
• Social Insurance Numbers
• community and government resources
• child care, basic needs

Language Instruction and Assessment

• English classes with computer aided instruction
• childminding and transportation allowance for eligible candidates

Accreditation and Qualifications Information

• Accreditation information, assistance and information for internationally trained professionals
• accreditation portfolio assistance and action plans

Employment Related Services

• Job Search Workshops, resume assistance
• return to work action plans, job search resources
• free internet and fax services

Language Supports

• Translation and interpretation services

Resource Area

• Access to computers with Internet, wifi
• fax machine, photocopiers, scanners, telephones and webcams/headphones

Tax Preparation Assistance

• Income tax clinic during tax season

Self Filing Tax Program

• free coaching and support
• connects you to a volunteer for one on one support
• volunteers answer questions and review return before filing
• FREE Turbo Tax software - special version that will not ask you to sign up for
  upgrades
• how-to-videos and guides

Other Services

• Other services determined based on needs (such as legal services, mental health services, culturally-appropriate family counselling)

COVID19 - Offering in-person by appointment only * staff are still available to support you by phone, email or video where possible * call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at 1-877-761-1155 to book or re-book an appointment or for any other information


Welcome Centre for immigrants and newcomers to Durham Region * weekly visit from Community Mental Health Worker from Durham Mental Health Services


Settlement and Orientation Services
Assistance with housing, health care * Social Insurance Numbers, community and government resources * child care, basic needs

Language Instruction and Assessment
English classes with computer aided instruction * childminding and transportation allowance for eligible candidates

Accreditation and Qualifications Information
Accreditation information, assistance and information for internationally trained professionals * accreditation portfolio assistance and action plans

Employment Related Services
Job Search Workshops, resume assistance * return to work action plans, job search resources * free internet and fax services

Language Supports
Translation and interpretation services

Resource Area
Access to computers with Internet, wifi, fax machine, photocopiers, scanners, telephones and webcams/headphones

Tax Preparation Assistance
Income tax clinic during tax season

Other Services
Other services determined based on needs (such as legal services, mental health services, culturally-appropriate family counselling)

COVID19 - All employment services provided online and by phone


Job Search Workshops (JSW) -- four day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking * extensive individual assistance

Mentoring Partnership matches recent skilled immigrants with mentors in their field

Resource Centre equipped with computers, fax, photocopier

Community and support services

• information and referrals, and settlement services
• supportive counselling
• employment and job search assistance
• legal information, assistance applying for benefits, and year round tax clinic
• youth tutoring and homework club, student mentoring programs
• senior community involvement programs
• interpretation service for Tamil community, including accompaniment to appointments
• health education, community outreach
• social and recreation events and activities

COVID19

• all services are provided in-person, by phone, and online; walk-ins are welcome
• all workshops offered on-line

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Settlement Services

• needs assessment, information and referral, supportive counselling
• information on employment, citizenship and immigration, education and housing, financial literacy
• support to file forms
• group sessions including English and French conversation groups, citizenship preparation sessions, computer training, career networking, parenting
• walk-in services, free access to computers and Internet, free fax to local numbers

Community Service Program for women including group or one-on-one settlement counselling

• activities to build social networks and break isolation
• short term skills training for employment such as cashier, retail customer service, sewing, or food handling
• workshops series such as chronic pain management, how to manage diabetes, nutrition (healthy eating) programs

Services at other locations -- itinerant settlement counselling services, Library Settlement Program at several locations in Scarborough

COVID19 -- services available online or in person by appointment, book appointment

Settlement Information and Referral

• settlement information sessions in various locations
• guest speaker series
• Newcomer Network
• access to computers, fax, photocopiers, and phone
• settlement resource library
• information on topics such as immigration and citizenship, employment and job searching, access to trades and professions, 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

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, build leadership, language, communication and social skills
• workshops and activities for parents and youth

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

Bridge to Cloud - Computing and Big Data: program is for internationally trained professionals in information technology and focuses on cloud computing and big data industry trends

COVID19 -- contact organization for current COVID policies


Settlement services for immigrants and refugees

• individual, family and youth counselling
• information and referral, housing search assistance
• assistance with government forms, translation and intrepretation
• refugee settlement information and assistance
• youth outreach, volunteer opportunities
• employment consulting, assistance with resumes and interview skills, employment mentoring, employment workshops

COVID-19 Update: in-person and walk-in service has resumed; virtual services are still available

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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 Job Search Centre

• 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

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

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

• 3, 4 or 5 day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking
• extensive individual assistance

COVID19 -- services continue by phone and email; no walk-in service


Information and Orientation Services -- settlement services for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 4 years, including landed immigrants, Convention refugees and foreign-born Canadian citizens

• orientation, information sessions, supportive counselling
• information and referral including housing, access to community resources
• employment assessment and preparation, job fairs, computer with free Internet access
• advocacy, interpretation
• English conversation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; care for newcomer children -- childminding for parents attending sessions

Newcomer Settlement Program

• volunteer recruitment and training
• outreach, advocacy
• cultural activities

Violence Against Women

• individual and family counselling for assaulted women and children
• support group for abused women, educational workshops
• assists victims of domestic violence who are at risk of abuse
• domestic violence prevention workshops

Men Make a Difference -- culturally appropriate group sessions to learn techniques for developing healthy relationships, resolve conflict, and cope with anger

Seniors Services

• recreational activities
• support groups for isolated Afghan senior women
• assistance accessing community resources