Searching for Internationally-trained Professionals

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
• assistance with Government applications
• 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, youth services, newcomer women Entrepeneur, digital literacy, volunteer program)

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)

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

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 provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
• all workshops offered online

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Multiservice centre for newcomers

Settlement Service Centre -- assessment, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops

• support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
• seasonal income tax clinic
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- (see separate entry), child care and transportation assistance available

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) for Internationally Trained Medical Professionals -- 18 week sector specific language training and career orientation for health care professionals

• individual counselling and action plan development, 100 hour volunteer placement
• mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation
• free training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Settlement and Education Partnership in Toronto (SEPT) (Settlement Workers in Schools) -- services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Scarborough during the school year, and in libraries and summer schools from July to August -- free summer programs for children and their families

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto (see separate entry), childminding and transportation assistance available, full-time or part-time classes

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling
• bridging services
• form filling
• workshops and tours
• employment counselling
• one-on-one and group information sessions

Immigrant Resource Centre -- multiservice centre with newcomer, job seeker and family services for all ages

Settlement and Employment Services

• information and referral
• orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling
• bridging services
• form filling
• workshops and tours
• seasonal income tax clinic

Community Connections Mentorship 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 - contact 416-940-3360

Professional Development and Small Business Resource Centre

• walk-in centre
• resource materials for internationally trained professionals
• business information
• referrals

Settlement and Integration Resource Centre

• drop-in centre providing settlement and integration information and resources
• access to computers, Internet

Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto (SEPT) (Settlement Workers in Schools)

• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June, and in libraries and summer school programs from July to mid-August
• homework club
• multi-languages service in North York area, connecting parents and students with the schools, parent interviews with schools, parenting group sessions, settlement information sessions - contact 416-292-7510 ext 301

Employment Resource Centre

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

Early Years Services

• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, preschool education program for children and their parents
• social and learning skills for preschool children
• parenting education
• parent-child interactive activities

Children and Youth Programs

• after school program
• summer camp
• Saturday enrichment classes
• leadership and life skills training, homework help
• employment readiness

Seniors and Family Programs

• form filling
• supportive counselling
• client intervention assistance
• social, educational and recreational programs
• support groups
• health information workshops

Volunteer Services

• training and development
• placements
• public education

Community Kitchen including

• food skills training programs
• also facility or hall rentals

Covid-19 -- office open to in-person service; check website or call for updates


Employment Services

• career service centre
• career advancement counselling
• resume writing, job search workshops, job matching, job placement
• networking events and mentorship

Education Programs

• academic counselling
• leadership development
• credentials recognition and licensure assistance
• anti-racism webinars
• Toastmasters' Club

Pre-apprenticeship and Ontario Bridge Training Programs

• Gateway programs
• pre-apprenticehip programs for electricians and plumbers
• bridge training program for internationally trained accounting and finance professionals to obtain a Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance available

Settlement Services

• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment, supportive counselling
• translation and interpretation, form filling
• bridging services, employment counselling
• workshops and tours
• seasonal income tax clinic

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

Foundations in HVAC:

• 12 week program for individuals with previous education or experience in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry, gas fitting, sheet metal or mechanical or electrical fields from outside Canada; language proficiency in English at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher
• in-class instruction in sector-specific skills and workplace communications
• co-op placement with local HVAC contractor
• employment and job search workshops
• job search assistance, coaching and connections to employers
• certifications in Gas Technician 3, Working at Heights, Ozone Depletion

Foundations in IT:

• 11 week program for individuals with previous education or experience in Information Technology (IT) from outside Canada; language proficiency in English at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher
• sector-specific training in workplace communications, and technical skills training to certify for Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK+)
• job search workshops; pre-employment coaching; job search assistance; connections to employers and work placement opportunities

Foundations in Network Cabling:

• 12 week program for individuals with previous education or experience in network cabling, telecommunications, electronics, and/or electrical fields from outside Canada; language proficiency in English at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher
• industry-specific training in workplace communications, and technical skills leading to certifications in network cabling, Workplace Hazardous Materals Information System (WHMIS), and Working at Heights
• job search support; connections to employers; pre-employment coaching and work placement

COVID19 -- contact location directly for COVID service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals in Health Care -- sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement services offered at this location by partner agencies

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; services available by phone, email or video; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, Information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Enhanced Language Training -- 13 week, sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language -- adult English for life and work in Canada, part time and full time options

Employment Supports

• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications
• SOAR (Skills, Opportunities, Action plan, Resources) -- Office Administration Employment Training- help low and moderate income earning immigrant women to enter the job market, especially in office/administrative work
  • 6 weeks of virtual training on developing computer skills/ job search strategies/soft skills
  • one-on-one job search coaching
  • 4 weeks placement with potential employers
  • connection to employment opportunities
  • call to arrange intake interview and pre-screening assessment
• individual action plan with one to one coaching
• Job search workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Other services

• youth workshops, homework club
• parenting workshops
• seniors' social club, wellness group

Partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

One-stop service to guide and support immigrant women, children (6-12 years), youth (13-24 years) and seniors from diverse backgrounds as they integrate into Canada

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Centre for Achēv -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Enhanced Language Training -- 13 week, sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language -- adult English for life and work in Canada, part time and full time options

Employment Supports

• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications
• SOAR (Skills, Opportunities, Action plan, Resources) -- Office Administration Employment Training- help low and moderate income earning immigrant women to enter the job market, especially in office/administrative work including
  • 6 weeks of virtual training on developing computer skills/ job search strategies/soft skills
  • 2 weeks one-on-one job search coaching
  • 4 weeks placement with potential employers
• connection to employment opportunities
• call to arrange intake interview and pre-screening assessment
• individual action plan with one to one coaching
• job search workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Other services

• youth workshops, homework club
• parenting workshops
• seniors' social club, wellness group

Partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

Settlement Services

• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling, bridging services
• form filling, seasonal income tax clinic
• workshops and tours, employment counselling, job board, resume help, job readiness clinic, employment communications

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• Mentorship Program -- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
• English conversation groups, contact 416-940-3360

Library Settlement Partnerships

• settlement services provided at public libraries
• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling, bridging services, information workshops
• library programs in partnership with libraries, call 416-316-3803 (Chinese); 416-707-8259 (Urdu)

Employment Resource Centre

• walk-in job search centre, access to computers, internet, fax, photocopiers, telephone
• staff assistance available, resource materials
• job board, labour market information, workshops

Early Years Services

• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, preschool education program for children and their parents
• social and learning skills for preschool children
• parenting education, parent-child interactive activities, contact Miranda Fung at 416-292-7510 ext 124

Family and Seniors Programs

• client intervention and assistance, form-filling
• supportive counselling, social, educational and recreational programs
• health information and workshops
• community visits and trips
• contact Cindy Yee at 416-292-7510 ext 129

Provides settlement services and direct assistance to new Canadians living in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

Assistance includes:

• orientation to the community and help accessing local services such as housing resources, credit counselling, schools and adult English classes
• assistance filling out government forms
• income tax return assistance
• individual and group supportive counselling
• employment assistance including help with resume, cover letter writing, job search guidance, networking with local employers
• high-speed internet access for clients

Community Connection Program - offers 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 volunteer mentors assist newcomers with a focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Language Assessment Centre - offers assessment of English language skills for settlement-based language training program or referral to community-based training

Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS) - provides settlement services for children and families through schools

Peterborough Welcome Pass - offers discounted or free admission to local cultural attractions * valid for one year from time of sign up

Staffing: Staff and volunteers

Supports over 100 Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals find a related career in the Canadian healthcare field​

• program delivered online
• focus on providing alternative career paths in non-regulated health care sector, where certification may not be required, to support entry into Canadian labour market
• overview of Canadian workplace values and expectations
• sector specific language training/health care terminology and communication
• job search techniques and strategies
• work placement
• virtual employer networking events
• linking with experienced health care professional mentor
• ongoing coaching and job search supports

English as a Second Language classes offered in person and online

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English as a Second Language classes

English as a Second Language (ESL) for Health Care Professionals -- 10 week sector specific language training for health care professionals

• CPR and first aid training
• hospital workplace training
• job search strategies
• resume and interview preparation
• partnership with Toronto East General Hospital

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 location for COVID service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals -- sector specific language training and career orientation in finance and accounting

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv [York Region] -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement Services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; services available by phone, email or video; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment and Information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits
• youth, women and older adults programs and services

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Enhanced Language Training for Accounting and Financial Professionals -- 13 week sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language -- adult English for life and work in Canada, part time or full time options

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, job search assistance with resumes, cover letters, job search tips and interview coaching
• information on accreditation and qualifications
• Job Search Workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Other Services

• appointments with York Regional Police
• assistance to find or maintain housing, eviction prevention, Tuesdays, in partnership with The Housing Help Centre (see separate entry)

Managed by a partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Information and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

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

• settlement services; filling in forms such as Canada Child Tax Benefit, SIN, passport and citizenship applications, Permanent Resident renewals
• information and referral for legal advice on refugee and immigration matters or for crisis intervention for domestic violence
• sessions to address gender-based discrimination, domestic abuse and violence
• mentoring, placement, information; career counselling for internationally trained professionals
• food safety and security

After School Tutoring Program (ASTP)

• free tutoring for students, Kindergarten-Grade 10 on Zoom and in-person
• cultural heritage events and celebrations

Senior Services

• senior support program: workshops, accompaniment to appointments, interpretation, capacity building; socio-cultural programs
• exercise and wellbeing activities: to register, email qsislam@bangladeshi.ca
• seniors & intergen drop-in, art and crafts, and adult day sessions (in-person sessions)

Youth Programs

• to register or volunteer for youth programs
• Youth Engagement Program
• Youth Eliminates Smoking (YES) program to promote healthy living
• inter-generational project to minimize the gap between seniors and youth through social events
• weekly safe space drop-ins
• summer sports in August (weekends) at Dentonia Park
• weekly youth mental health and wellness sessions

Research and Evaluation

• program and project evaluation, action research, publication in peer reviewed journals, joint collaboration with various educational institutes and agencies
• for more information and collaboration, contact Nasima Akter, PhD and Qazi Shafayetul Islam

Full and part time diploma, certificate and degree programs

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

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

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

Professional Excellence in Financial Services Program - 16 week virtual program with in-person practical learning and employer engagement events for internationally trained professions with a background in financial services to prepare for careers in the financial sector such as banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, investment funds, stock brokerages, consumer-finance companies, credit unions, accountancy companies and some government-sponsored enterprise

Accelerated Building Environmental Systems Program - part-time certificate program providing specialized training in building environmental systems such as heating, ventilation, air handling, water treatment, controls and electrical power supply, for internationally trained professionals looking to re-launch their career in building operations and management