Searching for Internationally-trained Professionals

Offers employment and job search training services tailored to meet the needs of all job seekers including youth, women, newcomers and persons with disabilities

• labour market information
• job search preparation and training including developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills (offerd online or in-person)
• resume help, job readiness clinic, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks
• also offers services to assist business start-ups and entrepreneurs

Services for employers:

• customized business services to help employers meet workplace needs, including recruitment support, training plan development, placement and retention, and financial supports for hiring

Support and training for internationally trained individuals with child care credentials or experience looking to work in a licensed child care facility in Ontario

• 4 week online education and skills training sessions and job search strategies

Child care industry-specific certifications include:

• Standard First Aid
• Emergency Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), including infant and child CPR
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training
• Food Handler training

COVID19 -- contact location to confirm any COVID-related service changes


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

• 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 offered at this location by partner agencies

Open for in-person services. For more information call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca



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

• provides basic language skills training in English;
• allows newcomers to Canada to learn English language skills to make friends, find employment and adjust to living in Canada
• full-time program available at a range of levels from beginner to advanced (Literacy to Level 6)

Enhanced Language Training

• sector specific language training and career orientation in accounting, workplace administration and customer service, teaching and education, information technology and health care
• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) Program

• supports newcomers in the process of having their international education, skills and professional experiences recognized by Canadian employers.
• AQIS is an information and career pathway planning service that advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on professional certification/ license requirements and application procedures, alternative career options, training and skills upgrading programs, credential assessment and local work experiences

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications
• Job Search Workshops program
• 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

Services for Women, Youth and Seniors

Women, youth and seniors often face specific difficulties to settle and live in Canada. The Welcome Centres provide specialized services, including:

• support groups
• recreational and educational opportunities
• social activities to help building friendships and networks

Other Services

• Older adults exercise program
• Mother Goose songs, rhymes and stories for parents, caregivers and their children
• newcomer family workshops, health workshops

Partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations:

• Social Enterprise for Canada
• COSTI Immigrant Services
• Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR)
• Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS)
• Job Skills

Accreditation Qualifications and Information Services -- information and help for international professionals to develop plans to obtain professional recognition * one-on-one confidential interviews, group information sessions, individualized action plan,
cross-cultural information, referral to interpretation services or document translation

Strategic Consulting Services -- identify service gaps within the community and develop program responses to fill needs

Newcomer Services -- settlement services provided through various Welcome Centre Immigrant Services offices (see separate entries)

Child care and Ontario EarlyON program (see separate entries)

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

Helping newcomers build a strong and vibrant community through settlement services

• one-on-one settlement services with an assigned settlement worker
• group programs: information and orientation to life in Canada, mental health and well-being, informal language learning for children and adults
• translation and interpretation; notary public services
• refugee sponsorship

JumpStart -- vocational counseling; connecting skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship opportunities, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Community Connections -- 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

COVID19 -- contact location directly for COVID service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals -- sector specific language training and career orientation in workplace communication and customer service

• 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 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

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, 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

• Professional Networking Café
• study groups and networking groups for internationally educated professionals
• seasonal tax clinic

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

12-week training program for residents of York Region which includes:

• online job-specific language training
• individual career assessment and planning
• job search skills and self-marketing support
• credential evaluation and accreditation assistance
• 4 weeks paid work placement in a Daycare as an Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Assistant
• connection to Early Childhood Educators and Associations of Early Childhood Education Ontario
• sector specific employment workshops
• post program employment support

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID-related service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals

• 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

English as a Second Language (ESL): provided at various levels

Settlement Services

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

Women's Employment and Life Skills (WELS): employment and life skills program for immigrant women

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

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, 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

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

OSLT classes are free, intermediate-level workplace communication classes that help permanent residents and protected persons develop the language skills needed to enter the workforce.

• Work-oriented language courses offered for free to internationally trained newcomers (see eligibility)
• OSLT helps newcomers understand workplaces in Ontario and to clearly and effectively interact with customers, suppliers, financial officers and government officials, develop strong interviewing, networking and career-building communication skills
• OSLT for Professional Managers is a 140 hour online course targeted to individuals who have training or experience in running their own business, sales and marketing, accounting or finance, hospitality, project management or technology
  • participants must be minimum Canadian Language Benchmark 6
  • contact oslt@georgiancollege.ca or by phone at 705-722-5168 for more information
  
  OSLT is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 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

Welcomes and register students who are new to Canada and Ontario

• provides access to information and a streamlined admission process for students and their families
• services provided include reviewing
  • required documentation,
  • administering English proficiency and mathematics assessments
  • providing access to translators and other support agencies
  • presenting an orientation to the Ontario public school system
  • linking to community services, networks and continuing education, Adult Non-Credit English Classes and facilitating integration into Canadian society

PROGRAM CURRENTLY SUSPENDED -- check website for updates

COVID19 -- Beginning April 25, 2022, in-person services resume BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; remote service by telephone, video-conferencing and email continue to be available during regular office hours


For internationally trained tradespersons

• Electricians (construction maintenance and industrial)
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics (HRAC Mechanics)
• Industrial Millwrights (Industrial Mechanics)
• Plumbers

Trade-specific technical skills training and upgrading for licensing and accreditation to work in Ontario

• technical and workplace language training
• certification exam preparation
• employment counselling and job search strategies
• work experience placements
• mentoring and networking

On-the-job training incentives for employers available

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

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

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

COVID-19 -- offering virtual/remote services where applicable

• limited services may be provided by phone or email
• email eltemployment@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-395-8270 or 416-395-3669 and leave a message

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14 week labour market access program includes 8 week sector specific language training in accounting, customer service and administration, engineering, information technology, sales and marketing and financial services

• business communications training
• volunteer work placement
• mentoring
• program offered at several locations
• funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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

Full and part time undergraduate and graduate degree programs

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

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 Program

• communication skills for the Canadian workplace
• networking opportunities

Certificate in Canadian Business

• courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing and public administration

Certificate in Information Technology

• systems analysis, big data, enterprise development and application development

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