Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

Job search assistance for new and recent immigrants

• pre-employment training
• job search coaching, practice sessions and networking events
• assistance to develop resume, cover letter and interview skills, support applying to job postings
• training to use social media for job search

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

Job search and career planning support for unemployed or under-employed newcomers

• services provided online to individuals wishing to job search independently or for those seeking additional job search assistance
• individual support and coaching
• labour market information
• resumes, practice interviews, and networking advice
• job postings
• access to computers, internet, telephone, fax and photocopier
• referrals to other settlement supports, language classes and accreditation information
• job development, retraining, apprenticeship and mentoring opportunities
• financial incentives may be available

Newcomer support ministry

• helps with arranging temporary accommodation
• assistance with documents and applications
• orientation and job search
• volunteer opportunities
• located at an English and Arabic speaking Congregation at Chapel Place Presbyterian Church, Arabic Presbyterian Church in Canada

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

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 -- in-person service at all Job Skills locations by appointment only -- call ahead; support continues to be available online or by phone


Open to all York Region residents legally able to work in Canada

• 3 week hands on job search program that includes job search tools, developing resumes, cover letters, cold calling, interviews, social media and networking, Canadian workplace norms and values, communication and people skills
• ongoing coaching as participants transition to the workplace
• currently delivered virtually

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 client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off 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 -- 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

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

COVID-19 - In-person services have resumed; virtual workshops and support continue; contact agency by phone or email, or check website for information to find assistance

Comprehensive employment job search services

• 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 client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off 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 -- 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

Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• learn from industry experts
• discover different careers working with horses
• work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course
• a Skills Development Fund project, delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and Equine Guelph

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 In-person and virtual services available; phone and virtual counselling to frontline health workers and their families, and others members of the public, in Ontario; also assists permanent residents, convention refugees, student visa and work permit holders with Employment Insurance (EI)and Canada Emergency Resource Benefit (CERB) applications

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Linguistically and culturally sensitive counselling and settlement services for individuals and families

Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual, group, couple, marital and family counselling and mental health psychotherapy, for issues such as elder abuse, family violence, wife assault, male batterers, incest, sexual assault, offenders, bereavement, problem gambling, substance abuse; crisis intervention; referrals to community partners as necessary

• consultation for human service providers
• satellite offices (limited hours, by appointment only) in Toronto (602 Queen St W), Markham (5665 14th Ave), Mississauga (720 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Unit 2), and Unionville (600 Village Pkwy)

Family programs, including parenting and family life education, and youth counselling and leadership development

Partner Assault Response (PAR)
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress
• group counselling in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese

Settlement Program
Orientation, needs and eligibility assessments, interpretation and translation; information and referral topics include immigration, issues of concern to refugees and foreign domestic workers, citizenship, social assistance benefits, legal aid, housing, child care, English classes, and education and employment training

• computer access
• job search and employment counselling
• assistance in accessing services

Housing and Transitional Support Program
Counselling, information and referrals, crisis intervention and case management for women who have experienced violence, and their children

• community services information on issues such as housing, legal, financial, health care, immigration, children's services
• settlement support including assistance setting up safety plan, ongoing counselling and support

Multi-service agency

• settlement services including permanent residency and citizenship assistance, government housing services
• ESL Classes
• family and individual counselling
• employment services
• recreation and social activities including trips, festivals, Farsi classes, Seniors day for Farsi-speaking seniors, music lessons, computer classes, cultural events

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

Workplace communication courses

• students practice dialogue and communication tasks commonly performed on the job, in theif field, sector and occupation
• offered part-time, twice a week evenings and weekends
• currently delivered remotely

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

Settlement services

• information and referral -- ID (including health cards and Permanent Resident Cards), legal, housing
• NAMF ESL program
• family counselling
• health and welfare programs -- parenting support group, seniors group, cancer support group
• academic and employment counselling -- skills development, networking, assistance with resumes

Halal Food Bank -- by appointment only, open to all in need, identification and proof of income required

• Monday-Friday 12 noon-4 pm

Also runs

• NAMF Day Care Service for children 1.5-4 years
• NAMF Academy, kindergarten-grade 8
• gender specific evening and weekend fitness activities
• summer camp
• hall rental
• Friday prayer services

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, 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

COVID-19 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE

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 client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off 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 -- 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

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
• Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) - advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on how to obtain professional recognition in Canada.
• 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
• information and assistance on self employment including practice firm

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Participates in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, see separate listing

Other Services

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

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

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

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 client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off 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 -- 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