Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

COVID19 - Services are available in person, by phone, email or video conferencing * 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
• 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)

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
• mentoring, networking
• resume assistance
• return to work action plans
• job search resources
• free internet and access to computers

Language Supports

• translation and interpretation services

Resource Area

• access to computers with Internet, wifi
• photocopiers, scanners
• telephones
• 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)

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 -- Services available online and in-person; no appointment required for in-person services


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

Settlement Information and Referral

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

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

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

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

COVID19 -- services provided by phone, online or in-person

Skills-development training courses and job-search support services to prepare unemployed or underemployed newcomers, immigrants and refugees for jobs in manufacturing supply chain operations including:

• shipping and receiving
• parts picking
• production logistics coordination
• purchasing and inventory control
• dispatching and transportation route and crew scheduling

In collaboration with York University

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

COVID-19 Update -- in-person services BY APPOINTMENT ONLY at this time ; program staff continue to actively assist clients virtually by email, phone or Zoom ; online training and webinars available

• individual and group counselling
• employment and skills based training -- Basic Cashier, Customer Service, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Job Search, Worker Health and Safety
• information and referral -- health care, housing, school, recreation, transportation, banking
• career and skills assessment
• volunteer opportunities may be available

COVID19 -- offices are open, but appointments are recommended


Settlement and Adaptation Services

• information and referral, orientation, housing referrals
• one to one gambling counselling and workshops
• translation and interpretation
• documentation, form filling
• outreach, social development program, educational workshops
• career mentoring

Employment Services

• employment counselling, resume preparation, job search techniques
• assistance obtaining certification of education and/or trade documents

Other services -- citizenship, community advocacy, cultural events, volunteer opportunities

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

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

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

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

Dorset Park Hub - Multiservice neighbourhood centre

• centre community engagement projects
• seniors yoga
• women's English Circle
• financial literacy workshops
• public computer access

Newcomer Centre

• information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops on financial literacy and other topics to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Citizenship Preparation -- offers courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada -- provides basic language skills in English upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry, online learning option

Mentorship and Skills Building

• offers permanent residents and convention refugees resume and job readiness help, employment counselling
• skills and career development in specific fields including food service, customer service, cashier training to help newcomers get entry level jobs

Lead agency for Dorset Park Hub
other services provided by partner agencies including, Reconnect Community Health Service, John Howard Society of Toronto, VHA Home HealthCare, Chinese Canadian Council, Madison Community Services, Black Youth Jobs and Dorset Park Neighbourhood Association

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