Searching for Internationally-trained Professionals

Non-profit organization

• teach French as a second language
• promotion of francophone cultures

From complete beginners to advanced levels

• group classes
• private lessons
• tailored to the students' language training objectives
• acquisition of tools for conversational communication in daily situations and in specialized topics (commerce, technical language, etc)

Provides training and preparation for

• the federal government Level B and Level C language examinations
• local cultural events that are listed in local media or on the website
• Certified centre for French language testing (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Immigration et Communautés culturelles Québec)

COVID-19 (22 Aug 2022): Services offered remotely by phone and email and in person by appointment only.

Employment services that are designed specifically for newcomers, immigrants and refugees

• Information and orientation sessions, language and skills training to help facilitate access to employment.
• Employment needs assessments and referrals.
• Pre- and post-arrival information and referrals.
• Job search workshops and training, resume and interview coaching, employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to access employment opportunities.
• Enhanced language training courses and workplace language courses for eligible clients.
• Targeted recruitment and coaching and networking events with employers.
• Sector specific support for internationally trained professionals (ITPs).
• Specific programming for clients with lower language skills in English (CLB 3-5) and to clients with intermediate and advanced language skills in English (CLB 5 and above)
• Pre-screening and preparation of candidates for the Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Program
• Job search workshops and some employment services in French

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

Career Transitions for International Health Professionals

Assists internationally trained health professionals with their job searches or licensing efforts

• through a series of workshops and ongoing support, the program helps transition into the Canadian health care workforce
• includes networking events and other targeted activities to help professionals find a job, residency or further education in the health care field

Assists all newly arriving and returning students, who speak a first language other than English and who will be living within the service boundaries

Will check documents for school

• assess students in literacy, numeracy, English and first language
• contact schools for placement (English as a Second Language, English Literacy Development, regular programs and special needs)
• check documents for immunizations
• provide information about the school and the community

Adults looking for English as a Second Language and Language (ESL) Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs are referred to the programs offered by the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, through Continuing Education, at 440 Albert St, 613-239-2656

Corporate programs and services:

Language training (Formation linguistique)

• individualized training of French as a second language for individuals preparing for the federal government's Second Language Evaluation and wanting to obtain the levels BBB, CBC, CCC

French for Federal Government Employees (FFFGE)

• French as a second language evening classes offered to government employees who wish to obtain the levels BBB, CBC, CCC

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

Programme relais en administration (PRCA)

• update skills via theoretical and technical training
• opportunity to observe different work environments
• co-op term

Programme d'accès aux métiers de la construction pour les immigrants (PAMCI)

• non technical courses, technical courses and some practical workshops (approximately 200 hours of training)
• prepares immigrants for their eligibility to write the Certificate of Qualification exam
• gains the work-related health and safety cards

Temporary housing

• settlement services : permanent housing, credential/education evaluation assessment
• language learning
• integration services
• volunteer opportunities

Provides flexible learning options

• over 80 programs and 700 courses offered anytime, anywhere

Covid-19 (8 Apr 2021) Proposed schedule and locations for the new school year are subject to change depending on directions from Ottawa Public Health or other factors at the School Board.

English as a Second Language (ESL) / Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) helps participants with English reading, writing and grammar, speaking and listening, pronunciation, work skills and computer skills.

Day and night adult classes are available for all Canadians and Newcomers to Canada.

Classes offered:

• ESL (all levels)
• IELTS Test Preparation
• Grammar/Writing
• Academic Writing
• Reading and Writing
• Conversation & Pronunciation
• Citizenship Preparation
• ESL Skills Training

Visit the website for details and schedule.

Settlement Program (formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program)

Orientation and Adaptation Services

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

Citizenship Preparation

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

Employment Counselling and Preparation

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

Job Search Centre

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

Job Search Preparation and Training

• developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills

Employment Counselling

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

Other settlement services
Settlement Workers in Schools

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

Literacy and basic skills training, including numeracy, digital, communication and interpersonal skills * helps learners prepare for employment, apprenticeship, secondary-school credit, post-secondary education and greater independence

Offers international students a variety of English language (ESL) programs, including intensive academic English, short-term and tailored programs.

Students learn about university preparation, learning English for work, or gaining experience in the Canadian culture.

The rich student life program helps the students with cultural adaptation and allows them to practice English language skills outside of the classroom.

Advisor available to discuss and explore options

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

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 -- 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

Interpreters, including interpreters for women who are victims of domestic violence and sexual violence, as well as those who have been sexually exploited through human trafficking

• certified translations
• interpreter training
• language testing
• language consulting
• social enterprise

National clearinghouse, includes information and referral for individuals and organizations on the recognition of academic and occupational credentials for working and studying in Canada and abroad

• provides information on Canada's education systems and quality assurance to assist in the recognition of Canadian qualifications
• online directories including Canadian educational institutions and occupational profiles
• does not grant equivalencies or assess credentials, or intervene on behalf of individuals

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

C-Women: Bridge for Immigrant Women Reskilling into IT Coding Professions

• for those who identify as women or non-binary who wish to enter the IT field with a minimum of two years work experience outside of Canada in any field and minimum of high school education
• 6-10 month program, length depending on specialization chosen
• consists of pre-program support, foundations and IT career planning, workplace communication skills, technical training on basics for coding & web design, tutoring, resilience and leadership, preparation for job search

Bridge to Media and Communications (BEMC)

• for internationally educated professionals with post-secondary training and at least two years experience outside of in media, communications, public relations, or related areas
• 6 month program including work placement
• consists of instruction on Canadian media landscape, workplace communication, supervised work placement and career coaching from an employment and placement counsellor

Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM)

• for internationally trained professionals with post-secondary education in psychology or a related field (equivalent to 4 year bachelor degree), and with a minimum of two years of experience in psychotherapy, counselling or community mental health outside of Canada
• Employment Stream: 10-12 month full-time program, with supervised placement, mentoring and job search supports
• Registration Stream: 12-14 month full-time program, with academic curriculum, supervised placement, SEUS seminar (Safe and Effective Use of Self), small group clinical supervision, mentoring and job search supports

Bridge to Employment in Services for Immigrant Populations (BESIP)

• for those with international post-secondary education and a minimum of
  two years' work experience outside Canada who want to work in the human/social/community services sector
• six month program where participants develop an understanding of the issues faced by newcomers and immigrant clients, discover professional options to advance in their career, and have a work placement

Academic and technical training

• occupation-specific workplace communication training and workplace practice
• licensure examination preparation
• connections to professions in Canada through mentorships, internships, clinical placements, and networking events

Helps healthcare workers find jobs in Ontario * works to fill gaps in the healthcare workforce

Access Centre for Internationally Educated Health Professionals - Services to help Internationally Educated Health Professionals become employed in their profession or in another career * services include workshops, information sessions and online resources

Verification and evaluation of academic credentials earned outside Canada

• international degree preview -- self directed web-based service

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

• for applicants applying for Canada's immigration programs such as Express Entry
• designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

World Education Profiles

• online database to assist in placing newcomer secondary students in appropriate grade levels
• also online resources on international education

Low interest loans up to $15,000 to pay for the credentials, licensing, retraining or professional development that internationally trained professionals need to work in Canada

Loan may be used for

• education and training programs of two years or less
• fees for licensing and qualifying exams
• credentials assessments
• English or French language training
• living allowance
• relocation costs for employment
• travel expenses to take courses or exams not available in client's area
• books, course materials and work equipment
• professional association fees

Website with information and resources for newcomers to Ontario

• information includes immigration and citizenship, housing, health, employment, education including English classes, community and recreation, legal services, and daily life including consumer protection, life events and transportation
• search to find community agencies near you
• discussion forum for newcomers to share experiences and ask questions
• information for internationally educated professionals through the Job Readiness Tool, jobreadiness.settlement.org
• Settlement At Work -- professional development and resources for people who work with newcomers

• Regulatory body
• assessment of qualifications prior to arrival in Canada
• education, training and professional development
• investigates complaints