Searching for Work Experience

COVID19 Update -- programs and services remain fully operational, new program applications accepted on an ongoing basis


Certificate in Applied Web Development and Design Program

• 6 month online web development and design training
• students have opportunity to build a fully functional e-commerce ready website

Online Career Assistance

• tools and resources to research career options, and business ideas and planning
• job search assistance and support

COVID19 Services online or by telephone, call for details

Assists women to make steps toward economic self-sufficiency, inludes intake and assessment, information and referral, individual and group counselling, follow up and support, resettlement assistance for shelter clients (child care and transportation available)

• job search support and access to job developer
• work experience through internship and volunteer opportunities
• access to Career Boutique
• life skills development
• housing support and Furniture Bank

COVID19 Virtual and in-person supports available

Multi-service agency, including outreach assistance, telephone support and harm reduction supplies; referrals to food, legal and counselling; peer support counselling; arts and recreation seminars and events

Crisis Peer Supports
Includes family violence and child welfare supports; senior supports and referrals; culturally appropriate intervention program for at-risk youth and families; referrals to legal and medical services

Toronto Downtown East (DTE) Outreach Services
Access to harm reduction supplies, services, supports and referrals, 4 days a week in Toronto Downtown East; call 416-518-4824 or email harmreduction@equitablenow.ca; note that the front-line harm reduction outreach team is in the field and might not return calls immediately

Housing Supports
Advocacy and assistance in finding housing, shelter and food access services

Immigration
Settlement services and support, including orientation, advocacy and community support letters, crisis peer support; translation, interpretation, and referrals for immigration and sponsorship issues

Employment
Assistance in job search, resume writing, interview preparation, mentorship; employment training and education development; peer support for individuals experiencing long-term unemployment

Working to improve access to employment for skilled immigrants

• helps organizations to become more diverse and inclusive
• works with employers, educators, government, and community groups
• develops and distributes programs, learning tools and resources for human resource or for diversity and inclusion professionals

https://triec.ca/pins/ -- connect with volunteer run, membership based professional immigrant associations

https://triec.ca/learning-and-resources/ -- free online learning resources designed to support inclusive team-work, recruitment and talent management practices

Mentoring Partnership, see other listing

Youth job centre includes individual support, career counselling and coaching, pre-employment training programs, resume building, interview advice, job placements, computer access; job training, including Smart Serve certification, WHIMIS certification, Cooking for Life Culinary Arts Program; job fairs and hiring events

• access to professional attire through job centre clothing bank
• access to barber, haircuts for job interviews

COVID-19 -- In-person service and programs may be impacted -- contact ahead


Intensive 1 year career and business development assistance

• bi-weekly career coaching, group development, workshops
• matches client with business leaders and professionals for coaching and skills training

Employment preparation

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• labour market information
• training and work placement opportunities
• workshops on job search techniques
• resume writing support
• interview skills
• mentorship
• support during the process of developing and launching a business

Pre-departure services for immigrants -- preparation prior to arrival, after arrival and support for employment and integration in the workplace

COVID19 -- office closed but staff working remotely

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Creates innovative partnerships that link individuals and communities to opportunities through education

• community and economic development

Pre-employment development programs including career exploration and setting goals, assistance with training sessions and skills and/or education upgrading, and individual assistance in addressing barriers to employment, health and housing

• hands-on training and work experience
• hospitality employment training
• self employment workshop

Crisis management program and specialized mental health services * walk-in counselling * youth outreach program * physiotherapist * community health worker training program * two spirit trans peer support and counselling * housing support program * traditional program

Services and Programs:

• Mental Health Services
• Walk-In Counselling

Innovative long term shelter incorporating employment training, length of stay up to 1 year (capacity 50)

• Employment program includes job placement, life skills training and counselling, job connection and career development, and on-the-job-training
• Property Maintenance and Construction training program
• mentorship program includes peer or one-to-one support, friendship and guidance
• Phoenix Print Shop social enterprise and training program

Career transition assistance to reduce barriers to employment, including skills development and training, mentorship opportunities, job fairs and networking events, and employer and labour market engagement

• job coaching
• vocational training, including SalesCamp
• career coaching
• job search assistance for underrepresented populations
• interview and resume preparation
• life skills training

Presentation formats vary by program (virtual, in-person or combination), contact for details

COVID-19 -- in-person service may be available -- check ahead; most services remain virtual; Lighthouse Project online and distance training available; new referrals and intakes assessed over the phone; Youth Collaboration Program call 416-504-5516 ext 262 or ext 267 or email csr@yes.on.ca to register



Individual and group employment counselling, assessment, job postings, referral and follow up * employability improvement, integration into workforce * job search workshops, newcomer services, self-marketing, entrepreneurship * financial literacy course



Bizstart Entrepreneurship -- full-time, six month entrepreneurship training program helping youth start a business * offers training in marketing, business planning, management, web design and other topics * youth are matched with a mentor from business community



Lighthouse Project -- career exploration program offering labour market research and interview preparation * also offers self care and stress management strategies * 12 week paid work placement tailored to individual interests and needs



Student services -- summer and year round employment service for youth 15-30 years seeking work * workshops * volunteer and co-op placements

Summer Company -- entrepreneurship program for students aged 15-30 looking to start their own business during summer break * participants receive funding and support



Youth Collaboration Program -- helps youth find employment through group-based employment and life skills training * paid work experience placement may be offered upon completion of the training

Building Brighter Futures -- bursaries and scholarships for postsecondary studies
Rivers to Success -- matches Indigenous students with mentors to help with education, career guidance
Teach for Tomorrow: Indigenous Educator Apprenticeship Program -- encourage and support First Nations, Inuit and Métis students in WSD to become teachers
Online resource Centre for educators

Thrift store includes low-cost gently used clothing, furniture and household items

• interview and career apparel, steamed, pressed and ready to wear
• work experience for community members
• goods and materials donation

Double Take by YSM online store available; donations by appointment only, and furniture donations not accepted until further notice; contact for information

4 week online course in the food processing and hospitalities industries or food entrepreneurship with optional 5th week for employment related training; Food Processing Certificate of completion issues at end of program

English as a Second Language -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, transportation available -- see separate entry

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) -- training program for teachers; workshops on teaching and presentation skills

COVID19: Meals available

• washroom and handwashing facility

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Community drop-in -- free coffee, snacks

• friendly visiting
• spiritual counselling
• visits to prison and assistance to ex-inmates
• training in nonprofit bakery
• thrift shop
• volunteer opportunities

Meal programs -- see Hours for details

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

COVID19 Contact for details as programs may be in person, virtual (Zoom), outdoors, or in person at partner sites; call, email, or visit website or social media for general information and program updates

Community arts development initiative, including creative training, workshops and art studio ; Creative Activations in 3 programming streams

Arts Production

• audio arts
• music recording
• guitar and piano lessons
• public art projects

Arts Wellness

• resource distribution packages, including art supplies, harm reduction supplies, food ingredients and prepared meals
• mental health and harm reduction support and referral
• Art in the Park

Arts Leadership

• career mentorship and training
• funding opportunities and artist residencies
• NextUp! leaders lab
• Shared Mentorship Platform

COVID19 -- closed until further notice

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Youth employment and skills strategy program -- 6 week intensive kitchen training and pre-employment support to prepare individuals for a career as line cooks

• menu planning, knife skills and food prep training
• food handler and WHMIS certifications
• participants paid for 30 hours per week to attend sessions with 6 week paid work placement following training
• one to one job search assistance
• ongoing support
• funded by Service Canada

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

Immigrant, Refugee and Settlement Hub@791 (IRS) -
programs and services to support the integration of newcomers, including employment

Mentoring for Change
for Permanent Residents, Convention refugees or live in caregivers

• specific level of language fluency required
• matches internationally trained professional newcomers with volunteer mentors

Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub
for Permanent Residents or Convention refugees wishing to start a business in Ontario

• specific level of language fluency required
• 10 week full time instructor-led training includes labour market research, business plan preparation, counselling and coaching, workshops and networking opportunities

Employment Preparation Workshop -
for Permanent Residents, Convention refugees or live in caregivers

• specific level of language fluency required
• 2 week sessions include labour market information, job search strategies, resume and cover letter preparation, interview coaching

Career Skills
instructor-led and hands-on training in business, accounting and finance, information technology, project management, SAP (Systems, Applications and Products) training

• some classes held at other locations

Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs
call or check website for information on current programs and locations, eligibility requirements and registration dates

• includes employment preparation and work placement

Trades Win Support Program
for internationally trained electricians, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, industrial millwrights, plumbers and welders

Job Board
online listing of positions available

• employers contact employers@skillsforchange.org to post a position

Job Club
skills development, job search support, job fairs, networking

• call for details and locations

Programs for Youth -- Youth Leadership - Lead On!
for anyone 16-29 years

• life skills, employment preparation, counselling and mentoring, earn volunteer hours

Step Ahead
for youth 12-18 years in the Jane and Finch area

• mentorship, summer job training and placements with a focus on delivery of sport and recreation programs to other youth
• call for details

Jane Finch Collaborative Bridging Education to Employment (JFBEE)
6 to 12 week program for youth who are current or former residents of the Jane and Finch area, or youth currently working or volunteering in the area for a minimum of 2 years

• participants will conduct research into systemic and structural barriers to post secondary education and training, and bring forward ideas and dialogue to engage youth and community stakeholders towards solutions

Also many employment preparation and bridging programs for those in specific professions (may include enhanced language training) including accountants, bookkeepers, clerical workers, health care workers, electricians, engineers, mechanics, retail workers

Information sessions and workshops for Food Handler training, Smart Serve, and Customer Service

COVID19 -- some services offered by phone, email or online, no walk-in service
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Services and supports for internationally trained nurses

• assistance in preparing for registration exam
• orientation to nursing and the health care workplace in Ontario
• job shadowing placement opportunities
• individual counselling, group support
• branch offices in Hamilton, Brampton, Mississauga and London -- call or visit website for information

COVID19 -- all programs are now online and virtual, computer training available to access all online programs

General Services

• information and referral
• family violence education
• advocacy
• wrap around stabilization services -- referrals to legal, housing, health, immigration
• form filling
• life skills

Essential Pathways to Employment Program (EPE) or Sector Specific Food Service and Hospitality Program (FSHT), 10 week program -- sector-specific hands-on skills training for participants on social assistance

• in-depth skills analysis, action plan development, skills and workplace training, computer training
• childminding and transportation assistance available through Toronto. Employment and Social Services -- see separate entry
• FSHT includes WHIMS and Food handling licensing and 40 hour placement and hands-on-training in the food and hospitality sector

Violence Against Women and Children Program -- open to all who have experienced violence and trauma

• individual counselling for crisis, abuse, assault and trauma
• safety plans
• stress management, assertiveness training
• referral and support for legal issues
• group and one-on-one counselling for youth experiencing any kind of violence including bullying, child abuse, harassment, girl-on-girl violence, date rape
• space for immigrant and refugee youth of colour to explore their cultural identity and sense of belonging in Canada

Islamophobia Support Line, 416-613-8729, helpline@riverdalehub.ca

• confidential support line for women, non-binary people and youth who self-identify as Muslim and have recently experience a hate crime incident
• supportive counselling, referral to other community resources, and information on the reporting process offered Mon-Thu 10 am-4 pm

Women in the Garden Project -- for seniors to improve overall health and well being

• healthy cooking, yoga/Tai Chi, mindfulness, workshops on health and nutrition, networking and building friendships

Volunteer and Student Placement Program -- for community colleges, universities and foreign trade professionals, to be placed in programs to build skills and gain experience

• opportunities such as settlement services, counselling support, administration, reception, computer training, gardening, leadership training

Global Pantry catering service, social enterprise

Social entrerprise programs addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and barriers to employment

Chance for Change
Cleaning and catering employment with wraparound supports and assistance

• housing stabilization supports
• food security supports
• vocational training and opportunities
• legal supports
• mental health and addiction counselling
• immigration assistance
• health and mental health support
• immigration assistance
• life skills training
• emergency short-term loan

Cleaning Services
Staffed through Chance for Change program, available for private residences and commercial locations; fees

• extreme cleaning and bed bug preparation available, including follow-up cleaning, and weekly or monthly cleaning for private residences

All Dried Up
Food service staffed through Chance for Change program prepares dehydrated foods for seniors; fees

Share the Love
Accepts donations of goods and resources to be used in programs to reduce food waste and food insecurity

Some programs in partnership with other community agencies and local businesses