Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

Health and Wellness, participants may be eligible for transportation to programs, transit fare

• seniors wellness
• recreation programs
• family health and mental health
• youth engagement
• leadership development
• civic engagement
• skills and career enhancement
• community gardens

Newcomers and Refugees Settlement Services

• newcomer community events
• newcomer youth civic engagement events
• newcomer senior wellness programs
• support towards the social inclusion of the Arab/Afghan/other Refugees/newcomers
• support with basic needs, furniture, clothing, computers/tablets

Multi-Community Building Project (MCBP)

• youth projects, focused on mental health awareness
• adult and older adult wellness programs, focused on mental health awareness

Healthy Outcomes of Preventive Engagements (HOPE)

• health and wellness for older adults
• yoga or fitness classes, followed by information sessions, workshops, socialization, recreation

HOPE Adult Day Program

• structured and supervised activities in group setting for frail older adults with cognitive, physical, and communication impairments

Technology, Access and Support for Seniors (TASS)

• TASS technology was developed to keep seniors engaged, informed, active socially, and physically and emotionally healthy
• offers senior-friendly, fully integrated, with data/internet access and a multilingual technical support to seniors and seniors serving organizations across the province

Talent City Vaughan program

• Soft skills training, effective communication, computer training such as QuickBooks and Accounting, Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Placement for high school/college/university students and newcomers

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

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

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 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

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

COVID19 -- as per government guidelines; telephone and walk-in services available


Employment programs including resume and cover letter writing, job search training, interview skills and mock interviews

Reduce Abuse and Freedom from Violence Projects

• counselling services for families
• group sessions and workshops at various locations

Aging at Home: recreational, cultural and educational services for seniors

Youth summer programs such as recreational activities, leadership development, intergenerational activities for computer skills and gardening programs for 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

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

COVID-19 - In-person services have resumed and virtual workshops and support continue

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

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

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

Integration and Settlement Program -- needs assessment, pre- and post-arrival information and referral, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement, and assistance to access a range of settlement services

Employment support and entrepreneurial support program

• job search and employment counselling
• group activities including integration circles, job matching
• job needs assessment, support to build social and professional networks helping economic and social integration

Connexions communautaires (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
• trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

PIDEF / TÉE (Settlement in French-Language Schools Program)

• settlement services in French-language schools
• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June, and in libraries and social service agencies from July to mid-August
• Host Program for matching foreign trained professionals with peers

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training 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 all 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

Operated by the Toronto District School Board; Funded by Employment Ontario

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

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

Limited in-person appointments are available in Keele and Finch offices. Also, services continue to be offered via phone, email and online


Settlement Services

• orientation to life in Ontario; information on immigration issues
• accessing government resources including social assistance, income security, child tax benefits
• assistance with search for housing and social housing
• emotional support

Helping Our Newcomers Prepare for Employment/Entrepreneurial Success (HOPES) Program: resettlement stress support, education, skills and experience support

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada): provides basic English skills in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto --see separate entry

Language Instruction Giving Hope to Trauma Survivors (LIGHTS) Program: alternative language program that provides functional English as a second or additional language (ESL/EAL) instruction to vulnerable newcomers who experience emotional, cognitive, or academic barriers to learning in traditional English classes

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

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

Library Settlement Partnerships -- outreach program at Toronto Reference Library

• settlement information and referral
• Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST 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

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

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 -- Office closed until further notice • support available by phone, email or online * visit COVID-19 Updates

Community centre

• newcomer services
• children and youth programs
• training and certification
• student examination supervision
• meeting room rentals
• also locations in Brampton and Mississauga

Children's Programs

• after school programs
• tutoring
• summer learning camps
• March and winter break camps
• Home Alone safety course

Newcomer Supports

• outreach and settlement services
• Information and referral
• learning programs such as General Education Development Program (GED), computer training, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• empowerment programs such as financial literacy, employment coaching, business set-up assistance
• newcomer repository - The Newcomer (www.thenewcomer.ca)

Youth Programs

• career advise and counselling
• leadership engagement
• pre-employment skills training
• employment support
• homework/tutoring assistance
• programs for newcomer youth
• High Five Principles of Healthy Child Development
• Home Alone safety course
• Babysitting course
• leadership engagement
• financial literacy
• Youth Magazine publication - The Youth Mind (Home - Youth Mind (theyouthmind.ca)

Seniors/Low-income Earners

• computer training and pad computing
• combating food insecurity through food boxes
• income tax preparation
• promoting Black excellence and women publications - Black Voice, Home - Youth Mind (womenquest.ca)

COVID19 Update

• As of March 7, 2022 in-person services are available at all JVS Toronto locations. Services also available virtually.

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Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- for internationally trained professionals in banking, finance, IT and architecture looking to improve their sector specific communication skills

• in class and online sector-specific language training, job search support, mentoring, networking, business writing and pronunciation
• certification upon completion

Immigrant Professionals Leveraging Architectural Knowledge for New Opportunities (IPLAN) -- newcomers with high level English language proficiency, an undergraduate degree in architecture or related field from a university outside Canada

• offers an 8 week licensing preparation program
• 14 week program helping with integration into the Canadian architecture sector
• course also offered online

International Skills Applied Geriatrics (ISAGE) -- internationally trained doctors, teachers, social workers or psychologists looking for help to find a job

• 12 week program on sector-specific workplace culture and communication training
• employer information sessions and job opportunities, job search coaching and support
• internships and work placements

CanPrep -- offers pre-arrival services to internationally trained individuals, with a Canadian immigrant visa, relocating to Canada within 2 to 12 months

• networking opportunities with employers, employment counselling, mentoring and coaching

EMETemployment -- job seekers, employers and members of Jewish community

• offers individualized professional recruitment services connecting employers with qualified candidates