Searching for Work Experience

COVID19 -- services continue by phone, email, and video, online workshops and webinars available; offices are closed except for refugee shelters; see website page linked here for phone numbers to contact staff at specific services
COVID-19: SERVICE NOTICE


Youth Mentoring Program -- pairs youth, 15-24 years, with a mentor one-on-one in potential career field for 10 weeks

netWORKS Program-- helps youth, 15-29 years, build connections and get real-world advice from mentors about how to find a job

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership -- connects newcomer professionals with a supportive mentor in their field in Canada, 3 month program

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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Services and activities for Jewish newcomer youth in York Region:

• youth-focused leadership, social, educational and vocational skills development
• career exploration workshops
• networking and mentoring opportunities with career professionals and university students
• social activities and meet-ups
• volunteer opportunities

Information and best practices

• mentoring, support and networking for local small and start-up businesses
• volunteer and entrepreneur-led community of business owners
• hosts 1-2 events per month
• York Region Resources Overview guide available for free download on website

Employment programs for youth and young adults, offered at locations in York Region

Specialized Training for Employment Program (STEP), 647-637-6023
Employment training and supports, including counselling, one-on-one job coaching and paid work placement opportunities, and first aid and workplace safety training if needed

• for youth who self-identify with mental health challenges
• must be unemployed and not attending full time school

Base 4 Success (B4S), 647-393-3749
12 week paid pre-employment training and paid work placements for youth who face barriers to employment

• must be unemployed and not attending full time school

Every Bite Matters (EBM), 416-574-8676
14-week paid culinary-focused employment program, includes 9 weeks paid pre-employment and culinary training, and 5 weeks paid work placement

Youth Success Strategy (YSS), 647-229-4183
Assistance with job search process, including resume, cover letter, and interview preparation

COVID-19 -- in-person courses and other events may be modified during the pandemic: check website for details or contact YEDI for information

Business development programs, mentorship and networking ; most courses and workshops conducted online

Not-for-Profit track:

• participants are at the CEO or Executive Director level of an existing not-for-profit enterprise
• free, intensive 16-week program by YEDI instructors, including online lectures and workshops, and mentorship by key industry leaders
• participants complete professional business plan, executive summary, and business model ready to take their organizations to next level
• certificate from the York Entrepreneurship Development Institute upon completion

Incubator track:

• program graduates eligible to apply for seed funding upon successful program completion
• free, intensive 16-week program, including lectures by Schulich Executive Education Centre instructors, workshop-based training in entrepreneurship, and mentorship by key industry leaders
• participating entrepreneurs with business idea in raw, seed, early or growth stage complete professional business plan, executive summary, and business model
• certificate from York University and YEDI upon completion

Youth track: COVID-19 -- PROGRAM CURRENTLY ON HIATUS

• free, 4 month program in partnership with Innovation York, including lectures by Schulich Executive Education Centre instructors, workshops and mentorship by key industry leaders
• participants aged 15-29 years will develop a business model and presentation deck
• certificate from YEDI upon program completion
• training, mentorship, networking opportunities and chance for seed funding

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management -- begins September, 2022

• 1 year diploma program
• limited to 50 participants
• fundamentals of entrepreneurship, sales and marketing strategies and management, social entrepreneurship
• available tuition-free to qualifying Canadians, dependent upon academic performance -- contact for details
• program delivered in-class and online

Covid-19 -- job skills and life skills workshops offered virtually; kitchen training is in-person

Certificate program:

• 16 week program comprised of 96 hours in class and 375 hours hands-on training in essential kitchen skills
• food theory labs, culinary skills demonstrations, life skills workshops
• job skills workshops and post graduate job search support
• Basic First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification
• Toronto Food Handlers Certification
• work clothing provided

YCafe:

• social enterprise, located within Metro Hall, 55 John St, Toronto
• catering and meals available
• Mon-Fri 8 am-3 pm

Mentorship program in construction trades

• professional development seminars for mentors and mentees in first 2 months
• weekly calls and monthly face to face meetings between mentors and mentees
• quarterly networking and professional development opportunities
• a Mentoring Coach and Mentoring APP to maximize support and connectivity

Newcomer Pathways into Construction

• immigrants and refugees learn about and access job opportunities in aspects of construction -- professional, administrative and technical, or trades
• help to develop a 6 month career plan for each individual

COVID-19 -- check website for information on how current public health situation may affect programs and services

Services and programs for Richmond Hill's entrepreneurs and small businesses

• free small business resources and information
• confidential one on one consultations with knowledgeable business consultants
• direct assistance with business plan preparation and market research
• seminars, workshops and networking events
• Young Entrepreneur programs

Starter Company Plus -- competitive training and mentorship program designed to help launch or expand a small business

• limited number of grants provided through program for individuals who have a viable and sustainable business concept and are committed to dedicating time to training and mentorship

Summer Company program -- start-up money to kick-off a new summer business, advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running

• sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking skills training and support

COVID-19 -- in-person service may be impacted, check ahead

Walk-in small business centre

• business registration and name searches (until 4 pm)
• resource library
• Internet-based and print materials on business start ups, market research, regulatory requirements, financing sources, financial management, patents, copyrights and trademarks, and business planning
• business plan consultations
• mentoring program
• seminars and workshops including online training

• Recent immigrants are matched with established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships
• assistance in identifying skills required by the market, Canadian workplace culture and expectations, and employment opportunities
• access to professional networks

COVID-19 -- walk-in service suspended until further notice

Supports entrepreneurs building tech businesses

• offers mentorship, training and networking programs and events for tech companies

Social support programs in several locations

• information and referral
• income tax clinic
• referral to legal services
• outreach and mobilization to engage residents and strengthen the community

Settlement Program

• 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
• refugee support
• support for Ukrainians with CUAET

Employment readiness and mentoring -- employment preparation, professional and social mentorship

Family and community centre

• after school programs, parenting groups, youth programs
• citizenship test preparation

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry, child care provided

• English conversation circles
• digital literacy program

COVID19 Update -- office closed to in-person service; programs and support available virtually until further notice

• skills training and employment programs for underserved young adults seeking careers in digital technology
• technical preparation classes for industry-recognized certifications and paid internships
• employment supports and coaching, career development, mentoring, communication skills, networking, resume preparation, and job placement
• connects job seekers to employers

Community drop-in for children and youth, including homework and tutoring clubs, youth violence prevention, leadership and capacity building, employment and catering careers programs, mental health awareness, arts and sports programs, and volunteer opportunities

Meals for youth and their families, by appointment; visit website for online registration

Some virtual programming available, contact for details

COVID19 -- Tropicana Employment Centre open Monday-Friday for in-person services; call 416 491-7000 to book an appointment.
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Tropicana Employment Centre (TEC) is open year round for unemployed individuals. Participants receive access to agency resource centre and services

Services include:

• training: participants receive access to Tropicana Employment Centre training workshops
• job placements: participants may be offered a job placement
• one-on-one employment counselling: employment counsellors assist with career planning, job search, resume and cover letter preparation, interview skills and job maintenance
• job trials: allows participants to work in a job for a few days giving employer and participant opportunity to see if job is a good fit and, if interested, to pursue a full-time position. While on a job trial, clients are typically paid directly by TEC
• training support: offers help in the form of transit fare, interview clothing, tools for jobs if required, and other necessities to find and sustain employment
• other support: may include, but not limited to, assistance with housing, social assistance, disability support, education and literacy programs or other training

netWORKS Program

Mentoring program for youth and and young adults between 18-29 years, offering participants opportunities to:

• meet new career role models and expand professional network
• build confidence
• get real world advice about how to find a job
• obtain information about corporate work environment
• get constructive feedback about career ideas and job search.

Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program -- auto body and collision damage repair training

• auto body trade basics with toolkit and course material provided
• 6 weeks pre-employment training including interview preparation, resume writing, WHMIS training, employment counselling, job coaching
• 13 week course offered at Centennial College
• 12 week paid work placement

Also offers TRIEC (Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council) Mentoring Partnership

• helps immigrant professionals reconnect with their careers -- see separate listing

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

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• individual and group counselling
• skills based training -- Basic Cashier, Retail Certificate, Food Handling Certificate
• information and referral -- health care, housing, school, recreation, transportation, banking
• career and skills assessment
• job search workshops
• access to computers, Internet, fax
• events and field trips
• TTC fare may be available
• volunteer opportunities may be available

Professional Office Administration Certificate

• training for careers in administration and clerical positions
• space limited
• students must attend all sessions to receive certificate
• program offered on an irregular basis -- call for details

Entrepreneur Skills Certificate

• series of 4 workshops for newcomer women seeking to set up a home-based business
• participants must attend all 4 sessions to receive certificate
• self-assessment, business start-up process, business management and operations, budgeting, marketing
• self-employment resources, programs and services

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

The Women in Trades and Technology programs are taking the following cautionary steps:

• All in-person information and assessment sessions (for all Skilled Trades and IT programs) are canceled until further notice -- check website for updates
• The iOS and Android Mobile App and Azure Cloud Developer program next scheduled start date: Aug 22, 2022
• The Painter-Decorator Pre-Apprenticeship program next scheduled start date: May 9, 2022
• The Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter Pre-Apprenticeship program next scheduled start date: May 24, 2022
• Glazier Pre-Apprenticeship program next scheduled start date: May 9, 2022 -- check website for program details
• STAR 4-Women program next scheduled start date: June 6, 2022 -- check website for program details
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals Training Program next scheduled start date: June 6, 2022
• any changes to start dates will be confirmed

Pre-Apprenticeship Commercial/Residential Painter and Decorator Program

• full time program
• job skill development and trade readiness
• trade specific academic upgrading and in-school apprenticeship Level 1 training, including health and safety
• 8 week work placement following program completion
• training location: Finishing Trade Institute, 130 Toro Rd, Unit C, Toronto ON

Pre-apprenticeship Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter Program

• full time program
• job skill development and trade readiness
• trade specific academic upgrading and in-school apprenticeship Level 1 training, including health and safety
• 8 week work placement following program completion
• training location: Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Trade School Inc., 30 Capstan Gate, Units 4 & 5, Concord ON

iOS and Android Mobile Application Development Training Program

• for women and gender-diverse individuals with IT background and experience in Java or C++
• full time program
• hands-on classroom instruction
• exam followed by 8 week job placement opportunity
• may lead to certification as Android Developer
• training location: YWCA Toronto, Trades and Technology Programs, 222 Dixon Rd, Suite 207, Toronto ON
• program start date: Aug 23, 2021

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Training Program

• for women and gender-diverse individuals with IT background and 16 years or older
• 34-week intensive, hands-on job readiness training program to upgrade essential IT skills in areas of data communication fundamentals and cybersecurity
• online training with some in-class sessions
• successful students will earn Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate
• 8 week job placement following program completion
• training location: YWCA Toronto, Trades and Technology Programs, 222 Dixon Rd, Suite 207, Toronto ON
• program start date: Aug 23, 2021

STAR 4-Women Program

• for women and gender-diverse individuals 16 years and older
• minimum Grade 10 education completed
• resident of and able to work in Ontario
• must have a valid drivers' licence
• 8 week program to attain construction trades skills
• must be physically able to work in a variety of construction environments
• skilled trades assessment and academic upgrading (if applicable)
• labour market information about skilled trades
• health and safety training and certifications
• hands on experience, equipment and tools including work boots and safety equipment
• transportation support (restrictions apply)

Glazier Pre-Apprenticeship Program

• for women and gender-diverse individuals 16 years and older
• minimum Grade 10 education completed
• resident of and able to work in Ontario
• must have a valid drivers' licence
• 27 week intensive training program
• work tools, safety equipment, textbooks
• refresher math
• transportation supports (restrictions apply)
• physically able to work in a variety of construction work environments
• must possess hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

COVID-19 update -- open to in-person service; LEF staff remain online and able to support community members remotely


Community economic development through employment and training services, newcomer/settlement services, programs for youth and seniors

Occupation Specific Language Training

• provides workplace communication courses for Early Childhood Education, Industrial Skills training, Forklift Operator re-certification, Hospitality Career Pathways, bicycle assembly and maintenance

Settlement Program

• needs assessment and pre- and post-arrival 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
• community support through volunteer befriending, and conversation circles to practise English
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture
• English as a Second Language and English for Life and Work in Canada
• conversation and pronunciation classes
• job search preparation and online or in-class training to develop 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

Youth Programs

• immigration and settlement peer counselling services, leadership skills training and employment assistance to newcomer youth

Also 20 licensed child care centres -- see separate listings

No drop-in appointments available -- contact office by phone or email only



Paid internship programs in various industry sectors for up to 12 months

• interns earn a monthly stipend and receive mentoring throughout their internship
• connects employers with qualified talent and helps interns overcome barriers to employment

Programs focus on four candidate segments

• new graduates
• new graduates with self-declared disabilities
• internationally qualified professionals recently immigrated to Canada
• Canadian Armed Forces current and former personnel
• offers work experience with a paid internship model that includes coaching/mentoring, on-the-job training, industry knowledge transfer, and networking

Virtual mentorship program includes weekly meetings, connects youth with Black mentors and role models, and facilitates access to resources, connections and education

• development of life, study and interpersonal skills
• information on pathways to a variety of careers
• workplace visits and post-secondary campus tours
• career development testing
• community service and events

COVID-19 -- For information on AIESEC's Exchange Policy and current safety guidelines CLICK HERE

• volunteering and internship programs for youth
• leadership development
• conferences
• international work experience

COVID-19 -- events, services and hours may be impacted: contact ahead to confirm

Offers support to social entrepreneurs, charities, non-profits, and social enterprises

• one-on-one business coaching
• mentoring for help with strategy and fundraising
• monthly workshops with experts
• co-working space
• networking opportunities
• also offers a hub where entrepreneurial ideas can be showcased

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person services; some service by telephone and Zoom

Culturally appropriate mental health, addiction, violence prevention, settlement, geriatric, youth and family services, and community and leadership development in South Asian communities, including volunteer opportunities and student placements

Seniors and High Risk Seniors Services
Supportive services to assist in aging at home

• health promotion (diabetes education, tobacco prevention, healthy eating, cancer)
• domestic violence support and assistance
• women's and men's group programs
• group programs for youth and children
• parenting programs
• food bank services for abused women
• translation services
• resource development
• diversity training

Sahara Mental Health Program
Culturally and linguistically appropriate support for clients 16 years or over dealing with mental health challenges

• short term and long term case management
• early psychosis intervention for youth and adults 14-35 years
• supportive counselling to clients and family members
• concurrent disorder support group
• mobile community support group

Sahara Addiction Program
Culturally appropriate service to individuals and family members struggling with substance abuse

• case management
• addictions day program
• groups for men and women
• relapse prevention group
• coping skills for family members
• peer support program
• Sahara Opioid Addiction Program, including case management and prevention support group (collaboration with Home and Community Care Support Services Central West)

Settlement Services
Newcomer integration assistance, including information and referral, and information on training and skills development

• orientation sessions including Canadian laws and norms
• assistance in filling out government forms
• attestation of documents
• translation/interpretation services
• supportive counselling

Sahara Geriatric Program
Community support for seniors 55 years and older, including case management, referrals, crisis management, caregiver support and counselling

• Integrated Seniors Team (IST) Program in partnership with Peel Senior Link and Supportive Housing in Peel
• Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Day Program for caregivers of adults with cognitive impairments such as dementia
• education, assessments and capacity development in partnership with other community agencies
• Senior Caregivers Support Day Program, including separate and combined groups for women and men

Better Families Program
Support, groups, mentoring, and referrals for youth 13-24 years and their parents in addressing issues related to healthy interactions between families and communities

Community Development and Social Enterprise
Leadership and community development, and civic engagement for youth and adults in South Asian communities in Malton

• 10 week program to help women with career planning, including identification of skills, interests and employment options
• individual counselling/coaching and online group sessions
• networking events and guest speakers