Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

Provides information and assistance in the following areas:

• Completing forms and documents
• Personal and family settlement process
• Immigration and legal issues
• Employment and education
• Interpretation and translation
• Canadian life and culture
• Information, advisement and support
• Access to programs and services

Provide settlement and employment services to assist immigrant and refugees

• Cultural Diversity Program
• Language Interpretation
• English Language Assessment and Referral Services
• Settlement Services
• Employment Resource Centre
• Language Interpretation
• English Language Assessment and Referral Centre

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre

• Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), LINC Home Study, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, Enhanced Language Training (ELT), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT), and Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Provides information and assistance in the following areas:

• Completing forms and documents
• Personal and family settlement process
• Immigration and legal issues
• Employment and education
• Interpretation and translation
• Canadian life and culture
• Information, advisement and support
• Access to programs and services

Provide settlement and employment services to assist immigrant and refugees

• Cultural Diversity Program
• Language Interpretation
• English Language Assessment and Referral Services
• Settlement Services
• Employment Resource Centre
• Language Interpretation
• English Language Assessment and Referral Centre

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre

• Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), LINC Home Study, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, Enhanced Language Training (ELT), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT), and Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Provides services to help immigrant women succeed in Canadian society, including:

• Career Exploration and Counselling
• Skills Training
• Training Incentives
• Job Search Assistance
• Interview Preparation
• Resume & Cover Letters
• Computer Training
• Industrial Sewing Training
• Soft Skills Training
• Healthy lifestyles drop-in groups
• Life Skills Coaching
• Customer Service Training
• Self-Employment Start-Up

Offer a wide range of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to Canadian-born citizens, naturalized citizens, permanent residents, refugees, international students and temporary foreign workers to help them settle and integrate into the community.


Successful integration is a two way process that requires adjustments for both newcomers and the community; settlement workers work closely with other agencies, businesses and all levels of government to ensure this happens.


Assists clients with issues they are encountering in adapting to their new home and ensuring that agency services are accessible to them regardless of how long they have been in Canada. Offers settlement services in-house and throughout the community.


Many of the Settlement Counsellors work out of branches of both the Waterloo and Kitchener Public Libraries to better reach the community.

Overview of programs ranging from basic education and literacy to workforce preparation, career training and job search assistance programs, and directs to other related listings in this directory

ADULT LITERACY & BASIC EDUCATION
Reading, writing, speaking, communication, computation and/or problem solving skills:

• for adults who cannot read or write at a functional level) see Adult Literacy Programs here
• to strengthen functional skills in these areas see Adult Basic Education programs here

SECONDARY EDUCATION
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

• to complete at locations in Halton, see here

PREPARING & TRAINING FOR THE WORKFORCE
Prevocational Training (for people with disabilities, including mental health issues)
Instruction and/or counselling to develop:

• physical and emotional tolerance for work demands and pressures
• personal-social behaviours
• basic manual, academic and communications skills needed to acquire basic job skills
• see Prevocational Training programs here

Career Awareness and Counselling

• Career Awareness (provides information and data about various industries and professions): see here
• Career Counselling (provides information and guidance in evaluating aptitude, abilities and interests, to choose a vocation or career and select the type of training): see here

Vocational Assessment
Tests skills, abilities, interests, personality traits and other attributes for success in different occupational areas or specific positions

• may include programs that allow people to try out jobs for short periods of time to see if there's a 'fit' and, for people with disabilities, determine what supports might be needed to succeed if hired
• for programs see here

Job Training

• Vocational Education, see here
• On the Job Training, see here
• Computer and Related Technology Classes, see here

Work Experience/Internship Programs

• Work Experience Programs, see here
• Internship Programs, see here

Apprenticeship

• Apprenticeship Preparation, see here
• Apprenticeship training, see here

Job training expense assistance
Financial assistance or loans to help people pay for tuition, books, living expenses, transportation, disability supports, assistance in caring for dependents etc.

• for programs see here

JOB SEARCH
Pre-job Guidance
Provides skills in preparing a resume, job application letters/questionnaires, answering job ads and taking employment tests, tips on appropriate dress, personal appearance and interview techniques, etc.)

• for programs see here

Comprehensive Job Assistance Centres
One-stop centres that may include job counselling, testing and assessment, pre-job guidance, job matching and referral, labour market and career information, information on financial aid for education and training, and referral for job training, transportation, child care, personal and financial counselling, etc.

• for programs see here

Specialized Job Assistance Centres:
Disability-related programs:

• Comprehensive Disability-related Programs, see here
• Supported Employment (job coach works side-by-side with client in workplace), see here
• Centre-based Employment (separate and supported work centres for those with disabilities), see here

Ex-offender Employment Programs, see here

Immigrant/refugee Employment Programs, see here

Indigenous Employment Programs, see here

Summer Employment Programs, see here

Vocational Rehabilitation (for people with disabilities, emotional problems or history of substance abuse), see here

Youth Employment Programs, see here

This listing gives an overview of services to assist newcomers to Canada, and is an index to related listings in this directory

• for comprehensive information, please see the Halton Newcomer InfoPod

DRIVER'S LICENCE:

A newcomer to Ontario can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days

• after 60 days, a newcomer must switch to an Ontario driver's licence
• for more information on driver's licences for newcomers, see Ministry of Transportation website
• to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, go to a Drivetest Centre (for locations, see full listings here)

HEALTH INSURANCE:

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides publicly-funded health care for residents of Ontario

• for more information, see separate listing here
• to apply for OHIP, go to a ServiceOntario Service Counter (for locations, see full listings here)

Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits for specific groups of people in Canada who do not have provincial, territorial, or private health-care coverage

• for more information, see Government of Canada website

IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada

• also grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians
• for more information, see Government of Canada website

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship test is used by newcomers to study for the citizenship test

• the publication is available online to read, listen to, or download
• a free print copy can be ordered online or by calling 1-888-567-7183
• also available to borrow at some library locations

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL FOR NEWCOMERS

For Community Information Centres throughout Halton that maintain information about the full range of human services and which function as the primary source of information about and linkage to human service providers in the community, see here

• for help in languages other than English, dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Ontario, which uses data from the Halton Community Services Directory and has live translation services in more than 150 languages

Settlement.org

INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION:

For a list of organizations that may provide this service, see full listings here

• may be a fee for document translation

LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - ESL, FSL AND LINC:

Programs that offer opportunities to learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on developing the level of communication competence that is essential for adults who are living in a setting in which English or French is the primary language

• for more information, see separate listing here

NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES:

Free services for newcomers to Canada are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide advice and help on:

• looking for a job
• getting a language assessment
• registering for language classes
• finding a place to live
• signing children up for school
• learning about community services

Available in Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton and surrounding areas

Employment Supports assists Newcomers to Canada to find employment commensurate with their skills and education

• a range of activities are available to provide information, and help Newcomers develop skills, make informed decisions and foster connections that they need to seek employment or pursue career pathways

These activities include:

• Assessment, Information and Referral Services
• Job Search Workshops
• Mock Interviews
• Resume Critique
• Job Fairs
• Networking Events
• Information Sessions on Employment Topics

If you are a Health Care professional, please visit the HMC Healthcare Connect for Specialized services

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 opportunities
• 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

• 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

Employment Services are available in Burlington and Oakville

Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community

• English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
• Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
• Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
• Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
• free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment

Employment Supports assists Newcomers to Canada to find employment commensurate with their skills and education

• a range of activities are available to provide information, and help Newcomers develop skills, make informed decisions and foster connections that they need to seek employment or pursue career pathways

These activities include:

• Assessment, Information and Referral Services
• Job Search Workshops
• Mock Interviews
• Resume Critique
• Job Fairs
• Networking Events
• Information Sessions on Employment Topics

If you are a Health Care professional, please visit the HMC Healthcare Connect for Specialized services

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 and focuses on cloud computing and big data industry trend

Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community

• English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
• Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
• Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
• Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
• free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment

Services to assist and guide newcomers to Canada in accessing employment, education, training, housing, health, documentation and financial services

Newcomer 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
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• help connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture
• supportive counselling -- short-term counselling to clients who encounter difficulties adjusting to life in Canada and assistance in overcoming these challenges
• Commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents
• online citizenship test preparation classes

English Language Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv, see separate entry
• part-time classes, mornings or afternoons
• bus fare for eligible participants

Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)

• child care for children ages 19 months-6 years while parents are attending LINC classes

Intersections (Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomers)

• private and confidential one-on-one settlement support
• inclusive, safe and positive space
• workshops, presentations and information sessions
• resource library, movie nights, arts and crafts and fun activities
• linkages to external services such as income tax clinics, Legal Aid, and other relevant community services
• capacity building through community presentations and information sessions to help create welcoming communities that understand and respect the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers

Entrepreneurship Program for Newcomers

• learn sewing and clothing alterations, with skills, knowledge and language to manage a small business; work experience
• goal to become financially independent and self-employed

Community Connections Program

• for those in Canada less than 3 years; free of charge and available in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville
• community support through volunteer befriending
• orientation to the community and services such as banking, transit, education

Services for International Students

• settlement counselling and orientation
• employment information
• information on housing, health care, financial supports, assistance filling documents and forms, referrals to community resources

Job Search Workshops

• support newcomers with one-on-one employment counselling sessions
• employment-related workshops and job fairs
• facilitate the connection between employers and newcomers
• bi-monthly

Immigrant Services -- settlement information and orientation to life in Canada

• needs assessment
• referral to other agencies and government services
• help filling in government forms and applications
• Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
• crisis support counselling
• Youth Achieving Employment Project (YAE) research project to develop an intervention for recent postsecondary graduates struggling to find employment
• Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
• New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) where seniors help seniors learn computer based social networking skills, digital photography, event management, report writing and also a social and physical exercise club

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
English Conversation Circles (ECC), and ESL Home Based Business Language Training

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

Community Services

• digital Literacy Training
• free seasonal income tax clinic
• mobile dental clinic
• Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications


Winter clothing items needed; to make a donation or for more information email Jagdeep Kailey: [email protected]

Programs available out of Oakville office include:

Employment readiness training and services:

• supports newcomers with one-one one employment counselling and employment related workshops/job fairs
• facilitates connection between employers and newcomer job seekers
• free workshops
• sewing for entrepreneurial women
• career mentorship

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 opportunities
• 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

• 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

Employment Services are also available in Milton and Oakville

Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community

• English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
• Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
• Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
• Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
• free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment

Services include one-on-one job search coaching, workshops, settlement services, academic upgrading and funded and fee-based pre-apprenticeship skilled trades programs

• collaborate with employers, providing free professional recruitment with access to pre-screened candidates, financial wage and training incentives and customized skilled trades training

For more information see:

• Services for Employers
• Skilled Trades Training Programs
• Employment Services
• LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) and Immigrant Services
• Doorways - Literacy and Basic Skills

Many of these programs and services are available at multiple locations in Halton Region

Offers a wide range of services and learning opportunities to newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance may be available for eligible attendees

Settlement and Integration Services

• orientation, information
• translation and interpretation
• job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques

Family Support Program

• counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
• information and referral
• violence prevention education

COVID19 -- open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services from Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm, no appointment necessary.


Neighbourhood multi-service agency

Pathways to Settlement: client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society

Information and Awareness Services: helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:

• immigration, health, education and housing
• translation and interpretation
• form filling;
• referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
• supportive counselling for individuals and families;

Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM): assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations

• provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
• facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
• one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
• post-post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
• access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet

New Beginnings-Settlement & Employment Program (NB): supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaption process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society.

Integrated Employment Services (IES) Program: see separate listing

Community Connections in School: in partnership with Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the adaptation of newly-arrived newcomers to school and community life by providing support services typically needed by newcomers in their first year in Canada, focusing on information, orientation, advocacy, referral and access

Community Connections in Library: in partnership with Brampton Library and IRCC; programs include group information sessions including sessions for seniors and English conversation circles

Seniors Program -- helps seniors enhance their knowledge and skills on various topics of interest, and engages them in activities such as social interactions and outings to to Canadian cultural sites; reduces isolation by bringing older adults together in a safe environment.

Settlement Services

Assessment and action planning, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops

• support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
• help completing government forms and applications
• seasonal income tax clinic
• connection with community and volunteer opportunities
• monthly Service Canada clinics to assist with OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
• weekly virtual English conversation circle
• free Oath Commissioning/Notary Public Services
  
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- (see separate entry), day and evening classes available in various locations

Diversity and Inclusion​

• newcomers learn of rights and responsibilities as community members, impacts of discrimination and biases, Canadian values and enhance inclusive decision-making skills.

Financial Literacy Services

• newcomers are assisted to build skills and tools needed to take control of their financial lives
• through weekly guided sessions newcomers understand financial literacy concepts in addition to the connection between income and careers, and how student loans work
  
  

Employment Support - orientation to the job market

• workshops covering job search preparation and strategies, labour market information, workplace culture, resume, cover letter and interview preparation, career information and networking opportunities

Women Support Services - confidential counselling services for newcomer women and their children who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse

• individual or group sessions
• short-term, goal focused counselling including the development of transition and safety strategies and information on rights and options
• crisis and support counselling to assist individuals seeking immediate assistance
• linking women to appropriate services in the community that address legal, housing, financial and long term counselling needs

Newcomer Mental Health Program - culturally appropriate counselling in Hindi, Arabic, English for newcomer individuals, couples and families

• support and tools to manage the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, family conflict, trauma and other life transitions through individual counselling and educational workshops

Family Literacy Program - language and age appropriate family reading resources through a lending library

• activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning

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

Internationally Educated Nurse Program

• Nursing Communication Foundation Course, 35-50 hour online course, provided by CARE Centre
• Physical Assessment and Nursing Skill Sessions at the Learning Resource Centre, Mohawk College
• Career Progression, Job Coaching, Resume Review, Interview Preparation
• HHS Job Shadowing