Guelph, ON, N1G 2X6
- Drop in access to resource centres, computer and Internet access,photocopying, faxing and community resources
- One-on-one employment counselling: interest testing and career planning, job search training, resume and interview preparation, labour market information, community resource and referral information
- Access to on-the-job training opportunities and retraining programs like Better Jobs Ontario
- Job Developers available to help clients connect with employers
- Workshop participation available in areas such as Job Seekers Network, Career Decision Making, Ace the Interview, LinkedIn and other employment-related topics
- All Youth programming includes a combination of in person workshops and experiential skill building and learning for youth ages 15-30. The youth are paid minimum wage during their pre-employment workshop participation and placements are paid at competitive labour market wages as set by the employer in their job placement. In some instances opportunities are available to obtain certificates for training such as First Aid / CPR, Safe Food Handling, Smart Serve and WHMIS ACE (Achieving Competitive Employment):individualized employment support program for people with disabilities, including students.
Guelph, ON, N1H 2W8
- One-on-One Tutoring Program
- detailed literacy assessment and learning plan based on needs and reading, writing, numeracy goals of learner
- tutoring provided by trained volunteers
- adult content, low literacy books and resources available for borrowing from lending library
- learner-tutor pairs receive ongoing staff support
- referrals to community partners to ensure learner needs are met
- Small Group Learning Program- facilitated by staff
- groups include pre-GED Preparation, Real-Life Writing, Aboriginal Writing, Numeracy, Workplace Communications, Cashier Training, Receptionist Training
- offered at Action Read or through community partners as feasible
- Computer Learning- training, support, workshops provided by staff- adaptive technology programs to overcome physical barriers and learning disabilities
- Northstar Digital Certification program
Family Literacy Read-Ins
- children (ages birth-six) and parents or caregivers work together on early literacy skills
- activities include language games, quiet reading, group activities, storytelling, singing, puzzles
- Early Childhood Educators assist families to connect with other services and programs; provide information about developmental concerns; suggest inexpensive ways parents can promote early learning at home
- multiple community locations- see website for current information
Guelph, ON, N1H 4E9
- assessment of skills, interests and experience
- job search strategies
- resume preparation
- information on careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities paid pre-employment training and job placements
- on-the-job training / work experience
- help to maintain employment
- education and work transition supports
- information and referral to other employment and community services
- mentorship for youth
- help finding summer employment
- self employment supports
- Second Career assessments
Services also available for employers:
- free recruitment support
- training incentives for new employees
- government supported skills training
- apprenticeship
- employee leadership development
- downsizing and closure services
- five-day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking
Offers Employment Ontario programs. See separate listing for details.
Guelph, ON, N1H 4E9
- caseworkers work closely with participants to develop individualized action plans that address unique needs
- participants guided through each stage and encouraged to stay on track
- employment benefits to assist clients in finding and starting a job
- basic educational upgrading
- English as a second language training
- job specific skills training
- job search assistance (resumé writing, interview preparation)
- access to volunteer and employment placements
- Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) - for young parents, ages 16-25 years
- Self-Employment - training and supports to operate a business; delivered in partnership with Business Centre Guelph-Wellington
- Life Skills Case Management - intensive support for those who are experiencing issues related to addictions or mental health
- services for empoyers
Guelph, ON, N1H 4E8
- computer workstations with internet access
- photocopying, printing, fax (free)
- access to public telephones
- job boards
- job club
- community resources information
- local newspapers
- one-on-one assistance to discuss any aspect of job searching (resume development, cover letters, interview preparation) - available by appointment
- employment-related workshops on various aspects of job searching
Core workshops offered: Employment Services Orientation (ESO), Job Club (for OW clients) and Make Your Way.
Employment Services Orientation:
This workshop is an overview of the resources available through Ontario Works, in the City of Guelph and Wellington County. Some of the information Facilitators will review includes Employment Ontario Partners, Literacy and Basic Skills organizations, and Ontario Works services such as Housing, Employment, and Child Care programs.
Job Club:
Job Search Club -- runs 4 consecutive days for 1.5 hours each session. Usual start time is 10:30 am-12 noon. Workshop is currently performed virtually on the MS Teams platform but normal method is in class at either Guelph or Fergus OW facilities. EO partners in county communities have leant their facilities where required. 1 on 1 work is done post workshop with each willing participant and includes an ERS assessment, resume tailoring to specific jobs/careers, companies or industry sectors. Job search online along with appropriate application methods.
Make Your Way:
Make Your Way -- runs several times a year in Guelph and Wellington County. Programme is informal and interactive; conversations are confidential in a relaxed environment, "kitchen table" like approach. The programme starts with "Picturing Your Life Now" to help you see where you are at and look at the direction where you want to go. Examples of topics covered are: Change Understanding, Poverty Self, personal self-assessment, goal setting. Currently offered in a virtual format; 1.5 hours a day for two-weeks. When in-person sessions resume, will run Mon-Thu, 9:30 am-2:30 pm for three weeks.
For information or to register, contact Terri Townsley, Employment Facilitator, 519-823-7887 or 1-800-265-7294 ext 3660, [email protected]
Guelph, ON, N1H 4E8
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment, and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs and eligibility assessment and referrals
- consumer and community information
- orientation to local community
- assistance to access a range of settlement services
- finding and completing forms and applications
- advice on banking, shopping, managing a household and other everyday tasks
- interpreters or translators if needed
- non-therapeutic counselling
- initial employment counselling, such as job search skills, resume writing, interview skills and career goal setting and planning
- accessing professional and essential services (such as doctors, lawyers and schools)
- registering for language training
- finding a place to live
- driver training information
Guelph, ON, N1H 1V7
- gathering place to meet with neighbours
- emergency food cupboard
- free clothing room
- donation room (toys, household goods, books)
- on-site employment assistance (Lutherwood)
- free local calls, photocopying, faxing
- homework club
- movie nights
- neighbourhood group meetings
- community Fridge
- volunteer opportunities
Guelph, ON, N1E 5C3
- 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
Skills training and financial support for unemployed individuals
- 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
- 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
- available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees
The Apatisiwin program offers a variety of employment programs, education, and skills designed to provide opportunities for Indigenous peoples in Ontario to maintain meaningful employment opportunities.
Cambridge, ON, N1R 6P9
- Math
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Apprenticeship
- GED preparation
- College/Employment preparation
Cambridge, ON, N1R 7A5
Participants in the Reskilling Program will have access to certification training with a provincially recognized institution. After certification, YWCA Reskilling staff will assist participants to achieve better employment and to prepare their job skills through activities such as mock interviews and resume-building.
Cambridge, ON, N1R 7A5
- Focuses on life skills, job search techniques, career and academic exploration
- Provides pre-employment and life skills services to cis and trans women, non-binary and two spirit individuals and includes workshops on self-esteem & confidence, resume & cover letter writing, job interviews, establishing boundaries, self-care, community resources and more.
Cambridge, ON, N1R 7A6
Cambridge, ON, N3H 0A8
Kitchener, ON, N1R 6P9
Kitchener, ON, N2C 1V5
Spirit Bundles: The Spirit Bundles program provides essential items to local Indigenous families during the pandemic.
Wellness and Healing: Provide traditional, spiritual, and cultural healing and wellness activities to the urban Indigenous community, with access to traditional knowledge keepers.
EarlyON: Child-centred, engaging programs and services for all children from birth to six years of age, and their families.
Employment Services: Employment, education, and training services to all eligible Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Indigenous Tech Mentorship and Employment: Mentorship program aims to fill employment gaps in Indigenous representation in the teach sector. This is accomplished by our development of a series of processes and training that can equip an Indigenous participants with the required skills and training to be employable in an entry level position in the tech sector.
Kitchener, ON, N2H 2M2
Centre Wellington, ON, N1M 1P1
In addition to providing financial assistance through the Ontario Works program, the County of Wellington operates programs to assist low income individuals and families in immediate financial need. A financial assessment must be completed to determine eligibility for these services.
Additional supports include:
Addiction Services Initiative
- helps people on social assistance whose substance abuse makes it difficult for them to become or stay employed
Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP)
- assists parents 16-25 years of age to acquire education, parenting skills, and employment related skills
Funeral and Burials
May be able to help with cost of funeral, burial or cremation if the following criteria apply:
- resident in the County of Wellington / City of Guelph
- in receipt of Ontario Works assistance, or
- in receipt of Ontario Disability Support Program assistance, or
- low-income status
Canada Learning Bond (CLB)
- primary caregiver (person who is eligible to receive the Canada Child Benefit in the child's name) may apply for CLB on behalf of the child
- money is placed into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) by the Government of Canada for an eligible child's education after high school
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) for Social Assistance:
- 1-800-808-2268 -- automated information and payment details, payment history, file status
- information and announcements about Ontario Works service not available to TTY users
- provides temporary financial assistance to those in need while they meet obligations to become and stay employed
Centre Wellington, ON, N1M 1P1
Settlement Program (formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program) -- 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
- needs and eligibility assessment and referrals
- consumer and community information
- orientation to local community
- assistance to access a range of settlement services
Settlement Services provides assistance with the following:
- finding and completing forms and applications
- advice on banking, shopping, managing a household and other everyday tasks
- interpreters or translators if needed
- non-therapeutic counselling
- initial employment counselling, such as job search skills, resume writing, interview skills and career goal setting and planning
- accessing professional and essential services (such as doctors, lawyers and schools)
- registering for language training
- finding a place to live
- driver training information
Centre Wellington, ON, N1M 2L3
- Employment services and support with training / education options for all job seekers, youth and adults.
- Drop-in resource centre with access to computer and internet, fax, photocopier, newspapers, business directories.
- Hiring support for employers.
- Job search and training support for job seekers.
Assistance to access Service Canada funded programs.
Programs available for individuals with special needs.
Waterloo, ON, N2J 2W2
Waterloo, ON, N2J 2W2
- Math
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computers
- Apprenticeship
- GED preparation
- College/Employment preparation
Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1
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
Apprenticeship
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
Milton, ON, L9T 4N5
Provides adults in Halton Region the opportunity to achieve secondary school credits
Programs include:
- Adult Class Credit (ages 21 and over)
- Adult eCredit (AEC) Online Program (ages 21 and over)
- Cooperative Education Credit
- Maturity Prior Learning Assessment (MPLAR) Credits
- Night School Credit
- Summer School Credit
- Guidance and Career Counselling
Adult High School Diploma Program
- for more information, see here
Adult ESL/FSL (English or French as a Second Language) and LINC classes (non-credit)
- for more information, see here
Halton Hills, ON, L7G 3Z5
Provides adults in Halton Region the opportunity to achieve secondary school credits
Programs include:
- Adult Class Credit (ages 21 and over)
- Adult eCredit (AEC) Online Program (ages 21 and over)
- Cooperative Education Credit
- Maturity Prior Learning Assessment (MPLAR) Credits
- Night School Credit
- Summer School Credit
- Guidance and Career Counselling
Adult High School Diploma Program
- for more information, see here
Adult ESL/FSL (English or French as a Second Language) and LINC classes (non-credit)
- for more information, see here