Searching for Newcomer Employment Programs

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 all client groups

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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 all client groups

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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 all client groups

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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)

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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 all client groups

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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 all client groups

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

Employment and education services provider linking Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) with Canadian businesses

Employment and education services for IEPs, including:

• Job referrals
• Career counselling
• Workplace communication & industry specific English training
• Work placements
• Mentorship matches
• Networking opportunities

Staffing and support services for businesses, including:

• Staffing solutions
• Work placements
• Cultural competency training for employers
• Workplace mentorship initiatives
• Bookkeeping, taxation and IT support for start-ups and SMEs

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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)

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

Better Jobs Ontario

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

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

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