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Employment Support for Newcomers

Government

Government of Ontario

Ministry of Education
Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M7A 1L2
Tel: 416-325-2929
Toll free: 1-800-387-5514
Fax: 416-325-6348
www.edu.gov.on.ca

The Ontario Ministry of Education regulates the education system in Ontario. The Ministry has information on curriculum, organizational structure, funding, and contact information for educational institutions. Read its websites for information and links. Because the Ministry does not provide direct services, there is normally no need to contact it directly.

Ministry of CItizenship and Immigration - provides services for economic and social integration of newcomers and promotes greater social inclusion, civic and community engagement and recognition among all Ontarians.

Federal Government

Citizenship and Immigration Canada - the department of the Canadian government that deals with immigration and related issues. Its website provides information on immigration, citizenship, sponsorship, work permits, and topics relevant to the process of settling in Canada.

Newcomer Services

Settlement.Org - this website will provide information and resources on living in Ontario, including finding employment. Settlement.Org is a website managed by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) to provide newcomers to Ontario with information that will assist them in the process of settling in a new country. OCASI and Settlement.Org were involved in the development of this website.

Organizations that help internationally educated Professionals Enter the Canadian Job Market

Teach in Ontario - this website contains information on how you can become a teacher in Ontario. It also contains useful information that will help you understand more about how Ontario's schools are organized and the role that teachers play.

Ontario Regulators for Access - the Ontario Regulators for Access is a group that acknowledges the need for skilled immigrants and the continued enhancement and preservation of standards to ensure public safety for the benefit of all Ontarians.

Canadian Institute for Recognizing Learning (CIRL) - an organization dedicated to improving the ways in which Canada recognizes the knowledge and skills of its residents. Its website has a useful Document Information Tool for internationally educated/educated professionals.

Communities throughout Ontario offer a variety of free and low-cost resources and supports to assist newcomers to find employment in their field. These programs and services fall into five categories:

Some specialized programs for internationally educated professionals and tradespeople offer employment assistance, job development, work experience, and mentoring in one program.

To find out about organizations that offer employment programs and services for newcomers, visit the following websites:

Employment Resource Centres

Employment Resource Centres are funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). They offer a variety of resources to newcomers and others looking for career direction, jobs, or help in starting their own business. These resources include:

  • free or low-cost access to computers, fax machines, photocopiers, and the internet
  • business directories, job search materials, and other library resources
  • workshops and seminars
  • job posting boards
  • résumé development services

Find out more:

What is an Employment Resource Centre (ERC)?

Work Experience Programs

Work experience programs offer newcomers paid or unpaid, short-term (four weeks to six months) work experience opportunities with reputable employers. These programs assist newcomers to establish themselves in their professions by overcoming the barrier of "no Canadian experience."

Find out more:

Why should I get help to find work?

Employment Assistance Services

Employment assistance services are offered at many community-based organizations and community colleges. These are group and individual services that help newcomers and others prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Programs vary in length from three- or four-day intensive workshops to several months. These programs and services will help you:

  • find information on potential employers
  • identify employment opportunities that are not advertised
  • prepare an effective résumé
  • establish professional networks
  • master self-marketing techniques and build confidence
  • conduct a successful employment interview

Some employment assistance programs and services are sector-specific. This means that participants are all qualified in the same profession. Other programs are open to participants with a variety of backgrounds.

Find out more:

Why should I get help to find work?

Mentoring Programs

Mentoring programs match internationally qualified professional newcomers with individuals working in the same profession in Ontario. The mentor encourages the efforts of the newcomer to become established in his or her profession by offering guidance and advice. This might include helping the newcomer to:

  • understand Canadian workplace culture
  • learn self-marketing techniques
  • locate publications and workshops on recent developments in the field
  • gather information on local industries and potential employers
  • establish professional networks
  • identify employment opportunities

Find out more:

How can mentoring programs help me?

Job Development Services

Job developers work directly with both local employers and newcomers. They identify local employment opportunities and introduce employers to newcomers who have the required skills and experience. Some job developers also coach clients in résumé development and job interview skills.

Find out more:

Why should I get help to find work?

Programs for Self-employment and Entrepreneurship

These programs assist people who want to start their own business.

Find out more:

Settlement.Org's Self-employment/Starting a Business section