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 Training Colleges and Universities
Access to Professions and Trades
Unit
Tel: 416-326-9714 or 416-314-7541
aptinfo@edu.gov.on.ca
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/postsec/openingdoors/apt/
This unit develops and funds programs, including the development of this website, to help internationally trained professionals gain access to their profession. Read its websites for information and links. Because the Ministry does not provide direct services, there is normally no need to contact it directly.
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 Trained Professionals Enter the Canadian Job Market
Teach in Ontario - A program designed to assist teachers educated in countries outside Canada to become certified to teach in Ontario. Teach in Ontario assists internationally educated teachers by ensuring they have the resources needed to complete the teacher certification process and to make the transition to Ontario's publicly-funded school system with ease. It offers these resources through three main support options:
- Better Information
- Assistance with Documentation
- Employment Preparation - Sector Terminology, Information and Counselling Program
The Teach in Ontario website www.teachinontario.ca 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.
Policy Roundtable Mobilizing Professions and Trades (PROMPT) - works on issues of policy and access to professions and trades for immigrants to Canada who are internationally trained professionals or tradespeople. The majority of representatives on PROMPT are immigrants.
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 trained/educated professionals.
Employment Resource Centres (ERC)
Employment Resource Centres 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? Group and Work Experience Programs
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.
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 their profession by offering guidance and advice.
Find out more:
Mentoring Programs for Foreign-Trained Professionals
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