COMMUNITY
PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES FOR NEWCOMERS
Free programmes are available
to provide newcomers with information about how to conduct a job search
in Canada. Many programmes offer information about;
-
the Canadian labour market
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researching occupations and
companies
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writing resumes and cover letters
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the hidden job market
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Canadian culture and the workplace
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interviewing skills
The following is a short list
of free programmes offered throughout Toronto. For areas outside of Toronto,
consult your local Human Resources Centre of Canada.
Career Action for Newcomers
Centre for Advancement in
Work and Living (CAWL), 173 Dufferin Street, Suite 208E, Toronto
Programmes include job
search and labour market language training. An assessment of language levels
and employment readiness is followed by groups sessions to imporve English
communication skills, teach job search skills in the Canadian context,
visit work settings and gain familiarity with Canadian employment standards.
Groups meet five days per week for up to eight weeks. Individual career
counselling and job placement are also offered. Call (416) 532-8018 to
apply.
Career Step Programme, Catholic
Cross-cultural Services
780 Birchmount Road, Unit
3, Scarborough
Programme combines advanced
English as a Second Language and job search skills in a full time (9:00am-2:15pm)
seven-week session. Skills assessment, labour market research, job search
strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing skills are
developed, as well as advanced English grammar and vocabulary. Canadian
culture and workplace issues are also an important part of the programme.
For more information call (416) 757-7010.
Centre for Foreign Trained
Professionals and Tradespeople
1620 Albion Road, 2nd Floor,
Etobicoke
The centre provides a five-week
programme to help people match their skills to the Canadian labour market,
develop a work search plan and learn effective work search techniques.
Call (416) 745-0281 for more information.
Employment Centre for International
Professionals and Tradespeople
Seneca College, 2090 Jane
Street, Toronto
The centre offers information
sessions, a three-day orientation of the Canadian workplace and workshops
including a two-week Career Planning workshop and a two-week Job Search
Skills workshop. As well there are a variety of services available including
computers, Internet access, photocopying, fax and telephone services. To
book an appointment, call (416) 491-5050, extension 4353.
Immigrant Women’s Job Placement
Centre
2221 Yonge Street, Suite
201, Toronto
Career and job search counselling
is provided, as well as job referrals, placements and help in preparing
for office worker tests. Services include a Job Seekers Workshop and a
Resource Centre. Call (416) 488-0084 for an appointment.
Job Search Workshops for
Newcomers to Canada
Coordinated by COSTI and
the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and offered at various
locations throughout Ontario.
Workshops are three to
four days long and can be taken during the day, evenings or on Saturdays.
Participants receive information on the labour market and strategies for
job searching, and they develop skills in interviewing and writing resumes,
cover letters, and applications. Individual follow up is also provided.
For further information about workshop locations or how to register for
the programme, call (416) 658-7499 or 1-800-813-2614.
Sector-specific Terminology
Information Counselling (STIC), Skills for Change
791 St Clair Avenue West,
Toronto
STIC offers a six week
programme of sector-specific orientation and employment preparation for
engineers, accountants, and health care professionals. Skills for Change
also offers a wide variety of other pre-employment programmes for newcomers
to Canada. Call (416) 658-3101 for more information about programmes offered,
or visit their website at http://www.skillsforchange.org