Finding Employment

There are many different programs and services for newcomers who are looking for employment

The Toronto West LIP Employment Flyer Bank

Visit the Employment Flyer Bank for employment related programs and services under one roof.

Orientation Workshops

YMCA Newcomer Information Centres offer various orientation workshops about finding employment, Canadian workplace culture, and evaluation of foreign credentials.

To register for the workshops, newcomers must be at least 16 years of age and bring one of the following original immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident (PR) card
  • Landing paper
  • Notice of Decision letter

For more information, go to:
www.ymcagta.org/en/newcomers/info_sessions/index.html

Job Search Workshop

Job Search Workshop (JSW) is a multi-day workshop that will introduce you to the Canadian labour market, job searching skills, interview tips, professional networking and Canadian workplace culture.

A career exploration workshop is also offered for newcomers who need to clarify their employment goals.

Permanent residents who are not Citizens are eligible for the workshop.

Participants must have a good working use of English.

Find a JSW location close to you with the Services Directory.  Type “JSW” into the Search window.

For more information, visit the JSW website.

Employment Support for Newcomers

Many settlement agencies offer services to support newcomers in accessing the labour market.  Services can include resume critiquing and interview tips.  Some agencies offer longer programs, such as

Employment Ontario Employment Services

Employment Ontario agencies provide one-on-one assessment and job coaching.

Employment service agencies also offer workshops on job searching, resumes, interviews, Canadian workplace culture, networking and other employment-related topics.  Clients can use on-site employment resource centres to look for jobs or browse information related to finding employment and other community services.

To find an employment service agency in Toronto West, use the Services Directory and type “Employment Ontario” into the Search window.

Employment Ontario agencies that belong to CASIP can connect internationally-trained professionals with a specialized network of Job Developers.

City of Toronto Employment Services

City of Toronto Employment Centres offer computers, printers, phones and faxes for job seekers, workshops and presentations, access to computer-based job search databases, information about job fairs and more.

Drop in to get help with:  career planning, job coaching, resume writing, interview skills, networking and more.

Open to all residents of Toronto.

For more information, visit the City of Toronto Employment Services website.

Mentoring

Mentoring is individual guidance and advice from an established professional who has Canadian work experience in your occupational field.  A mentor can provide information about your profession in Canada, help you to identify employment and networking opportunities, suggest job search strategies and provide resources and advice to support you.

The Mentoring Partnership is a program that pairs internationally educated professionals with mentoring coaches.  To apply, contact the community partner organization in your area.  Or use the Service Directory and type “Mentoring Partnership” in the Search box.

Internships and Work Experience

Internships and work placements provide opportunities to gain experience and learn about Canadian workplace culture.  These may involve paid or unpaid work and may be several weeks or several months long.

Through the Career Bridge program, Career Edge organization offers four- to twelve-month-long paid internships in mid-level positions for professionals with international experience.

Short-term work placements are a component of many Bridging Programs, as well as Enhanced Language Training.

Professional Immigrant Networks

Professional Immigrant Networks are associations of immigrant professionals that support their members in finding employment in a particular field.

PINs is an initiative of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council.

PINs can help you to develop connections in your professional field and build relationships with other immigrant professionals who can offer information, advice and support.  Through PINs you can participate in events and professional development opportunities and learn more about labour market trends in your field.

Visit the PINs website to learn more about how to get involved.

Entrepreneurship and Self Employment

New entrepreneurs and individuals who are thinking about starting a business can find support through a variety of programs and services in Toronto.  While some services are exclusively for newcomers and immigrants, many organizations have programs that are available to all individuals.

Click on this link for a list of several Self Employment Programs and Resources.