ONTARIO
Government of Ontario
Second Career
Through Second Career, eligible Ontarians can gain new skills and financial support. Applications must be done through an employment service agency and in consultation with an Employment Ontario counsellor. Participants can apply for up to $28,000 for costs, including:
- tuition
- books
- manuals
- workbooks
- transportation
- basic living allowance
- childcare
Adult Learning
Adult Learning provides Ontario residents with courses to improve reading, writing, and math skills. Programs include:
- Literacy and Basic Skills
- Ontario High School Diploma
- GED Certificate
- Academic Career Entrance
Apprenticeship & Industry Training
Ontario residents can learn a skilled trade through a combination of on-the-job training and in-classroom learning.
Trades are categorized as either construction, industrial, motive power, or service. A full list of trades is available.
There are federal and provincial supports for those pursuing apprenticeships. In Ontario, the Tool Grant is “a non-repayable grant for apprentices to use towards the purchase of tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade.”
Employment Ontario Live Chat
Employment Ontario live chat is a service to get advice on job searching and to find details on training and hiring.
Services can also be accessed by:
- email contactEO@ontario.ca
- phone: 416-326-5656
- toll-free: 1-800-387-5656
- TTY: 1-866-533-6339
- in-person through Employment & Training Services
Ontario Works
“Ontario Works helps people who are in financial need.” Their Employment Assistance services include:
- workshops on resume writing & interviewing
- job counselling
- job-specific training
- access to basic education
Ontario Works Training Programs in Toronto
With a referral from an Ontario Works caseworker, participants can access training programs and financial aid.
City of Toronto
Toronto Employment & Social Services Locations
Toronto Employment & Social Services provides Ontario Works Services and provides Toronto residents with access to:
- computers (internet & MS Office)
- photocopiers
- telephones
- printers
- scanners
- fax machines
- information about employment programs
- web-based employment match system
- job fairs
- mentoring
- workshops
City Training Courses
The City of Toronto offers training courses, both for a fee and for free. The courses include:
- First Aid Training
- Food Handler Training
- Employment-Related Workshops
- We’ve Been Expecting You (WEBY) – Tourism & Hospitality Training
Toronto District School Board
Next-Steps Employment Centres
These centres provide adult learners in Toronto with free services, including:
- job search support
- resume & cover letter development
- interview skills
- career exploration
- job matching & placement supports
- skills development & training
- resources centre
YWCA Toronto
YWCA Toronto Employment Centres
Free services include:
- employment specialists
- workshops & training
- writing resumes
- interview skills
- connections to employers
- job postings
- links to job placements & internships
- access to computers, internet, phones & faxes
- free child-minding
YMCA Greater Toronto
Employment Services
- workshops
- employment tips
- jobs fairs
- job search workshops
- YMCA Digital Skills Literacy Program – designed to help participants build digital skills via free workshops, including: Introduction to basic computer skills, Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet Safety, and Understanding apps and social media.
- Construction Connections Program – designed to help participants gain the skills needed to work in the construction industry. This program helps participants explore career options, register as an apprentice, and access training and supports.
Times Change Women’s Employment Service
Times Change Women’s Employment Service contributes to the economic and social equality of all women by helping them find satisfying career paths via free resources and counselling. The Resource Centre offers access to a books & publications collection, occupational binders, a job board, job matching opportunities, and supportive staff. Among their online resources are links to:
Times Change programs and services include:
- Sage 50 Certification Free Online Training – offering unemployed and underemployed women the opportunity to receive Sage 50 online training at no cost in order to gain accounting and bookkeeping skills
- Career Planning Workshop – a 4-week program designed to help women identify their skills, interests, and values and develop a career action plan
- Job Search Workshop – designed for women who have determined the type of job they want but need job search support, including search strategies, resume & cover letter writing, interview skills, networking, social media strategies, and more.
- Educational Counselling – one-hour individual appointments for women who want to gain further education or training. In these sessions, women learn which programs exist, where they are offered, how to connect with a school or training program, and about any available funding or loans.
- Instructor-Led & Self-Directed Computer Workshops – these workshops teach participants how to use current software applications and internet applications.
- LinkedIn for Job Search – a two-hour workshop designed to teach participants how to create and effectively use a LinkedIn account.
- Resume Clinics – 45-minute sessions for clients to get a quick review and edit of their resume or cover letter before submitting an application to an employer.
- Employment Essentials Program – customized employment programming to help women secure employment, pursue education/training, gain work experience, and access other support services.
- Career Advancement and Mentorship Program – CAMP is an 8-week evening career workshop for women wanting to transition to more stable and sustainable employment. The program is free to women with a current income level of $36,114 or less.
- Online Job Search Workshops – online workshops designed for those who “know what kind of work they’re looking for and have the skills necessary” but are unemployed or working less than an average of 20 hours per week.
- Interactive Online Resume Workshop – Zoom sessions offering comprehensive information on writing an effective resume.
- Job Posting Analysis – Online Presentation – self-paced presentation on how to analyze a job posting to better customize your resume and application materials.
Ottawa
Social Service Centre
Ottawa Social Service Centres provide free services, including:
- computers, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, and phones
- job postings & internet for job search
- employment & computer workshops
- help from trained staff
- free on-site childcare for children ages six months to six years
Employment Specialists at Ottawa’s Employment Ontario Centre at 370 Catherine Street can assist with:
- resume & cover letter writing
- interview preparation
- finding information on apprenticeships
- registering for free online workshops
Windsor
Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc.
Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc. provides access and services to job seekers, including:
- one-on-one assistance with a counsellor
- walk-in resource & information centre
- employment skills training
- free workshops
- Second Career
- Voicemail services
- Cooks Pre-Apprenticeship – a 21-week training program to gain the skills and experience to be a professional cook
- Hospitality Career Catalyst – a 6-week program to gain the knowledge and skills to work in the hospitality and tourism sector