The Federal and Provincial Governments offer numerous services and Ontario government funding incentives to help new Canadians find meaningful and valuable work experience. The following list of programs is only a small selection of the Canadian Government funding support available for internationally trained immigrants and foreign workers.
1. Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
The Enhanced Language Training program provides newcomers to Canada with an opportunity to improve their written and oral communication skills in English or French. Depending upon your regional service provider, programs and lessons are usually 3 months in length and free for those wishing to attend. Participants may also receive workplace preparation assistance through one-on-one development support with resumé and job interview techniques.
For more information, please contact a representative from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
2. Accreditation Services for International Credentials
Many new Canadians possess foreign certifications and academic credentials that require third party accreditation in order to be recognized by Canadian employers and service providers. Those who are interested in having their foreign academic credentials assessed can contact the World Education Services (WES) organization. WES in a non-governmental organization that evaluates foreign credentials and compares them with the equivalent certifications in Canada to determine whether additional training is required.
New Canadians can gain a better understanding of how their credentials compare with regulated Canadian professions by visiting the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
3. Employment Ontario Employment Services
Employment Ontario offers support and government funding for unemployed Ontarians looking to receive valuable work experience and on-the-job training. Regional service organizations engage employers and employees directly to find an employment opportunity that satisfies both parties. Eligible participants may also receive financial compensation for costs related to job training and work experience. Please note that an intern candidate must have previously worked within Ontario and currently collecting EI in order to be eligible.
4. Federal Internship for Newcomers Program
Those who have received their post-secondary accreditation may be interested in receiving their first Canadian work experience with the federal government through the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program. This program provides 90-day internship opportunities where newcomers to Canada can receive their first workplace experience and network with industry professionals. Internships are currently offered in the federal government offices located in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Victoria.
Ontario Government Funding News and Updates
Those interested in receiving up-to-date news and program information regarding Canadian Government Grants and funding for small business are encouraged to sign up for our Free Canadian Government Funding E-Newsletter. Interested parties may also receive information on government funding events and updates by following us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Facebook.