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Where can I find job skills training programs?
Ontario offers many free training programs to help you improve your career skills, one-on-one career coaching, job finding, applying and interviewing, and on-the-job training.
Job skills training programs are government-funded (free to you) and can include specialized group training for newcomer women, youths, gender-diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and seniors.
The program is offered through various community organizations and schools and focuses on specific job requirements for different career paths in areas constantly evolving in Canada’s labour market.
Some of the training areas include:
- Enhanced Language Training (ELT) (learn employment-specific language relevant to your sector)
- Digital/Tech Skills for Work
- Customer Service
- Computer Training
- High School Equivalency Diploma
- Skilled Trades and Information Technology
- Job Searching, Resume Writing and Interviewing
How to Choose a Training
Job skills training is not the same as furthering your education. Although both are important for improving your career outlook, skills training focuses on practical skills you can apply directly to your job. Skills training works with the level of knowledge you already have and is typically done over a short period.
To choose a training, see what employers are looking for and what new skills are needed for the work you’re applying for. An easy way to identify what skills employers look for is to check the job ads you’re interested in. If there are requirements you don’t meet, focus on training that can help you with that. Ask yourself, “What credentials will I get once the training is completed?”.
There are two essential skills areas that Canadian employers look for when hiring:
- Hard Skills - technical skills you have to perform a job.
- Soft Skills - personality traits that show how well you will work with others like communication, attitude, adaptability and ability to follow instructions.
Read more about soft and hard skills and what Canadian employers want.
Types of Skills Training Programs
Different programs focus on specific areas of skills training.
Job-Specific Training
Job-specific skills training teaches you new skills to enhance and improve how you perform your role. These skills can be transferable, meaning you can apply them to other jobs, but they focus on specific tasks required by your industry. These can be hard or soft skills. Some examples include:
Work directly with an Employment Ontario counsellor who will guide you and connect you with one of many community organizations or schools across Ontario. There are over 700 job skills training program locations. To request a counsellor, fill out the form for your area:
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Employment Supports
ODSP Employment Support works with individuals with disabilities. They help you find work and get the necessary tools to perform a job. You don’t need to be receiving financial assistance from ODSP to qualify for this training. You will get support in the following areas:
- finding and keeping a job, preparing for work
- work coaching
- on-the-job supports like adaptative technology and assistive devices to help you perform your job (accessibility software, mobility, visual and hearing aids.
Visit these websites for more programs:
Skilled Trades and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
If you’re considering getting into the skilled trades or have some experience but want to improve your trade skills, this program prepares you to be fully trained in a specific trade. A pre-apprenticeship training can help you obtain special certifications to increase the credibility of your trade skill knowledge.
Here is how you start a career in the skilled trades or how to apply for an apprenticeship.
Bridging Programs
Bridging programs help skilled, internationally-trained professionals get their license in a profession or trade. Each bridging program is different and specific to your career. You will get classroom training and/or work placement experience to help you enter your career faster without having to fully retrain in your field.
Find a bridging program for your field at Ontario’s Bridge Training Programs.
You can also visitBetter Jobs Ontario for other types of financial support for more in-depth training.
For More Information
- Need Education or Training? - The Employment Ontario website has information about employment and training opportunities in Ontario.
- CanadaInfoNet - Provides mentoring resources for professionals and tradespeople who are new to Canada or are considering immigrating to Canada.
Last updated:
October 29, 2024
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