This blog was written by TDSB Community Services.
As a commercial and financial hub of the country, Toronto welcomes many newcomers who come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. The Toronto District School Board delivers free and low-cost programming specifically aimed at helping professional newcomers plant roots in their new community. Operated by the Community Services Unit, these programs and services are designed to support the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) community beyond the schools.
Below are our top tips for Toronto’s newcomer professionals.
1. Gain experience in a Canadian workplace with a placement
How can you get experience at a Canadian workplace if you can’t get a job at a Canadian workplace? The answer may come in the form of:
- A part-time position
- Volunteer work
- Entry-level jobs in the sector
At the Enhanced Language Training (ELT), in-class instruction for newcomer professionals is followed by the opportunity to gain an unpaid work placement in the professional’s related industry.
ELT classes are taught by industry professionals, who share insights and expertise about particular fields’ workplace cultures, professional networks, and practices. This is extremely valuable for learners in overcoming potential “cultural shock” about Canadian workplace norms and equips them with industry-specific terminology and standards in Canada.
The work placement gives ELT program participants the opportunity to gain practical experience, build their professional contact list, and enter the experience in their resume. In some cases, ELT work placements can also lead to employment.
2. Leverage free employment support and resources
In Toronto, there is a rich and diverse pool of employment services available to job seekers, including job seekers who are new to the city. These services and supports can range from getting help on resume development; using the centre’s equipment; to so much more. These service centres also host information sessions and even hiring events.
The TDSB Community Services Unit runs seven Next-Steps Employment Centres across the GTA (four in Toronto, one in Vaughan, and two in Mississauga) and one Scarborough Centre for Employment Accessibility (SCEA) in east Toronto.
Next-Steps Employment Centres clients can access:
- One-on-one support from dedicated Employment Specialists/Job Developers
- Financial supports, such as purchasing uniforms and clothing for job interviews (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
- Job matching qualified candidates with credible employers
- Many more
Meanwhile, SCEA welcomes everyone, including persons with disabilities, to come and use the resource centre at no cost. Job seekers may use their computers, printers, scanners, and all are equipped with assistive technologies.
3. Gain more confidence in the English language
Most, if not all, newcomer professionals who come to Canada already have a good grasp of the English language. They are already bilingual or even multilingual!
Still, it can be daunting or intimidating for some to navigate a new city in a non-native language. For those who wish to gain more mastery of the English language, there are free English classes in Toronto.
One such program is the TDSB’s LINC – Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada – a great place to further sharpen one’s English language skills and gain more confidence in English. There are varying levels of English mastery, and each learner is placed according to their existing knowledge and comfort level – from beginner to high-intermediate. Some locations offer evening and part-time classes.
Don’t know where to start?
With so many different services and programs available in Toronto for newcomer professionals, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start. The Newcomer Services in Scarborough is a one-stop shop for questions. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know.
