Your New Life in Hamiltonbuilding a successful working life

A Guide to Immigrant Employment Success

February 2012

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AcknowledgementsWorkforce Planning Hamilton recognizes and thanks the following individuals that

assisted with Your new life in Hamilton: Building a successful working life.

Thanks to the members of the Employment Working Group who reviewed this guide prior to publication.Thanks to Leah Morris, Adult Basic Education Association, who reviewed this document using Clear Writing guidelines.

Report prepared by Cyndi Ingle, Workforce Planning Hamilton.Labour Market Information prepared by Gerald Bierling.

This document may be freely quoted and reproduced without obtaining the permission of Workforce Planning Hamilton provided that no changes whatsoever are

made to the text and Workforce Planning Hamilton is acknowledged as author.

The information presented in this report is current at the time of printing.

The views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada or the Government of Ontario.

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In this guide you will find information:• on why immigrants choose to live in Hamilton

• about future jobs in Hamilton

• about how the skills you already have can be used in other jobs

• about where to get your foreign credentials evaluated

• tips and advice from local employment counsellors

You will find lists with:• employment and educational supports

• self-employment services

• key resources in the community

Workforce Planning Hamilton hopes that you will refer to this guide often and that it will help you to reach your career goals.

Looking for employment in Hamilton?If you are thinking about making Hamilton your new home, or already live here, this guide to immigrant employment services and supports will help you. Use this guide to find community employment services that meet your needs. Local labour market information is included. This information will help you make an informed decision about your future.Keep in mind that your first step should be to contact an Employment Services Provider. A list of these services is on page 8.

Hamilton: A City On The Move What are you looking for when deciding to make a city your home?

Maybe you want to• be near world class education sites (e.g. university, colleges)

• be near top ranked hospitals

• be in a city that has amazing natural beauty

• live in a place with entertainment, culture and an active arts community

• be around investment and business potential so you can start your own business

• live in a vibrant francophone community with francophone services and five French language schools

• live in a culturally diverse community that welcomes thousands of immigrants a year

If you are seeking any – or all – of these qualities, Hamilton, Ontario should be the city you choose to live in.

Hamilton has a population of over 500,000 people and yet it has a small city feel. This is because many of those who live here are friendly and willing to help others.

Be part of the evolution of this city. Make a difference.

Create a future for yourself and your family in Hamilton.

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Hamilton: A hub for educationIf education is important to you, Hamilton is where you need to be. Hamilton is home to many excellent education facilities.

Collège Boréal The Collège Boréal Access Centre in Hamilton offers: • a wide range of continuing education programmes,• employability services,• immigration supports,• and related services for local businesses and

communities, in French.

www.collegeboreal.ca/locations/details/hamilton/

McMaster University A world class university that has 21,173 full-time undergraduate students and 3,025 full-time graduate students.McMaster ranks highly in relation to other universities in Canada. McMaster offers undergraduate teaching through:• the DeGroote School of Business • the Faculties of Engineering,• Health Sciences,• Humanities, • Science, • Social Sciences, • and the distinctive Arts & Science program.

McMaster has a graduate employment rate of 96% (in 2006)1 www.mcmaster.ca

1 McMaster University site: www.mcmaster.ca2 Mohawk College site: www.mohawkcollege.ca

Mohawk College Mohawk College has 11,500 full-time students, and 103 Post Secondary Programs. Mohawk offers:• Media and Entertainment• Business• Health Sciences• Community and Urban Studies• Engineering Technology• Apprenticeships, • Graduate Certificates• Bridging Programs for Immigrants• Interdisciplinary Studies • Continuing Education.

Mohawk has a graduate employment rate of 90%. Fifteen programs saw 100% of their graduates employed within six months of graduation.2www.mohawkcollege.ca

Redeemer University College An undergraduate Christian liberal arts and science university. Located just 15 minutes from central Hamilton.Redeemer offers:• Academic programs in the fine arts• Humanities• Sciences• Social sciences• Business• Teacher education

http://www.redeemer.ca

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Healthcare is close byHamilton Health Sciences (HHS) runs six hospitals in Hamilton. These include McMaster’s Children’s Hospital, the Juravinski Cancer Centre, and the newly opened Urgent Care Centre. If you or a family member becomes ill, help is only a short drive away. If you work in health care you may find employment at one of HHS’ locations. When compared to the rest of the major cities in Ontario, Hamilton has a higher number of jobs in healthcare and social assistance.3

3 www.mohawkcollege.ca

Growing Arts, Entertainment and Cultural Centre Hamilton has been known for many years as “The Steel City” due to its manufacturing base. Today Hamilton is becoming known as an evolving arts, entertainment and cultural centre. Some of Hamilton’s cultural outlets and events include:• The Art Gallery of Hamilton• Opera Hamilton• Hamilton Place• Copps Coliseum• James St. North Art Crawl• Super Crawl• Wine and Food Expo• Festival of Friends• It’s Your Festival• and many other festivals that celebrate the varying

international cultures of the city

World Class Natural BeautyFew cities are more beautiful than Hamilton with: • 20 conservation areas

• thousands of hectares of parkland and trails

• the Niagara Escarpment (known as “The Mountain.”) – chosen as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1990

• over 100 waterfalls – Hamilton is “The City of Waterfalls”

• the Bayfront area providing a scenic place for community and family activities all year round

Close by is the 1,000-hectare Royal Botanical Gardens which has 50 km of nature trails, and beautiful gardens to walk through.In 2009, FDI Magazine (a publication of the Financial Times) ranked Hamilton as the 3rd top large city in North America for quality of life.Being close to Toronto is a plus. You can drive to Toronto in one hour. There you can sample all the attractions of a city of three million people. Hamilton ranked as

the top city with investment potential

Come visit Hamilton, and see for yourself what the excitement is all about!

In 2011, the Real Estate Investment Network of Canada ranked Hamilton as

the best place to invest over the next five years. They ranked Hamilton as the 3rd top

location in Canada. You should consider Hamilton if you are thinking of starting

your own business.

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Local Labour Market Information What is Labour Market Information (LMI) and why is it important?LMI gives you accurate: • knowledge• facts • statistics This information tells a story about what is happening in a community. It looks at the supply (those looking for employment) and demand (employers) of labour. If you are looking for a job LMI can help you make wise decisions about careers, education, and employment.

Where Is Hamilton Headed?If you are new to Hamilton, you may be wondering what jobs will be available in the future. The City of Hamilton has identified six areas as part of its Economic Development Strategy, these include:

Advanced Manufacturing – having innovation, technology, and a highly skilled labour force to make Hamilton more competitive and productive.

Agri-Business & Food Processing – making Hamilton the major food and beverage manufacturing centre in Ontario.

Clean Technology – being a leader in wind-based power, water purification and waste-water treatment by using clean technology.

Creative Industries – enhancing the growing importance that music, visual and performing arts, digital media, films and events have to the local economy.

Goods Movement – using Hamilton’s unique location to develop business in the transporting goods, supply chain management, logistics, warehousing, and communications infrastructure.

Life Sciences – building off the strength of the health, environment, information technology, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, and becoming a leader in the area of biotechnology.

Where Are The Jobs In Hamilton?The information to the left talks about the future, but what about today? The chart below shows the: • top 10 sectors of employment in Hamilton in 2011• percentage of growth from 2001-2011

What Does It Mean? Most of the largest industries are not the growth industries. For example, the manufacturing sector is the 2nd largest industry, but has declined over the past ten years. Many of the growth industries – such as professional, scientific, and transportation services – match well with some of the strategic areas identified by the City.

Employment by Industry: Top 10 Sectors of Employment (Hamilton CMA)

2011% Share of Jobs in all Industries

2001 to 2011% Growth of Jobs

in IndustryRetail and wholesale trade 17.3 17.3

Manufacturing 13.3 -30.8Health care and social assistance 12.7 32.1

Educational services 6.8 10.3Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing 6.8 11.3

Construction 6.7 38.4Professional, scientific and technical services 6.3 34.1

Accommodation and food services 6.1 25.3

Transportation and warehousing 5.3 27.0

Business, building and other support services 4.4 35.8

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Employment by Occupation (Hamilton CMA)

The chart below shows the percentage share that the Top 10 occupations have with regards to all occupations in Hamilton.

2011% Share of all Occupations

2001 to 2011% Growth of Occupation

Sales & Service 25.8 17.1Business, Finance & Administrative 18.7 19.0

Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators 14.7 1.3

Management 9.5 10.5Social Science, Education, Government Service & Religion

8.1 7.7

Health 7.4 47.6Natural & Applied Sciences 5.9 8.3

Occupations Unique to Processing, Manufacturing & Utilities

5.4 -31.8

Art, Culture, Recreation & Sport 2.7 40.5

Occupations Unique to Primary Industry 2.0 32.1

What Does It Mean? Sales and Services jobs account for about 25% of all jobs. Some of the highest growth occupations fit in with many of the City’s strategic growth areas – for example, Arts and Culture and Health.

In the future what types of jobs will require the most new workers?Recent studies indicate that from 2006 to 2016 the highest number of new workers will be needed in the following types of jobs. Many of those jobs match the strategic plan of the City of Hamilton.

Top 10 Growth Occupations, 2006 to 2016 (City of Hamilton)

2006Workers

2006 to 2016New Workers Required

Entry level sales and service 20,300 5,700

Clerical 19,200 5,300

Intermediate sales and service 19,400 5,200

Professional occupations in health 9,400 4,800

Professional occupations in social science, education, government services and religion

15,500 4,700

Middle and other management 15,700 4,100

Skilled administrative and business 11,500 4,000

Skilled sales and service 10,200 3,000Intermediate occupations in transport, equipment operation, installation and maintenance

8,300 2,200

Assisting occupations in support of health services 4,900 2,000

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Skills Transferability: How can your work skills apply to other jobs?

When you arrived in Canada you brought specific work skills and experience with you. Sometimes there aren’t job openings in those specific areas. But many times one type of job skill can be applied to other jobs. The following chart shows some of the top stated job preferences of recent immigrants to Hamilton, and how those jobs are similar to other jobs.4

Skills you bring: Jobs those skills can be applied to:

Specialist Physicians

Biological technologists and techniciansGeneral practitioners and family physiciansMedical laboratory technologists and pathologists’ assistantsMedical laboratory technicians

Financial Auditors and AccountantsAdministrative officersPurchasing agents and officersBookkeepers

Registered NursesRegistered nursing assistantsAmbulance attendants and other paramedical occupationsCommunity and social service workers

General Practitioners and Family PhysiciansBiological technologists and techniciansMedical laboratory technologists and pathologists’ assistantsMedical laboratory technicians

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Computer engineersElectrical and electronics engineering technologists and techniciansElectronic service technicians (household and business equipment)Drafting technologists and technicians

Secondary School Teachers Elementary school and kindergarten teachersInstructors and teachers of disabled persons

Civil Engineers

Land surveyorsCivil engineering technologists and technicians and construction estima-torsArchitectural technologists and techniciansDrafting technologists and techniciansSurvey technologists and technicians

Mechanical Engineers

Industrial and manufacturing engineersAerospace engineersMechanical engineering technologists and techniciansIndustrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and techniciansDrafting technologists and technicians

Computer Programmers Computer systems analysts

Administrative Officers Executive assistantsSecretaries (except legal and medical secretarial)

Biologists and Related ScientistsBiological technologists and techniciansMedical laboratory technologists and pathologists assistantsMedical laboratory technicians

Computer systems analysts

Professional occupations in business services to managementComputer engineersComputer programmersDatabase analysts and data administrators

4 Not all jobs were included in the Matrix of Skills Transferability.

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Employment tips and advice

Now that you have some Labour Market Information (LMI ) it may be time for you to look for work in Hamilton. Before you do, read over the following employment tips and advice given by experts.

1. Your resume There are a lot of resources in your community to help you. Visit a centre where an Employ-ment Counsellor can review your resume and work with you to improve it. A resume from abroad can be quite different from what Canadian employers want. You want to be sure that yours contains the right information and has proper spelling and grammar. They are happy to help!

2. Your credentials You may need to have your credentials assessed to make sure that they are equal to that of Canadian credentials and education. Certain jobs require Canadian equivalency in order for you to find a job in that field. Ask for help and advice from an employment specialist if you are unsure of the steps to take to get your credentials assessed. An employment specialist can connect you to the right credential assessment organization.

3. Your language level Get your language level checked. After reaching a certain level, there are bridging opportunities and programs to help you find meaningful work in Canada. Certain types of jobs in Canada require a high level of spoken and written English. Knowing what your language level is can help you to connect with the right job and provide you with a starting point in order for you to attend the right language training classes.

4. Build your communication skills Employers will want to interview you. You want to be able to com-municate well with the person interviewing you and in the future, your new co-workers. One of the concerns employers have is often your ability to understand im-portant safety instructions. Find classes that can help to improve and practice your English skills.This is one of the most important steps you can take to speed up your success!

5. Embrace the culture Learn what it’s like to work in Canada including:• what responsibilities you and the employer have

in the workplace • information employers are looking for on a resume• understanding Canadian labour laws and knowing

your rights on the job to help ensure a smooth transition into the workforce

6. Increase your contacts and support network Find a local social group where you can network with other immigrants that have been successful in their transition. Surround yourself with positive people and avoid the negative. Build a network beyond your family who can offer advice, support and connections. Identify professional networks that match your job interests. Attend sessions with other job seekers.

7. Volunteering Volunteering is a great way to develop skills, gain work experience and build your network. You can add this experience to your resume and make new friends!

8. Mentoring A mentor can be someone who is currently working in the type of job that you would like to be in and can help guide and support you. A mentor can be a trusted counselor, teacher or supporter. You and your mentor will work together to help you reach your employment goals.

9. Give it time – your efforts will pay off Your new city holds lots of opportunity. Take the time to get to know what is available, how to get around and get settled first. Then organize your goals and start your plan. Give it some time to progress. Take it one step at a time and you will most certainly get there.

When looking for work, it’s a good idea to ask for help. Almost everyone, not just people new to Hamilton, use the assistance of community organizations to find work, get help with education and training programs, apply for government assistance and much more. Below, employment services staff share their knowledge.

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Employment Services and Educational Supports There are many employment services and programs available to you, depending on eligibility. The organizations listed in this guide will help make your transition to life in Hamilton much easier.

Employment Ontario Employment Services in HamiltonEmployment Ontario funds seven employment service providers in Hamilton. They are:• College Boréal - Options Emploi• Employment Hamilton• Goodwill/The Amity Group• Mohawk College• vpi Inc.• Wesley Employment Services• YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford

All seven of these providers offer the following services:• one-on-one individual counselling• resume development/interview preparation• effective job search techniques• job retention skills• small group workshops (call the service providers to

find out about their specialized services)• information on all Employment Ontario programs • assistance with applications for Second Career and

Ontario Self Employment Benefits • staffed resource centres

Eligibility: Individuals who are eligible to work in Canada. Anyone is welcome to use the resource centres.

College Boréal - Employment OPTIONS Emploi2 rue King Quest(King and Bay)Lloyd D. Jackson Square, Hamilton905-777-1JOB (562) www.collegeboreal.ca

Employment Hamilton67 Victoria Ave S., Hamilton905-522-4902www.employmenthamilton.cominfo@employmenthamilton.com

Goodwill Employment ServicesCareer Centre1050 Upper Gage Ave., Hamilton905-526-8488www.goodwillonline.ca intake@goodwillonline.ca

Mohawk College Fennell Campus135 Fennell Ave W., HamiltonRoom J137http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/Community/cesJobSeeker.html

STARRT Institute481 Barton Street, Stoney CreekRoom C118905-575-2177 http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/Community/cesJobSeeker.html

vpi Inc.1051 Upper James StreetSuite 102, Hamilton905- 387-2220www.vpi-inc.com

Wesley Employment Services151 Queen Street North, Hamilton905-528-5629www.wesleyurbanministries.cainfo@wesleyurbanministries.ca

YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/BrantfordCareerworx!23 Main St E., Hamilton905-540-9679www.careerworx.ca

YMCA Employment Services35 Main St. N., Unit 31, Waterdown905-690-9927

For more information on employment, training, and upgrading services and programs in hamilton visit www.winhamilton.ca

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Assessment and Recognition of Credentials for the Purpose of Employment in Canada

Some trades and professions are regulated in Canada to protect public health and safety. You need a certificate or licence to work in these trades and professions.

A list of regulated and unregulated trades and professions can be found at Settlement.org.http://settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?k=PT_REG&faq_id=4001107

If you want to work in a regulated occupation, you will first need to contact the appropriate regulatory body. See the occupational profiles at The Canadian Centre for International Professional for detailed instructions on what you are to do.http://www.cicic.ca/403/occupational-profiles-for-selected-trades-and-professions.canada

Even if you are licensed to practice a regulated occupation in Canada, employers may ask you to provide them with a formal assessment of your academic credentials. If that is the case, please contact one of the services listed below. There will be a fee for these services.

Comparative Education Service (CES) School of Continuing Studies - University of Toronto 158 St. George Street Toronto, Ontario M5S 2V8 Canada Tel.: 1- 416-978-2400 | Fax: 1- 416-978-7022 Email: learn@utoronto.ca Web site: http://learn.utoronto.ca/international-professionals/comparative-education-service-ces

International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) Ontario AgriCentre 100 Stone Road West, Suite 102Guelph, Ontario N1G 5L3 Canada Tel: 1- 519-763-7282 | Toll-free: 1-800-321-6021 Fax: 1-519-763-6964 Email: info@icascanada.ca Fees and Services Web site: http://www.icascanada.ca/ World Education Services-Canada (WES) recognized by the Government of Ontario 2 Carlton Street, Suite 1400Toronto, Ontario M5B 1J3 Canada Tel.: 1- 416-972-0070 | Fax: 1-416-972-9004 Toll-free: 1-866-343-0070 (from outside the 416 area code) Email: inquiryca@wes.org Web site: http://www.wes.org/ca/ 5

5 Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials, http://www.cicic.ca/2/home.canada

Self-Employment If you would like to start your own business the three organizations listed below maybe be able to help you. For more information about starting your own business and for available resources visit www.wise5.ca

bizPLANEligibility: There is an application and interview process in order to get into this program.bizPLAN is a ten session workshop series in which you will work your way through planning your business launch or expansion. You will have access to a supportive network of peers and professionals who can help you continue to learn and grow as your business evolves.Welcome Inn Community Centre40 Wood St. E., Hamilton, ON L8L 3Y3905-525-5824admin@welcomeinn.cahttp://www.welcomeinn.ca/programs/plan_program.php

BizSmartz Eligibility: The BizSmartz Program is open to people on EI or reach-back (you have collected EI during the past three years, or five years if on maternity leave). You have to be assessed and referred by an Employment Ontario approved service. These services are listed on page 8.The program offers two weeks of intensive training and 40 weeks of coaching, in addition to income support for qualified participants (men and women).YWCA75 MacNab St. S., Hamilton905-522- 9922 x 150 | 905-522 -9922 x 141http://www.ywcahamilton.org

Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC)Eligibility: Only permanent residents, convention refugees, Canadian Citizens, skilled workers and sponsored refugees are eligible.The Centre provides• extensive resource information• personalized consulting services• training programs• networking events• mentoring programs.The Centre brings together a number of city departments to help business growth in Hamilton.

Small Business Enterprise Centre71 Main Street West, City Hall, 1st Floor, Hamilton 905-540-6400www.investinhamilton.ca/small-business

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other employment related services

Bridging ProgramsBridging Programs are for people educated outside of Canada in a professional occupation. These programs help qualified applicants with opportunities to gain the language skills, examination experience and practical Canadian work experi-ence necessary for licensing in Ontario. There are a variety of bridging programs that are available at different times in the Hamilton area, depending on funding.

Bridging Program for Medical Laboratory Technology DiplomaEligibility: Program applicants must go through a Prior Learning Assessment process with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science. Those who have English as a second language must pass the English assessment test.This diploma program is intended for internationally educated Medical Laboratory Technologists who wish to work in this role in Ontario. The program:• is nine months in length• is divided into three semesters• includes theory and laboratory sessions at the College• includes clinical placement• includes sector-specific language courses and prepara-

tion for the CSMLS competency-based examOffered at:Continuing Education Health Sciences, Mohawk CollegePhone: 905-540-4247 ext 26258 or 26736Fax: 905-528-7706http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/continuing-education/bridging-medical-laboratory.html

Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) CertificateEligibility: Must have a Letter of Direction from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) indicating educational equivalency and have practiced as a nurse within the last 10 years. Visit the website link below for more details.The Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) pro-gram provides the education and experience necessary to complete the elements of safe practice and move people towards registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). This program is available on a part-time basis.Offered at:Continuing Education Health Sciences, Mohawk CollegePhone: 905-540-4247 ext. 26737 or 26258Fax: 905-528-7706 http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/continuing-education/bridging-international-nurses.html

CARE for Nurses - Centre for Internationally Educated NursesEligibility: Only permanent residents, convention refugees, skilled workers, Canadian Citizens and sponsored refugees are eligible.This program helps nurses from around the world to prepare for their registration exam. The supports provided include: • help with exams• language counselling• financial advice• job shadowing• workshops• networking opportunitiesOffered at:CARE for Nurses - Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses100 James St. S., Hamilton(905) 521-1777www.care4nurses.org

YWCAEligibility: A language benchmark of seven or higher is required and prior education and or experience in a related occupation from overseas. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.The bridging programs at YWCA provide skills upgrading, workplace exposure and assistance to secure employment for occupations in the following sectors:• Environmental• Information & Communications TechnologyThe Mentoring Program provides internationally-trained in-dividuals with overseas education/experience in the banking sector with coaching and guidance to get back in their field in Canada. Offered at:

YWCA75 MacNab St S., Hamilton, ON905-522-9922 x 150 or 905-522-9922 x 141http://www.ywcahamilton.org

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Job Search WorkshopsImmigrant Women’s CentreEligibility: Permanent residents, convention refugees, skilled workers, and live-in caregiver are eligible.Job Search Workshops (JSW) offer pre-employment training to newcomers and helps them gain knowledge and skills to better understand strategies, business perspectives and next steps relating to the job search process. Childminding is free for program participants.

8 Main St. E. Ste. 101 182 Rebecca St.905-529-5209 905-525-96971119 Fennell Ave. E. Montcalm HouseSte. 236 45 Montcalm Dr Unit #43 905-387-1100 905-388-5048 www.stjosephwomen.on.ca

Information for Internationally-Trained TradespeopleIf you work in the trades, but were trained outside of Ontario, Employment Ontario can help you get your Certificate of Qualification to work in Ontario. If you have enough work experience to meet Ontario standards, you can write an exam to get a Certificate of Qualification. If you need more experience, Employment Ontario can help you enter an apprenticeship program to upgrade your qualifi-cations. The site below lists which trades you have to be certi-fied to work in, and in which trades certification is mandatory. http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/foreign.htmlEligibility: Only permanent residents, convention refugees, Canadian Citizens, skilled workers and sponsored refugees are eligible.Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities119 King St W, 8th Floor, Hamilton, ON905-905-521-7874www.ontario.ca/employmentontario

Programs for Persons with Disabilities PATH Employment ServicesEligibility: Only permanent residents, convention refugees, Canadian Citizens, skilled workers and sponsored refugees are eligible.PATH Employment Services helps individuals with disabilities in finding employment. PATH offers Employment Ontario funded Employment Services - including one to one employment counselling and Job Finding Club, Life Skills Programs.

31 King St E, Suite 100, Hamilton905-528-6611www.pathemployment.com

Employment Programs for WomenYWCAEligibility: Only permanent residents, convention refugees, Canadian Citizens, refugee claimants legally entitled to work in Canada, skilled workers and sponsored refugees are eligible.Employment Support Services assist women overcome barriers to successfully participate in the work force. The Resource Cen-tre provides access to technology and employment resources. YWCA75 MacNab St S., Hamilton(905) 522- 9922 x 150 or (905) 522 -9922 x 141http://www.ywcahamilton.org

Employment Services for People on Social AssistanceOntario Works Employment ServicesEligibility: Employment Services and workshops are only offered to Ontario Works participants and Ontario Disability Support Program spouses and dependant adults. Participants can contact their Ontario Works, ODSP Case Manager for information on referral. The services provided include: • One to one customized employment counselling • Resume development and interview preparation • Employment workshops to help prepare for

employment activities. • Volunteer opportunities • Work experience program • Accreditation Services for Foreign Trained professionals • Funding for Skills development training • Job placement services to help market your skills to

local employers.

Career Development Centre -181 Main St. W The services include:• free access to telephones, faxes and photocopiers• job listings, Service Canada job bank, job bulletin board

and newspapers• computer stations • access to materials on career planning and labour market

information• information pamphlets on training, education, support

services and community agencies • an employment reference library

Note: Services offered through the Career Development Centre are only available to OW and ODSP participants.

905-546-5208www.hamilton.ca/socialservices

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links to key resources

Employment Ontario: Employment Ontario helps you get the training, skills and experience to achieve your goals. They connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers.www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/employmentontario/index.html

Employment Standards: Ontario Ministry of Labour.www.labour.gov.on.ca

Inform Hamilton: Listing of community services.www.inform.hamilton.ca

Lostmyjob.ca: A peer support site for laid off and unemployed people which offers a list of local employment, training and other services; success stories, ask the expert, tips, and more. www.lostmyjob.ca

Settlement.org: Information on site includes: immigration and citizenship, housing, health, employment, education, community and recreation, legal services, and daily life.http://settlement.org

SkillsInternational.ca: This site profiles the skills of Ontario’s internationally educated professionals. Employers are provided with pre-screened and pre-qualified candidates for employment. www.skillsinternational.ca

Volunteer Hamilton: Organization to contact if you are interested in volunteering in the Hamilton area.www.volunteerhamilton.on.ca

WINHamilton.ca: The Workforce Information Network (WIN) offers information on services that assist job seekers and the community to discover local employment, training, and upgrading programs.www.winhamilton.ca

WISE5.ca: Winning Strategies for Immigrant Entrepreneurship is a research project focusing on five communities in Ontario: Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Niagara, and Windsor.www.wise5.ca

Working In Canada: Information from the Government of Canada on jobs, wages, qualifications, and more.www.workingincanada.gc.ca/content_pieces-eng.do?cid=1442

Workforce Planning Hamilton: For in-depth local labour market information and resources visit WPH.www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca

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End Notes

SourcesCity of Hamilton, 2010, Economic Development Strategyhttp://www.investinhamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Hamilton-EcDev-Strategy2010.pdf

City of Hamilton, 2010, Economic Development Strategy: Executive Summaryhttp://www.investinhamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/EcDev-Exec-Sum2010.pdf

Margaret Roberts, 2003, Labour Market Policy Directorate, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Matrix of Skills Transferability.Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey.

Workforce Planning Hamilton

Business, Labour & Community: Planning for Prosperity

Since 1997 Workforce Planning Hamilton has provided planning, partnerships and projects that highlight local labour market trends and support workforce development.

WPH is a member of Workforce Planning Ontario, a network of 25 labour market planning areas across Ontario.

Our evidence-based approach relies on key industry sector and demographic data combined with local intelligence from employers and other local partners to develop a strategic vision for Hamilton.

Log on to WPH’s website at www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca and you will:

Discover our community Projects and Partners that promote labour force development

Learn about local labour market trends, opportunities, and priorities in our Publications.

Connect to Links on training, employment, and labour market information.

117-77 James Street NorthHamilton, Ontario, L8R 2K3Telephone: 905- 521-5777

Fax: 905- 521-9309Email: info@workforceplanninghamilton.ca

Website: www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca

Workforce Planning Hamilton is funded by Employment Ontario