Your new life in Hamilton: Building a successful working life

to

Your New Life in Hamilton building a successful working life

A Guide to Immigrant Employment Success

February 2012

Acknowledgements Workforce 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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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be near top ranked hospitals

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be in a city that has amazing natural beauty

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

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

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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 education If education is important to you, Hamilton is where you need to be.

Hamilton is home to many excellent education facilities.

Collège Boréal

Mohawk College

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.

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

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

• • • • • •

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.2 www.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

1 2

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

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Healthcare is close by Hamilton 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

Growing Arts, Entertainment and Cultural Centre

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

thousands of hectares of parkland and trails

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

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

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

•

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 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.

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

3 www.mohawkcollege.ca

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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?

Where Are The Jobs In Hamilton?

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:

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

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

Employment by Industry: Top 10 Sectors of Employment (Hamilton CMA) 2001 to 2011 2011 % Share of Jobs % Growth of Jobs in Industry in all Industries Retail and wholesale 17.3 17.3 trade Manufacturing 13.3 -30.8 Health care and social 12.7 32.1 assistance Educational services 6.8 10.3 Finance, insurance, real 6.8 11.3 estate and leasing Construction 6.7 38.4 Professional, scientific 6.3 34.1 and technical services Accommodation and food 6.1 25.3 services Transportation and 5.3 27.0 warehousing Business, building and 4.4 35.8 other support services

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

Clean Technology – being a leader in windbased 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.

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.

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Employment by Occupation (Hamilton CMA)

In the future what types of jobs will require the most new workers?

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

Sales & Service Business, Finance & Administrative Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators Management Social Science, Education, Government Service & Religion Health Natural & Applied Sciences Occupations Unique to Processing, Manufacturing & Utilities Art, Culture, Recreation & Sport Occupations Unique to Primary Industry

2011 % Share of all Occupations 25.8

2001 to 2011 % Growth of Occupation 17.1

18.7

19.0

14.7

1.3

9.5

10.5

8.1

7.7

7.4

47.6

5.9

8.3

5.4

-31.8

2.7

40.5

2.0

32.1

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)

Entry level sales and service Clerical Intermediate sales and service Professional occupations in health Professional occupations in social science, education, government services and religion Middle and other management Skilled administrative and business Skilled sales and service Intermediate occupations in transport, equipment operation, installation and maintenance Assisting occupations in support of health services

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.

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2006 Workers

2006 to 2016 New Workers Required

20,300

5,700

19,200

5,300

19,400

5,200

9,400

4,800

15,500

4,700

15,700

4,100

11,500

4,000

10,200

3,000

8,300

2,200

4,900

2,000

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 technicians General practitioners and family physicians Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists’ assistants Medical laboratory technicians

Financial Auditors and Accountants

Administrative officers Purchasing agents and officers Bookkeepers

Registered Nurses General Practitioners and Family Physicians

Electrical and Electronics Engineers Secondary School Teachers

Civil Engineers

Mechanical Engineers

Computer Programmers Administrative Officers Biologists and Related Scientists

Computer systems analysts

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Registered nursing assistants Ambulance attendants and other paramedical occupations Community and social service workers Biological technologists and technicians Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists’ assistants Medical laboratory technicians Computer engineers Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) Drafting technologists and technicians Elementary school and kindergarten teachers Instructors and teachers of disabled persons Land surveyors Civil engineering technologists and technicians and construction estimators Architectural technologists and technicians Drafting technologists and technicians Survey technologists and technicians Industrial and manufacturing engineers Aerospace engineers Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians Drafting technologists and technicians Computer systems analysts Executive assistants Secretaries (except legal and medical secretarial) Biological technologists and technicians Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists assistants Medical laboratory technicians Professional occupations in business services to management Computer engineers Computer programmers Database analysts and data administrators

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

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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.

Employment tips and advice 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.

1. Your resume

6. Increase your contacts and support network

There are a lot of resources in your community to help you. Visit a centre where an Employment 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4. Build your communication skills

Employers will want to interview you. You want to be able to communicate 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 important 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 7

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 Hamilton Employment 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

Mohawk College Fennell Campus 135 Fennell Ave W., Hamilton Room J137 http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/Community/ cesJobSeeker.html STARRT Institute 481 Barton Street, Stoney Creek Room C118 905-575-2177 http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/Community/ cesJobSeeker.html

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

vpi Inc. 1051 Upper James Street Suite 102, Hamilton 905- 387-2220 www.vpi-inc.com Wesley Employment Services 151 Queen Street North, Hamilton 905-528-5629 www.wesleyurbanministries.ca info@wesleyurbanministries.ca

Eligibility: Individuals who are eligible to work in Canada.

Anyone is welcome to use the resource centres.

College Boréal - Employment OPTIONS Emploi 2 rue King Quest (King and Bay) Lloyd D. Jackson Square, Hamilton 905-777-1JOB (562) www.collegeboreal.ca

YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford Careerworx!

23 Main St E., Hamilton 905-540-9679 www.careerworx.ca YMCA Employment Services 35 Main St. N., Unit 31, Waterdown 905-690-9927

Employment Hamilton 67 Victoria Ave S., Hamilton 905-522-4902 www.employmenthamilton.com info@employmenthamilton.com Goodwill Employment Services Career Centre 1050 Upper Gage Ave., Hamilton 905-526-8488 www.goodwillonline.ca intake@goodwillonline.ca

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

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

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.

bizPLAN

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

Eligibility: 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 Centre 40 Wood St. E., Hamilton, ON L8L 3Y3 905-525-5824 admin@welcomeinn.ca http://www.welcomeinn.ca/programs/plan_program.php

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-forselected-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.

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).

YWCA 75 MacNab St. S., Hamilton 905-522- 9922 x 150 | 905-522 -9922 x 141 http://www.ywcahamilton.org

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/internationalprofessionals/comparative-education-service-ces International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) Ontario AgriCentre 100 Stone Road West, Suite 102 Guelph, 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/

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.

World Education Services-Canada (WES) recognized by the Government of Ontario 2 Carlton Street, Suite 1400 Toronto, 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

Small Business Enterprise Centre 71 Main Street West, City Hall, 1st Floor, Hamilton 905-540-6400 www.investinhamilton.ca/small-business

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other employment related services Bridging Programs Bridging 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 experience 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 Diploma Eligibility: 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 preparation for the CSMLS competency-based exam Offered at: Continuing Education Health Sciences, Mohawk College Phone: 905-540-4247 ext 26258 or 26736 Fax: 905-528-7706 http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/continuing-education/ bridging-medical-laboratory.html Bridging for Internationally Educated Nurses (BIEN) Certificate Eligibility: 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) program 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 College Phone: 905-540-4247 ext. 26737 or 26258 Fax: 905-528-7706 http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/continuing-education/ bridging-international-nurses.html

CARE for Nurses - Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses Eligibility: 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 opportunities Offered at: CARE for Nurses - Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses 100 James St. S., Hamilton (905) 521-1777 www.care4nurses.org YWCA Eligibility: 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 Technology The Mentoring Program provides internationally-trained individuals with overseas education/experience in the banking sector with coaching and guidance to get back in their field in Canada.

Offered at: YWCA 75 MacNab St S., Hamilton, ON 905-522-9922 x 150 or 905-522-9922 x 141 http://www.ywcahamilton.org

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Job Search Workshops

Employment Programs for Women

Immigrant Women’s Centre Eligibility: 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.

YWCA Eligibility: 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 Centre provides access to technology and employment resources.

YWCA 75 MacNab St S., Hamilton (905) 522- 9922 x 150 or (905) 522 -9922 x 141 http://www.ywcahamilton.org

8 Main St. E. Ste. 101 182 Rebecca St. 905-529-5209 905-525-9697 1119 Fennell Ave. E. Montcalm House Ste. 236 45 Montcalm Dr Unit #43 905-387-1100 905-388-5048 www.stjosephwomen.on.ca

Employment Services for People on Social Assistance

Information for InternationallyTrained Tradespeople

Ontario Works Employment Services Eligibility: 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.

If 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 qualifications. The site below lists which trades you have to be certified to work in, and in which trades certification is mandatory. http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/foreign.html Eligibility: Only permanent residents, convention refugees, Canadian Citizens, skilled workers and sponsored refugees are eligible.

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities 119 King St W, 8th Floor, Hamilton, ON 905-905-521-7874 www.ontario.ca/employmentontario

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

Programs for Persons with Disabilities PATH Employment Services Eligibility: 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.

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

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

31 King St E, Suite 100, Hamilton 905-528-6611 www.pathemployment.com

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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 prequalified 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 12

End Notes Sources City of Hamilton, 2010, Economic Development Strategy http://www.investinhamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Hamilton-EcDev-Strategy2010.pdf City of Hamilton, 2010, Economic Development Strategy: Executive Summary http://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.

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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 North Hamilton, Ontario, L8R 2K3 Telephone: 905- 521-5777 Fax: 905- 521-9309 Email: info@workforceplanninghamilton.ca Website: www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca

Workforce Planning Hamilton is funded by Employment Ontario