Skills for Change

COVID19 — Beginning April 25, 2022, in-person services resume BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; remote service by telephone, video-conferencing and email continue to be available during regular office hours

For resources on COVID-19 related topics such as health and safety, social assistance and other benefits, career path information and working from home CLICK HERE

Settlement services, language training, skills upgrading and employment preparation

• programs for women, youth and seniors

Information and Assessment Sessions — daily, weekly or bi-weekly evening sessions — schedule varies

• referral to programs as needed

Settlement Services for Newcomers — general orientation, information and referral

• information sessions and workshops
• individual assistance including needs assessment, mentoring, form filling
• programs for newcomer youth
• Women Connecting with Women — for any newcomer who is woman-identified
• counselling, including crisis counselling
• workshops on mental health and self esteem, life skills, legal rights, money management, employment skills
• child minding available for participants, refreshments provided, transit fare to all events attendees

Language Training — assessment of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English administered by YMCA of Greater Toronto, required for all language training programs — see separate entry

• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, in partnership with local school boards
• Communication for the Canadian Workplace (CCW) — for internationally trained professionals, with a focus on engineers, information technology professionals and retail sales personnel
• 5 week sector specific language training in engineering, information technology, retail and sales management
• job search training and mentoring
• child care may be available — call for information
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) — in English

Employment Programs, including programs for youth, and Job Board

Seniors in Sync — workshops for seniors on health and wellness, estate and final planning, fitness, recreation and cultural activities

Services also offered at offices in Brampton, Hamilton and Markham