Job Seeker Programs and Services
There are many other specialized employment services available through other community partners. These programs are designed to help individuals with specific employment needs such as:
- Ontario Works
- Better Jobs Ontario
- LevelUp Ontario
- Self Employment Support
- Better Jobs Ontario
- Newcomers
- Assisting people with disabilities (ODSP)
Below is a list of valuable links to help provide answers to questions related to:
This site provide information on current trends, future outlooks and graduate outcomes.
There are many other valuable resources available. If we haven’t listed something that you were looking for, please stop in to our Employment Resource Centre or contact us. We are here to help you with your employment goals.
For referral to these, and other Community Partners please visit our office.
Better Jobs Ontario
Employment Ontario programming offers generous funding supports for individuals who demonstrate a need to reskill or upskill into another career. An individual may have difficulty obtaining or retaining employment and feel the need to change career direction. All of these issues are best discussed with one of our Employment Specialists.
Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) offers up to:
– $28,000.00 for a training program taking up to one year
– $32,000.00 for a training program taking more than one year.
** Funds may cover tuition and a wide range of living expenses.
Eligibility:
- Laid off and not working
- Been laid off but working in a temporary job just to cover costs
- Not been laid off, but have been unemployed for 12 weeks and are part of a lowincome household.
You can still apply even if you receive any of the following forms of income assistance:
- Employment Insurance ( E I )
- -Ontario Works ( O W )
- -Ontario Disability Support Program ( O D S P )
Self-Employment and Business Development Supports
There are a number of supports available for individuals considering starting their own business. These services are dedicated to stimulating job creation and economic growth in order to strengthen and develop our communities. Each service provides different levels of support from one-on-one from business counselling and coaching, planning and development and providing access to capital through business loans to independent on-line resources. In the Lanark County area, these services are offered by the following organizations.
Newcomers to Canada
Newcomers to Canada are often challenged to understand the “Canadian Experience”. Initial issues may relate to language, skills, health care, employment opportunities, credential conversion, family supports and a host of others items. Our Employment Resource Centre and all other Employment Ontario Service Providers will help in any way possible. There is a wide array of immigrant and settlement services available from many government and private levels.
The following are a few sites that we find useful.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
This program is administered separately from the general Employment Ontario programs, although funded by the Province.
Participants in this program are typically individuals who face a multitude of employment barriers and require specialized support services such as mentoring, direct employment supports, long term counselling and may also be faced with extenuating health issues. Not all clients assisted by ODSP will be employment ready, however, for those who are, a cautious and planned approach is developed between the client and the ODSP service provider.
Please contact the ODSP program directly at 1-800-267-7911 for the most accurate information. Or visit their website at:
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Most employed workers in Ontario are protected by WSIB insurance which is a requirement of most (but not all) employers. In the event of debilitating injuries, a worker may file a claim for benefits. If the WSIB claim is approved, a range of activity and services will be offered.
Assistance may be extended financial support while off work for a period of time while recuperating. Special medical services may be offered as needed and as well a return to work plan will be developed. In some cases, simply returning to your previous work will be sufficient, in other cases, retraining may be required. In that event, a process will be developed between the client and WSIB staff to assess and determine the appropriate skills needed and the way in which to obtain them. In other extreme cases, a client may not be able to return to work at all and a longer term benefit will be determined, again between the client and WSIB.
The most essential point with workplace safety is to be aware of your working conditions and do not allow yourself to be put into a dangerous situation. Be aware of your personal work habits and assess the work environment carefully.
Please contact the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board directly at 1-800-387-0750 for exact information.
Or visit their website at: WSIB
Minimum Wage in Ontario
The Ministry of Labour, through its Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), sets out the minimum wage rates that an employer is permitted to pay an employee for a specified job. Most employee are eligible for minimum wage, however some jobs are exempt from these provisions.
For more information please visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s website at Minimum Wage | Ministry of Labour.
Employment Standards Act (ESA)
The Ministry of Labour, through its Employment Standards Program sets out and enforces the minimum standards that employers and employees must follow under their Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).
For more information please visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s website at: Your Guide to the Employment Standards Act | Ministry of Labour.
Ontario Skills Passport
This on-line tool provides clear descriptions of Essential Skills and work habits important for success in work, learning and life. It includes videos and tasks that show how people use these skills in everyday life and on-the-job. As a job seeker you will better understand and value your Essential Skills and work habits.
You will find that you become more engaged and confident when you recognize that the Essential Skills and work habits you are demonstrating in a variety of contexts are relevant and are transferable to further education, training, the workplace and everyday life.
Please visit the website at Ontario Skills Passport.