Employment

A family sitting together

Employment counsellors are paid by the government to help you find employment. They can assist you with your job search skills, resume and preparing for interviews. They can connect you to mentorship opportunities, bridging programs, job placement opportunities and more.

To work in Canada, you must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which you can apply for at one of the Service Ontario locations in Hamilton

Ontario has laws and regulations to protect employees, including Employment Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act. Learn more here.

Workforce Planning Hamilton has a job board where you can find employment opportunities in the Hamilton area: www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca/jobs. For more information on how to navigate Hamilton’s Largest Job Board, please contact info@workforceplanninghamilton.ca.

Programs

Apatisiwin Program

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Offers culturally relevant approaches to help develop action plans with an employment counsellor to identify employment and training goals such as securing employment or self-employment, returning to school, staying in school, and improving overall employability. Also offers employment-related workshops, presentations, and partnerships with local employers.

Apprenticeship Office Services

Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
1-800-668-4479, 905-521-7764, hnb.apprenticeship@ontario.ca
 
119 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7, Canada

Offers registration and support to:

  • new apprentices who have arranged a sponsoring employer or who have prior education and related work experience
  • also offers consultation to sponsoring employers

  • Apprenticeship Scholarship

  • $1,000 scholarship upon completion of academic upgrading, for registered apprentices younger than 25 years who left school before completing the necessary academic requirements for registering in a trade, who are committed to achieving the necessary academic requirements within one year, and who demonstrate an interest in the skilled trades

  • Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

  • school-to-work transition program offered through Ontario secondary schools
  • students earn cooperative education credits in grades 11 and 12 through work placements in skilled trades
  • interested students full-time high school students 16 years and older entering Grade 11 should contact their guidance counsellor, co-op education teacher or the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator for the local school board or contact the local Apprenticeship Office

  • Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

  • job skill development and trade readiness for unemployed individuals wanting careers in skilled trades
  • programs are at various community locations, and up to 52 weeks long including a minimum 8-12 week work placement
  • free, with costs covered for tuition, textbooks, safety equipment and tools

 This office offers on-site exams

CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses Programs

CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
905-521-1777 ext. 302, lvicente@care4nurses.org
 
120 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V2, Canada

Provides Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) with the one-on-one case management, language and communication skills, exam preparation, professional development, mentoring and networking to be successful in the nursing profession. 

Completing the Circle Program

Career Foundation
1-855-223-8231, 289-207-8155 ext. 242, wpyper@careerfoundation.org
 
110 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z2, Canada

An employment placement program for young adults under 30 years old. Assists job seekers in their search for employment by offering work opportunities, employment maintenance, career advancement, professional development, and training.

  • Individual support
  • Virtual/in-person workshops for up to five weeks
  • No-cost certifications (Customer Service Excellence/AODA, First Aid/CPR, WHMIS)
  • Work-related clothing, equipment, and other necessary supports to start and maintain employment
  • Paid, full-time work placement, leading to permanent employment
  • Employment placement completion bonus

Counselling and Community Services

Interval House of Hamilton
289-895-8580 (Flamborough), 905-522-0127 (Hamilton), info@intervalhousehamilton.org
 
100 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W7, Canada
7 Innovation Dr, Dundas, ON L9H 7H9, Canada

Provides support for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse including:

  • community counselling services
  • individual counselling
  • employment counselling
  • peer support
  • wellness and recovery groups

Educational Pathway Planning

Adult Basic Education Association
289-275-1685 (Text), 905-527-2222, pathways@abea.on.ca
 
55 York Blvd, Central Library, 4th floor, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada

Helps clients to build an individualized education pathway plan, working to:

  • explore education and training options, such as skills upgrading, high school credits, training, apprenticeship, post-secondary, and employment
  • make sure that the plan meets the client's goals
  • identify strengths and any upgrading needs
  • connect with the programs and services needed
  • determine eligibility for training funding

Employment Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
1-800-387-5656, 1-866-533-6339, 416-326-5656, contactEO@ontario.ca
 
119 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7, Canada

Program of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development that provides services to help job seekers, workers, and employers with advice, grants, and other services around public and private sector employment.

  • Ontario Job Bank online database
  • Ontario apprenticeships
  • Summer jobs for high school, university, and college students
  • Adult learning courses to prepare for new jobs, training, or further education
  • Help for laid-off workers to pay living expenses and tuition for job training or postsecondary education (Better Jobs Ontario)
  • Funding for employers to hire workers through Employment Ontario (Canada-Ontario Job Grant)

Employment Services, Olmec

Olmec Respite Mental Health Services
 
100 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W7, Canada

Employment services offered that help individuals create resumes and cover letters, learn from mock interviews and coaching, receive career path guidance, assist with applications, and improve essential skills.

Empowering Abilities Program

Career Foundation
 
110 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z2, Canada

Provides one-on-one support to job seekers with self-disclosed disabilities with the goal of gaining and maintaining meaningful employment. Supports business owners with implementing accessible hiring practices. Assists employers with transition of job ready clients with disabilities into the workplace. Services include:

  • job coaching
  • work placements
  • industry-specific certifications
  • first aid/CPR and WHMIS training
  • wage subsidies for job placements 

This program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Opportunities Fund. 

Empowerment Squared Pathways to Employment

Empowerment Squared
 
162 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 3N9, Canada
26 Arrowsmith Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 4H8, Canada

Provides activities that support job seekers from newcomers and members of Black and marginalized communities with a broad set of employment readiness activities, delivered as both individual coaching and support, and through group seminars.

Topics include:

  • resume and portfolio building
  • interview skills and mock interviews
  • job search guidance
  • preparation for success in the workplace

General Pre-Apprenticeship for Youth Program

Career Foundation
 
110 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z2, Canada

Provides employment support for general trades and connects them with industry employers for work placements. This program runs for approximately 30 weeks. Participants are provided with personal protective equipment and a basic tool kit.

Goodwill Transitional Employment and Mentoring Program

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes
905-526-8482 ext. 2307, info@goodwillindustries.ca
 
225 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1B1, Canada

An 8-week program designed to assist people with disabilities obtain and identify skills, while working toward employment, volunteering, or recreational programs. Daily job skill workshops are offered in areas of computer training, janitorial, food services, customer service and retail to help with job readiness and life skills. At the end of their work and skills training experience, participants are provided with an evaluation to provide guidance on the best path forward. The assessment includes pace and quality of work, ability to follow instructions, attitude, initiative, strengths and areas for improvement, as well as other job-related skills. Upon completion, participants who are ready for employment will work with a Career Development Specialist and a Job Developer to assist with resume, interview skills and job search, assisted interviews (if needed) as well as job coaching. Participants unable to transition into employment will receive guidance to find either volunteer or recreation opportunities.

GROW Training for New Workers , Landscape Ontario

Landscape Ontario
1-800-265-5656, 905-875-1805, grow@landscapeontario.com
 
7856 Fifth Line, Milton, ON L9T 2X8, Canada

An employment initiative designed to provide the essential skills and training needed to help participants secure entry-level positions in the landscape and horticulture industry. Provides 3 weeks of skills and safety training delivered by current industry professionals, alternating between live online instruction and hands-on training in real-world conditions. Transportation assistance to Milton is provided, either by shuttle or PRESTO cards. 

Immigrants Working Centre Employment Counselling

Immigrants Working Centre
905-525-5209
 
8 Main St E, Suite 101, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8, Canada
100 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W7, Canada
160 Centennial Pkwy N, Unit 7, Hamilton, ON L8E 1H9, Canada
1119 Fennell Ave E, Suite 236, Hamilton, ON L8T 1S2, Canada

Offers employment counselling to newcomers who are unemployed or underemployed and actively seeking work. Services include:

  • Career action planning
  • Industry-specific resume writing
  • Job interview preparation

  • Services are provided by qualified staff who specialize in the following industries:

  • Business
  • Skilled Trades including Construction, Electrician and General Labour
  • Administration
  • Law
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
  • Customer Service and Retail

Integrated Employment Services

Agilec
1-800-387-5656, 1-866-533-6339
 
1685 Main St W, Unit 202, Hamilton, ON L8S 1G5, Canada
120 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V2, Canada
191 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 1Y6, Canada
67 Victoria Ave S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2S8, Canada
1050 Upper Gage Ave, Hamilton, ON L8V 5B7, Canada
225 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1B1, Canada
1104 Fennell Ave E, Hamilton, ON L8T 1R9, Canada
12 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2J9, Canada
1051 Upper James St, Hamilton, ON L9C 3A6, Canada
151 Queen St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2V7, Canada
23 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E7, Canada
163 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8, Canada

Comprehensive employment and job search services

  • assessment of skills, interests and experience
  • job search strategies, including resume preparation
  • information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
  • on-the-job training, work experience
  • help in maintaining employment
  • information and referral to other employment and community services

  • Better Jobs Ontario 

  • skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

  • Services for employers

  • help in identifying human resource skills requirements, matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
  • support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

  • Canada-Ontario Job Grant

  • financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
  • available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Internationally Educated Nurse Program

Hamilton Health Sciences
905-521-2100, HHSIENProgram@hhsc.ca
 
1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 2A5, Canada

Program that supports Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) with their nursing journey in Ontario by providing a case management approach, and helping with the development of an individualized learning plan to meet their learning needs, thereby enhancing their communication and clinical nursing skills. Ensures that participants are provided with mentorship and experiences thereby making them job-ready.

John Howard Society Pre-Apprenticeship Employment Programs

John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area
905-522-4446 ext. 305, reception@jhshamilton.on.ca
 
654 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3A2, Canada

Offers pre-apprenticeship training and employment programs to anyone who has served a federal or provincial sentence and is interested in a career in the skilled trades. Participants gain marketable employment skills and a paid work placement. 

Funded by The Government of Ontario / Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

John Howard Society WorkPath Employment Services

John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area
905-522-4446 ext. 305, reception@jhshamilton.on.ca
 
654 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3A2, Canada

WorkPath Employment Services provides a range of pre-employment supports and employment placement services for individuals who have been incarcerated provincially or federally, and those who are currently involved, or are at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Supports are provided to individuals and employers specific to the manufacturing sector.

WorkPath Employment services provides supports for all aspects of the job search:

  • career exploration
  • labour market research
  • goal setting
  • resume preparation
  • interview skills
  • employer expectations
  • employee rights
  • job development and placement

This program is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Life Navigation Services, Hamilton Jewish Family Services

Hamilton Jewish Family Services
905-627-9922, info@hamiltonjfs.ca
 
30 King St E, Dundas, ON L9H 1B8, Canada

Offers a variety of services meant to support anyone navigating challenging life situations or circumstances.

Services include:

  • Career counselling: Access help with resumes, networking, career change, and more.
  • Assistance accessing community services: Includes accessing benefits, filling out forms, and more.
  • Caregiver support group: Offers support for caregivers to help reduce feelings of isolation.
  • Monthly educational workshops: Hamilton Jewish Family Services hosts workshops and guest speakers on a variety of topics.

Milli Gould Entrepreneurial Centre

YWCA Hamilton
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

YWCA Hamilton’s education, training, and start-up hub for women-led businesses. Programs include:

  • one-on-one coaching
  • business plan mentoring
  • employment resources
  • business directory

Mohawk College Workplace Preparation Program

Mohawk College
 
135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 7V7, Canada

A free program designed for Internationally Trained Professionals. Offered to qualified newcomers that have education and work experience from their country but have not yet worked in their field in Canada. Courses are delivered over 12 weeks and help individuals:

  • Improve their professional communication skills.
  • Learn interview techniques that highlight their transferable skills and qualifications.
  • Build a professional network within their field.
  • Increase their understanding of Canadian workplace culture.
  • Earn up to five micro-credentials issued by Mohawk College.
  • Receive one-on-one support from Mohawk College staff.

New Heights Community Church Newcomer Services

Salvation Army Ontario Division
905-389-6235
 
573 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 1B2, Canada

Provides a variety of services and programs to meet the needs to newcomers to help make Canada home. 

Programs and services include:

  • settlement services
  • life skills workshops
  • employment search support
  • community referrals
  • community social events
  • children's program and tutoring

Newcomer Settlement Program

YMCA of Hamilton Burlington and Brantford
905-526-8452 (YMCA Main Street Location), 905-662-9400 (YMCA Stoney Creek Location), immigrant.settlement@ymcahbb.ca
 
25 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6, Canada
211 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8, Canada

Supports the successful settlement and integration of newcomers by providing newcomers with appropriate and timely information and referrals to government programs and community services.

Services include: 

  • One-on-one and group information and orientation sessions (housing, health, financial assistance, employment, training and education, licensing and accreditation, language services etc.)  
  • Needs assessments, service planning and referrals to more specialized programs and services in the community 
  • Facilitate newcomer access to government and community services through support with interpretation, translations, advocacy, certain application forms etc.

Program funding provided by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Ontario Bridge Training Program

Career Foundation
 
110 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 2Z2, Canada

Offers sector-specific bridging programs that will support highly skilled internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) integrate into the Canadian workforce. These programs are focused on helping ITIs get employment in the field in which they possess prior training and experience. Industries include HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), IT (Information Technology), and Network Cabling.

Participants will receive: 

  • Job development: job leads, connections to employers, and work placement
  • Industry-specific training on workplace communication, pre-employment coaching, and technical skills training
  • Relevant certifications
  • One-on-one job search and job coaching support

This program is funded by the Ministry of Labor, Training, and Skills Development. 

Options Emploi Collège Boréal Services

Options Emploi Collège Boréal
1-800-361-6673 ext. 7350, 905-544-9824 ext. 7306, optionsemploi@collegeboreal.ca
 
120 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V2, Canada

General:

  • Comprehensive employment and job search services including assessment of skills, interests and experience.
  • Job search strategies, including resume preparation. 
  • Information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities.
  • On-the-job training, work experience.
  • Help in maintaining employment. 
  • Information and referral to other employment and community services. 

    Second Career Program

  • Skills training and financial support for laid-off workers.

    Youth Job Connection:

  • Paid pre-employment training.  
  • Job matching. 
  • Paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers. 
  • Mentorship. 
  • Education and work transitions supports.

    Youth Job Connection Summer:

  • Summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year.

    Services For Employers:  

  • Help in identifying human resource skills requirements. 
  • Matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience. 
  • Support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention.

    Canada-Ontario Job Grant:

  • Financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees.
  • Available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees.

Rock Employment Programs

Living Rock Ministries
905-528-7625
 
30 Wilson St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1C5, Canada

Rock Experience Program (R.E.P.), an educational and employment program for youth ages 16 to 25 who have been in contact with the criminal justice system.

TRI-ROCK, funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), is an 18 week paid employment readiness/training program for people aged 18 to 30 who are facing employment barriers to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.

Rock Resources includes work experience, on-site coaching, and employment readiness training.

St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education Employment Training

St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education
905-577-0555, info@stcharles.ca
 
150 E 5th St, Hamilton, ON L9A 2Z8, Canada

Offers a variety of programs designed to teach skills in a new career, while earning credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Programs may include work placement.

Threshold School of Building Ready to Work Youth Program

Threshold School of Building
905-522-8686, info@tsob.ca
 
110 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1J4, Canada

A 12 week program to teach construction skill to youth-at-risk. The program provides renovation and construction services to local charities, non-profit groups, and neighbourhood associations.

  • Hands-on workshops in Carpentry, Electrical, Drywall and Plumbing
  • On-site work experience at a Threshold community building project
  • Safety training including Emergency First Aid and Working at Heights
  • Employment seminars
  • Construction math workshops
  • Personal Protective Equipment, tool belts and hand tools supplied

Uplift Program

YWCA Hamilton
365-324-3895
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Provides women and non-binary people with the opportunity to reskill or upskill in advanced manufacturing and specialized technology fields through certification training and additional supports related to navigating non-traditional workplaces and job development. All training expenses are covered by FedDev Ontario.

Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Provides services to help mother-led families earn college diplomas, start careers, and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Goal-oriented case management, cultural teachings, parent support, and trauma counselling is provided to participants throughout the program. The Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound program also helps locate permanent, affordable housing and subsidized childcare (if available), allowing participants to focus on the completion of a 2-year college diploma or apprenticeship.

WorkLink

Immigrants Working Centre
905-529-5209 ext. 1249, skilledtrades@iwchamilton.ca
 
8 Main St E, Suite 101, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8, Canada

A 6 to 8-week program to help newcomers improve their English and prepare for the workplace. Services include:

  • Step-by-step training from qualified and professional staff
  • Industry-specific terminology to help navigate the workforce
  • Certifications and workplace preparation for specific industries

YWCA Hamilton Employment Services for Newcomers

YWCA Hamilton
365-324-0247, 905-522-9922 ext. 324, lmendez@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

An employment readiness program for newcomer women, youth, and gender-diverse folks. Employment Counsellors and Job Developers identify clients' strengths and address challenges that they may face when seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce. Some of the services offered include:

  • One-on-one employment counselling
  • Career assessment
  • Weekly employment-related workshops
  • Information sessions with guest speakers from various walks of life
  • Point Of Sale (POS)/digital cash register training
  • Job fairs with top employers in Hamilton and area

YWCA Hamilton Opportunities Program

YWCA Hamilton
365-324-2361, 365-324-7078, aallen@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers support for persons who self-identify with a disability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Includes one-on-one support, 6-week group training, and optional paid 14-week work placements. An occupational therapist is available for support to reduce barriers to employment. Training includes:

  • Communication, time management, self-esteem
  • Health and safety, WHMIS, AODA, First Aid/CPR, financial literacy
  • Smart Serve and safe food handling

YWCA Hamilton Skilled Trades and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

YWCA Hamilton
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers support for women to help secure employment in the skilled trades industry. Programs are offered at no cost, and provide participants with technical training and job coaching to start their career in the skilled trades.

Successful participants will receive:

  • Job readiness training
  • Up to 16 weeks of in-school training
  • 8-week work placement