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 Program

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

Completing the Circle Program

Career Foundation
1-855-223-8231, 416-806-3757, mjawad@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 providing them with individual support to help understand their skills, identify their role in the labour market, and recognize their potential contributions to employers. Job matching is the focus of this program.

Counselling and Community Services

Interval House of Hamilton
289-895-8580 (Flamborough), 905-387-8881, 905-522-0127 (Hamilton), info@intervalhousehamilton.org
 
100 Main St E, Suite 205, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W4
17 Main St S, Unit C, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0, Canada

Services provided by Interval House of Hamilton at Women's Centre of Hamilton and Flamborough Women's Resource Centre. 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
  • safety planning
  • housing services

Educational Planning Assessment Tool

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

Learning assessment designed to identify Essential Skills levels.  Includes a detailed Action Plan to help achieve education, training, and employment goals.  Provides an employment profile and training summary specific to the client’s needs.  This assessment can be done in a one-to-one or group format and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

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
  • Funding for employers to hire workers through Employment Ontario

Employment Services, St. Leonard's Community Services

St. Leonard's Community Services
289-285-0133
 
11 Argyle St N, Caledonia, ON N3W 1B7, Canada

Offers a number of employment assistance services to the Caledonia community. 

Services include:

  • job search assistance
  • job matching and placements
  • second career services
  • student employment services
  • resource area including computers and internet use

Empowering Abilities Program

Career Foundation
1-855-223-8231, 905-667-0321, eap@careerfoundation.org
 
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

First Start Cafe

Wesley
 
350 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Y3, Canada

Provides kitchen and food training, job opportunities, and development to marginalized youth and adults. Operates a downtown café for Wesley clients, First Place Seniors Residence residents, and community groups from the 3rd floor of the First Place building. Also available for outside catering.

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.

GROW New Entrant Training Program, Landscape Ontario

Landscape Ontario
1-800-265-5656 ext. 2317, grow@landscapeontario.com
 
7856 Fifth Line, Milton, ON L9T 2X8, Canada

A six week program teaching skills for use in the landscape and horticulture industry which include: workplace health and safety, lawn and plant maintenance and tools, and landscape construction. Each six week session includes 2 weeks of online training, 2 weeks training on-site in Milton, and a 2 week job placement. Transportation is provided from Hamilton to Milton.

Graduates are placed in entry level positions based on their skills and interests. 

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, 905-575-2177, 905-870-3631 (Text only line)
 
1685 Main St W, Unit 202, Hamilton, ON L8S 1G5, Canada
120 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V2, 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
1550 Upper James St, Hamilton, ON L9B 2L6, Canada
135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 7V7, Canada
163 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8, Canada
31 King Street East, Suite 100, Hamilton, ON L8N 1A1
1051 Upper James St, Hamilton, ON L9C 3A6, Canada
155 Queen St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2V6, Canada
427 Dundas St E, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H1, Canada
23 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E7, Canada
191 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 1Y6, 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 ext. 77511 (Administration), 905-521-2100 ext. 77512 (Project Manager), quansar@hhsc.ca
 
1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 2A5, Canada

Assists highly skilled internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) gain equivalent work experience in Ontario

  • regulated occupation (for example, nursing, engineering, etc.)
  • non-regulated occupation currently in demand, such as information technology, financial services

    Internationally Educated Nurse Program

  • Nursing Communication Foundation Course, 35-50 hour online course, provided by CARE Centre
  • Physical Assessment and Nursing Skill Sessions at the Learning Resource Centre, Mohawk College
  • Career Progression, Job Coaching, Resume Review, Interview Preparation
  • HHS Job Shadowing

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.

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. 

Ontario Disability Employment Supports Program

Goodwill, The Amity Group
905-526-8482 ext. 2307, ODSP@goodwillonline.ca
 
225 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1B1, Canada

Program to help people with disabilities find and keep a job or advance their career.

Services include:

  • Job market access
  • Cover letter writing help
  • One on one employment counselling
  • Individualized employment plans
  • Local market opportunities
  • Focus on skills needed by employers
  • Job placement assistance
  • Assistance maintaining employment

Ontario Works Employment Benefits and Services

Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services
1-855-999-8729, 905-546-4800, OntarioWorks@hamilton.ca
 
250 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1H6, Canada
1550 Upper James St, Hamilton, ON L9B 2L6, Canada

Ontario provincial program that provides temporary financial and employment assistance for people who are in financial need.

Assistance Includes:

  • walk-in job search centre
  • access to computers, Internet, social media, laster printer, scanner, photocopier, telephone
  • career planning
  • workshops and assistance with resumes and interview skills
  • resource materials, job banks, labour marked information
  • referrals for education and upgrading, work and volunteer placements, self-employment and entrepreneurship
  • employer hotline

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 Service Canada, is an 18 week paid employment readiness/training program that is done in 2 phases. Phase I is 8 weeks long and takes place on-site at The Living Rock where youth receive a combination of practical work experience and employment readiness skills development. For Phase II, youth are placed with an employer for 10 weeks where they gain valuable job experience.

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

Strategic Training and Employment Program for Youth

YWCA Hamilton
365-599-9235, 365-659-4026, lsiino@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers training opportunities and employment support for young women and non-binary youth.  

Services include:

  • Up to 4 weeks of one-to-one job preparation support
  • Up to 14 weeks paid job placement
  • Additional supports for retaining employment
  • Occupational Therapy support as required

  • Certifications may include: 

  • Life Skills
  • Employability Skills
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Health and Safety
  • Smart Serve
  • Safe Food Handling

This program also offers electrical and general machinist apprenticeships, in partnership with Niagara College. 

Threshold School of Building Ready to Work 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

Trades Gateway Program

Immigrants Working Centre
 
8 Main St E, Suite 101, Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8, Canada

A free online portal for internationally trained tradespeople in Ontario. Registrants have access to key information about their trade in Ontario, step-by-step information on the requirements to apply for licensing or certification through the Trade Equivalency Assessment Path, networking, and more. Trades include:

  • Electrician
  • Millwright
  • Plumber
  • Metal Fabricator
  • Automotive Mechanic

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, data science, or data analytics through certification training and additional supports related to navigating non-traditional workplaces and job development. All training expenses are covered by FedDev Ontario, and paid by YWCA Hamilton.

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

An employment readiness program for newcomer women 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
289-527-4066, 365-324-2361, aallen@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers support for persons with self-disclosed disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Includes one-on-one, group coaching and work placements. Participants are trained in job-specific skills, including:

  • soft skills, such as communication, time management, and self esteem
  • job-specific requirements, including health and safety, WHMIS, AODA, first aid/CPR, and financial literacy
  • Smart Serve and safe food handling

YWCA Hamilton Pre-Apprenticeship Program

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