Newcomers: Services

Welcome!

Moving to a new country can be difficult. It is not always easy to find work that fits your skills and experience. The counsellors at the Hamilton Help Centre and Youth Employment Centre will help you get started in the right direction.  Whether you need to learn or improve your English skills, have your credentials assessed or need to know how to job search effectively, we are here to help you.  Talking with one of our counsellors can help you discover what types of jobs match your skills.  We will continue to work with you until you reach your goal.

Job search methods in Ontario may be very different from those you have used before. Even the need to search for a job may be a surprise. Do you know the expectations of employers in your industry? Employers want much more than just the skills needed to do the job.

Your counsellor at the Hamilton Help Centre and Youth Employment Centre will help prepare you to be successful when looking for work. They can also help with apprenticeship qualifications, professional requirements and training programs that may help you update your skills.

Our links page for Newcomers is full of information we think you will find very useful. You will find information on: Communicating in English English is the main language in Ontario. Fluent English will help in your work and will make it easier for you to settle in your new community.  Language training programs not only teach you how to read, speak or write in English, they can also help to orient you to Canadian culture. Find out where you can learn English or upgrade your English skills in Hamilton. Getting your credentials assessed Credential assessment means getting your educational credentials compared to their Canadian equivalents. Find out if the qualifications you already have are accepted in Ontario. The organizations on our Newcomer’s links page perform evaluations of foreign educational qualifications. Some of them focus on evaluations for the purpose of employment rather than for further education. There is a fee for these services. Many regulatory bodies do their own credentials assessment and may not accept a general assessment. Check with the regulatory body for your field before you have your credentials assessed. Know your rights as a worker A Newcomer's Guide to Canada Learn about working in Ontario New to Hamilton? Check out some of our community partners that may be able to help you! Find a mentor Mentoring or coaching programs help you meet people in your profession and learn more about Ontario’s workplaces. And many more helpful links

Remember, don’t get discouraged. Sometimes a simple chat with us can set you in the right direction and help you get started with your job search.