Ontario Works provides a number of services that assist participants to find employment.

These services include:

• Workshops on Job searching, résumé writing, and interview preparation.
• Referrals to job counseling or training.
• Access to telephones, faxes, computers and job banks.
• Information on who’s hiring.
• Basic education
• Jobs and employers demand a higher education today. Ontario Works can help client’s complete high school, improve language skills, and upgrade reading, writing or math.

Job Skills Training

Ontario Works can help participants get the skills they need for today’s job market by providing access to job-specific training and special skills programs.

Workshops and Training Available to Ontario Works Participants

• First Aid / CPR
• WHMIS
• Smart Serve
• Boater Safety
• Safe Food Handling
• Budgeting
• Life Skills
• Financial Literacy
• Essential Skills for Retail and Hospitality
• Housekeeping Room Attendant
• Customer Service
• Resume/Cover Letter Writing
• Job Search Club
• Employer Expectations

Literacy Screening and Training

Ontario Works literacy screening and training helps participants who are unable to get or keep a job because they do not have basic reading, writing and math skills. Participants who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills are connected to training providers who assess their specific needs and provide the training that is needed.

Employment Placement

When a client is ready for a job, Ontario Works can help with making direct connections to employers who are hiring, information on how to prepare for an interview and job training.

Community Placement

A community placement helps individuals contribute to their communities and get valuable experience. It’s an opportunity for participants to practice their skills, improve their confidence, and develop up-to-date job references and contacts.

Supports to Self-Employment

If approved, Ontario Works can help a client pursue self-employment activities. If a participant is interested in becoming self-employed, that person will be referred to a self-employment development agency in the community. The agency will assess the viability of the individual’s business proposal and provide ongoing support in business development.

Ontario Works also partners with many community resources and will assess and provide appropriate referrals to local services and agencies that can further assist clients in achieving employment goals.