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Employment Supports

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Employment Supports

The Employment Resource Centre offers many supports to clients who are searching for a job or need help finding a job. Clients can use, free of charge, computers, printers, fax machines, photocopiers and telephones.

Location, contact information and hours

The Employment Resource Centre is located at 200 John Street West in Oshawa, in the upstairs of the Midtown Mall. The Employment Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Information

Telephone: 905-666-6239
Toll-free: 1-888-721-0622
Bell Relay Line: 905-660-6223
Interpreter Language Line: 1-800-523-1786
Fax: 905-432-7602

Here are some of the supports and services we provide:

Ontario Works workshops and calendars

A variety of in-person and online live workshops are available through the Employment Resource Centre for Ontario Works clients. The online live workshops are free of charge, and are available by referral from your Ontario Works Caseworker or Employment Counsellor.

Please view our workshop calendars below for a description of the available workshops and their scheduled times.

Workshop Locations

Hybrid

The workshop will be a combination of virtual and in-person workshop locations. You will be notified of the location prior to the start of the workshop.

In Person
The workshop will be held in person at the location identified below.

Virtual
The workshop will be held online in a live virtual environment on the Microsoft Teams platform. Prior to the workshop you will receive an email invite to join.

Workshop Descriptions

A Wellness Journey (Virtual)
The act of reading and talking about books and stories can help people to achieve a more positive sense of wellness. This session offered every Thursday afternoon is a chance to connect with others, listen to a variety of readings on a different theme each week and share your thoughts in a small group.

Budgeting Dollars and $ense (200 John Street W, Oshawa, Upper Level)
Learn why budgets work and how to build a budget that works for you in simple, easy steps.

Career Fit (Virtual)
This is a six-module workshop offered over six afternoons. Career Fit is designed to help you find your “Career Fit”. Get a better understanding of your values, skills, and personality traits. Use this information to guide you in your career planning process. Learn how to research information related to careers and the labour market.

Centennial College Information Session (Virtual)
Attend this 2-hour session to learn about programs, application process and deadlines to transition to post-secondary studies.

Computer Basics (In-person)
Computer Basics is a 6 day in person workshop designed to give you an understanding of the basic functions of a computer, laptop, and smart devices. Topics include Introduction to Windows, Microsoft Word, Teams, ZOOM and Google as well as an introduction to keyboard shortcuts and internet/internet safety.

Confidence Boost (Virtual)
Get a better understanding of confidence and self-esteem. 10 tips to boost your confidence.

Day School & Pathways Program Information Session (Virtual)
Attend this one-hour session to learn about achieving credits towards your high school diploma, upgrading options and specialized training programs through Pathways available at Durham Continuing Education and Archbishop Anthony Meagher Continuing Education Centre’s.

Durham College Information Session and Online Tour (Virtual)
Attend this one-and-a-half-hour session to learn about programs, application process and deadlines to transition to post-secondary studies.

Effective Communication (Virtual)
Tips to help recognize poor communication and how to strengthen your communication skills.

Employment Interviews (Virtual)
Preparing you for a positive interview experience by showing you control, anticipating questions and using a no-fail format for answering questions.

Getting Ahead
Getting Ahead in a Just Getting’ by World is a curriculum that supports people in poverty as they create their own plan for stability. The powerful and very interactive Getting Ahead curriculum studies poverty from an individual and community level.

Goal Setting (Virtual)
Explore different types of goals and how to create goals that work.

Job Search Letters (Virtual)
Content and examples of Cover Letters follow up letters, Rejection Letters, Thank You letters and notes. Learn their importance and how adding them to your applications makes a difference.

Managing Anxiety (Virtual)
(Series runs November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21)
This is an eight-day series offered every Wednesday afternoon, provides a confidential and safe place to normalize, share and learn about coping with anxiety.

OSAP Information Session (Virtual)
Financial Aid Specialist will share the process of funding your post-secondary education through Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) with lots of opportunity to ask questions.
Program Information (See Calendar above for location)
General: Learn about Ontario Works programs in this all-in-one session and how to register for them.

REACH Beyond
An eight session coaching series designed for young adults between the ages of 18-30. This series helps young adults develop techniques and tools for mental health, self-management, and employability. Sessions will run over eight afternoons.

RentSmart Basics (Virtual)
(Series runs December 5, 7, 8)
In today’s challenging rental market, RentSmart Basics prepares renters to find housing and experience successful tenancies. In this workshop series, spread over three mornings, participants learn three Keys to Housing Success.

Resilience: Reboot & Rebuild (Virtual)
Comeback from difficulties with tips & techniques that rebuild your resilience. Listen to stories of others who have also suffered setbacks and have had real forward movement in restoring and refreshing their own inner strength.

Taking Your Job Search Online (Virtual)
Exploring social media sites as tools for job search as well as some popular local job search sites and how to prep for online interviews.

Targeting Your Resume (Virtual)
Going through each section of the resume, discussing how to target your resume and use an effective format to successfully pass screening software.

Tax Time Ready
In-Person – December 1, 200 John Street W, Oshawa)
In-Person – December 6, 140 Commercial Ave, Ajax)
Tax time doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Information, support, and resources to assist you in preparing to file your federal income taxes.

The SMART Consumer (Virtual)
In this two-day workshop reflects on making wise choices as a consumer. Learn to recognize advertising influences, discover tips for smart shopping, spot common frauds and scams and understand your consumer rights.

True2Life Lessons (Virtual)
(Next Series coming in January)
Discover, explore, and engage through nine life lesson modules focused on personal growth, improving relationships and problem-solving abilities. This workshop series will run over nine mornings.

Tuesdays with Ted (Virtual)
Spend some time connecting with others and sharing your thoughts in this video chat series. Each week we will present a different topic with a few related videos.

Workability Coaching Series #200 (Hybrid)
(Series runs November 28, 29, 30, December 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14)
Trusted information on job search preparation, interview skills and job maintenance in this hybrid series that offers a financial incentive for attendance and a virtual dental screening with subsequent covered treatment plan. Share opinions, perspectives and experiences while receiving support, encouragement and tips to make your job search journey more successful. Series runs 13 days (7 in class and 6 virtual).

WorkREADY (Research, Engage, Ability, Develop, Your next step) (Virtual)
WorkREADY is a six-module workshop offered over six mornings. This workshop will focus on preparing to job search, resume and interview preparation and practice, as well as job maintenance. Participants will reflect on past employment, focus on current opportunities, and prepare to move forward with a new confidence in their ability to manage the job search.

Employment Placement Program

If you need help finding a job, you can meet with an Employment Counsellor for:

Access to training.
Goal setting (long-term and short-term goals).
Interview skills.
Job search supports.
Referrals to internal programs and extensionernal agencies.
Resumé building and feedback.
Volunteer placements.

We can help you by:

Giving you direct access and referrals to employers.
Providing you with job leads.
Supporting you and your employer during your first six months after hire.

Financial support may be available for transportation, clothes, cellphones, child care expenses and other needs. Contact your Employment Counsellor to learn more about the benefits available to you.

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

Young and expectant parents ages 16 to 25 are eligible to participate in the LEAP program. This program is available if you do not have your Ontario Secondary School Diploma and receive financial assistance through Ontario Works. LEAP assists participants in obtaining their high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED); provides parenting support and resources; and help finding and preparing for employment.

Self-Employment Program

The Self-Employment Program (SEP) is an employment program for Ontario Works clients who want to be self-employed, but still need financial assistance. SEP is available to help clients with business ideas. SEP is a two-week workshop that provides coaching and support. It offers 60 weeks of access to SEP supports.

The support includes a combination of:

In-class learning.
Ongoing coaching.
Various benefits to assist with becoming financially self-sufficient.

Please note: SEP does not provide business start-up costs or business loans. Clients must meet the program goal deadlines and benchmarks to stay eligible for Self-Employment Program benefits. Clients must have a plan to leave Ontario Works through self-employment through this program.

REACH Youth Program

Our REACH Youth Program is for young adults aged 18 to 24. This program offers employment counselling and works with young adults to plan for their education, volunteering, and obtaining employment.

Volunteer Placement Program

Ontario Works clients may find gaps in their employment and reach barriers that make it hard to find a job. Volunteer placements are great for clients who need more skills and experience.

The Volunteer Placement Program puts people in volunteer positions, often at non-profit community agencies. Consultants help find volunteer opportunities for Ontario Works participants to gain skills and experience. Consultants also work with community agencies to meet their volunteer needs.

Services for participants include:

Goal setting to determine volunteer and employment goals.
Resumé development that is marketed to the volunteer field.
Assistance with finding a volunteer placement in the community or a placement with a partner agency.
Volunteer placements of up to 70 hours per month, up to six months in length.
Opportunities to participate in short-term special events.
Provide ongoing support while in your volunteer placement.
Support with the expenses associated with volunteering.
Obtain references, network with employers and build your resumé.

Services for non-profit community agencies include:

Screening and placement for available volunteer positions.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or private insurance coverage for your volunteers during placement.
Assistance finding volunteers for short-term placements and special events (e.g., call centres or fundraisers).
Volunteers can be replaced or rotated as required.
Experience matching volunteers with your volunteer needs.

Education and skills training centres

The following centres provide education and skills training, including beginner level and skills upgrading:

Archbishop Anthony Meagher, Catholic Continuing Education Centre
Clarington Centre for Individual Studies
Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS) (16 to 20 years old)
Durham Continuing Education (E.A. Lovell) (21 years and older)
Durham College
University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Job search websites

The following sites may help you find a job in Durham:

Agilec
Centre D'Emploi Francophone De Durham
Durham College (Oshawa Community Employment Services)
Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre
Employment Ontario
Global Experience Ontario (Foreign Credentials)
John Howard Society
META Making Employment Transitions Attainable
Open for Business
Second Career
Service Canada
VPI Working Solutions
YMCA Durham Employment and Community Services