Ontario invests in training for skilled immigrants

Ontario is helping skilled newcomers prepare to get jobs that match their education, qualifications and experience. The Ontario provincial government is investing $3.6 million in three Ontario cities to support programs designed to train new skilled immigrants to find employment in their professions and areas of expertise.

This type of training is referred to as ‘bridge training’. Those immigrants trained in foreign countries will learn to adapt their experience, education, and skills to the job market in Ontario without duplicating much, if any, of their previous training. Newcomers who have been educated or who have trained internationally in a range of professions, including civil engineering, nursing, dieticians, midwifery, social work and skilled construction trades can take part in this program.

An investment in bridge training is a priority for the Ontario provincial government because helping newcomers to Ontario find good jobs is good for the economy. More than 60% of adult newcomers to Ontario have post-secondary education or training.

This year, the programs will benefit about 700 newcomers in Ottawa, and close to 600 newcomers in Toronto and London, Ontario.

Also, the Ottawa Job Match Network, which matches foreign-trained workers with appropriate employers, will receive funding from the provincial government to expand its program.

Since 2003, Ontario has helped about 40,000 skilled newcomers in more than 100 different professions get licensed and find jobs in their field through bridge training programs.

This investment will have a significant impact as close to half of all newcomers to Canada choose to settle in Ontario.