Some professions and trades are regulated in Canada to protect public health and safety. That means that you must have a licence or certificate to work in these professions and trades. If you are an internationally educated professional or tradesperson coming to Canada or already in Ontario the access to professions and trades guide can help you understand how to work in your profession or trade. About 20% of people working in Canada, such as nurses, engineers, electricians and teachers, work in regulated professions and trades.
Ontario Bridge Training Programs
Ontario Bridge Training programs can help you get employment, obtain a licence or certificate in your profession or trade, so that you can find work that best matches your skills and experience in Peel. These programs can be useful for jobs that are regulated professions in Ontario. But, you can also find bridging programs for non-regulated jobs.
The process of getting a licence or certificate can be long and frustrating. You have to pay for credential assessment, certification or examinations. Enrolling yourself in a Bridging program can help you prepare better and successfully complete the certification process and, obtain a licence.
There are a number of sector-specific training options for internationally-trained individuals. The most popular ones include:
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Financial services
- Health care
- Information technology
- Project management
- Sales and marketing
- Supply chain/Logistics
Each bridge training program is unique, but in general they are designed to provide you with:
- An assessment of your education and skills
- Clinical or workplace experience
- Skills training or targeted academic training
- Preparation for a license or certification examination
- Occupation-related language training
- Individual learning plans to identify any added training needed
Below agencies offer sector specific bridging programs:
ACCES Employment – offers bridging programs in the following sectors: Engineering, Finance, Sales and Marketing, Information Technology and Human Resources.
- 151 City Centre Dr, Suite 600
- Mississauga, ON L5B 1M7
- Tel: 905-361-2522
- [ map ]
Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC) – assists internationally trained professionals in gaining recognition, cultural integration, career advancement, civic engagement in Canada.
You can get more information by contacting your nearest Employment Centre in Peel or visiting the Ontario Bridge Training program website.
Apprenticeships (Training in trades)
Skilled workers are in high demand in many industries. In Ontario, there are more than 140 skilled trades, ranging from auto mechanics to arborists, and from chefs to welders.
An apprenticeship is an on-the-job training program that allows you to work in a skilled trade or occupation where you can learn from an experienced person who works in the field. On average, 90% of training takes place in the workplace with instruction by certified journeypersons. The remainder involves classroom instruction delivered at a college of applied arts and technology or other approved training delivery agent. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and wages can increase depending on your level of skill.
The Centre Skills Development and Training – (Clarkson location) offers pre-apprenticeship training programs in construction, electrical and millwright/machinist trades.
Learn more about Ontario Bridge Training programs and apprenticeships
Ontario Bridging Programs and Trades in Ontario – provides information on services available in Ontario to help you continue working in your profession or trade if you have been trained in another country.
Start an Aapprenticeship – provides information about how you qualify and apply to be an apprentice in a skilled trade.
Canada Apprenticeship Loans – can help you get the money you need to achieve your goals.
Employment Insurance (EI) – includes information about Employment Insurance (EI) temporary benefits for workers, sickness, fishing and family-related benefits as well as how to apply online and submit a report.
ApprenticeSearch.com – is a free online service connecting Ontario’s employers and apprentices.
Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) or visit the local MTCU office in Peel:
- The Emerald Centre
- 10 Kingsbridge Garden Circle, Suite 404
- Mississauga, ON L5R 3K6
- Tel: 905-279-7333
- [map]
Call Employment Ontario Hotline at 1-800-387-5656 (toll free)