Training & Apprenticeships
A licence or Ontario certification may be required to work in a particular trade or area of expertise (see Credential Evaluation). Newcomers to Canada may need additional education or training before they can work in their new community or pursue a career in their chosen field.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to complete a high school diploma, enrol in a post-secondary program, train for a trade or pursue an apprenticeship. Some trades have apprenticeship opportunities that allow individuals to work in a skilled trade or occupation while they learn the trade from more experienced workers. Co-op diploma apprenticeship programs are offered by some Ontario colleges and allow you to get apprenticeship training while earning a college diploma.
Internships are another way to gain work experience in Canada. The Ontario Public Service, for example, sponsors a program that allows internationally trained professionals to get six months of paid work experience in a variety of fields, including finance, chemistry, communications, business administration and environmental sciences (see For More Information links below). Internships are often available in the private sector as well.
There are many organizations in Kingston that help newcomers obtain training, skills and work experience (see the Community Information links provided on the right-hand side of this page).
Kingston also has many private career colleges for those who need to take a short training course or upgrade their skills.
For More Information
Skilled TradesDetailed information on careers in the skilled trades and getting started in an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship GrantsInformation on available Service Canada apprenticeship grants for financial assistance.
Ontario Bridge TrainingA type of training program designed to help newcomers get a licence or certificate in their profession or trade so they can work in Ontario. These programs provide internationally educated professionals with: an assessment of their education and skills against Ontario employer expectations; Canadian clinical/workplace experience; skills/academic training; preparation for licencing and/or certification; profession-specific language training; and individual learning plans. Mentoring opportunities may also be offered. Note that bursaries and tuition assistance may be available for bridge training.
Employment OntarioAn Ontario government agency that helps newcomers obtain training, skills and work experience. Includes employment information for unemployed or laid-off people, and a brief welcome video and Getting Started online tool. Service is available in Arabic, Chinese, Cree, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Ukrainian, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Global Experience OntarioA provincial government service that helps internationally trained and educated people find out how to qualify for professional practice in Ontario. Includes information on how to get licensed to work in a trade, academic credential assessment, bridging programs and other services.
Services for ApprenticesInformation about apprenticeship training and scholarships offered by the Ontario government and a searchable directory of apprenticeship offices in the province.
Community Living KingstonA community employment resource center for people with disabilities. Also provides volunteer opportunities and student placement for those wishing to work with people with disabilities.
Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FIN)Canadian government program providing newcomers with temporary Canadian work experience and training opportunities with federal government departments and other public and private sector organizations. Internships are offered in categories such as: policy, administration, project management, computer science, communications and science. Includes details of who is eligible and how to apply.
Ontario Bridge Training — Success StoriesVideos showing the success stories of immigrants in a variety of occupations helped by Ontario’s bridging programs. Includes an optometrist, a social worker, a nurse, and a teacher.
Ontario Skills PassportOnline tools and resources explaining essential skills and work habits, occupations and tasks for the Canadian workplace. Essential skills are used in almost all occupations and are part of job descriptions — they are transferable between school, work, and sectors.
Before you arrive
After you arrive