Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to the frequently asked questions below, you are welcome to call any of our ACCES Employment locations for more information. Click on the “Contact Us” tab for phone numbers and locations. The questions below are meant as a general guide to our services and programs.
ACCES Employment provides job search services entirely free-of-charge through physical locations in the Greater Toronto Area only (Ontario, Canada). We provide some online services to pre-arrival clients internationally who are already approved to come to Canada.
General Inquiries
1) How do I get started?
2) Do I have to pay a fee to attend ACCES Employment programs or services?
3) Do I have to be a Canadian citizen to use ACCES Employment services and programs?
4) Where does ACCES Employment get their funding?
5) Do you provide assistance with getting foreign credentials and license recognized?
- World Education Services (WES): www.wes.org/ca
- University of Toronto Comparative Education Service: learn.utoronto.ca/ces/cesforms.htm
6) What is Second Career?
Second Career provides laid-off workers with skills training and financial support to help them find jobs in high-demand occupations in Ontario.
Second Career is a cost-sharing grant provided on the basis of need, so you may be asked to contribute what you can to your training or education.
Second Career provides up to $28,000 for:- tuition
- books
- other instruction costs such as manuals or workbooks
- transportation
- a basic living allowance
Additional support may be available to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities, dependent care, costs of living away from home and academic upgrading.
To learn more about Second Career, please refer to the Program Calendar to attend an upcoming information session.
ACCES Employment Sector Specific Bridging Programs
ACCES Employment currently offers bridging programs in the financial services, sales and marketing, information technology, supply chain, human resources, leadership, and engineering sectors. These programs are offered to individuals following an assessment of suitability and eligibility by an Employment Consultant. For more information, please visit an ACCES Employment location.1) What is the process for determining my eligibility for the program?
2) What are the educational requirements for attending a bridging program?
3) How much experience in my sector do I need to attend the program?
4) Does this program offer job placements?
Engineering Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Minimum one year professional experience in the engineering sector OUTSIDE of Canada
- Post-secondary education in engineering from OUTSIDE Canada
- Good English communication skills (ideally Canadian Language Benchmark 6-10)
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Mississauga
- North York
Financial Services Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Refugee Claimant with one year work permit
- Minimum one year professional experience in the financial services sector OUTSIDE of Canada
- Post-secondary education in Business, Administration, Accounting, Banking or a related field from OUTSIDE Canada
- Good English communication skills (ideally Canadian Language Benchmark 8)
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Scarborough
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Brampton
Information Technology Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Refugee Claimant with one year work permit
- Minimum three years professional experience in the IT sector OUTSIDE of Canada
- Post-secondary education in the IT field from OUTSIDE Canada
- Good English communication skills (ideally Canadian Language Benchmark 8)
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Brampton
Human Resources Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Refugee Claimant with one year work permit
- Minimum two years professional experience in the HR sector OUTSIDE of Canada
- Post-secondary education in the HR field from OUTSIDE Canada
- Good English communication skills (ideally Canadian Language Benchmark 8)
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Brampton
- Mississauga
As a member of the HR Connections program do I get a discount towards the HRPA membership?
Supply Chain Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Refugee Claimant with one year work permit
- Minimum two years professional experience in supply chain OUTSIDE of Canada
- Post-secondary education in supply chain from OUTSIDE Canada
- Good English communication skills (ideally Canadian Language Benchmark 8)
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Mississauga
Leadership Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Refugee Claimant with one year work permit
- Minimum 2 years management/leadership related work experience outside Canada in the Finance and IT sectors
- Post-secondary education outside Canada in business or program administration and/or an MBA
- Good English communication skills (ideally Canadian Language Benchmark 8)
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Scarborough
Sales and Marketing Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Refugee Claimant with one year work permit
- Minimum 3 years of experience in sales/marketing OUTSIDE of Canada
- Post-secondary education outside Canada in sales, marketing, commerce, etc.
- Good English communication skills (ideally Canadian Language Benchmark 8)
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Mississauga
- Scarborough
START Program
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
Priority acceptance is offered to immigrant women (residing in Canada ten years or less). However, all women who apply and are receiving Ontario Works will be considered.
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Toronto
- Scarborough
Where do START Program graduates find employment?
- Banking & Finance
- Retail Sales
- Office Administration
- Food Service
- Hotels & Hospitality
- Legal
- Non-Profit
- Healthcare
For additional information, see list of employer connections on the START Program page.
TRIEC Mentoring Partnership
Who is eligible to be a mentee?
- Have lived in Canada for less than three years and have limited or no Canadian work experience in their profession OR have re-engaged with their profession through academic training or bridging within the past 2 years
- Have the English skills required to perform effectively in the workplace
- Have at least three years of international work experience in their area of expertise
- Have achieved at least a bachelor’s degree – or equivalent post-secondary education – from outside of Canada
- Be eligible to work in Canada
- Be currently unemployed or underemployed (i.e. not working in their field of expertise)
- Be actively seeking work in their field
How long is the mentoring relationship? How many hours a week is involved?
In addition to your meetings with your mentor, you are expected to be conducting job search activities throughout the period of the mentoring relationship. Your coach supports you in this activity.
Do I meet with my mentor in person?
What kind of support will I receive during the mentoring relationship?
Each matched pair is also supported by a mentoring coach based at a participating community partner organization. Their role is to assist you throughout the entire mentoring relationship and respond to your questions and concerns. The coach can refer you to other resources, services and supports to assist you in your job search, and troubleshoot or provide advice if problems arise in the mentoring relationship.
Speed Mentoring
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
Is there a program fee?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Toronto
- Scarborough
- North York
- Mississauga
- Brampton
Some Speed Mentoring events will take place off-site and are hosted by employer partners in the Greater Toronto Area.
Entrepreneurship ConnectionsTM
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Protected Person
- Live-in caregivers with a temporary work permit
- Interest in starting your own business
Is there a program fee?
Do you provide small business loans or financing?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Do I need a specific business idea to join the program?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Toronto
Talk English Café
1) How do I join Talk English Café sessions?
2) Who is eligible for this program?
3) Is there a program fee?
Canadian Employment Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- You are destined to land anywhere in Canada (Pan-Canadian)
- You must be approved for Permanent Residency in Canada
- You must be committed to completing the program within 8 weeks
- You are planning to arrive in Canada in less than 3 months, and more than 8 weeks from now
- You are proficient in computer skills and comfortable with online learning
- You have strong English language skills
- You have a minimum of 2 years of experience in Financial Services, Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, Information Technology, or Supply Chain
- You have a post-secondary education in Financial Services, Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, Information Technology, or Supply Chain
What is valid documentation for this program?
- Permanent Resident card
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Medical/security notification letter
- Permanent Resident visa
- Letter of notification to pick up Permanent Resident visa
Is there a program fee?
What is the employment rate for this program?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
Youth Job Connection
What is the age requirement for this program?
What are the eligibility criteria for this program?
- Not participating in full time training/education
- Unemployed
- Resident of Ontario
- Eligible to work in Canada
How do I get started?
Is there a fee to attend this program?
Will I be provided with a placement after the completion of the program?
What kind of industries can I get employed in?
- Customer Service
- Information Technology
- Beautician and Cosmetician
- Skilled Trades- Automotive, Construction
- Finance and Banking
- Hospitality and Tourism
Do I need any prior experience to join this program?
I have barriers to employment; will I be able to join this program?
IT Accelerator Program
What is the age requirement for this program?
What are the eligibility criteria for this program?
- 18-29 years of age
- Unemployed
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Available Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for 16-weeks of in-class training at Seneca College, Markham campus
How do I get started?
Is there a fee to attend this program?
How do I make the payment?
Do I need any prior experience to join this program?
I have barriers to employment; will I be able to join this program?
Employment Connections for Newcomer Youth
What is the age requirement for this program?
What are the eligibility criteria for this program?
To participate in the Employment Connections for Newcomer Youth Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Newcomer and refugee youth
- Eligible to work in Canada
How do I get started?
Is there a fee to attend this program?
Will I be provided with a placement after the completion of the program?
What kind of industries can I get employed in?
Do I need any prior experience to join this program?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
Employment Connections for Newcomer Youth is offered at the following sites:
- Brampton (44 Peel Centre Drive, Suite 201 next to Bramalea City Centre)
- Mississauga (151 City Centre Drive, Suite 601 next to Square One Shopping Centre)
Construction Trades Program
Who is eligible for the program?
How do I join this program?
What is the minimum language level required for the program?
What is included in the language training?
What is included in the modified pre-apprenticeship training?
- Health and safety
- Working at heights
- Elevated work platforms
- WHMIS
- Basics of health safety
- Propane
- Canadian workplace culture
- Forklift and scissor lift training
Is there a program fee?
Where is training being held?
The modified pre-apprenticeship training is held at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre (OMTC) in Mississauga and LiUNA Local 506 in Richmond Hill.
How long does each component of the program take to complete?
The modified pre-apprenticeship component of the program runs for approximately 4-5 weeks, 8am to 4pm.
Do I have to take both the language and modified pre-apprenticeship training if i join?
Will I receive transportation support during the program?
Will I be able to get a job once I’m done?
Online Services
Who is eligible for online services?
Is there a cost associated with this program?
Healthcare Connections
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Minimum one year professional experience in the healthcare sector OUTSIDE of Canada
- Post-secondary education in healthcare from OUTSIDE of Canada
- Effective English communication skills (Canadian Language Benchmark 7-8)
Is there a program fee?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- North York
Cybersecurity Connections
What are the costs of a cyber attack?
With the risk of a cyber-attack now being classed as the top threat to organizations, it’s vital to have the right cyber security measures in place to protect your organization from an attack. It’s not just an organization’s reputation that can be damaged by a data breach – the financial costs can often have a more severe effect.
Lloyd’s of London has estimated the global cost of a serious cyber-attack to be more than $120 billion (£92 billion). It believes the most likely scenario to lead to this sort of cost is a criminal hacker targeting a Cloud service provider, taking it down in the process.
PwC’s Global State of Information Security Survey 2018 found that “the average total financial cost of incidents [was] £857,000”. However, this figure is based on only 14% of respondents that reported their direct financial losses.
https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/blog/the-cost-of-a-cyber-attack/How can I get a job in Cybersecurity?
Build Your Training Plan:
A bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical engineering preferable) or computer science is required for employment as a security engineer. Many employers additionally require some level of previous experience and/or professional certification(s) in the field.
https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/computer-careers/cyber-security/Certifications for Security Specialists
- Security+: CompTIA's popular base-level security certification.
- CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate – Routing and Switching.
- CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker.
- GSEC / GCIH / GCIA: GIAC Security Certifications.
- CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
Get Hands on Experience: Internship, Volunteering
Build your Network: check out professional associations, and connect with leaders on social media
What is the salary for career in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity professionals report an average salary of $116,000, or approximately $55.77 per hour. That's nearly three times the national median income for full-time wage and salary workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
https://neuvoo.ca/salary/cyber-security/Cybersecurity salary in Canada. The average salary for Cybersecurity related jobs is $90,740 per year or $47 per hour. This is around 2.8 times more than the Median wage of the country. Entry level positions start at $64,000 while most experienced workers make up to $127,000.
What are the top 5 in-demand jobs in Cybersecurity?
Top 5 highest paying jobs in Cybersecurity
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Head of Cyber Security
- Lead Security Architect
- Head of Governance/Assurance
- Information Security Manager
What is the best way to train for Cybersecurity?
Take classes (online or offline), go to meetups, check out professional associations, connect with thought leaders on social media and more.
Top 5 Certifications for Security Specialists
- Security+: CompTIA's popular base-level security certification.
- CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate – Routing and Switching.
- CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker.
- GSEC / GCIH / GCIA: GIAC Security Certifications.
- CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
Barista Training
Can I apply to the program if I am a refugee claimant?
Am I going to be hired at Starbucks as a result of this training?
I am about to be 16 within a few months. Can I still apply to the program?
Connector Program
What is the eligibility for the program?
- At least one year of post-secondary education outside of Canada
- Strong English language skills (min. CLB6)
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Motivated and committed to building your professional network to find employment
Business Connections en Français
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Resident of Ontario
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Refugee Claimant with one year work permit
- Committed to completing the program within 8 weeks
- Proficient in computer skills and comfortable with online learning
- Minimum 2 year professional experience in sales/service-related field OUTSIDE of Canada
- Completed post-secondary education outside of Canada
- A minimum of CLB 8 in French and CLB 7 in English is required for admission into the program
What is valid documentation for this program?
- Permanent Resident card
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Medical/security notification letter
- Permanent Resident visa