Are you finding that in today’s hyper-competitive market place Canadian experience is often a pre-requisite for obtaining that all-important job? Too many new immigrants, no matter what their previous educational training, cannot get a job at all and if they do it is often not related to their background or credentials. Career Connection / CanEX Co-op can also give you the opportunity to explore a career to make sure you are making the right choice for your future.

Let CALC’s Career Connection / CanEX Co-op program provide you with the Canadian work experience you need as well as class time to obtain Canadian school credits. The Career Connection / CanEX Co-op is an 18 week full-time program offering in-school classes and a volunteer work placement to help you get the Canadian experience you need.

The Career Connection / CanEx Co-op

Two terms – 18 weeks

Pre-placement period, in class daily attendance at CALC for in-school courses

Balance of program: on-the-job unpaid placement in career related field.   

Up to six credits can be earned towards a Secondary School Diploma

The Career Connection / CanEX Co-op Requirements

• Admitted to CALC
• Assessed for ESL Level DO or better
• Able to attend full day (up to 8 hours daily)
• Interview with co-op department
• Some special requirements for specific placements

The Career Connection / CanEX Co-op Costs

• $30 Student Activity Fee
• Transportation costs 
• Special placement specific certifications/tests/PRC

The Career Connection / CanEX Co-op Registration Procedure

1. Come to one of the Information/Registrations sessions listed by date. Please note that these sessions are added continuously so please make sure to check on the ‘Registration Dates” tab regularly.
2. Complete the assessment for your English level.
3. Complete all information forms fully.
4. Bring the following documents (photocopies):

Proof of status (one of the following):

• Birth certificate or passport or,
• P.R. card or, 
• Citizenship card or,
• Landed immigrant paper or, refugee document + study permit

Health card (if available)

Proof of residence (e.g. driver’s license, bank statement, utility bill)

Current Timetable (if already registered at CALC)

5. Once the English level has been determined, you will have a short interview with one of the CanEx teachers. The information session and registration could take up to 1-2 hours. 

1. What is CanEX Coop?
CanEX Coop is a course designed to help students gain Canadian work experience in their chosen field. CanEX Coop combines classroom instruction with an on-the-job placement. Up to 6 high school credits can be earned by taking CanEX.

2. When does CanEX Coop start?
There are currently two terms. One term runs from September to the end of January. The second term runs from February to the end of June.

3. How long is CanEX Coop?
CanEX Coop is an 18 week program.

4. Who can take CanEX Coop?
Anyone who is 21 or older and is legally entitled to work and study in Canada is eligible for CanEX.

 5. What are the requirements for CanEX Coop?
All students, regardless of educational background, must complete an English assessment to determine their speaking, listening, reading and comprehension skills (minimum level ESL EO).

6. How much does CanEX Coop cost?
The total fee is $3000 for an 18 week placement. 

7. What is the time commitment for CanEX Coop?
CanEX is a full time program. Students must be available for possible class Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:05.p.m. and to go to their placement full time, whatever hours the employer determines.
8. Can I work and still be in CanEX program?
Yes. However, you must be available during the above hours.

9. Can I continue to look for a job?
Yes. In fact, we ask employers to allow students to attend interviews during the work day. However, we also assume that students will try to arrange interview times that are outside either class or placement hours whenever possible.

10. What will I learn in class?
In CanEX we cover a variety of topics all related to work. Some examples are: different types of résumés and when to use which type; interview skills; health and safety on the job; presentation skills, business communication skills; team work; Canadian work culture.

11. Can I skip the in-class portion of the program and just do the placement?
In order to be successful in CanEX, both components must be completed. Both components go hand in hand. The funding for the program comes from the Ministry of Education and it is the Ministry’s requirement.

12. Is there occupational training?
No. We assume that you have the training and need to gain Canadian experience. For those students who are looking to change careers or are considering a career, CanEX will help you get an idea of what is involved in that particular career.

13. Do I need a computer?
No. However you will need access to a computer outside class times. Most assignments require a computer and correspondence is done via e-mail so you will need an e-mail address.

14. Do I need to be really proficient using the computer?
No. You need to know how to use a computer and to access the Internet. 

15. Do I have to find my own placement?
Yes and No. No – We will help you find a placement. However, if you want to find your own placement, that can be arranged as well. Yes – If you are interested in an apprenticeship position then you will be asked to find your own placement.

16. Am I guaranteed to get a placement?
No. We will work with you as hard as you work to find a placement, but there are no guarantees. Normally, we are able to place over 90% of students.

17. What types of employers accept CanEX students?
We have had students placed with all different kinds of employers such as: government; hospitals; schools; large employers such as Toronto Housing, TTC; small employers and not for profit organizations.

18. What if I don’t like my placement?
No one is forced to stay at a placement that is not suitable. We expect that students stay for a few weeks before we try to find them another placement because there is usually a period of adjustment for both the employer and the student.

19. Will I be paid while working at my placement?
Placements are done on a voluntary basis. Some employers may provide TTC or a small honorarium, but they are not required to pay anything.

20. Will I get a job through CanEX Coop?
Some students have been hired by their placement employers. However, this is not a requirement of the program. Most students will find work in their field within 3 months of completing CanEX.

21. Why should I take CanEX Coop?
You will gain current Canadian work experience related to your field and a letter of reference from a Canadian employer. But more importantly, by taking CanEX you will improve your confidence – the key ingredient to successful job search.

CALC’s Child Care Assistant Program enables you to gain knowledge and practical skills through in-school studies and a co-operative education experience in a licensed day care facility.You will learn about the important role of a child care assistant while studying child behaviour and development from birth to 12 years of age.Students will learn to develop strategies needed to communicate with and about children and will acquire an understanding of the professional skills and strategies necessary for effective care giving and professional relationships.In just 18 weeks you will earn a certificate and experience in the child care industry and will earn 6 credits towards your secondary school diploma. (There is an opportunity to participate in an Early Childhood Educator apprenticeship with the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities through the School Board OYAP program.)

Requirements:

• Over 18 with OSSD or students over 21 who have English grade 10 (ENG2C with at least 60%). Students with no English prerequisite will write an assessment.
• Proof of status in Canada:
  • birth certificate or passport 
  • PR Card or citizenship papers or 
  • Landed immigrant paper or 
  • refugee document + study permit
  • health card
  • most recent transcript
  • proof of address
• Full day package programs only:
  • 18 week program
  • Classes held daily Monday to Friday from 8:15-3:05pm

Grounded in the TDSB Vision of Hope, CALC’s PSW Program will enable all students to reach exceptional levels of achievement and to acquire the knowledge skills and values they need to become responsible members of the health care and broader community. Watch a video of the program overview here.

We value:

Each student
Partnership between staff and students
The individuality and uniqueness that every student brings to the school community
Learning environments that are respectful, safe and equity- oriented
Input from all stakeholders
Commitment and skills of staff                                    

Mandate:

The Personal Support Worker Program at City Adult Learning Centre strives to provide a high-quality interactive learning environment for life-long learners. Students in this program are socialized into their role as health care professionals who upon graduation will contribute to the quality of life of individuals and families in a variety of health care and home settings and their broader community.
We are genuinely interested in working with the broader community in order to ensure that our program meets employers’ needs. Our stakeholders include current and former PSW students, educators, health professionals, representatives from the public, and people who use the services of PSW.

Why should you take this program? If you:

As a Personal Support Worker, you will:

• assist clients of varying ages to meet their basic physical needs under the supervision of registered nursing staff
• assist clients with personal hygiene
• assist with shopping, meal planning and preparation
• assist with light housekeeping and keeping client environment clean, safe and secure
• promote client independence, self-esteem, dignity and social integration
• assist with medication
• support clients’ families  

CALC’s PSW Program enables you to fulfill your dream. In just 27 weeks, you can:

• earn a Personal Support Worker Certificate
• acquire the skills and knowledge to work as a personal support worker
• gain practical experience in a healthcare environment
• earn at least 9 credits towards your secondary school diploma  

Prerequisites for PSW Program:

• you must be 21 or older at the time of application OR 18-20 with OSSD
• have completed ENG3C (English 11 College) with at least 60%  OR are currently in ENG3C with midterm at least 60% OR successful completion of CALC Assessment
• successful interview with a CALC staff member
• A police reference check for the vulnerable sector and immunizations will be required by the time of placements and are mandatory for success in this program. The application process starts in class and is guided by the teacher. 
• Documents needed to attend the information session: Citizenship, PR Card or Refugee Status + Study Permit Health card, Most recent transcript and Proof of address.

 As a Personal Support Worker, you may work in a variety of healthcare settings:

• private homes
• nursing homes
• homes for older adults
• hospices and hospitals
• community centres
• public school system
• group homes
• day care settings for the elderly  

There are two major components to this program:

• Part 1: In-school courses: Monday-Friday; 8:15 a.m. – 3:05 p.m. for 18 weeks
• Part 2: Out-of-school co-op placement in a healthcare setting: Monday-Friday; 7:00a.m.-2:00p.m. for 9 weeks (hours can vary)

Students gain credits toward their diploma while working in a salon environment gaining business experience. This gives the students the opportunity to practice the skills taught in the in school component.

Are you interested and capable of pursuing Hairstyling as a professional?

Do you:

• have a passion for fashion hairstyling
• dream of becoming a licensed hairstylist
• want to earn credits towards your secondary school diploma
• earn hours towards your apprenticeship while earning credits towards your diploma
• learn in a classroom/salon environment
• work with top of the line hairstyling and hair colouring products
• want to be taught by qualified teachers

Future Opportunities for Hairstylists

• work in a salon of your choice
• set up your own business
• enjoy full time or part time work and flexible working hours
• be a colour technician
• manage a salon
• be a platform artist, i.e., perform hairstyles in front of an audience of hairstylists
• be a hairstylist for television or theatre
• be a hairstylist on a cruise ship
• be a sales and training representative for a hair product company

The Hairstyling program at Emery lasts 10 months. It begins twice a year, in September and February. The program includes 5 months at school learning in our fully equipped salon and an optional 5 months working as a co-op student in a private salon.

Students must be available to come to class between 8:10 am and 3:00 pm for 5 months. 

Students must have completed at least grade 10 (earned 16 credits) and have grade 10 English before they are allowed to enrol in this course.

Students gain credits toward their diploma while working in a salon environment gaining business experience. This gives the students the opportunity to practice the skills taught in the in school component.

Are you interested and capable of pursuing Hairstyling as a professional?

Do you:

• have a passion for fashion hairstyling
• dream of becoming a licensed hairstylist
• want to earn credits towards your secondary school diploma
• earn hours towards your apprenticeship while earning credits towards your diploma
• learn in a classroom/salon environment
• work with top of the line hairstyling and hair colouring products
• want to be taught by qualified teachers

Future Opportunities for Hairstylists

• work in a salon of your choice
• set up your own business
• enjoy full time or part time work and flexible working hours
• be a colour technician
• manage a salon
• be a platform artist, i.e., perform hairstyles in front of an audience of hairstylists
• be a hairstylist for television or theatre
• be a hairstylist on a cruise ship
• be a sales and training representative for a hair product company

The Hairstyling program at Emery lasts 10 months. It begins twice a year, in September and February. The program includes 5 months at school learning in our fully equipped salon and an optional 5 months working as a co-op student in a private salon.

Students must be available to come to class between 8:10 am and 3:00 pm for 5 months. 

Students must have completed at least grade 10 (earned 16 credits) and have grade 10 English before they are allowed to enrol in this course.

Students will learn about the important role of a child care assistant while studying child behaviour and development from birth to 12 years.  Students will learn how to meet the developmental needs of young children, including children with special needs.  Students will develop strategies needed to communicate with and about children. Students will acquire an understanding of the professional skills and strategies necessary for effective care giving and professional relationships. (There is an opportunity to participate in an ECE apprenticeship with the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities through the School Board OYAP program.)

In this 18 week program students can:

• Earn 6 credits towards their secondary school diploma
• Earn a Childcare Assistant Certificate recognized by child care centres in Toronto
• Participate in an apprenticeship program

Yorkdale’s 18-week Childcare Assistant Program (September or February start) has two components:

Part 1: 

In-school (9 weeks)

• Monday – Friday, 8:25 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Part 2:

Out-of-school (9 weeks)

• Co-operative education placement in a licensed daycare, nursery or other childcare facility

To register for Yorkdale’s Childcare Assistant Program you must:

• Be 21 years of age or older or have an OSSD
• Pass Yorkdale’s English Assessment or have completed a grade 11 college English credit within the last 3 years
• Must be eligible to receive a Vulnerable Sector Police Search.  (have never been convicted of a crime)
• Pass an interview with an Instructor (Please bring a resume to the interview!)

Yorkdale’s Introduction to Healthcare Program is a 3 credit package aimed at any individual who is interested in a career in any area of the healthcare field in Ontario. It will enable students to make informed decisions about their future and provide the foundational knowledge needed for any career the student chooses to pursue.

This program begins every quadmester:  September, November, February and April

In this 9 week full-time program students can:

• Earn 3 Credits towards your OSSD
• Learn valuable knowledge of the health care industry in Ontario

 Units of study:

• Healthcare systems
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Careers in Healthcare
• Cultural Diversity
• Personal and Professional Qualities of a Health Care Worker
• Nutrition
• Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
• Human Growth and Development
• Medical Terminology
• Medical Math
• Computers and Technology in Health Care
• Preparing for the World of Work….resume, job application, interview, etc.

*This course can be used as a pathway to Yorkdale’s PSW Program.

(Students must pass with an overall mark of 70% and have the recommendation of the instructor to be given entrance into the PSW program. Students who meet these requirements do not have to interview for the PSW program.)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 English over 70% or Grade 11 English

PSW Program Mandate

The Yorkdale PSW program is dedicated to providing comprehensive training to the next generation of Personal Support Workers preparing them for careers as contributing members of a multidisciplinary health care team. Yorkdale PSWs will act in a supporting role to provide compassionate and professional care to vulnerable individuals while respecting the rights of the individuals to direct their own care according to their needs, choices and capabilities.

Yorkdale will continue to partner with the healthcare community to ensure we can meet the needs of the employers and those of the clients for whom our graduates will be providing care.

This program is accredited by the Personal Support Worker Educational Accreditation Program (PSWEPA).

PSW has 4 intakes a year:  September, November, February, and April

Yorkdale’s Personal Support Worker Program enables students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in this growing health care field. Yorkdale’s PSW program meets Ontario Government standards and prepares students to support clients and their families in their homes and in long-term and other health care facilities.  All classes are taught by highly qualified teacherswho are also experienced health care professionals.  Yorkdale follows the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities’ PSW Program Standard

• Earn 9 credits towards your secondary school diploma
• Earn a Personal Support Worker Certificate
• Gain real world work experience through a clinical and community co-op placement

Yorkdale’s 27 week Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate Program has two components. Please note hours are non-negotiable. 

Part 1: In–school (18 weeks)

• Monday-Friday, 8:25 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Part 2: Out-of-school (9 weeks)

• Monday- Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

To register in Yorkdale’s Personal Support Worker Certificate Program you must:

• Be 21 years of age of older.  Under 21 OSSD required.
• Pass Yorkdale’s English Assessment or have completed a grade 11 college English credit with in the last 3 years at a minimum of 60% or higher

Please note:  This is a competitive program. Having the prerequisite makes you eligible to interview but does not guarantee a spot in the program. 

• Pass an interview with a Yorkdale staff member (Resume required)

Once accepted into the Program applicants must be able to show proof of:

• Updated immunization, hepatitis B, flu shot, Step 2 T.B skin test
• Criminal Reference check

Please note that classes are NOT held over the summer (July and August) 

Yorkdale’s Pre-Apprenticeship Hairstyling Program enables students to learn the valuable theory and technical skills needed to earn a hairstyling certificate while also earning credits towards their secondary school diploma.  All classes are taught by highly skilled and experienced hairstylists who are also qualified teachers.

Yorkdale’s Hairstyling program runs only once a year from September to June.

n this one year program (September to June) students can:

• earn 12 credits towards their secondary school diploma
• earn a Yorkdale Hairstyling Certificate
• qualify to write the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ basic and advanced exemption exams excusing students from further in school course work

Yorkdale’s Pre-Apprenticeship Hairstyling Certificate Program is structured as follows:

• 36 weeks – 1080 hours
• Classes  are from 8:25-3:15 –  Monday to Friday
• 2 Work Experience Placements in a licensed hair salon

To register for Yorkdale’s Pre-Apprenticeship Hairstyling Certificate Program you must:

• Be 21 years of age or older
• 18 – 20 with OSSD
• Pass Yorkdale’s English Assessment or have completed a grade 11 College English Credit within the last 3 years
• Pass an interview with a Yorkdale staff member (Resume required)

Please Note:  Spaces are limited and very competitive. An interview does not signify acceptance in the program.

Yorkdale’s Personal Trainer Program enables students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the growing fitness and health field. Yorkdale’s Personal Trainer program meets industry standards and prepares students to become fitness professionals in established fitness facilities and/or to become self employed. All classes are taught by highly qualified teachers and fitness professionals in a new state of the art fitness facility

In this 18 week intensive program students can:

• Earn a Personal Trainer Certificate
• Earn 6 Credits towards the OSSD
• Gain real world work experience through a co-operative education placement in a fitness facility
• Earn Canadian and Ontario recognized industry certificates

Yorkdale’s Personal Trainer Certificate Program has two components:

Part 1: In-school (9 weeks)

• Monday- Friday, 8:25am-3:15pm

Part 2: In -school and Cooperative Education Placement (9 weeks)

• Monday— Friday 8:25am-3:15pm

Courses: Intro to Kinesiology (PSK4U)

Healthy Active Living (PAF4O),

Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership (PLF4M), Entrepreneurial Studies (BDV4C)

Included: CPR/First Aid, Whimis, Step 4 Worker Health and Safety, Vulnerable Sector Police Search, Sport Program Design