Employment & Training

The Employment and Training Department provides a full range of effective services, from literacy programs to employment services. Through our programs we are committed to supporting individuals as they make changes to increase opportunities for success in their lives.


Pre Employment and Training:


Employment:

Pre-Employment and Training Programs

The Pre-Employment Training (PET) Programs provide essential skills training to prepare individuals for employment, further education & training and movement towards personal independence goals.  Programs offer individualized, goal-oriented training in reading, writing, numeracy and computer skills.  Workshops are also offered to enhance communication skills and self-advocacy skills as well as self-management and self-direction skills.


Phone: 613-789-7418 ext. 226
Fax: 613-789-7431
Email: jang@ottawa.johnhoward.ca  
Contact: Jan Goatcher

On-site Programs

Skills Plus Program (Grade 1 to 8)

Location:
550 Old St. Patrick Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5L5
Monday to Friday: 9a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Program objectives/goal:
Help people reach their goals in Education, Training, Employment


Target population:
Individuals who: Require skills upgrading; Have been in conflict with the law or at risk of becoming justice involved


Services provided:
One-on-one tutoring and group workshops in: Reading, writing and numeracy; Computer upgrading; Employment preparation; and Self-management and self- direction skills


Referral Source/Information for clients to become involved:
Call or email Jan Goatcher to arrange an interview


Other relevant information:
Free services; Flexible times to fit busy schedules


Funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities


“The experience of coming to John Howard has been a very good one in my case… The day I first came here for an assessment I was made to feel at home….. I was given the time it took to fit in and….. now I am able to read aloud and feel comfortable doing it. John Howard and the people…. have helped my thinking of my self image and esteem, being able to see that I can work toward my goals that I couldn’t see possible” - Barry

ACElinks (Grade 9 to 12)

Location:
550 Old St. Patrick Street Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5L5
Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00am - 1:00pm


Program objectives/goal:
Offers adults the opportunity to obtain a Grade 12 Equivalency from Algonquin College in a supportive environment.


Target population:
Individuals who: Are 19 years or older seeking to earn a Grade 12 equivalency; Have been in conflict with the law or at risk of becoming justice involved


Services provided:
A small classroom setting, with access to computers; A positive, non-judgmental learning environment; Individualized learning delivered by an Algonquin teacher, A job coach to help identify your career goals and develop a plan for further training and/or employment; An opportunity to develop the essential skills necessary for employment, apprenticeship or further education; and Academic advising focused on individual needs


Referral Source/Information for clients to become involved:
Call to set-up an appointment


Other relevant information:
A reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills assessment is required for entrance into the program.


Funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities


“It’s a really wonderful opportunity to help people out who want to finish high school and do it faster.”


“I’m getting used to learning and studying again.”


“I like the fact that I only have to come 2 days a week because it gives me the time to still work and spend time with my family.”

Outreach Programs

Urban Connections

*4 Locations
Centre 454 Drop-In

216 Murray St.

Wed. 8:30am – 11:30am


Shepherds of Good Hope
256 King Edward Ave.
Tues. 2pm – 4pm
Residents only


The Well Drop-In
154 Somerset St. W
Thur. 10am – noon
Women


St. Andrew’s Residence
208 St. Andrews St.
Mon. 2pm – 4pm
Residents only


Program objectives/goal:
An Outreach Literacy Program that is designed for individuals to be able to drop-in for help


Target population:
Serves individuals that use the services of the 4 locations listed


Services provided:
Literacy and life skills training; Newspaper discussion group; Computer skills training; One on one tutoring and support; and Information and referral


Referral Source/Information for clients to become involved:
This is a drop-in literacy program. Anyone can attend the drop-in sites or be a resident at the
residential sites.

W.I.S.E. (Women Increasing Skills for Employment)

Location:
172 O’Connor St.
Monday: 9:30am – 12pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 12pm
Thursday: 1 – 3:30pm


Program objectives/goal:
Outreach literacy program to help women meet their education and employment goals


Target population:
Homeless women


Services provided:
Computer skill development; Reading and writing skill development; Employment preparation (writing a resume; Preparing for interviews; Job search); and Life skills development (self-management, nutrition, budgeting, time management etc.)


Referral Source/Information for clients to become involved:
Cornerstone residents can attend scheduled sessions


Other relevant information:
This program is available to all current and former residents of Cornerstone.


Funded by City of Ottawa Community Project Funding

Early Intervention Employment Skills Training

Location:
312 Parkdale Ave.
Wednesday: 1:30pm – 4:00pm


Program objectives/goal:
An early intervention program facilitated in a supportive environment designed to prepare participants entrance into employment or an educational program.


Target population:
Participants in the Ottawa Drug Treatment Court Program


Services provided:
Career Assessment - offering an array of instruments that assesses career interest and suitability; Individual Tutoring - identify goals, assess skill gaps, develop a training plan and provide tutoring ; and Life Skills - problem solving, communication skills, goal setting etc.


Referral Source/Information for clients to become involved:
Rideauwood Addiction & Family Services


Funded by Homeless Partnering Secretariat

Employment

Our Employment Programs provide individuals with assistance to prepare for, find and keep employment. Both the Job Connect and Hire Power programs offer individualized, goal-oriented assistance along with workshops on various topics, including resume writing, job search/networking, interview skills, shining on the job, Apprenticeship and trades. Smart Serve and WHMIS workshops provide certification, and are also available on-line. Workshops are offered in the community, schools and on-site. During the Spring and Summer, we provide employment assistance to students through our Summer Jobs Service program. In addition, employers are assisted with their hiring needs throughout the year with job fairs and access to training incentives.


Hire Power Employment Services

Phone: 613-789-7418
Fax: 613-789-7431
Email: jang@ottawa.johnhoward.ca
Contact Jan Goatcher


Address:

550 Old St. Patrick Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 5L5


Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm


Program Description:
Assists individuals who have been in conflict with the law, or at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system, to prepare for, obtain & maintain meaningful employment.


Program objectives/goal:


Target population:


Services provided:


Referral Source/Information for clients to become involved:
Clients must be referred by Northern Lights Canada, this can happen onsite or by going to Northern Lights Canada office.


This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Ontario government.

Youth Employment Resource Centre

Phone: 613-828-2123
Fax: 613-828-2683
Email: youthemp@ottawa.johnhoward.ca, smacdon@ottawa.johnhoward.ca, lhaparimwi@ottawa.johnhoward.ca
Web: www.needajob.org
Contact: Loveridge Haparimwi or Sallyann MacDonald


Address:

3730 Richmond Road, Suite 216
(Bells Corners), Ottawa, ON K2H 5B9


Hours of Operation:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (September to June); 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (June to September)
Friday : 8:00 am to 4:00 pm


Program Description:
The Youth Employment Resource Centre, through the Job Connect program, assists individuals to prepare for, find and maintain employment, as well as providing assistance to employers to find and hire qualified employees. The Resource room offers a welcoming environment for individuals providing information, resources and 11 computers available for public use.


Program objectives/goal:
To provide free employment services and programs to youth and adult job seekers in the west end of Ottawa, and to assist employers to meet their hiring needs.


Target population:

Our priority focus is unemployed/underemployed youth aged 16-24; however individuals of all ages can access our services.


Services provided:

Services for Job Seekers:

Available resources include:

Employer services:


Referral Source/Information for clients to become involved:
Walk – In service


Highlights:

“Thank you for all your help with getting my resume up to par and sending me in the right direction for employment….it is an excellent service. I will definitely recommend it to my friends”. Joey


This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Ontario government.