Resources

Community services

Nonprofit community organizations offer a range of expertise and services free of charge in areas of employment, housing, mental health and food security. Here are several organizations ready to help.

We strongly believe that PWO is the future of airport jobs and the fastest route to our industry and airport recovery. A strong and resilient aviation sector is critical to Canada’s economy.

Background

From the onset of COVID-19, we witnessed first-hand the devastating impacts of the pandemic on our airport, our workforce, and our industry.

We moved rapidly, in collaboration with the Toronto Airport Workers Council (TAWC) to create Pearson Works! Online, a virtual resource centre dedicated to support the employee and employer communities at Toronto Pearson.

PWO started by addressing the immediate supports and career counselling needs of the airport employees impacted by the pandemic. Shortly afterwards, we moved to offering relevant training and professional opportunities for workers to take advantage of.

We are currently building a comprehensive workforce strategy for Toronto Pearson. The support from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will allow us to continue and expand our work further.

Read the joint statement from GTAA and TAWC released May 1, 2020.

Employment

ACCES Employment

ACCES Employment is a leader in connecting employers with qualified employees from diverse backgrounds. More than 35,000 job seekers are served annually at six locations across the Greater Toronto Area. As a not-for-profit corporation, ACCES Employment provides job search services free of charge. Visit the ACCES website and learn about their many services and programs.

Hospitality Workers Training Centre

As a not-for-profit sector-based workforce development organization, the Hospitality Workers Training Centre (HWTC) exists for the purpose of contributing to a strong hospitality industry. They work along employer, labour and community partners to connect job seekers to high-growth opportunities across the sector, while also helping them overcome personal and social barriers along the way.

Windmill Microlending (Education and Reskilling Loans)

Windmill Microlending is Canada’s largest microlending charity for skilled immigrants and refugees. Windmill offers low or no-interest loans of up to $15,000 to help skilled newcomers obtain the credentials, licensing or training they need to achieve career success in Canada. The loan process is simple and can be completed online. View a slide presentation about microloan opportunities for airport workers.

Skills for Change

Skills for Change provides learning and training opportunities for immigrants and refugees to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community. Services offered include information and referral, French and English language assessment, English language instruction, integrated language/skills training, employment preparation, business skills, mentoring, entrepreneurship skills, skilled trades and settlement services.

Job Skills

Job Skills offers employment solutions connecting the skills of job seekers with the needs of employers to create a more vibrant community. Job Skills has established a strong community presence and continuously works to strengthen its relationships with Employment Service providers, social service agencies, the business community, educational institutions, municipalities and all levels of government.

Youth Connect – CivicAction

YouthConnect equips youth that face barriers to employment and employment service providers with the digital know-how to better access employment opportunities. With a new focus on the future of work, future-looking skills and online learning, new curriculum on financial literacy, building resiliency, gaining human-centered and digital literacy skills and continuous learning.

Achev (formerly The Centre for Education & Training)

Achev is a leader in delivering employment, settlement and language services in the communities they serve. Their professional team provides the appropriate resources, skills and opportunities which empower people to achieve their potential.

Employment Ontario

Employment Ontario can help you get the training, skills and experience you need to achieve your goals. They connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers and have locations across the province to help with job search and employment and training opportunities.

Settlement Organizations

Settlement.Org offers assistance with resume and cover letters, interviews, online job searching and applications.

The GTAA Basics

Resume, Cover Letter and Interview Preparation Guide.

Job Search Engines

LinkedIn: The world’s largest professional network; great for networking and also finding jobs
Indeed is the number one job site in the world
Glassdoor has a database of employer reviews and jobs postings
Workopolis is Canada’s leading job site
Monster is a great place to reach a wide variety of employers and jobs
Career Builder is an excellent general-purpose board with a broad reach

Housing

Mortgage Deferral Program for people impacted by COVID-19
Toronto Rent Bank Program - Short term loans relief

Mental health

ConnexOntario

Free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness and/or gambling. System navigation and information service is live-answer 24/7, confidential, and free.

Financial Literacy and Financial Services

Credit Canada: A non-profit credit counselling agency and financial literacy leader, active in the community and leading government-supported initiatives.
Prosper Canada: A non-profit organization supporting financially vulnerable Canadians providing access to financial policies, programs, products and advice they need to build their financial wellbeing.

Food security

Find food programs and food banks available in your community.