Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the history of your organization?
Established in 1982, Skills for Change (SfC) is a not-for-profit organization that has pioneered programs for internationally trained professionals seeking employment in their field. SfC recognizes the current global trend towards a knowledge-based economy and adapts its programs to meet those needs. Read more here.

What does your agency do?
With programs and services designed to fully integrate newcomers into the Canadian work environment, SfC helps immigrants and refugees achieve their employment goals. Our services connect thousands of newcomers with employers across the Greater Toronto Area. Annually, we serve more than 10,000 people.

What programs and services do you offer?
SfC is a proud leader in the development and delivery of mentoring and ‘sector-specific’ programs in the fields of accounting, biotechnology, engineering, education and health care.

Our programs and services evolve to meet the changing needs of our clients. In addition to offering a variety of language and computer training courses, SfC continues its tradition of providing clerical employment services. We assess our clients’ needs, discuss their goals and then work closely with each individual to prepare them for employment. A complete list of programs can he found here. Our facilities are equipped with more than 150 computers with access to the Internet, fax machines, telephones and library resources.

We have developed a network of more than 700 employers in health care, retail, finance, information technology, manufacturing and social and government services. Employers have shown their confidence in our job matching and referral services by hiring our clients.

How do I apply to your courses and programs?
You must book an appointment for an Orientation and Assessment Session.

At the Orientation Session you will be assessed in terms of your level of English language, employment goals and training needs. Any testing required (keyboarding or bookkeeping, for example) will be administered during the Orientation and Assessment Session.

Based on the results of skills and needs assessment, our consultants will advise you as to the courses needed to achieve your goals. Orientation and Assessment sessions are held during the day and once a month in the evening.

How much do your courses cost?
Costs vary depending on program. Skills for Change charges a $40, non-refundable service/facilities fee for each course taken. An additional materials fee of up to $20 is charged for courses sponsored by some Boards of Education.

How do I contact you?
We can be reached by telephone (416 658-3101) or fax (416 658-6292). Appointments for one of our orientation sessions are made by calling our Information Line (416 658-7090) Monday through Friday between 1 pm and 3pm. We can also be reached by e-mail or by filling out our on-line feedback form.

How do I reach you by TTC?
From the St. Clair West subway station, take the west bound streetcar (512). Get off one stop after Christie Street at Arlington. We are located at 791. St. Clair Avenue West. To help you use our street map, TTC route map or subway schedule for the St. Clair West station.

How do I reach you by car?
Skills for Change is located at 791 St. Clair West, midway between Dufferin St and Bathurst St., on the south side. Try this street map or Yahoo map.
 

What are your hours?
Monday - Thursday 9 am to 8:00 pm, Friday - 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday 9 am to 1pm

How can I volunteer?
Skills for Change offers different opportunities for volunteer participation. We welcome guest visitors from a variety of professions to speak to our clients on issues such as worker's rights, labour market trends, sector-specific information on education and employment and various settlement issues. Other opportunities available include administrative assistance, and agency committee participation.

Last updated 04/24/2008