Bridge training programs for skilled immigrants

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Bridge training programs are for eligible immigrants who have international training and experience.

These programs are designed to “bridge” their international training, education and experience with what they need to work in Ontario. They help get fast access to training and supports, a license or certificate, and help immigrants find employment in their profession or trade.

Through bridge training programs, skilled immigrants can get:

• An assessment of your skills and prior learning

• Technical and essential skills training specific to your occupation

• License or certification exam preparation

• Workplace culture and communication training

• Clinical or job placements to help you get Canadian workplace experience

• Mentoring or networking with employers

• Employment supports, like resumé preparation, labour market orientation, mock interviews, job search supports, etc.

• Post-employment job retention supports, including career planning and management.

• Service providers include :

• Universities and publicly-funded colleges

• Occupational regulatory bodies

• Community agencies

• Employer organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Learning includes in-class and online options or a combination of in-class and online.

Flexible schedule options allow part-time or full-time, daytime and evening, and Monday to Friday and weekend access to programs of varying lengths depending on the service provider delivering the training and your profession or trade.

To be eligible for the bridge training program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a resident of Ontario

• Have international post-secondary education

• Have international work experience in your occupation

• Have language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 or higher

In addition, you must be one of the following:

• Refugee claimant with a valid work permit

• Permanent resident

• Convention refugee

• Naturalized Canadian citizen

• Service providers may have additional eligibility requirements.

This program might be good for you if you:

• Have already had a career in your home country

• Would like to work in the same or similar field in Canada

International students and temporary foreign workers are not eligible.

Program cost. Fees may apply. The amount varies and is established by the service provider.