Whether you’re a student looking for your first job or a recent graduate entering the job market, there are always ways to learn new skills or improve the ones you have.
If you’ve never had a job or have little work experience, you might wonder how to make your resume stronger and increase your chances of getting hired.
Start by researching your chosen career and talking to local employment and settlement services. They can guide you toward certifications and volunteer opportunities related to your career plans.
What training or certifications can help me get a job?
Here are some options to consider:
CPR/AED & First-Aid
For safety reasons, many part-time and full-time jobs in various fields require candidates to have CPR Level A or C certifications. These certifications are valid for three years and can be completed in person or with a mix of online and in-person training. Learn more about how to get your First Aid/CPR certificate.
Customer Service Training & Sales Training
Customer Service or Sales Training can help if you don’t have much experience in jobs that involve working with the public. You can complete courses like Service Excellence online through different organizations or the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation.
WHMIS Training
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training contains all the information necessary for classifying hazardous products and ensuring safety at work. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS) offers a short, 1-hour online course that teaches basic WHMIS knowledge needed for a new job. Although WHMIS training doesn’t expire, the government encourages employers and employees to review it every year.
The CCOHS also offers free courses on topics like mental health, workplace violence, pandemic awareness training, and more.
Safe Food-Handling Training
In Canada, most people who work with food must take a course approved by the Canadian Institute of Food Safety. This course teaches the basic rules for handling food safely. You can take the course and exam entirely online. Finishing the lessons usually takes 8-10 hours, and then you must pass a supervised exam.
SmartServe & CannSell
The SmartServe Certification prepares you for workplaces in Ontario where alcohol is sold, served, delivered, or sampled. You can complete the certification course fully online in 4-5 hours. This certification must be renewed every 5 years.
CannSell is a cannabis retail training program approved by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario. It’s a required certification if you want to work in the cannabis retail industry and you must be 19 years or older to take the course.
Principles of Healthy Child Development (HIGH FIVE), Babysitting Certification
Taking care of children, whether they are your neighbours’ kids or family friends, is a great way to show you are responsible and gain experience. Taking a HIGH FIVE course or getting a Babysitting Certificate can also show employers that you take initiative and have the education needed to excel in childcare.
Language Certifications
Good language skills are very important in today’s job market. If you speak more than one language, you can show your communication skills by passing language-specific standardized tests. The process and availability of these tests may be different for each language, but demonstrating language proficiency could be something employers look for.
Basic Computer Training, Microsoft Office Training, Software Certifications, Coding Courses, Google Professional Certifications
No matter one’s career path, understanding the basics of technology and computers is always an asset. There are courses provided in Ontario that teach basic computer skills in addition to helping you access some of the more extensive training programs. You can find these courses through your local library or Ontario Works caseworker if you are a recipient.
Training to become a Microsoft Office Specialist or becoming familiar with the software used in different industries can lead to better resumes and more success in job interviews.
If you’re pursuing Information Technology (IT) as a career, developing your knowledge of coding with programming languages like Scratch, Java, or Python is an essential skill. In recent years, Google has also begun offering self-access courses and tutorials for young professionals looking to develop their IT skills.
Leadership Programs, Community Networking, and Social Justice Initiatives
If you are passionate about social justice issues and creating change in your community, getting involved at a grassroots level (e.g., local church groups, non-profit organizations, etc.) can provide enriching opportunities for self-development. These opportunities allow you to practice your communication skills, develop your leadership abilities, and participate in community improvement initiatives.
For more information on accessing skills development opportunities, please contact the programs listed below.
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario:
YMAP Program (London, Windsor and Sarnia)
Y-Works Program (Windsor and London)
Orientation Services (London, Windsor and Sarnia)
Presented by: Patrick Foley – Newcomer Youth Settlement Advisor, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario | Windsor Learning Centre