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LFT General Information

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What kind of information is in the Looking for Training Directory?
The Looking for Training Directory provides information about community-based employment and training programs in Ontario. The phrase "community-based training" usually refers to adult education programs that are culturally sensitive, learner-centred and cost effective. Community-based training agencies are also operated on a not-for-profit model.

How can my program be included?
To be included in the Looking for Training Directory, community-based training programs must be a member of either the Ontario Network of Employment Skills Training Projects (ONESTEP) or ACTEW . Individual ONESTEP and ACTEW member agencies are responsible for keeping their directory listings up-to-date.

How often is the directory updated?
ONESTEP and ACTEW members are responsible for maintaining and updating their own listings in the directory. Every three months member agencies are asked to verify or update program information; however, because all listings are self-administered, ONESTEP and ACTEW cannot ensure the complete accuracy of every listing. It's always a good idea to call or email the agency for the latest information about their training programs.

Which type of search should I use � Basic or Advanced?
If you want to search for training programs in a particular area, or know the name of the organization where you want to pursue training, use the basic search.

If you are looking for a specific type of training (for example, computer training), or know that you are eligible for training through a specific income-support program (EI, Ontario Works, etc.), you might find the advanced search more useful.

What if no training programs match my search criteria?
It's always best to begin searching by casting as wide a net as possible, and then narrowing down. If your search produces no matches it could be that you were too specific or were looking for more than one type of training at the same time.

• Search for only one type of training or service at a time.
  Training programs are usually designed to deliver a specific range of skills at one time. If you are considering a range of training programs (for example, computer training in Microsoft Office and help with preparing your cover letters) you will probably get a wider range of results if you search for each service separately. Also, keep in mind that because Looking for Training is not a complete listing of all training opportunities in Ontario, it could be that the specific type of training you are looking for is not currently offered.
  
  
• Try broadening your search criteria.
  One of the easiest ways to do this is to search only by your location or your program eligibility.
• It could be that there are no matches.
  Remember that "Looking for Training" only contains information about community-based training programs that are members of either ONESTEP or ACTEW. There are hundreds of other community-based programs in existence, but unless they are members of the ONESTEP or ACTEW umbrellas, they are not listed. Likewise, the directory does not contain listings for private, for-private, or corporate training programs. To find other online information about training, see "Where else can I find training program information online?

Why isn't my town or city included in the drop-down menu?
Because the Directory only includes the training programs offered by ONESTEP or ACTEW members, and we do not have members in each town, there may be several areas of the province that are not included in the drop-down menu. Try searching for training using the nearest location to your hometown.

What does "program eligibility" mean?
Some programs are targeted to individuals who fit a certain profile � for example, you must be a sole-support parent, a newcomer to Ontario, or are receiving social assistance. Here are some definitions to help you determine whether you are eligible under certain programs:

EI (Employment Insurance)
Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program administered by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). EI provides temporary income support to individuals who have lost their job and are willing to work but cannot find employment. Through the EI program, Canadians also have the right to get help in looking for a job and may be eligible for the self-help services or employment assistance programs offering through community-based trainers. The EI program replaces the old Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. For more information about EI, check out HRDC's Guide to Employment Insurance.

EI (Employment Insurance) Reach Back
If you have been on EI in the past three years, or in the past five years if your EI support was part of a parental leave, you may still be eligible for some types of employment assistance programs. Check out HRDC's Guide to Employment Insurance.

ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)
ODSP is a provincial program administered through the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. ODSP provides income support for people with disabilities and employment supports for people with disabilities who want to work. If you are eligible ODSP may provide a range of employment supports and services including: help with developing an employment plan; employment preparation and training; technical aids ranging from mobility devices and reading aids to adapted computers as well as the training to use them; interpreter, reader, note taker, and intervenor services; travel, route, and orientation training; job placement support; job coaching and help with job searches; on-the-job training; and transportation assistance while you are training for a job. For more information, see the OSDP website.

OW (Ontario Works)
Commonly known as Social Assistance or Welfare, the Ontario Works (OW) program is a provincial program offered through the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. Ontario Works provides financial and employment assistance to single people, couples with and without children, and sole-support parents. OW is a mandatory welfare-to-work program for most social assistance recipients � you must participate in activities to be eligible for benefits while you are receiving assistance. Ontario Works has three different parts: employment supports (job-search services, referral to basic education and job-specific skills training); employment placement (referral to a job placement or self-employment development agencies); and community participation: unpaid community service activity. For more information on the OW program, see the Ministry's website.

Unattached � No Income Support
You are not receiving income support of any kind and do not qualify for any income support programs.

Where else can I find training program information online?
There are several other places where you can find employment and training programs.

Interactive Training Inventory
The HRDC Interactive Training Inventory (ITI) is a free, online superstore of education and training information in Ontario. You can search for courses, and view full course information, duration, cost, and contact information.

Job Search for Newcomers
An online directory of employment programs for immigrants and refugees in Durham, Peel, York and Toronto. Offered through COSTI and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

CapacityNet
CapacityNet is an online collaboration for organizations that delivery high quality and effective self-employment training programs.

SchoolFinder
If you are also considering continuing education, this site provides information on Canadian community colleges, career colleges and universities, as well as scholarships and student loans.

Apprenticeship Opportunities in Ontario
Find out how to become a skilled trades people through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. From Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

What if I get an error message?
If you are getting an error message, it could be that our web server is temporarily down. While we tried to resolve as many "bugs" in the Directory before launching, you may have found one that we missed. Either way, please send us an email at webadmin@onestep.on.ca or webadmin@actew.org.

Can I make suggestions to help improve the directory?
You bet! Send your suggestions to us at webadmin@onestep.on.ca or webadmin@actew.org.

How do I contact the people responsible for Looking for Training?
The Looking for Training Directory is a collaborative project of ONESTEP and ACTEW and you can contact either organization if you have any other questions or require further help.

ONESTEP
416-591-7151
webadmin@onestep.on.ca

Jen Liptrot
Online Community Animator
ACTEW � A Women's Training Community
416-599-3590
webadmin@actew.org