Empowering people with the tools to succeed is at the core of everything we do. COSTI’s Employment Services cover the gamut of supports necessary to help individuals in need, including training and soft skills that newcomers require to become job-ready. From goal-setting and résumé writing to networking and building confidence in order to connect to the right employers, COSTI is helping many newcomers successfully re-enter the labour market.

While COVID-19 is on the decline, the pandemic’s impact contributed to a significant digital transformation at COSTI, one that continues to remain relevant and beneficial today. Individuals without access to transportation, or who have challenging home environments are continuing to benefit from our virtual programming. Our eight-week Wrap-Around program is just one example of this continuing and expanding innovation. Funded by Toronto Employment & Social Services, the program provides a safe, virtual space for peer networking as well as one-on-one counselling, all to help with confidence-building and motivation, communications improvement and more.

Our commitment to increasing accessible programming continued with our Life Success Strategies program – a three-week program geared to low to moderate income earners in York Region who are struggling to re-enter the workforce. A few of the program highlights include management and interview skills and creating effective work search plans. Last year, a series of workshop sessions were delivered at one of the hotels housing Afghan newcomers, with several landing their first jobs here in Canada as a result of their participation in the program.