COSTI: Online Services

Online Services

COSTI’s Online Services program can be useful to any job seeker who has restrictions traveling to employment service centres on a daily or appointment basis for several weeks; wants to supplement their on-site instruction with at-home, self-paced lessons; needs to refresh their understanding of key job search tools, such as resume writing or interview preparation, or wants to access the latest labour market information. For more information on COSTI’s Online Services, or to register for upcoming workshops.

COSTI Online Services

This service has several core elements to address the differing needs of job seekers: Resource Room Workshops; Employment Strategies for Professionals Courses; Trades and Apprenticeships Workshops; and a Virtual Library.

See employment services available here

Services Available

This program has several core elements to address the differing needs of different job seekers.

These courses are intended for internationally trained professionals and job seekers/individuals in general interested in upgrading their skills and knowledge. Courses are facilitated and normally take one to four weeks with regular daily use. Course topics covered:

Customer Service Preparation
Communication in the Workplace
Writing a Strategic Resume
Office Administration

COSTI's Online Services are available to all individuals, including internationally trained professionals who are unemployed or underemployed, able to communicate in English at an advanced level; and are experienced computer users familiar with the internet.

Resource Room Workshops

This element consists of a number of on-line workshops that normally will take up to a week of regular study to complete using a few hours each day. The topics covered the basic range of job search preparation including:

Identify Your Skills
Identify Your Qualifications
Labour Market Information
Understanding What Employers Are Looking For
Writing Resumes
Writing Cover Letters
Using the Telephone for Job Search
Networking
Preparing for the Interview
Sensitivity and Diversity
Orientation to the Workplace
Tips for Staying Employed
Safety in the Workplace

Employment Strategies for Professionals Courses

These courses are intended for internationally trained professionals seeking to orient themselves to their profession as practiced in Canada, including basic entry requirements and technical terminology. Courses normally take four weeks with regular daily use. Profession covered:

Office Administration

Trades and Apprenticeship Workshops

These workshops are geared to individuals wanting to explore the trades as a career or to orient themselves to their trade as practiced in Canada. Content covers basic trades options, the processes for gaining a license and some terminology. Workshops normally take one week of steady use and cover:

Plumbing
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning
Carpentry
Hairstyling
Industrial Mechanics/Millwrights
Automotive Technician
Construction & Maintenance Electrician Virtual Library

Who is Eligible

COSTI's Online Services are available to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed, able to communicate in English at an advanced level; and are experienced computer users familiar with the internet.

Contact Details for:

Online Services
Email: costionlineservices@costi.org

This Program is Located at:

Employment Services, Brampton
10 Gillingham Drive, Suite 300
Brampton, ON L6X 5A5
Phone: 905.459.8855 | bramptonemployment@costi.org

Employment Services, Mississauga
6750 Winston Churchill Boulevard, Unit 8A
Mississauga, ON L5N 4C4
Phone: 905.567.0482 | mississaugaemployment@costi.org

Employment Services, Toronto
2301 Keele Street, Suite 102
Toronto, ON M6M 3Z9
Phone: 416.789.7925 | torontoemployment@costi.org

Employment Services, Vaughan Centre
3100 Rutherford Road, Suite 102
Vaughan, ON L4K 0G6
Phone: 905.669.5627 | vaughanemployment@costi.org

Employment Services, Weston
1885 Weston Road
Toronto, ON M9N 1V9
Phone: 416.588.2240 | westonemployment@costi.org

There is no fee for this service.

COSTI's Online Services is an Employment Ontario Program, funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Related Resources

View Workshop Calendars

Go to the COSTI Workshops Calendar homepage

How can I access a course through COSTI On-Line?

Our On-Line services are available to internationally trained professionals who have worked in the accounting/finance profession, Information Technology and other professions. Look for upcoming courses. If you have any questions, please call 416.789.7925, or email onlineservices@costi.org.

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Cross-Cultural Awareness

As more and more immigrants arrive in Canada and begin their new lives, one of their first concerns is securing employment. The significance of understanding and being aware of cultural nuances becomes paramount for both the newcomer and everyone they interact with.

Intercultural understanding is often challenging due to the differences in verbal and non-verbal communication. Some factors include misunderstandings, false assumptions, misinterpretations, discomfort at being around certain culture-specific behaviours and habits, and more importantly, lack of knowledge in how to address these concerns in an effective and sensitive manner.

Differences may be overt, such as dress code, or coming from a culture where taking initiative is considered aggressive. Differences can also be seen in corporate structure. In one culture, a job title may explain hierarchy within an organization. A title may also have different functions within different organizations.

Overcoming cultural differences involves awareness, knowledge, and skills.

Awareness: Being aware that your mentor may be acting or speaking contrary to your expectations simply due to their own cultural norms and language interpretation.

Knowledge: Applying your understanding of cultural differences to resolve both obvious and not so obvious culture-bound situations you may be in.

Skills: Bringing together your awareness that cultural differences exist and the knowledge that you may be acting in a culture-specific way and applying positive regard, communication and non-judgmental listening.