FAQ

1. What is the Experienced Worker Centre?

The Experienced Worker Centre (EWC) at Algonquin College help adults who have been laid-off, are under-employed, or are simply considering a new career identify programs and financial support that can assist them on their journey. Our Intake and Referral consultants will meet with you one-on-one to discuss how training at Algonquin College can help by exploring:

  • your skills and experience, and how to build on them
  • the local labour market—we’ll help match your skills and interests to in demand occupations and identify the training you need to pursue them
  • funding options that may be available to you, including Better Jobs Ontario

If we can’t answer your question, we will be sure to connect you to one of our many partners who can offer the help you need. Contact Us today.

2. Who works at the Experienced Worker Centre?

The staff at the Experienced Worker Centre is comprised of two Intake and Referral Consultants whose role is to support you as you explore your options at Algonquin College. Our WSIB Student Success Specialist is also available on a part-time basis to support new clients. Get to know Our team.

3. Is there an Experienced Workers Program at Algonquin College?

No, there is no program of study dedicated to Experienced Worker at Algonquin College. However, the Intake and Referral Consultants at the Experienced Worker Centre are committed to working with adults who have been laid-off, are underemployed, or are simply considering a new career. We’ll help on your journey back to school and connect you to college services like Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition and the Language Institute that will make the most of your time and experience.

4. Can the Experienced Worker Centre find me a job?

No. The Experienced Workers Centre is here to connect you to courses, programs, and funding options that can help you on your journey back to school. While we are happy to direct you to partners who can assist in your job search, we do not provide job postings nor do we accept resumes or cover letters on behalf of the college.

5. I’m new to Canada, how can they Experienced Worker Centre help me?

As a new Canadian, you may face challenges having your credentials recognized, or be unsure of how to build on your existing credentials and transition to a related career. Our Intake and Referral Consultants can help you identify courses and programs that may fit with your background, connect you to related services and supports and help you identify occupations that have the most potential for employment.

6. Can you help me fill out my Second Career application?

We’re here to help you identify programs that fit with Better Jobs Ontario funding criteria. As part of that process, we are happy to provide a detailed overview of the steps involved in securing Better Jobs Ontario funding. When it comes time to fill out the application, we will connect you directly to an Employment Ontario officer who will help you fill out the application.

7. Can you help me fill out my OSAP application?

No. The Experienced Worker Centre is here to connect you to courses, programs, and funding programs, like S Better Jobs Ontario, that can help you on your journey back to school. However, the Ontario Students Loan Assistance Program is administered by Financial Aid at Algonquin. While our Intake and Referral Consultants can provide a general overview, they cannot help fill out the application as much of the information gathered is private and confidential. In turn, it is important that you work directly with a trained financial aid consultant to complete the application. You can also call 1-877-OSAP-411 FREE to reach OSAP directly.

 

8. Can you help me with the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS)?

Yes – provided you are a client who has first met with an Intake and Referral Consultant and is pursuing training funded by one of our partners, like Better Jobs Ontario. You can also call 1-888-892-2228 to reach OCAS directly.