14.1 Employment

Job Grow and Training Hotline

Through the JobGrow and Training Hotline counsellors assess your employment and training needs to determine appropriate programs and services.
Toll-free: 1-888-562-4769
Phone: 416-326-5656

Labour Market Information

Ontario Job Futures 2000 is a publication that provides information on the current trends and future outlook for 157 occupations common to Ontario. It is a joint effort of the province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. This publication is available through public libraries, or can be accessed through the Internet at www.ontariojobfutures.net

Ontario WorkinfoNet (OnWIN) is a Website that features a searchable directory of links to over 2,000 Websites specializing in employment, career and labour market information for Ontario and regions of Ontario. OnWIN is a partnership of the Ontario Ministries of Education; Training, Colleges and Universities; Agriculture and Food; Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Ontario Region; and Canada WorkinfoNet. For more information, visit the OnWIN Website at http://onwin.ca

Job Connect

Job Connect helps job seekers gain the skills and knowledge to find and keep jobs. It provides help with career planning and job search techniques, work experience placements, and on-the-job training for people in Ontario. Seniors are welcome to visit any Job Connect agency to view information on the labour market, job search and resume writing. For more information call the JobGrow and Training Hotline:
Toll-free: 1-888-562-4769
Phone: 416-326-5656

14.2 Lifelong Learning

Literacy

Literacy and Basic Skills Program

The Literacy and Basic Skills Program of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities provides one-on-one tutoring, small groups and classes for adults 19 years old and up who are out of school and lack the literacy skills necessary to find and keep a job or to meet everyday needs. Programs are offered in a variety of settings across Ontario.

For more information about the literacy and basic skills training programs, contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' toll-free Training Hotline:
The Literacy and Basic Skills Program
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Website: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/literacy/main.html

Many seniors have expressed an interest in being a literacy volunteer. For more information call the JobGrow and Training Hotline:
Toll-free: 1-888-562-4769
Phone: 416-326-5656

Ontario Literacy Coalition

The Ontario Literacy Coalition (OLC) looks for and promotes effective and respectful ways to meet the needs of people in Ontario who have literacy challenges. OLC's work is provincial in scope and impact. OLC brings together diverse groups and individuals to carry out its work. Volunteers are always welcome.
Ontario Literacy Coalition
65 Wellesley St. E., Ste. 503
Toronto ON M4Y 1G7

Phone: 416-963-5787
Fax: 416-963-8102
E-mail: olc@on.literacy.ca
Website: www.on.literacy.ca

Continuing Education

School Boards

Many school boards offer continuing education programs to adults during the day, evening or on weekends. These courses may be for credit or for interest. For more information contact your district school board, listed in the White Pages of your telephone directory, or visit the Ministry of Education’s Website at www.edu.gov.on.ca

Colleges and Universities

Ontario’s universities and colleges offer many opportunities for continuing and distance education, through day, evening or weekend classes. Contact your local university or college for a course calendar or for more information regarding continuing education opportunities. Prior to registration, inquire whether there are any special programs or rates available to seniors. For the college or university nearest you, consult the White Pages of your telephone book or visit the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website for a list of Universities and Colleges in Ontario:
Universities:
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/list/univers.html
Colleges:
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/list/college.html

Elderhostel

Elderhostel is a non-profit organization for adults 55 and over that provides educational learning adventures to nearly 250,000 older adults each year. Elderhostel offers over 11,000 programs a year in more than 100 countries. In addition, there are a number of online seminars and courses available.
Elderhostel
Toll-free: 1-877-426-8056
Fax Toll-free: 1-877-426-2166
Website: www.elderhostel.org

The Canadian Network for Third Age Learning

The Canadian Network for Third Age Learning (CATALIST) is a bilingual network of organizations that fosters learning for seniors (people in the third age). The Network encourages enhanced learning opportunities for all Canadian older adults by acting as the point of contact to link groups, organizations, associations, and/or educational institutions that are interested in delivering programs for third age learners.
CATALIST
c/o Seniors' Education Centre Centre for Continuing Education
University of Regina
College Ave. and Cornwall St.
Regina SK S4S 0A2

Phone: 306-585-5706
Fax: 306-585-5736
E-mail: catalist@uregina.ca
Website: www.catalist.ca

Distance Education

Ontario Council for University Lifelong Learning

The Ontario Council for University Lifelong Learning (OCULL) promotes public recognition of university continuing and distance education as a major source of lifelong learning opportunities for adults in Ontario. The OCULL Website offers a searchable database of distance education courses and program at 15 Ontario universities at www.open.uoguelph.ca
Office of Open Learning
Room 160, Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph ON N1G 2W1

Phone: 519-767-5000
Fax: 519-767-1114
E-mail: info@open.uoguelph.ca
Website: www.open.uoguelph.ca

OntarioLearn.com

OntarioLearn.com is a consortium of 22 Ontario Community Colleges who have partnered to develop and deliver online courses. Today, OntarioLearn.com offers more than 300 courses to thousands of online college students each semester. Students must register though one of the partner colleges. An instructor is available to answer questions, encourage discussion on course topics and provide feedback. For more information, visit www.ontariolearn.com

The Independent Learning Centre

The Independent Learning Centre (ILC) of TVOntario provides a distance education program, in English and in French, for Ontario residents who want to earn secondary school diploma credits, upgrade basic skills, or study for personal development. Students may start a course or earn their secondary school diploma at any time of the year and may study at their own pace. Students' work is marked by Ontario certified teachers.
The Independent Learning Centre
P.O. Box 200, Station Q
Toronto ON M4T 2T1

Toll-free English: 1-800-387-5512
Toll-free French: 1-800-265-0454
English: 416-484-2704
French: 416-484-2722
Fax: 416-484-2754
E-mail: ilc@tvontario.org
Website: www.ilc.org

The Node Learning Technologies Network

The Node is an independent not-for-profit corporation established in 1996 as the Network for Ontario Distance Educators. The Node has gathered together a variety of Website resources for online students including online reference tools, a virtual librarian that teaches the basics of searching the Internet, and links to online databases and listings of distance education courses. For more information, visit The Node Website at www.thenode.org

Office of Learning Technologies

The Office of Learning Technologies (OLT) is a department of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. It acts as a catalyst for innovation in learning and skills development through technology. The OLT works to raise awareness of the opportunities, challenges and benefits of technology-based learning.
Office of Learning Technologies
Phone: 819-953-0300
Website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/topics/lxt-gxr.shtml

Computer Training

The following organizations provide computer training:

Colleges and Universities

Many of Ontario’s universities and colleges offer opportunities for computer training.

Public Libraries

Many Ontario public libraries help people develop their computer skills. All libraries that provide public Internet access also provide instruction on how to use the Internet. Public libraries run courses for beginners, as well as more advanced training. Most courses are free. To find your nearestlibrary, consult the Government Blue Pages of your telephone book under the keyword “Libraries” or visit the “Index of Public Libraries” Website at
www.culture.gov.on.ca/english/culdiv/library/oplweb.htm

Older Adult Centres

Many Older Adult Centres across Ontario provide educational programming, including computer training.

Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens’ Organizations

Free computer classes are offered to Ontario Coalition of Seniors Citizens’ Organizations (OCSCO) members and seniors at large in the Toronto area: Computer Basics, Internet and E-mail. For more information, or to register for classes, contact OCSCO at:
660, avenue Briar Hill, bureau 207
Toronto ON  M6B 4B7

Toll-free: 1-800-265-0779
Phone: 416-785-8570
E-mail: ocsco@web.net
Website: www.ocsco.ca

The Student Connection Program

The Student Connection Program (SCP) is an Industry Canada and Youth Employment Strategy initiative, created in part to introduce Canadian seniors to the service and communication power of the Internet. Participants benefit from personalized tutoring and may elect to have courses conducted at home or in small group classes at one of SCP’s four locations across Ontario.

For pricing details and registration information:
Toll-free: 1-888-807-7777
Website: www.scp-ebb.com/english/seniors.cfm

14.3 Volunteering

Volunteer Centres

The Ontario Volunteer Centre Network has 33 member volunteer centres across the province, including a number of bilingual and francophone centres.

Volunteer centres provide services for individuals and organizations that seek information on volunteering and act as a clearinghouse to help volunteers and agencies connect with one another.

For information on volunteering opportunities in your community and to find the Volunteer Centre nearest you:
Toll-free: 1-800-670-0401
Website: www.volunteer.ca

Words on Work

Women’s Speakers Bureau Words on Work (WOW) is a program in which schools invite dynamic women speakers to talk with students about career options in ways that will inspire and motivate them. These women are volunteers representing a wide range of careers. Discussions revolve around what each woman does (or did, if now retired), why she is passionate about her career, the personal and economic benefits of her profession, the obstacles she had to overcome, and the rewards.
Words on Work
Toll-free: 1-800-790-9113
Phone: 416-440-5107
E-mail: wow@tlp.on.ca
Website: www.wordsonwork.ca

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

Would you like to help someone complete their tax return? Under the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, trained volunteers complete basic tax returns free of charge for individuals with low incomes and simple tax situations. To volunteer, call 1-800-959-8281 or visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/volunteer/menu-e.html