As the largest provider of comprehensive employment services in Kingston and its surrounding region, we provide services to the whole community.
Employers who require assistance to recruit and train staff; and job seekers who require job search support can find the help they need through KEYS.
Whether you are employed or unemployed; looking for a job or exploring career options; a young or mature worker; a new Immigrant or an employer looking to hire the right staff; KEYS can help. Our success in helping our clients is based on our expertise and our understanding of the client groups we serve.
Those we serve fall into four main categories:
Job Seekers:
KEYS delivers a wide range of employment programs to meet the needs of our clients. These programs are supported by various levels of Government including:
Adults – Individuals over 29 years old, who are either unemployed or underemployed.
Persons with Disabilities – Individuals who have a permanent disability and are not a student.
Youth – 16 to 29 years of age, out of school and not returning to school full-time.
Employers:
Local employers within the Kingston – Gananoque area and surrounding region.
Entrepreneurs:
KEYS offers many services designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to pursue their business goals by providing access to resources and coaching.
Newcomers to Canada:
New Immigrants to Canada requiring settlement help, English training and job search support.
Programs currently delivered by KEYS include:
Canada-Ontario Job Grant
COJF – provides funding to employers to invest in their workforce, with help from the government. The Job Grant will provide up to $10,000 in government support per person for training. If you’re an employer with a particular skill demand, the Canada-Ontario Job Grant may be right for you and your business.
For more information, contact KEYS directly and ask to speak with an Employer Services Consultant.
Wage subsidies and training incentives (Employers)
Certain government-funded programs are aimed towards helping employers by providing financial incentives. Contact us today to inquire about the eligibility of your employee(s).
Contact KEYS for more information.
English Language Classes for Newcomers
English classes at no cost for Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees. KEYS offers in-person, online and evening classes for all levels of English.
Daytime classes run Monday to Thursday and evening classes are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Contact us today to register!
Refugee Resettlement Services
We support government-assisted refugees and others to settle in their new homes, learn about life in Kingston & Canada and make connections.
Family-based assistance to navigate services and succeed. Support for children & youth in school. Connections to volunteers, donations and the community.
Newcomer Employment Services
Get support to find a job and build your career in Canada! KEYS offers one-on-one and group services to help you learn about Canadian workplace culture, connect with employers, navigate credential recognition and transition into the workplace. Our Professional Mentoring Partnership helps newcomer professionals make connections with established professionals in their field.
Employment Ontario
Employment Ontario – Employment Services – a comprehensive suite of employment services for all job seekers. A fully staffed Employment Resource Centre, skilled Employment Advisors and a Job Matching and Placement service are all available to connect job seekers with employment opportunities and training options.
This is also the point of access for Second Career. Contact KEYS for more information.
Opportunities Fund (Persons with Disabilities)
This program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain and keep employment.
Contact KEYS for more information.
JobStart
Skills Link Programs – are offered at our Kingston and Gananoque locations and consists of pre-employment training, followed by a supported work placement. Participants get paid for attendance and have fun while they learn. We deliver information sessions to recruit for these programs, so keep checking the KEYS website for our next session.
Youth Job Connection
a year-round employment program for unemployed youth under 30. YJC offers a combination of paid training and paid work placements. YJC offers financial incentives to employers to cover the cost of training their new employee; and supports to the worker for costs like transportation or tools needed for the job.
Contact us to make an appointment or to come to one of our information sessions.
Youth Job Connection. (Summer Program)
This student/youth program runs from June to August. Participants can work 20-35 hours per week for 6 weeks and receive minimum wage. If you are aged 15 to 18 and not currently employed, YJC – Summer may be for you. We will be hosting information sessions at various locations in May-June, so check our website for information.
For more information about our programs, please contact KEYS.
Community Partners at our Centres
CARE for Internationally-Educated Nurses, Kingston Chapter is a bridging program for IENs and is located at KEYS 182 Sydenham Street location.
Itinerant Services are also offered at KEYS in Gananoque by Resolve Credit Counselling.