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We Help You Land the Job You Want.

Integrated Employment Service (IES)

The goal of the Integrated Employment Service program is to assist Ontarians find sustainable employment. There are varying levels of services provided, depending on the needs of the user. Those requiring limited assistance are free to come in and work independently in our Resource and Information Area. This includes our job board, career information, computers and printers for resumes, cover letters, applications, etc. as well as additional resources. Our Resource and Employment Advisors are always on hand to help if you need assistance.

At any time, users can request to meet with an Employment Advisor to discuss if they are eligible for our one-to-one services. Working with an Employment Advisor has many benefits. Sometimes having that extra advice and support makes the difference in finding a job and keeping the job! 

Employment Advisors can help with career research, resumes, goal setting, and referrals to our placement services. Placements with local employers are a great way to explore and test jobs that are new to you as well as open up doors that may have been closed. 

These services include, but are not limited to coordinated client service planning and supports that provide:

  • structured and individualized support for conducting a successful job search, 
  • job placement and matching services, 
  • support to assist clients with job retention and training completion

The goal of the Employment Ontario Integrated Employment Services is to help Ontarians find sustainable employment.

Employees – LEAP delivers client-driven Integrated Employment Services that assists individuals seeking employment.

  • We provide one-to-one services with a trained Employment Advisor which includes:
    • Weekly meetings and check-ins
    • Personalized assistance with job applications (including resumes, cover letters, etc.)
    • Your Employment Advisor will advise you of any jobs in the area that are in line with your goals
  • Referrals to other relevant community services and resources as needed
  • Potential for some financial support *additional eligibility screening required*

Employers – We also support employers seeking visibility by posting job ads on our in-person and online job boards.

  • We can help fill gaps in your staffing through placement services where we place an existing client in an employer’s open job

For more information regarding Integrated Employment Service, please visit the FAQs or visit LEAP today!

  • Our Resource Advisor will greet you and orient you to our center – they will guide you through the Resource and Information Area, which includes free access to computers, printers, our job board, along with other training resources.
  • Our Resource Advisor will offer you guidance and information in the Resource Area, including:
  • Assistance regarding job applications (e.g. resumes, cover letters, etc.)
  • Job searching and our Job Board
  • Information about One-to-One Employment Services
  • Filling out a registration form
  • Completing an intake session with one of our Employment Advisors where you will discuss your job history, employment goals, and an action plan to help you meet your goals
  • They will also give you information about additional government programs and funding
  • You will be asked to attend regular appointments with your personal Employment Advisor who will help you take steps towards your goals!
  • Potential referrals to other community programs or government programs such as Better Jobs Ontario!

Please note that all individuals must complete an intake and assessment prior to any potential financial support or referral to other services or programs.

For more information, please drop in or call us at 807-468-1911.

Better Jobs Ontario

After the completion of an initial assessment, an Employment Advisor can provide you with information about the services and training opportunities through the Better Jobs Ontario program, help you to pursue re-training for a new career in a high-demand occupation and obtain financial support.

The Better Jobs Ontario program provides financial support for individuals who have been laid off on or after January 1, 2005, offering up to $28,000 for training programs that are 1 year or less in duration, and up to $35,000 for programs that are longer than 1 year, to help cover the cost of tuition, books, transportation, and living expenses.

Eligibility to apply for funding through the Better Jobs Ontario program:

  • Canadian Citizen and resident of Ontario
  • Have been laid-off and have not been working or are working a temporary job just to cover costs
  • Have not been laid-off but have been unemployed for six months or longer and are part of a low-income household

All applicants must demonstrate that they require skills training to assist them to find employment in occupations with demonstrated labour market prospects in Ontario.

Additional Program Information and Updates: Better Jobs Ontario | Ontario.ca

Program FAQs

All of LEAP’s services are completely FREE! LEAP is funded by the Ministry of Labour Immigration, Training and Skills Development as well as Serco Canada to administer Employment Services, Better Jobs Ontario, at no cost to you.

If you are interested in Employment Services, please call 807-468-1911 or stop by the LEAP office to schedule an intake and assessment appointment!

Employment Service allows you to work one-on-one with a trained Employment Advisor. They will assist you with your job search and administer personalized workshops as needed to help you reach your goals. This includes weekly meetings and check-ins, help with job searching and applications (resumes, cover letters, etc.), as well as sending you any job postings that might be of interest to you. You will always get to choose which jobs you apply for.

To be eligible for employment services, you may be unemployed, employed, enrolled in post-secondary education, 18 years of age or older, and a resident of Ontario.

Registering with LEAP is simple! Come in to meet with an Employment Advisor at any time or call and make an appointment. You will be asked to fill out a registration form and then have a one-on-one intake and assessment meeting with your Employment Advisor to discuss your employment and training goals.

Registration takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Once you’re registered, your Employment Advisor will make appointments with you to help you take steps towards your employment and/or training goals. They will also send you job postings that are of interest to you based on your goals. You will always be in control of which jobs you apply to. Your appointments will vary based on what your goals are.

We work with many local businesses in the community which support our placement programs. Job placements are based on each individual interests, and LEAP is here to help you navigate and achieve your goals. LEAP’s mission is to ensure that the participant is matched with a suitable job (and employer) that aligns with their goals.

While on a job placement, the participant is employed by the employer and is to be treated as any other employee. As employees, participants must be paid at least minimum wage ($17.20 on October 1, 2024) by the employer. LEAP will then reimburse the employer.

Better Jobs Ontario is a program for recently laid-off, unemployed workers for which long-term skills training is the most appropriate intervention to transition them into high-skill, high demand occupations in the local labour market.

LEAP’s Virtual Reality Career Exploration program in Kenora, Ontario, lets you experience hands-on job simulations through cutting-edge VR technology. This immersive tool helps job seekers and students explore different career paths, discover their interests, and make informed career decisions in a fun, engaging way.

Yes! LEAP offers access to government-funded job training programs like Better Jobs Ontario, designed to help eligible individuals gain skills for in-demand careers in Northwestern Ontario.

You can visit LEAP’s Resource and Information Area to receive free support with resumes, cover letters, and job applications. Our Employment Advisors provide one-on-one guidance to help you stand out.

LEAP offers personalized employment support for unemployed adults in Kenora, including resume help, interview coaching, job placement assistance, and access to local job postings.

Registered LEAP clients get matched with local employers in Kenora based on their skills and goals. We also share current job postings and support you through the application and interview process.

Client Resources

Welcome to the Client Resources page of the Lake of the Woods Employment Action Project (LEAP). Here, you’ll find valuable tools and information to assist you in your job search journey. From crafting impactful cover letters and resumes to acing your job interviews, our curated tip sheets provide practical advice to enhance your employment prospects. Additionally, we offer a list of recommended job search sites, including the Service Canada Job Bank, Ontario Government Careers, Indeed Canada, and WOW Jobs, to help you find the right opportunities. Explore our resources to gain the confidence and skills needed to land your next job.

Job Search Sites