Ontario Bridge Training

Ontario Bridge Training programs help skilled newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they find employment commensurate with their skills and experience in Ontario. The Government of Ontario funds employers, colleges and universities, occupational regulatory bodies and community organizations to deliver bridge training programs, with support from the Government of Canada.

A NEW DIRECTION

ONTARIO’S IMMIGRATION STRATEGY

A new direction for immigration in Ontario – attracting highly skilled workers and their families, supporting diverse communities and growing a globally-connected economy.

What bridge training programs do

Each bridge training program is unique, but in general they are designed to give internationally trained individuals:

• an assessment of their education and skills
• clinical or workplace experience
• skills training or targeted academic training
• preparation for a license or certification examination
• occupation-related language training
• individual learning plans to identify any added training needed

Who is eligible?

Participants are the internationally trained individuals (with a post-secondary degree and international work experience). Participants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and convention refugees. International students, temporary foreign workers and individuals without post-secondary credentials are not eligible.

Bursaries for bridge training

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has introduced an Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program, which provides bursaries of up to $5,000 to internationally trained individuals participating in eligible Ontario Bridge Training programs offered by Ontario colleges and universities. These bursaries cover participants’ direct education costs not covered by the Ontario Student Assistance Program. Such costs can include tuition, books and equipment.