Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization

02/18/2026

As Ramadan begins, we wish peace and blessings to all who observe this holy month.
May your days be filled with reflection, gratitude, and compassion.

02/17/2026

Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧 Wishing everyone celebrating joy, health, and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.
May this new beginning bring peace and harmony to you and your loved ones.

02/16/2026

Happy Family Day! Today we celebrate the love, care, and connection that families bring to our lives — in all their forms.
Please note that OCISO offices are closed today.
Wishing everyone a warm and restful day with loved ones.

02/11/2026

Now Accepting Clients – Green Buildings and Retrofits - Free Training Program!

Do you know that Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy could create over 560,000 clean economy jobs by 2050, with green building and retrofits playing a major role. (Source: Clean Energy Canada)

If you have a background in sustainable construction or any related field and are looking to launch a career or upskill in the green jobs sector, this is your opportunity.

The Community Economic Development (CED) program at OCISO is accepting new clients in the Intercultural Pan-Canadian Green Buildings and Retrofits Training Project, a 100% funded opportunity to gain in-demand skills and hands-on experience in the growing green building industry.

What the program offers:
- 5-week self-paced online training
- Micro-credential training certificate in Green Buildings and Retrofits
- Learn: Sustainable building practices, energy analysis, retrofit systems & more
- 4-week practicum or employment placement
- Wrap-around supports: Job search help, childcare, transportation, and more

Program runs on a rolling first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility:
- Professional background in sustainable construction or any related field
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Canadian Citizen, PR, or Refugee status
- Self-identify as: Newcomer, 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, Woman, Racialized, or Person with disabilities

For more information, please contact us at: gbrtraining@ociso.org

Register now:

Join the fully funded 9-week Green Building & Retrofit Training Project by PICS. Open to equity-seeking groups across Canada. Includes online certification + job placement. Rolling intakes available!

02/03/2026

Are you an internationally trained professional looking to build a long-term, successful career in Ontario’s skilled trades?

The Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization - OCISO’s Credential Recognition Program (CRP) offers group workshop learning sessions designed to help you better understand Ontario’s skilled trades system, Canadian workplace culture, and employer expectations. The program supports participants in moving beyond survival mode and toward confidence, stability, and career growth.

Through our featured workshop, “From Surviving to Sustaining: Thriving in Ontario’s Skilled Trades,” participants gain practical insight into:
✔ Real job expectations in the trades
✔ Workplace culture and safety standards
✔ Employer expectations and retention strategies
✔ Navigating credential recognition and career pathways

📌 If you or someone in your network is navigating the skilled trades system in Ontario, this program can make a real difference.

👉 Register today or scan the QR code to learn more.

To learn more reach out to: crp@ociso.org

02/02/2026

OCISO is excited to facilitate an online info session on “Filing Your Taxes”, hosted by H&R Block! Join us to learn the basics, ask questions, and feel more confident this tax season.

🗓 Date: February 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM

👉 Registration required: https://ow.ly/NEf750Y7QFG

Feel free to share this with your teams and community partners. We hope to see you there!

02/01/2026

Black Canadians and communities worldwide.
Let us celebrate Black excellence and continue learning, listening, and building equity every day!

01/27/2026

Today we remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
Let us reflect on the need to reject all forms of hate and discrimination, and to stand together for a world built on dignity, peace, and respect for all.

01/26/2026

📢 OCISO is looking for a Program Coordinator to join our Community Economic Development (CED) team!

🕒 Term: Part-time (31.5 hrs/week), February 2026 – Indefinite
📍 Location: 945 Wellington St. W, Ottawa
👥 Reports to: Community Economic Development Program Manager

About the role:
The Program Coordinator supports the day-to-day coordination of the program and assists with planning, budgeting, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with community partners, supporting newcomers, and managing multiple priorities.

You may be a great fit if you have:
✔️ 2–3 years of experience in program coordination or related fields
✔️ Experience working with newcomers or employment supports
✔️ Strong communication and organizational skills
✔️ Ability to work in a diverse, multicultural environment

OCISO encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to accessibility throughout the hiring process.

👉 Learn more & apply today: https://ociso.org/work-for-us/

01/24/2026

Today we celebrate the World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture, a time to recognize the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of African heritage around the world.
Let us continue to honour the voices and traditions that shape our shared human experience.

01/19/2026

Are you a newcomer looking for your first job in your field in Ottawa?

Do you need support building your network and making professional connections?

OCISO's Career Mentorship Program can help!

The Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization - OCISO is proud to offer the Career Mentorship Program to Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs) in Health, Education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Trades, and Transportation sectors.

Our program matches clients with volunteer mentors who are established professionals in Ottawa working in the same or similar sectors — providing guidance, industry insights, and support to help ITPs successfully navigate the Canadian job market.

Program Eligibility:
✅ Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee, Protected Person, or Refugee Claimant
✅ Internationally Trained Professional (ITP) with recent experience in Health, Education, STEM, Trades, or Transportation
✅ English CLB Level 6 or higher
✅ Ottawa resident
✅ Employment-ready

If would like to join the program, we’d love to hear from you!

📧 careermentorship@ociso.org
📞 (613) 725-5671 ext. 225

01/15/2026

🌍 Discover Ottawa’s Newcomer Talent Ecosystem – Virtual Employer Expo

Looking to strengthen your workforce through inclusive hiring? Join Ottawa’s leading immigrant-serving organizations for a virtual Employer Expo showcasing programs, services, and supports to help you attract, recruit, hire, and retain skilled newcomers.

🤝 Participating organizations include: CCI, CÉSOC, OCISO, Vanier Community Services Centre, World Skills Employment Centre, and YMCA of the National Capital Region.

📅 Tuesday, January 20, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
💻 Virtual (Zoom) | Free with registration

👥 Who should attend?
Employers, business owners, HR professionals, recruiters, managers, and team leaders across all industries and sectors.

🔗 Learn more & register today: https://www.hireimmigrantsottawa.ca/events-training/micro-learning-event/