Our Programs

OFE offers a wide range of programming options designed to get you ready for employment. Whether you’re starting your first job, returning to the workforce, exploring a new career path, or building your future in Canada, OFE has a program to help you succeed.

Eligibility requirements may vary. Please speak to your Employment Consultant for more information.

Assistance with Job Searching (Employment Assistance Services)

Opportunities for Employment offers a range of free employment services for Winnipeg job seekers that are designed to prepare and connect job seekers with employers.

Job seekers work one-on-one with an Employment Consultant to develop an employment plan, create or update their resume, prepare for interviews, and receive job leads and information about upcoming employer events. Participants who want to strengthen their job search strategies or complete additional training to expand their employment options can access a variety of learning opportunities before transitioning to a guided job search. Our goal is to prepare job seekers for the labour market and connect them with employers who are actively recruiting. Our staff will assist participants in selecting the training options that best meet their needs and achieve their job goals.

Canada Goose Program (Sewing Machine Operator)

This program offers training to prepare job seekers for direct placement and long-term employment with Canada Goose in Winnipeg. 

OFE and Canada Goose have partnered together to help over 1400+ people become employed as Sewing Machine Operators.  Applicants do not require prior sewing experience; all of the required training is provided and is free to OFE participants. This role is well suited to individuals who take pride in completing tasks, have a strong attention to detail, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. The program includes one week of job-specific training at OFE and two to four weeks of paid machine operator training at Canada Goose. Canada Goose offers full-time employment, a comprehensive benefits package, production bonuses, paid holidays, and a pension plan.
Watch Video about Canada Goose

Community Employment Support Program

This program is designed to improve the labour market success of job seekers who have been involved with the justice system and face the barrier to employment of having a criminal record.

At OFE, participants with criminal records have access to our full range of employment services, including one-on-one intake assessments, career exploration, motivational interviewing, encouragement, and confidence-building. We also provide assistance with job searching, resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation, and participants may be referred to our in-house training opportunities. In addition, OFE can advocate with employers on behalf of job seekers who face particularly significant barriers to employment. This program is funded by the United Way and enables us to employ a dedicated Employment Consultant who works primarily with individuals who have a criminal record.

Community Home Services Program

This program provides Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) recipients with paid work experience, training, and employment supports while delivering free home services to eligible customers in the community.

In the Community Home Services Program, participants are hired for a six-month term position and paid minimum wage to provide housekeeping and snow removal services. These are full-time positions, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants will have access to training, employer events, job search support, and one-on-one coaching from OFE staff. This program focuses on building solid routines, developing strong work habits, building confidence in their abilities and creating a supportive environment where they receive regular feedback and have the opportunity to earn references. The program is designed to prepare them to transition into permanent employment outside of the program before the end of their six-month term.

Employer Partnership Program

This program offers training for in-demand occupations developed by OFE in partnership with local employers to meet Winnipeg's labour market needs.

The curriculum provides industry specific Skills for Success (essential skills training) and technical training that prepares participants for targeted positions with OFE's employer partners. Upon completing the training, participants are job-ready and can be hired by employer partners to fill vacancies and address labour shortages. Training opportunities are based on current labour market demand and include Manufacturing and Production, Health Services (Direct Support Worker), Retail and Hospitality, Customer Service/Contact Centre, Administrative/Office, and Childcare Preparation. By aligning training with employer needs, the program helps businesses address workforce gaps while equipping participants with the skills and supports needed to transition successfully into full-time employment.

Employment Mentorship Program

This is a comprehensive employment development program that equips participants to transition into long-term employment and is designed to assist Winnipeg employers in recruiting and retaining qualified skilled employees.

This program consists of an extensive development program for participants, which includes Skills for Success (essential skills training), employment preparation, gaining work experience, and receiving support through workplace coaching. An Employment Coach plays a key role in supporting participants by providing feedback, encouragement, and guidance to help them develop and refine the employment skills needed to succeed in the workplace. During the transition to employment, an Employer Liaison works with both the employee and employer to support the successful transition into the workplace, promote adherence to workplace policies and procedures, foster positive working relationships, and increase job satisfaction for both parties. This program was developed as part of the Manitoba Works! Project, evaluated as part of a multi-year research study and moved into implementation in 2016.

Manufacturing Production Worker Program

This program is designed to prepare participants, with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of four or less, to transition into full-time employment in the manufacturing sector and is delivered under the Refugee Employment Development Initiative (REDI).

Designed for refugees and other newcomers with lower English levels, the program prepares job seekers for employment in Manitoba’s manufacturing sector. Delivered through a targeted, demand-led model, the program equips participants to succeed in a specific occupational environment by combining Foundational Language Training, English for Work, and Occupational Specific Essential Skills (OSES) training. By developing practical language and workplace skills that align with local labour market needs, participants are better prepared to secure employment, achieve greater financial independence, and build the stability needed to fully participate in their workplaces and communities.

Mature Worker Program (50+)

This program is for unemployed individuals who are 50+ years of age and who want to engage in the labour market. 

The program offers career exploration and essential skills assessments to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and employment goals. Participants are supported in pursuing full-time or part-time employment opportunities or exploring volunteer roles that align with their interests and aspirations. Participants have a designated Employment Consultant and are able to collaborate on an employment plan, designed for them as an individual. The program provides access to training designed specifically for mature job seekers and opportunities for participants to network with one another and take part in OFE’s broad range of employment services including computer literacy courses, interview preparation and sector specific training.

Maximum Opportunities

This program provides Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) recipients with enhanced employment and retention services that offer ongoing guidance and accountability to help participants succeed at finding and keeping employment.

Through personalized employment counselling and targeted job search programming, participants develop the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to achieve their career goals. Participants receive one-on-one employment support, job search workshops, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and assistance with email, online job applications, and navigating today's job market. They also have access to training opportunities, current job leads, and employer hiring events. Throughout the program, participants receive ongoing coaching, accountability, and encouragement to help them stay focused, achieve their job search goals, and work toward greater financial independence.

Milestones to Employment (Newcomer Women)

This program is designed to help racialized newcomer women successfully secure employment.

This program is specifically tailored to address employment-related challenges that newcomer women experience, such as navigating the job search progress, limited knowledge of the local labour market, cultural differences in the workplace, limited understanding of workplace expectations, and lack of Canadian work experience. Participants have access to one-on-one employment consultation, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, training opportunities, job leads, and employer hiring events. The program provides participants with opportunities to connect with other newcomers, build meaningful relationships, and develop a supportive network while navigating their employment journey.

Si vous recherchez des services d’établissements  des nouveaux arrivants francophones au Manitoba, nous vous recommandons de contacter Accueil Francophone par Tél: (204) 975-4250 ou bien par courriel: accueil@sfm.mb.ca pour obtenir de l’assistance. Si vous êtes à la recherche d’un emploi et vous avez besoin des services en français, n’hésitez pas à contacter Pluri-elles (Manitoba) Inc. par Tel (204) 233-1735 poste 201 ou 1-800-207-5874 ou bien par courriel: pluridg@pluri-elles.mb.ca Si vous avez besoin que OFE vous mette en contact avec l’un de ses partenaires de services, n’hésitez pas à nous joindre par courriel ofe@ofe.ca

Newcomer Youth Employment Program (15-30)

This program offers both virtual and in-person job search support to Newcomer Youth, as part of our Milestones to Employment Program.

OFE supports newcomers aged 15 to 30 who are ready to begin working either part-time or full-time. The program makes it easy to access help online, in person, or by text. Participants receive personalized employment coaching, including assistance with resumes, interviews, and job search strategies. They can also join small peer-networking groups to connect with other youth for encouragement and support. An Employment Consultant is available through text or phone and youth can access a range of online learning options such as self-paced courses, job search guides, and instructional videos. The program offers flexible evening and weekend hours to accommodate busy schedules.

Stages of Change for Persons with Medical Conditions

This program provides Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) recipients living with a medical condition with individualized employment supports to build motivation, develop skills, and achieve meaningful employment. 

This program provides client-centred employment services to individuals living with a medical condition that may affect their daily lives or ability to work. Using the Stages of Change model and Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques, staff help participants explore their readiness for employment, build internal motivation, and identify achievable employment goals. Participants receive personalized support to address skills gaps, strengthen their job search skills, and connect with employers offering part-time or full-time employment opportunities. They also have full access to OFE's employment development services and training opportunities to support their journey toward sustainable employment.

Our services and training are free.

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