Sewing for Jobs is an innovative sewing training program created to be a bridge to financial autonomy for newcomers and vulnerable people.

Exclusion from the labour market creates isolation from society in other ways. Sewing has a long history of bringing people together.

Sewing for Jobs is the 2018 Winner of the United Way 'Poverty to Possibility' Award.

Next session: MARCH 8th, 2021

   SFJ: BEGINNERS (level one)

Participants learn hand stitching, introduction to the sewing machine, various sewing techniques, understanding basic sewing patterns and basic cutting skills. Following a laddered curriculum working on small projects that promotes skill building. Soft skills: time-management, community building, language practise, shifting childcare and home arrangements.

LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 15 weeks --- 3 classes a week (3hr per class)

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Refugee, Permanent resident or Canadian Citizen (or application in process)
• Minimum English Language Proficiency level : 4+ (proof of level is required)
• No sewing pre-requisite
• Availability to attend 90% of the classes

CONTINUING TRAINING

After completing the Sewing for Jobs: BEGINNERS level, all participants who'd like to keep expanding their sewing skills, will be able to choose between two different paths according to their needs or plans.

SFJ: GARMENT CONSTRUCTION (Continuing Program)

A focus on professional garment construction and finishing techniques is built in to the curriculum to ensure employment readiness.  Participants are also introduced to home business fundamentals including client relations, expectations, and pricing.

LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 15 weeks --- 3 classes a week (3hr per class)

REQUIREMENTS:

• SFJ: Beginners level completed or intermediate/advance sewing skills 
• Permanent Resident, Refugee or Canadian Citizen
• Minimum English Language Proficiency level : 5+ (proof of level is required)
• Availability to attend 90% of the classes

SFJ: BUILD UP ALTERATIONS SKILLS (Continuing Program)

Participants will learn how to perform the most common alterations and repairs by using expert techniques and tips taught by one of our most experienced instructor.

They are also introduced to the alterations industry requirements, including customer service, expectations and pricing.

LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 12 weeks --- 3 x half-days a week.

REQUIREMENTS:

• SFJ: Beginners level completed or intermediate/advance sewing skills 
• Permanent Resident, Refugee or Canadian Citizen
• Minimum English Language Proficiency level : 5+ (proof of level is required)
• Availability to attend 90% of the classes

Next session: OCTOBER 15th, 2020

HOW TO APPLY:   Please complete the application form below. 

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or BOOK A VIRTUAL INTERVIEW to learn more about our program (by appointment only):  

For further information about times and fees, please contact Jacqueline Manzo at 613-562-1739 ext 301.