Sewing For Jobs

Sewing has a long history of bringing people together!

Sewing for Jobs is a sewing training program created to help newcomers and people in a vulnerable situation within the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

It is designed to provide you with sewing skills in order to increase your employment opportunities in the textile and fashion industries; at the same time you will become part of our lovely community of sewists.  

 

Sewing for Jobs program is an "United Way Poverty to Possibility" Award Winner

 

Next Beginners Session: SEPTEMBER 2022     

Next Advanced Session: APRIL 2022

 

(scroll down to apply)

BEGINNER LEVELS

 

   SFJ: LEVEL 1 

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: 10 weeks --- 4 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
 

SFJ: LEVEL 2

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 --- 4 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

 

ADVANCED LEVELS

After completing the Sewing for Jobs: BEGINNER levels, all participants who would like to keep expanding their sewing skills, will be able to choose between three different paths according to their needs or plans.

 

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 
 
 

APPLY NOW!

Please complete the application form below.  For further information about times and fees, please email us, we'll be glad to hear from you.

 

EE welcomes and encourages applications from members of equity seeking groups, including but not limited to, newcomer women, people who are racialized, indigenous, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities.