Community Employment Services

FAQs for Job Seekers

I lost my job as a result of COVID-19. How can you help?

We are here for you during these challenging times offering FREE virtual or in-person consultations to job seekers and employers.

These services are available by appointment only and we are not currently accepting drop-ins.

All regular services are available. Contact us for a one-on-one virtual appointment with an Employment Consultant to explore your employment needs and develop a return to work action plan. Discuss job opportunities, develop your resume/cover letter with expert guidance and explore training options. 

How can I access Employment Insurance?

The Government of Canada has created a Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents program for Canadians without paid sick leave (or similar workplace accommodation) who are sick, quarantined or forced to stay home to care for children. Application for the benefit will be available in April 2020 and requires Canadians to attest that they meet the eligibility requirements. For Canadians who lose their jobs or face reduced hours as a result of COVID’s impact, the government launched the Longer-Term Income Support for Workers. To learn more, visit Government of Canada - Support for Canadians.

Now that I’ve been laid off, I am thinking about going back to school. How can you help?

All regular services are available by appointment only and we are not currently accepting drop-ins. Contact us for a one-on-one virtual appointment with an Employment Consultant to explore education and training options in line with your career goal. You may be eligible for the provincial government’s Second Career program. 

Now that I’ve been laid off, I am thinking about changing careers. How can you help?

 All regular services are available by appointment only. Contact us for a one-on-one virtual appointment with an Employment Consultant to identify your interests, aptitudes, values and personality type and discover what job or career best fits you. Learn about the local labour market and employment and training opportunities that exist in line with your career goal. You may be eligible for the provincial government’s Second Career program.

Who is hiring right now?

In line with the provincial government’s mandate that essential services remain open as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, specific industries and businesses are hiring. We encourage you to visit our Job Posting page  and you can also view Job Bank  or Indeed or visit retailer websites directly (e.g. Walmart, Costco, Tim Horton’s) to search for vacancies. While our physical office is closed, we are still OPEN and operating virtually. All regular services are available. Contact us for a one-on-one virtual appointment with an Employment Consultant to explore your employment needs and develop a return to work action plan. Discuss job opportunities, develop your resume and cover letter with expert guidance and explore training options. Call or text - 519-312-3189, or email CES@lambtoncollege.ca.

FAQs for Employers

As a small business owner, where can I go to receive financial support to deal with COVID-19?

The Government of Canada has put measures in place to support small businesses that are facing revenue losses and to help prevent lay offs. Please visit the Government of Canada - Support for Businesses webpage to learn more. Local initiatives are in place to support businesses in Sarnia. Visit the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership for more information.

I have to lay off some of my employees, what should I tell them?

We are here for you during these challenging times. While our physical office is closed, we are still OPEN and operating virtually. All regular services are available. Call or text us at 519-312-3189, or email CES@lambtoncollege.ca.

What services can you offer to local businesses?

All regular services are available by appointment only and we are not currently accepting drop-ins. Services offered include:

• Assisting employers struggling with staff shortages – as workforce is depleted due to childcare/school closures and sick leave.
• Providing guidance to those workers seeking to file online EI claims.
• Assistance with providing consultation to employee groups being temporarily laid off – seeking basic need supports, mental health services/referrals, etc.
• Financial support to employers not currently experiencing lay-offs and are needing to increase workforce capacity as an essential service business