1. Am I eligible for the PAIE program?
See the complete eligibility criteria section for more detailed information.
2. Will this program be in person or virtual (online)?
This program will be delivered mostly virtually however there will be some opportunities for in-person training and coaching. As a PAIE participant, you will complete the Job Search and Corporate Culture Communication in Canada course which will be held virtually in 2023. Participants can also expect some opportunities to attend field trips, training, and interview preparation in-person. PAIE will continue to monitor all government directives on COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of all program participants and staff when providing in-person opportunities.
3. How much time will I need to commit to PAIE if I am selected to participate in the program?
At a minimum, participants should be prepared to attend meetings, training, and workshops on a part-time basis during the day, evening and on Saturdays, as required, for a period of approximately 9 months. Participants should also be prepared to devote time to meet with their PAIE Coordinator each week for employment coaching. Participants must also be able to spend time independently pursuing job search activities (researching companies, applying for job openings, attending industry events, etc.). In general, we recommend that participants devote 5-10 hours per week to formal program activities and 20 hours per week to independent job search.
4. Which language assessments does the PAIE Program accept?
The PAIE program will only accept ELTPA, CLBA or CLBPT results for admission. NOTE: If you have not yet completed your CLB Assessment, you may submit your IELTS or CELPIP test results as part of your application; however, you must complete and submit your CLB Assessment if you are accepted into the program. The IELTS or CELPIP test results must have been obtained within the last 12 months.
5. How long is my Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment valid for?
The CLB assessment is valid up to 12 months.
6. How do I book an appointment to complete my language assessment?
Canadian Citizens (born outside Canada who don’t speak English as a first language): Contact Achēv (formerly known as the Centre for Education & Training): Achēv Language Assessment Services for information and to book an appointment (online or in-person).
Permanent Residents and Protected Persons: Contact YMCA GTA Language Assessment for information and to book an appointment.
7. How much does it cost?
If you are selected to participate in the PAIE Program, there will be a program fee of $399+HST.
8. Will the PAIE Program prepare me for registration with PEO or PGO?
The PAIE Program does not conduct or prepare clients for confirmatory exams, nor do we provide credit hours. The PAIE program assists clients to help them secure work experience opportunities in their field that would count toward the Canadian experience requirement for licensing and certification. We also help to clarify licensing and certification processes by offering workshops led by representatives from PEO and PGO.
9. Does the PAIE program provide work experience opportunities?
The PAIE program makes every effort to work with individual clients to guide them towards finding their first employment opportunity in their field in Ontario. Work experience opportunities are driven by labour market demand and are specific to the current needs of each industry. Hiring decisions for employment and other work experience opportunities are always made by the employer, and therefore the PAIE program cannot guarantee access to these types of opportunities but will support participants fully should they become available.
10. I don't have my credential assessment yet and I know this can be a lengthy process. Should I apply to have my credentials assessed before applying to PAIE or can I wait until I am accepted into the Program?
We do require a credential assessment to be submitted to us once accepted into the program. It is fine to wait until you are accepted to start the evaluation process. Ideally, you would submit your assessment results to us at the start of the program once you are accepted. If you are accepted and have not yet started the process of getting your credentials assessed, we will require you to start right away and submit the assessment as soon as you receive it. However, you may want to consider having your credentials assessed regardless of your acceptance to PAIE, as employers will want to know that your degrees are equivalent to Canadian degrees in the same field.
For a list of credential assessment organizations please visit: Settlement.org
11. Do I have to answer every question on the PAIE Application form?
All mandatory questions are marked with an asterisk (*) on the application form. There are some questions included on the form that are not mandatory but may be applicable to you. Since acceptance into the PAIE Program is a competitive process (we have limited spaces available) it is in your best interest to provide as much information as you can on your application form so that we can adequately assess your candidacy.
12. Will I receive an e-mail from PAIE Staff confirming that you have received my application?
No. After you click "submit", a message will appear on your screen thanking you for submitting your PAIE Application. When you see this message, you can be sure that we have received your application.
13. If I have a Master's/Ph.D. degree from Canada, and a Bachelor's degree from outside of Canada, am I still eligible for the program?
You are not eligible:
- if you have completed Canadian post-secondary education in your field
- If you are currently enrolled in full-time studies in any field
You are eligible:
- If you completed post-secondary education in Canada in a field unrelated to your previous education and experience
- if you are currently enrolled in part-time studies but have not finished your degree or diploma
Professional development courses or certificates will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are not sure if you’re eligible based on your education status, please contact us: paie@trca.ca
14. If I currently live outside of Ontario (outside of Canada) can I still participate in the PAIE Program?
PAIE Program participants must be residents of, and located in, the province of Ontario in order to participate in our program. Some aspects of the program, such as field trips, may be delivered in person. You will be required to show proof of your Ontario residency by providing documentation such as a government-issued I.D. or utility bill.
15. Can I apply to PAIE if I'm currently in another employment program?
Yes, please submit your application and we will assess it. We will contact you if more information is required to determine your eligibility/fit for the PAIE Program.
16. If my first language is English, do I need a CLB test?
No.
17. When can I expect to be informed about the status of my PAIE Application?
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
18. I applied to PAIE during a previous call out but was not accepted into the program, can apply again?
Yes, you are welcome to submit another application if you meet all eligibility criteria for the program.
19. I participated in a previous cohort of the PAIE Program and would like to participate again. Am I eligible to apply?
No. Previous program participants are not eligible to participate in the PAIE Program a second time.