If you're looking to undertake an internship in Montreal, the Quebec provincial government provides numerous opportunities and support for immigrants. Learn more about it in this article.
The Quebec government provides various measures to assist immigrants in integrating into the job market in Montreal. If you're moving to Montreal, you can make use of these services and support systems by participating in a professional internship. It's important to mention that certain initiatives target young individuals, considering the unemployment rate among youth from specific communities or visible minorities. Here are some programs you might find beneficial.
Assistance programs for interns in Montreal
If you're an immigrant seeking an internship in Montreal, you have the option to participate in the Programme d'aide à l'intégration des immigrants et des minorités visibles en emploi (PRIIME). This program, a collaboration between Emploi Quebec, the Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés Culturelles (MICC), and Investissement Quebec, aims to support individuals undergoing their first professional experience in North America, facilitating their integration into the job market based on their skills. You may qualify if you've been a permanent resident for less than 5 years or lack work experience in the country. In such cases, the employer offering you a job may receive financial assistance from the Quebec government. For more information, you can visit the Emploi Quebec website.
Another opportunity is the professional sponsorship program provided by the City of Montreal. To qualify, you must meet the eligibility criteria for Services Quebec's Work Experience Wage Subsidy and have never previously participated in the program. Additionally, you'll need a diploma from Quebec or a comparative evaluation of studies completed outside Quebec issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI).
Furthermore, you can explore a directory of specialized employability organizations that offer guidance, counseling, and job search support services.
Mentoring to facilitate integration in Montreal
Quebec Pluriel is a mentoring program offered by the Quebec government for individuals aged 16 to 35. The program lasts 12 weeks, with two months dedicated to two to four in-person meetings with a mentor. To be eligible, you need to be a permanent resident or have been granted refugee status in Canada. Information about this program is available through Montreal's Carrefours jeunesse-emploi. You can locate a map of Carrefours jeunesse-emploi on the Réseau des Carrefours jeunesse-emploi du Québec website.
Mentorship connects you with a Quebecois or international professional in your chosen field. Your mentor can offer insights not only into Montreal's culture and how their profession is practiced in the city but also share their network of contacts with you. Check out this page for a non-exhaustive list of mentoring programs available in Montreal and Quebec.
How do I find an internship in Montreal?
To secure an internship in Montreal, consider creating a list of companies in the city that align with your interests and reach out to them directly to inquire about internship opportunities. Utilizing resources like the 411.ca business directory or Canada's Yellow Pages can be helpful in this regard. Additionally, institutions like the City of Montreal and various universities in Montreal often offer internship positions. Exploring online job platforms like Indeed or government websites can also be fruitful. A popular site among Canadian students for finding internships in Canada is talentegg.ca.
For French individuals seeking an internship in Montreal, the Office franco-québécois pour la jeunesse (OFQJ) is a resource that can assist you. Additionally, in your home country, there might be organizations willing to search for an internship on your behalf for a fee. Be cautious of exorbitant fees in this process.
If you've already secured the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and are currently residing outside Canada, you might qualify for the Programme de mobilité internationale plus (PMI+). Through this program, you can obtain an open work permit, facilitating a quicker arrival in Quebec and entry into the job market.
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