Free employment help in Oshawa will be available at local library branches throughout August, giving job seekers access to résumé assistance, interview preparation and personalized career guidance.
Representatives from the John Howard Society of Durham Region will hold an employment and training drop-in session at the Jess Hann Branch of Oshawa Public Libraries on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
The free session will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 199 Wentworth Street West.
No advance registration is required.
Free Employment Help in Oshawa Includes Career Support
Employment advisers will be available to assist residents with several parts of the job-search process.
Support may include:
- Creating or updating résumés and cover letters
- Completing job applications
- Preparing for employment interviews
- Developing job-search strategies
- Identifying suitable training programs
- Creating personalized career action plans
- Learning about Smart Serve and food-handler certification
- Exploring skills-development opportunities
The assistance is intended for people at different stages of their employment journey, including residents who are unemployed, changing careers, returning to work or seeking additional training.
The John Howard Society says its employment services can be tailored to meet the needs of youth and adult job seekers.
Library Sessions Reduce Employment Barriers
Holding employment sessions at public libraries makes assistance available in a familiar and accessible community setting.
Christina Barrow, director of employment, training and housing services at the John Howard Society of Durham Region, said the organization works with libraries and community centres to reach residents where they are.
The approach can help people facing transportation, childcare or other barriers that may make it difficult to attend an employment office.
Job seekers may be able to meet with an employment adviser while already visiting the library with their children or using another library service.
The sessions served 28 people between April and June, according to the organization.
Additional Employment Session Planned
A separate employment-support session involving the Durham Employment and Newcomer Centre is listed for Wednesday, August 12.
The session is expected to run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the McLaughlin Branch, located at 65 Debwewin Miikan in Oshawa.
The planned workshop will cover résumé and cover-letter preparation, interview skills, job-search strategies, training opportunities and individual career guidance.
Residents should confirm the August 12 program with Oshawa Public Libraries before attending, as schedules may change.
More Employment Services Available Across Durham
People requiring continued assistance can also contact local employment-service providers directly.
The John Howard Society operates employment and community programs in Oshawa and other Durham communities. Depending on eligibility and individual needs, assistance may include skills training, work-related equipment, job placement and ongoing employment support.
Durham Region oversees the local network of employment-service providers. Its services are available free of charge and can connect residents with employment specialists, training opportunities and workplace supports.
The August 4 library session is available on a walk-in basis.
