Tonie Chaltas
CEO, Achēv
Achēv is proud to provide newcomers to Canada with the support they need to successfully transition into their new lives.
Moving to a new country is no small feat — refugees and immigrants who have relocated to Canada face various socioeconomic obstacles that can make the process seem overwhelming. It’s vital that they have access to the support they need from trusted organizations.
That’s why for over 30 years, Achēv has dedicated themselves to help newcomers achieve their full employment and settlement potential. “Newcomers are very motivated, hard-working, and many are highly educated,” says Tonie Chaltas, CEO of Achēv. “However, navigating the Canadian job market is complicated. We provide a hub of newcomer services, including career coaching, to make sure they’re primed and ready to apply for jobs.”
Some of the many services Achēv offers include language training, employment support, settlement assistance, and youth programs. Staff help newcomers fast-track the
adjustment process by teaching important employment skills like navigating job applications, writing Canadian resumes and cover letters, how to best highlight their skills, and practicing interview techniques.
Getting help you need
Newcomers get one-on-one career support and gain information about hiring events and job search workshops. They can also improve their English and French skills through language assessments, our online language classes and class referrals. Plus, there’s no charge for any services.
“Our job is to open doors people didn’t know existed and get them the information they didn’t know they needed,” Chaltas adds. With a staff that speaks over 52 languages, Achēv successfully helps more than 100,000 clients each year by offering accessible in-person, online, or hybrid-format services.
Jenan is a newcomer who arrived in Canada in 2020. She struggled to get a job because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the economy. Thankfully, Achēv was there to help her adjust.
“I appreciate all of Achēv’s efforts to help me and my three sons settle in Canada,” Jenan says. “I now have strong financial capabilities, and I’m very happy because my whole family has benefited from their programs.”
Build the life you want
Similarly, newcomer Shonelle worked hard with Achēv staff to secure the job she wanted as an analyst at Amazon. “I’m super excited. This is a dream job for me,” explains Shonelle. “I’m so grateful to everyone at Achēv for helping me redo my resume, do several mock interviews to learn what employers want to know, and how to present myself in the interview process. Also, their words of encouragement kept me motivated, and sometimes that’s the most important thing you need.”
The largest provider of its kind in the GTA, Achēv offers both in-person and virtual services, with physical locations in Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Pickering, Richmond Hill, and Toronto. “We all understand the importance of providing the right advice, support and counsel to help newcomers at the right time,” says Chaltas.
