The project held its first edition in 2004. It is the result of a close collaboration with Emploi-Québec, the City of Montreal, and the Ministry of Immigration and Cultural Communities.
Since the sixth edition (2009–2010), a new cohort has been added to the project. Following the events in Montréal-Nord and in a context of social tension, the project’s financial partners approached the Collectif again to establish an additional cohort.
This initiative aimed to reach young adults from visible minorities who were significantly distant from the labor market.
The cohort brought together 25 French-speaking young people residing in the northeast neighborhoods of Montreal. For this group, a preparatory phase prior to entering a work integration social enterprise was specially designed to maximize their chances of starting and successfully completing the program.
During their employment contract within a work integration social enterprise, which lasts 32 to 40 weeks, participants complete a 6- to 7-week preparatory phase.This preparatory phase includes:
French-language courses (depending on the cohort)
Workforce preparation workshops
At the end of this preparatory phase, participants continue their technical training within the selected work integration social enterprise.
They also continue to take part in a weekly group meeting one day per week.
Finding it hard to get a job?
Not enough work experience or feeling underqualified?
Having difficulty keeping a job?
Discover your life project
Live a positive experience at work
Rise to a personal challenge
During the program, participants take part in various activities:
Promoting intercultural connections
Exploring Montreal, Quebec, and its resources
They also participate in workshops and projects aimed at:
Developing socio-professional skills
Building identity and self-awareness
Boosting self-esteem
Creating new life projects
Finally, through meetings with community actors and organizations, the Integration Project equips participants to better face the obstacles they regularly encounter (e.g., racial or financial profiling) that can hinder their socio-professional integration.
Assistant cook
Cabinetmaker help
Binding and finishing help
Assembly equipment IT
Cashier
Sales clerk
Warehouse clerk
Seamstress
Handler
Commercial cleaner
Sheet metal industry
Seller-sorter
*All training programs are paid.
**The next cohorts begin in September 2026
Member of visible minority
Aged between 16 and 35 years old
Montreal resident
Available 40 weeks, 35 to 40 hours a week
Meet Emploi-Quebec’s eligibility criteria
To be out of the labour market for more than one year
