ministry of labour Archives - Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie

2024’s labour market plan is published

by WPBGE | Mar 1, 2024 | Press Release, Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

2024’s labour market plan for Grand Erie talks about the need for all players in the local labour force to work together to manage expectations in the face of disruptions caused by external factors.

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie’s newest labour market plan is titled Moving Beyond Disruption: Managing Expectations for Tomorrow’s Workforce.

The planning board publishes a report each year with support from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

The 50-page report drew on community input and data analysis to paint a picture of the labour market in Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant counties.

Danette Dalton, the planning board’s executive director, said that Grand Erie’s labour market has been impacted over the last year by disruptions caused from inflation, foreign conflicts, climate change and the emergence of AI. Those disruptions are expected to continue.

“Moving beyond disruption means we need to take the time to make sustainable decisions that are supportive of our workforce, our businesses, our communities and our environment – today and in the future,” said Dalton.

Job seekers, workers and businesses have different priorities and expectations on a wide number of labour issues, from wages to skills training, from flexible work to diversity. But the different groups will have to work together constructively, compromising sometimes, in order to cope with the disruptions.

Dalton said 2024’s labour market plan confirms the need for continued investment in skills training and upgrading, especially for residents not participating in the labour market. And work needs to continue to support groups that have been historically underrepresented in the labour market, including residents who are Indigenous, racialized, newcomers, people with disabilities and youth.

“Workforce development strategies for Grand Erie need to be human-centred. There are many people who feel overwhelmed by the disruptions that have taken place and don’t think they have a place in today’s labour market. They need our support.”

English and French versions of Moving Beyond Disruption can be found on our website HERE

Free program will train people to be welders

by WPBGE | Apr 1, 2022 | Press Release, Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

Free welding training is being offered to give 150 people a head start to work as welders, helping meet the needs of local companies hungry for workers.

The Workforce Planning Board will provide the program through its Skills2Advance Welding training arm, in partnership with the CWB Welding Foundation. Training will be delivered by four area colleges.

The two-week-long classes start in June and will be offered regularly over the next year. Participants will be recruited from Brantford, Six Nations, New Credit and Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties. Residents of Hamilton, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo and Oxford County can also sign up.

Two-thirds of participants for the free welding training are expected to be women, a group that is underrepresented in the skilled trades. Only 10 per cent of welders in Grand Erie are female. There will also be opportunities for people who have a disability, youth, and other groups that are underrepresented in the trades.

Tremendous opportunity

“This is a tremendous opportunity for people to get started in the skilled trades with this high-demand occupation and start building their career,” said Danette Dalton, the planning board’s executive director. “We’re excited to work with the CWB Welding Foundation, area post-secondary schools and other community partners to give people the skills they need to succeed.”

People can find more information about the program by visiting www.skills2advance.com/welding

The CWB Welding Foundation has for years operated training programs for welders across Canada. Its Women of Steel program has trained hundreds of women since 2019, while its Mind Over Metal program has been in operation since 2014

The Women of Steel and Mind Over Metal curriculum will be delivered by instructors from Six Nations Polytechnic, Conestoga College, and Fanshawe College – Simcoe campus, using their welding shops. Mohawk College will provide training at its mobile classroom, which houses welding simulators in a truck trailer.

Minister of Labour

The one-year project is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

“With many tradespeople set to retire over the next decade, we need to do all we can to encourage people to consider careers in welding,” said Minister Monte McNaughton.

“Our government is proud to support this program, which will give future tradespeople, including women and people with disabilities, a head start in planning their careers, and help local employers find the workers they need to grow their business.”

It will include 30 hours of hands-on training, with the opportunity to obtain a CWB welding certification. Another 30 hours will focus on training in first aid, CPR, forklift and working at heights, and soft skills, such as problem-solving and workplace communications.

Free welding toolkit

Program participants will receive a free welding toolkit, which includes a welding helmet, and will be eligible to receive additional support to help cover other expenses, such as work boots.

When they graduate, participants will be assisted by local employment service agencies who will work with local businesses to offer on-the-job placements, which could lead to permanent positions.

“The goal is to find employment for participants, and we expect the program to be warmly received by employers,” Dalton said. “Welders are in demand, and that demand is expected to continue. We need to ensure there are new, eager workers entering the field.”

To learn more about job opportunities in welding, visit this page on Grand Erie Jobs: Welding careers

COVID-19 Webinar Series. Register Today.

by WPBGE | Feb 3, 2021 | Press Release

A new series of free webinars will inform employers and individuals in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations and New Credit about resources and programs to support them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie will present three live webinars in partnership with Service Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

The sessions are designed to help participants make sense of the vast amounts of pandemic related information. They will explain the programs and financial resources available to businesses coping with the impacts of COVID-19. Participants can also have their questions answered by experts.

Space is limited and early registration is recommended. People can sign up for any or all of the COVID-19 webinars.

Feb. 23, 10 a.m.: In partnership with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC). This webinar will provide manufacturers with information about ManufacturingGPS, an extensive, up-to-date labour market intelligence tool for the manufacturing sector to help with business decisions, and other EMC programs.

Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m.: In partnership with Service Canada and the CRA. This webinar will assist businesses with HR planning. It will provide an update on Service Canada programs, including its Work Sharing Program. The CRA session will cover current wage and rent subsidies and loans available to businesses impacted by the pandemic.

March 2, 10 a.m.: In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. This webinar will feature a live presentation and Q&A session on what employers and employees need to know about employment standards and occupational health and safety as they relate to COVID-19.

Each COVID-19 related webinar will be about 90 minutes to 2 hours in length.

For more information, contact Sylvia Hentz of the Workforce Planning Board at 519-756-1116, ext. 228.