training Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie

Workforce Series – Interview with Caleb Haines

by WPBGE | Oct 14, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

In this week’s Workforce Series, where we share stories from local people who work in some of our region’s most important industries, we talk to Caleb Haines who is a licensed Automotive Service Technician for Bluestar Ford in Simcoe. He is also a mentor for Organized Kaos, a unique organization in Brantford that apprentices young people in life and the skilled trades by having youth work alongside established skilled trades persons.

While our new Work-Life Balance Study informed us “43% of local residents said they worked overtime everyday/couple times a week”, much of the automotive service industry works a standard 8am-5pm day, making it a good industry for those who want a clear separation of work and personal life.

In our feature, Caleb talks about how he benefited from an accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, the importance of dedicating time to training, the role his service manager played as a mentor and about living within your means.

Watch our interview with Caleb here: https://youtu.be/WYZbXBoNkMY

Some additional highlights from Caleb:

“I was very fortunate to have been able to take an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program through Mohawk College in grade 12 of high school. I earned my level 1 while in school which made me able to get my license a year earlier than most. It accelerated my career and gave me the opportunity to buy my first house at a young age.”

“I was also lucky to have a mentor to help me through my first few years of training and getting my license. He helped me to get off on the right foot in my career and navigate my apprenticeship training setting me up for success.”

On advice to young people – “Looking back, I would have taken all courses in high school seriously, including academic classes. Many skills come to be useful as a technician, or potentially transitioning your career to becoming a business owner.”

“In addition to being a licenced 310s Automotive Service Technician, I have a master technician certification from Ford. I wish I had focused on my specialty training earlier. Training is the key to your success – investing in all of the training you can do is well worth your time. Your pay will also often reflect the amount of training you have.”

“Within my current role and my pay plan (flat rate), I am able to make anywhere from $70, 000 to $100, 000 per year based solely on what I put into it. Automotive is a business that will never slow down, it’s only expanding and career security is massive!”

“To achieve good work-life balance, live within your means to reduce money stress. Give it your all while working, but schedule or plan free time for you – to leave any work stress behind and pursue hobbies.”

Thank you to Caleb for sharing his story with us! Stay tuned for next week, when we present another local story and industry!

Looking to explore a career or find a job? Check out Grand Erie Jobs – the biggest career and job site in our region!

Workforce Series – Interview with Stephen Chary

by WPBGE | Oct 7, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

It’s Ontario Agriculture Week and in this week’s Workforce Series we talk to Stephen Chary who works for Chary Produce, a second generation vegetable and fruit farm in Oakland, Ontario located in Brant County.

Stephen has worked at his family’s farm from a young age learning about everything to do with running a farm – from planting and cultivating to harvesting the farm’s extensive crop.

In addition to completing a welding ticket in his last few years of high school through a co-op program, Stephen recently participated in the newly developed Agricultural Equipment Operator Program offered by Conestoga College to refine some of his skills. The program focuses on the operation and maintenance of agricultural equipment, which he applies to keeping machinery running smoothly, performing repairs and troubleshooting unforeseen issues.

Stephen’s existing pool of knowledge is formidable, however he feels he still has some things to learn yet, such as the business side of farm operations and crop science as it relates crop infestations and disease – a common but immense challenge that many farms face.

Our recent Work-Life Balance Study tells us “28% of respondents spend over 9 hours of their average day working”. In our feature Stephen talks about the demands of farm operations as well as the rewards, the importance of time-management skills, the value of having mentors and what his aspirations are for the future.

Watch our interview with Stephen here: https://youtu.be/9ByYlRCS6lE

Some parting highlights from talking with Stephen:

On an average day, Stephen is up between 5:30am and 6:00am and heads to the barn to meet his uncle who will provide an overview of the day with him along with providing him instructions. Instructions range depending on the season – ranging from harvest season which is taking place now, to planting season where he will find himself doing things like setting up water trucks in the fields and fertilizing crops. In the winter time – it’s often maintenance and equipment repair, getting ready for when the busy season hits.

“I’ve definitely always had people around me who were mentors”. This has included mechanics and equipment operators and people like his uncle and father who coached him in crop cultivation and business operations.

On the importance of time-management and planning – “With only so many hours in the day, it hasn’t always been easy to figure out what the most important thing is to do first. The trick is to figure out the priorities then and move onto the next thing, and then managing that in a work environment that can have many unpredictable factors”

On developing skills – “the more skills you have the better”. Stephen feels he can apply his skilled trades skills to future job prospects and says maintaining a focus on machining and science throughout high school are helpful to working in the agricultural field. He also recommends working on a farm for a summer job to learn a lot quickly.

Thank you to Stephen for sharing his story with us! Stay tuned for next week, when we explore Caleb’s automotive industry background, training and experiences!

Looking to explore a career or find a job? Check out Grand Erie Jobs – the biggest career and job site in our region!

Apotex hiring chemical operators and chemists in Brantford

by WPBGE | Sep 24, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

Apotex Pharmachem is a division of Apotex Inc., Canada’s largest generic pharmaceutical company. Apotex Pharmachem is located in Brantford and offers research, development, and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as other therapeutic medicines which contribute to improving access to medicines for millions of people worldwide.

Apotex Pharmachem employs a highly-skilled Canadian workforce and they are currently hiring for several key positions including entry level Chemical Operators and Analytical Quality Control Chemists – and they are holding a job fair on September 29th from 9am to 5pm to interview for these positions! A college education is an asset but not required for all positions. Those interested can register for one-on-one interviews with the Apotex team through the following link: www.calendly.com/apotex-job-fair

About Apotex Pharmachem:

Apotex Pharmachem Inc. is a fully integrated state-of-the-art Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Research & Development and Multi-Purpose Manufacturing Facility. It is the largest API producer in Canada. Founded in Brantford, Ontario and member of the Apotex Group of companies since 1996, Apotex Pharmachem is designed as a full-service model including research and development, manufacturing and distribution of our active pharmaceutical ingredients. Through creativity, innovation and continuous improvement of our facilities, processes and procedures, as well as ongoing training of our highly skilled and qualified people, we assure compliance and adherence to national and international regulatory requirements, globally recognized benchmark quality standards, and our customers’ needs.

Where they are located: 34-54 Spalding Dr, Brantford, ON

“We have an incredible team of bright, passionate, and committed individuals who are proudly dedicated to our mission of bringing a growing array of high quality, affordable medicines to healthcare systems in 115 countries around the globe.

We offer competitive pay, exceptional career development, state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to work with leaders in the field. But we also offer something more… the satisfaction that comes from knowing that the medication we produce will improve the quality of human lives, and in some cases, save them. Our products, most importantly, are also accessible by people from all economic backgrounds. We’d love to hear how you could contribute to the team!”

Watch Apotex Video: https://youtu.be/UA6Z9Lq4dDA

Apotex Values

“Our culture is guided by our core values of Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance and Passion. They inform how we work as well as how we connect internally and externally with our customers, partners and other stakeholders. Our leadership team is focused on growing and sustaining the Canadian business and maintaining thousands of high-quality, highly skilled jobs in our country.”

What is Apotex doing to provide a safe experience for candidates during the hiring process?

Apotex has adapted their recruitment strategy to ensure their staff and applicants are safe by conducting interviews and onboarding online.

Their on-site measures include (but are not limited to): staggering employee shifts to reduce the size of work groups, modifying their cafeteria space to enhance social distancing, the implementation of additional cleaning and sanitization routines, robust self-assessment and screening tools, travel restrictions, a work-from-home policy and a strict visitor screening protocol.

To learn more about opportunities at Apotex Pharmachem, visit here: Apotex Career Website

Connect with the team at Apotex Pharmachem during their recruitment fair September 29th and see if working for them is a fit for your future!

JOB FAIR DETAILS:

When: Wednesday, September 29th, 9AM – 5PM

Where: Make a virtual appointment through www.calendly.com/apotex-job-fair

Why: Hiring Chemical Operators and Analytical Quality Control Chemists

Website: Apotex Career Website

Contact: employerservices@st-leonards.com or call 519-756-7665 for more information

Presented by St. Leonard’s Community Services

Stubbe’s Precast holds Job Fair Sept. 11th

by WPBGE | Aug 25, 2021 | Uncategorized

Stubbe’s Precast is a successful, innovative and growing company in Brant County that often hires and they are holding a job fair for general labourers at their location in Harley on September 11th from 8AM to 12PM, complete with plant tours and refreshments!

About Stubbe’s Precast: Stubbe’s Precast is a family-owned company that started in 1982 by supplying precast to the agricultural market. Today Stubbe’s employs about 600 staff and produces hollowcore, wall panels, double T’s, beams and columns and a variety of specialty precast. They produce precast wall panels and floors for buildings anywhere from 2-33 stories high. Their concrete wall panels are used on hotels, condominiums and other buildings, instead of brick, and they have a specialized team to install their buildings using mobile and tower cranes. In recent years Stubbe’s Precast has expanded into the Redi-mix markets as well.

Where they are located: Stubbe’s has 3 Production plants in Harley, ON in Bant County, a rail terminal in Princeton, a shipping port in Port Weller, a Redi-Mix location in Hickson, Harley and Hagersville.

Their mission and values: Stubbe’s takes pride in being an employee-oriented company. For years Stubbe’s has been continuously searching for new ways to be innovative and to diversify itself as a leader in the concrete sector. The expansion into other markets has provided them with the opportunity to grow as a company yet still maintain its values and family traditions. Stubbe’s team is encouraged to go above and beyond what is expected of them on a daily basis and to always challenge the norm.

Watch video: Stubbe’s Precast – Jobs – Check out their career opportunities (workforceplanningboard.org)

Hiring Corner: The core values Stubbe’s looks for in the people they hire are:

being ethical and honest
dependable and dedicated
hardworking, a team player
taking ownership

Stubbe’s frequently looks for general labourers. They don’t require a resume and experience is not required – they are willing to train! They offer straight shifts, day and night and they take their production staff on job sites to let them see what they are producing. Meet the folks at Stubbe’s Precast during their Job Fair September 11th and see if working for them is a fit for your future!

JOB FAIR DETAILS:

When: Saturday, September 11th, 8AM – 12PM

Where: 44 Muir Line, Harley, ON (Brant County)

Why: Hiring general labourers ($19.20 – $25.00 per hour depending on experience)

Website: www.stubbes.org

Contact: careers@stubbes.org

Youth Work NOW! Employment Webinar

by WPBGE | Apr 14, 2021 | Workforce Planning Board Of Grand Erie News

Youth Work NOW! – an online webinar taking place Thursday, April 29th at 11Am will help our local youth search for a summer job or their first job. The session will feature short presentations by about a dozen employment related services from our region.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has added unique challenges for youth and their ability to find employment. Public health restrictions, layoffs for the least experienced employees, closures and the struggle of some industries are some factors that have been identified as preventing youth from gaining employment.

A recent regional study revealed about half of youth surveyed stated they need help looking for jobs and over half of youth expressed they lack information about employment programming and job searching tools

To assist our region’s youth the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie has organized Youth Work NOW! to inform local youth ages 15-24 about current resources, programs and services offered across our region to help them find a summer job; for graduating students or for youth not in school – their first full time job and to also help those interested in learning how they can start their own business.

Educational institutions and area organization such as St. Leonard’s Community Services, Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre, CareerLink and about half a dozen other regional employment service providers will be participating in the webinar to talk about ways they help youth gain employment and resources will be compiled in a catalogue made available publicly on our website.

Youth and their families are invited to join the webinar which will include a Q&A portion and gain access to valuable programs and supports that can assist youth in finding temporary or full-time employment.

For those not available to attend the event on April 29, the webinar is recorded and available for viewing here: https://youtu.be/vx0ePHZLi4g

Partners and Resources:

Grand Erie District School Board: Home :: Grand Erie District School Board

CareerLink: About :: Career Link

St. Leonard’s Community Services Wrap Program: Youth Employment Skills Strategy – Work Readiness and Advancement Program (WRAP) | St. Leonard’s (st-leonards.com)

Brant Skills Centre: Brant Skills Centre

G.R.E.A.T: The Student Office – GREAT (greatsn.com)

Fanshawe Community Career and Employment Services: Community Career and Employment Services (Simcoe) | Fanshawe College

City School by Mohawk: City School by Mohawk | Mohawk College

Brantford Business Resource Centre: Business Resource Centre – City of Brantford – Economic Development (advantagebrantford.ca)

First Work: First Work – Ontario’s Youth Employment Network

First Work Aspire Initiative: Home – Youth Aspire