Finding Solutions to Employment Challenges
The 2023 Workforce Solutions Summit helps employers tackle some of their biggest challenges related to workforce development and retention, with a focus on niche roles and emerging careers that are undergoing growing demand here in Brampton.
A blend of keynotes, showcases and panels let attendees hear from those working most directly with the emerging economy and the jobs of tomorrow, today. Experts from multiple sectors shared tips and best practices for finding the right fit for your business. Information on programs and policies, from both private and public sector sources, that can help to transform your existing workforce while building towards the workforce of the future was made available. Case studies in innovative solutions and partnerships that have helped solve employers retention barriers were shared.
Thank You Sponsors
Keynote: Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario
Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft started off the event with a keynote address that highlighted the work Skills Ontario is doing to make rewarding career paths in the skilled trades and emerging technologies accessible to all youth. Participants learned about initiatives that partner with business, labour, educational institutions and levels of government to ensure that preparation for the careers of tomorrow is happening in our backyard.
View PresentationPanel 1 – Upskilling and Supporting Your Existing Workforce:
Our first panel of the day focused on how organizations have successfully leveraged a range of funding streams and grants to identify and train new talent as well as upskill their existing workforce. Attendees learned about solutions to help fill both large and small talent gaps and came away with concrete examples of how these programs can help their business.
Panel resources:
Achev –Skilled newcomer incentive program
Panel 2 – Modern solutions to Solve Hiring Challenges:
Experienced leaders shared tips and tricks that can help to solve the most pressing modern HR challenges. Attendees heard about how new technology that can be integrated into your hiring practices, the importance of properly drafted employment contracts and how to improve your organization’s retention.
CC Partners – Lawyers for Employers
Case Study
Hop In Technologies is a data driven company that recognizes transportation as a vehicle to opportunity. Their mission is to identify commute barriers for all people in the workforce and furthermore develop an ecosystem that allows improved commutes to support retention, recruitment and work life balance. Boyd Reid, COO & Founder, shared how their innovative product has found solutions for companies like Maple Lodge Farms to get workers to the job site conveniently and in a way that makes commutes accessible and convenient. Blue Branch is a social enterprise that leverages a unique labour mobility model, Super-Commuting, to connect employers and skilled talent from across Canada. Matt Seniuk shared examples of how their hands-on approach to recruitment, working closely with each job seeker to manage relocation, community integration, housing, and transportation.
View Presentation
Breakout: Hiring Resources
Participants learned about unique talent solution programs that are available to businesses in Brampton.
This breakout also covered the role that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) should play in your hiring practices, and what resources are available to implement best practices.
Additional Resources:
Breakout: Funding & Post-Secondary Support
With Brampton’s downtown booming, this breakout focused on developments in our Innovation District and the role that post-secondary institutions are playing in supporting its growth. Panelists focused on the role of the Innovation District and post-secondary institutions in helping employers fill their workforce gaps. Attendees learned how they can build partnerships with academia to create a more innovative organization.
Additional Resources:
Sheridan College – Employer Information Presentation
Panel 3: Engaging Women in a Competitive Manufacturing Industry
Our day closed with a panel highlighting the important role for, and opportunities available to, women in the manufacturing sector.
We heard from post-secondary and industry about how these exciting career pathways are being made more accessible to women and the supportive role that all organizations can play.
Contacts:
City of Brampton Economic Development: www.investbrampton.ca
Algoma University – PACE Team (Professional and Continuing Education)
- sumbul.syed@algomau.ca – Director, Professional and Continuing Education
- alex.mohamed@algomau.ca – Manager, Workforce Skills & Development
BReady Talent Platform – Usha Srinivasan – usha@torontomu.ca
Humber College – Pre-Apprentice Talent Pool – Rita White: rita.white@humber.ca
Ngen – https://www.ngen.ca Tammy Smith at tammy.smith@ngen.ca.
Achev – https://achev.ca
Networking Opportunities
From our annual Business Excellence Awards to Overtime Goals, Brampton Board of Trade members gain access to various events and opportunities to network with other business professionals and community leaders.
View Upcoming Events