Workforce Development

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Workforce Development

• Models that work
• Bea Clark, August 23, 2006

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Presentation

• Canadas challenges
• Niagaras workforce
• Role of employers
• Models that work

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Canadas Challenges

• Regional disparities
• Aging workforce
• Skills shortages
• Recognition of immigrants skills

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Niagara Region

• Economy shifting from manufacturing to
  service/hospitality and tourism/agri-business
• Aging workforce/population
• Skills shortages

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Role of Employers

• What do employers want?
• What do employers need?
• How can we match their expectations?
• Different programs and services for different
  needs

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Models that work

• Co-operative education programs
• Apprenticeship
• Tourism Careers for Youth
• Job Connect for Youth

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Co-operative Education

• Academic study combined with a paid co-op work
  term
• Students practice their academic skills in the
  workplace
• Employers test new employees
• 24 co-op programs,2100 co-op students,98
  employment rate

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Apprenticeship

• Combination of on the job-90 and in class -10
  training
• Programs match need of community/employers
• Cook, automotive, call centre
• Employer makes hiring decision
• Government support

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Tourism Careers for Youth

• Demand for entry level workers in tourism
  industry
• Unemployed youth
• 3 week program with basics and certification
• Supported work placement
• 87 success rate

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Job Connect for Youth

• Disadvantaged youth
• Services to support employment goals
• Job development is key
• Funding from province of Ontario
• High success rates- return to school and work

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Niagara Colleges approach

• Labour Market Research-understand the labour
  market and the economy
• Capitalize on government priorities
• Employer input is key
• Determine opportunities and capacity

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Niagara Colleges approach

• Combine academic studies with practical work
  experience
• Skills Training Council
• Supported work placement
• Short and long term training options
• Linkages to community partners

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Your turn

• Comments?
• Questions?
• Thanks for your attention and interest.