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Conference Board of Canada Insights on Immigration

August 21, 2024 8:37 am Leave a Comment

The Conference Board of Canada’s Centre for Business Insights on Immigration recently released its report, Small Business, Big Impact: Immigrant Hiring and Integration in Five Canadian Cities. The Centre conducted interviews regarding labour market dynamics and immigrant hiring in Oshawa.

From all these interviews across five cities, the report highlights the following:

• Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in various sectors have identified skills gaps as their most common employment challenge. They seek employees who require minimal training and investment after being hired.
• SMEs use practical and inclusive strategies to evaluate newcomers’ education and experience, but they rarely intentionally reach out to newcomers or work with immigrant-serving agencies during recruitment and onboarding.
• Local-level connections between SMEs, SME-serving organizations, and immigrant-serving agencies need strengthening. SME-serving organizations have expressed a desire to be more intentional in sharing valuable resources and linking the businesses they collaborate with to immigrant-serving agencies. This will enhance SME experiences with immigration programs.
• Wherever possible, SMEs should implement flexible workplace policies to help accommodate diverse employee needs, such as adjusting working hours to align with transit and childcare schedules.

The Centre for Business Insights on Immigration is a research collective designed to strengthen employer engagement in immigration and effectively manage immigrant talent. The Centre leverages employer and sector engagement in research to improve immigration for immigrants and the corporate sector.

The Centre’s research agenda focuses on building an immigration system that benefits immigrants, businesses, and the Canadian economy.

To read the full report, follow this link

DWA Executive Director Receives Certified Workforce Development Professional Designation

August 15, 2024 1:33 pm Leave a Comment

The DWA Executive Director, Heather McMillan, was recently awarded her Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP).  The certification uses sound research based on the job requirements of various workforce development roles to create the training program. Professionals in various workforce settings have confirmed the results as representative of the skills and competencies needed for success in the industry.

The Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification, developed by NAWDP, is a rigorous process. This thorough process ensures that the certification is a true representation of the skills and competencies required for success in the industry. NAWDP began awarding the CWDP certification in 1999 and continues to review and improve its certification process.

The five Competencies the CWDP is based on are:

1. Customer Service Methodology
2. Diversity in Workforce Development
3. Labour Market Information and Intelligence
4. Principles of Communication
5. Workforce Development Structure, Policies and Programs

Heather McMillan completed the CWDP requirements that also included a combination of education and work experience, completed the five core competencies training program, and scored a minimum of 80% on the exam to be eligible to apply for the CWDP certification and adherence to a Code of Professional Ethics.

Heather is one of the few Canadians to hold the CWDP certification and recently attended the annual NAWDP conference in Texas where she learned more about innovative approaches to workforce development.

Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace

August 8, 2024 12:45 pm Leave a Comment

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and celebrates natural variations in how a person’s brain functions. It acknowledges that people have different ways of thinking, learning, and processing information.  Those who identify as part of the neurodiverse community include people with a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and others.

While neurodiversity is not new, there has been an increased focus on challenging the idea that there is a “normal” or “typical” way for the brain to function and reaffirming that differences in neurological functioning are a natural and valuable part of human diversity.

The workplace experiences of neurodiverse people vary from person to person, but there are some commonalities.  Often, they have difficulty with interpersonal communication and social interaction.  This stems from natural challenges in understanding their neurotypical colleagues’ social cues and nonverbal communication.  Sensory processing disparities, such as heightened sensitivity to stimuli, can impact concentration and productivity. Cognitive differences, such as executive function deficits and learning preferences, further contribute to workplace challenges. These natural barriers often combine with inadequate workplace support, rigid schedules, and inaccurate preconceived prejudicial attitudes.

The impact of these challenges extends beyond individual experiences, affecting organizational dynamics. Reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained employee relationships are common repercussions. Neurodivergent individuals may also face heightened stress, anxiety, and social isolation, further hindering their professional growth.

Mitigating these challenges requires a concerted effort from both employers and employees. Neurodivergent employees are encouraged to advocate for their needs, seek appropriate accommodations, and engage in self-care practices to manage workplace stress effectively.

Best practices for Employers include prioritizing education and awareness initiatives on neurodiversity and, where appropriate, implementing flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs. Mentorship programs and an organizational culture that promotes inclusivity have also been shown to support neurodivergent individuals.

Embracing neurodiversity in professional settings necessitates proactive measures to address the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. By fostering understanding, providing necessary support, and promoting an inclusive culture, organizations can harness the full potential of their diverse workforce.

Durham Community Social Investment Project in Lakeview

August 1, 2024 11:23 am Leave a Comment

The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) recently received a Regional Municipality of Durham Community Social Investment grant to support its work in the Lakeview Neighbourhood in Oshawa. The DWA will operationalize three previously funded research projects focused on labour market attachment challenges in the Lakeview Neighbourhood, which recommended delivering labour market attachment programs and services in Lakeview to improve human services and labour market outcomes for residents of the neighbourhood.

The project aims to enhance labour market outcomes in Oshawa’s Lakeview neighbourhood through targeted, place-based strategies. The DWA will act as the backbone coordinating body for Lakeview Connects and will plan, coordinate, and partner to deliver employment services, literacy, and community connections support as a hoteling model one day a week in Lakeview. This effort will address the notable lack of access to programs and services within the neighbourhood.

The dearth of neighbourhood-level programs such as mental health care, employment support, and education and training impacts area residents who, in 2020, had a median household income in Lakeview that was 22 percent lower than in the rest of Oshawa and significantly lower levels of education. Research has revealed that 22 percent of the population has not completed high school, and only 42 percent have completed postsecondary education, compared to 56 percent overall in Oshawa. A hyperlocal coordinated service delivery in Lakeview will address dignity and ensure healthy and resilient communities.  The project will focus on direct service delivery, community building and labour market attachment initiatives.

Lakeview Connects will provide hyperlocal placed-based community labour market support services derived from a community strategic plan built from key informant interviews and conversation cafes that identify priority labour market supports required in Lakeview to assist with labour market attachment. Lakeview residents report that the community services support desert is a significant barrier to system navigation; service providers also noted the lack of service coordination in Lakeview impedes their ability to provide services in this high-needs area. These inequities impede community connection and support and do not help Lakeview thrive.

Residents will be provided access to labour market attachment programs in their neighbourhoods, creating more equitable access to these supports as is found in other Oshawa and Durham Region neighbourhoods that do not experience a services desert. Social and economic conditions that create barriers to labour market participation impact labour market development for many residents in Lakeview. These conditions contribute to instability, stress, and lower well-being levels, making labour market attachment difficult for many in the community. Such conditions include income insecurity, food insecurity, unstable and/or inadequate housing, family instability, mental health and addictions, lack of accessibility support, and a lack of access to transportation. These conditions are more prevalent in Lakeview than other Oshawa and Durham neighbourhoods.

Business Mentorship with the Ajax Business Network

July 25, 2024 10:46 am Leave a Comment

The Town of Ajax hosted its Ajax Business Network (ABN) event on Wednesday, June 26, at Audley Recreation, with a focus on Business Mentorship.  

The DWA Executive Director, Heather McMillan, participated as a mentor in Workforce Planning/Employee Training. 

The event was structured like a ‘speed dating’ event, and participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business services and learn more about how they could use the information available. 

Here are some highlights from the DWA’s mentor presentation on workforce planning: 

Labour Demand and Supply: 

• Assess business long-term business goals and consider skills needed to meet those goals 

• Research industry trends and economic changes that might impact workforce needs 

• Evaluate your workforce’s skills, experience, demographics 

• Do you have current employees who could be developed for future roles? What must you do to support staff training, and who in the community could help? 

Recruitment Strategies: 

• Plan for attracting and hiring new employees to fill gaps, use the DWA’s Jobs First Durham portal to explore competitors’ salaries, job descriptions 

• Work with Employment Ontario Service Providers to create plans to upskill or reskill current employees 

• Create succession plans by developing internal candidates 

Benefits of Workforce Planning: 

• Creates alignment with business goals the workforce required to support them 

• Workforce planning improves human resources activities, reduces costs, increases productivity, and provides existing staff with career growth pathways that can improve employee satisfaction and retention. 

 You can find more events hosted by the Town of Ajax here. 

The Lakeview Oshawa: Community & Workforce Development

July 18, 2024 10:33 am Leave a Comment

The Lakeview Neighbourhood in Oshawa, with its unique demographic and economic characteristics, faces specific labour market challenges and is recognized as one of five priority neighbourhoods in Oshawa.  In 2018, Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) undertook a project that looked at Collective Impact and Community Service Planning in South Oshawa. Through local-level community engagement in Lakeview, that project provided a contextual overview of Oshawa’s Lakeview neighbourhood, highlighting key community issues, trends, and priorities.

Since the initial report, several significant factors have impacted the Lakeview neighbourhood, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated inequalities and intensified challenges in accessing essential services and employment opportunities.

The Lakeview Oshawa: Community & Workforce Development report is now available to the community and builds on the previous report’s insights into service accessibility and job opportunities.  This report summarizes feedback from community consultations and outlines actionable strategies to enhance service delivery, improve employment outcomes and facilitate greater community engagement and development in the Lakeview neighbourhood.

This report aims to provide policymakers, stakeholders and community leaders with actionable insights to build capacity to support workforce, economic and community development at the neighbourhood level in Lakeview.   The new report establishes eight key recommendations:

1. Leverage existing infrastructure
2. Share findings with local partners
3. Develop a clear and inclusive vision
4. Support capacity building
5. Connect service & community support organizations
6. Engage local businesses
7. Foster community relationships & trust
8. Build momentum through quick wins

These recommendations emphasize the importance of community-led initiatives, collaboration across organizations, and the strategic use of existing resources to enhance the economic and social fabric of the Lakeview neighbourhood.

The full report can be found here.

Understanding the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

June 20, 2024 3:58 pm Leave a Comment

NAICS stands for the North American Industry Classification System. It was developed jointly by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico to provide a consistent framework for analyzing economic activities by categorizing different types of businesses based on their work.

Statistics Canada is responsible for maintaining and updating the NAICS codes in Canada. Canadian businesses use these codes when filing taxes, applying for permits, or conducting market research. Each industry has a specific NAICS code that reflects its primary activity.

NAICS are crucial for a variety of reasons:

1. Economic Analysis: Governments and researchers use NAICS codes to analyze economic data and trends, which helps them understand how different sectors perform.
2. Business Development: Companies use NAICS codes to identify potential markets, understand industry standards, and benchmark their performance against competitors.
3. Policy Making: Policymakers use NAICS data to create regulations, economic policies, and support programs tailored to specific industries.

NAICS uses a hierarchical coding system with six digits. Each digit or set of digits provides more detailed information about the industry:

• 2 digits: Broad sector (e.g., 31-33 for Manufacturing)
• 3 digits: Subsector (e.g., 311 for Food Manufacturing)
• 4 digits: Industry group (e.g., 3112 for Grain and Oilseed Milling)
• 5 digits: Industry (e.g., 31121 for Flour Milling and Malt Manufacturing)
• 6 digits: National industry (e.g., 311211 for Flour Milling)

The NAICS system is essential for organizing and understanding economic activity in Canada and across North America. By classifying businesses into standardized categories, NAICS helps governments, businesses, and researchers communicate clearly and make informed decisions. Whether running a business or studying the economy, understanding NAICS can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the economic landscape more effectively.

Explore a Career in Agriculture with AgCareers.com

June 12, 2024 3:48 pm Leave a Comment

Finding the right career in the agriculture industry can be challenging, but AgCareers.com offers a wealth of resources to guide you through the process. Whether you’re a job seeker looking to break into the industry or a professional aiming to advance your career, AgCareers.com provides a comprehensive suite of tools and information to support your goals.

AgCareers.com features a robust job board tailored to the agriculture and food industries. Job seekers can filter opportunities by category, location, and experience level, ensuring they find positions that match their skills and interests. The job search function is user-friendly and updated regularly, providing access to the latest job openings. They also provide a dedicated section for internships and entry-level positions. These opportunities provide valuable experience and a pathway to full-time employment in the agriculture industry.

However, AgCareers.com is much more than just a job board.  They have an array of career resources designed to help you succeed in your job search and career development:

• Career Guides: Explore detailed career guides that provide insights into various roles within the agriculture industry, including required qualifications, job outlook, and potential career paths.
• Education and Training: Stay competitive by accessing educational resources and training opportunities. They provide information and links to relevant courses, certifications, and degree programs that can enhance your skills and qualifications in the agriculture sector.
• Employer Profiles: Detailed profiles allow you to gain critical insight into potential employers. These profiles offer information on company culture, values, and career opportunities, helping determine if a particular employer fits you. This feature is particularly useful for making informed decisions about where to apply.
• Resume and Cover Letter Tips: Access guidelines and examples to craft compelling resumes and cover letters.
• Interview Preparation: This section provides advice on interview preparation, including common questions and best practices.
• Salary and Benefits Information: AgCareers.com provides salary and benefits information on various career options. This information will help you negotiate better job offers and understand industry standards. The data is gathered from real-time job postings and industry reports.

AgCareers.com provides a comprehensive career resource hub for anyone interested in the agriculture and food industries. By leveraging the available tools and information, you can effectively navigate your career journey, from job searching to professional development. Explore AgCareers.com offers and take the next step towards achieving your career goals in the agriculture sector.

Red Tape & Roadblocks 2024

June 6, 2024 2:53 pm Leave a Comment

Red Tapes and Road Blocks: No-choice choices

Imagine being on the verge of being homeless with your dog staring up at you, looking for its dinner, and you have five dollars in your pocket, all that’s left from day labour.  What do you do?  Where do you turn?  How do you get a better job?

The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) and its partners will host Red Tapes and Roadblocks. This half-day event will provide a realistic vision of individual challenges people may face when searching for basic needs (food, housing, finances) and promote awareness and education about current community resources. The event will include a maze activity, followed by a facilitated debriefing session.

Participants at registration are given mock avatars or scenarios of people who want to enter the labour market and need community support to do so. This event provides a brief biography and indicates the avatar’s daily challenges. These could include the need for food, shelter, and financial help from numerous government and social agencies.

After the 1.5-hour event, participants are invited to attend a facilitated session, where they will talk about their experiences. Agencies answer questions about available services and address the gaps and issues surrounding those services. Some conversations about how to address the issues often arise naturally during the conversation.

Participants should leave the event with a new awareness that will help community members and agency representatives be more empathetic toward this sector of the population and promote necessary changes to fill gaps and solve existing issues.

Everyone is invited to this important event!

Register Today!

Drones in Precision Agriculture

June 3, 2024 12:05 pm Leave a Comment

Approximately 20 ‘off-farm’ jobs support farms; one, a crop consultant, helps farmers plant crops for sustainable production. At the most recent Precision Agriculture Field Day, co-hosted by Durham Farm Connections and Invest Durham, drones were presented as part of the crop consultant role. A drone is used to scan the field to tell the consultant just how many soybeans are in a row, and when it is difficult to walk through the crop rows, as plants grow throughout the season, the drone can maneuver through and provide information back to the farmer.

Information gathered by drones on farms can help farmers make farming decisions. Drones can provide critical information across a large farm area and down to a one-inch accuracy.  This can assist with understanding the crop’s needs for pesticides or nutrients.  The just-in-time information means that time and resources are not wasted. Detailed data and analytics can help better control diseases and insects in various crops, which is the heart of precision agriculture.

Drone data helps farmers plan their planting and treatments to provide optimal crops while preserving resources.

Precision Agriculture is the precise management of crops to increase production and sustainability. Some of the technologies used in precision agriculture include GPS, drones, and high-quality soil sampling to manage variability in crop production.