Connecting Newcomers with Jobs in Ontario’s Manufacturing Sector
Connecting Newcomers with Jobs in Ontario’s Manufacturing Sector
Lead Agency: Catholic Crosscultural Services
Participants: 200 newcomers to Canada
Funding Approved: $1.10M across two funding cycles
Funder: Ontario Skills Development Fund
Project Period: April 2022 – March 2024
Overview
This two-year workforce development initiative was designed to support unemployed and underemployed newcomers living in Toronto in accessing sustainable employment within the manufacturing supply chain sector, an area facing acute labour shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Catholic Crosscultural Services, the project focused on reducing barriers to economic participation by equipping participants with in-demand, sector-specific skills aligned with the needs of local employers across the Greater Toronto Area.
Skills training was developed and delivered in partnership with the Asian Business and Management Program at York University, combining structured supply chain and project management training with critical soft-skills development, Canadian workplace exposure, and wraparound employment supports. Program delivery included online synchronous and asynchronous instruction, cohort-based learning, real-world workplace projects led by industry practitioners, and comprehensive job-search services, preparing participants for immediate employment in manufacturing supply chain operations while supporting longer-term career advancement.
Program Scope
- Multiple training cohorts delivered over a two-year project period
- Blended online learning model combining asynchronous and live instruction
- Sector-specific training in manufacturing supply chain operations and logistics
- Integrated project management and critical workplace skills development
- Practitioner-led workplace projects providing Canadian work environment exposure
- Wraparound employment supports delivered through coaching and curated microcourses
Impact
- Improved access to in-demand supply chain employment pathways for newcomers
- Increased participant readiness for immediate entry into manufacturing roles
- Enhanced employability through combined technical, soft, and workplace skills
- Stronger alignment between participant skills and employer workforce needs
- Increased employer engagement through DEI-informed training and recruitment
- Establishment of a scalable workforce development model for economic recovery
Our Contribution
- Strategic contribution to SDF proposal development for two successful funding applications
- Secured York University–ABMP as academic training and credential partner
- Designed and implemented a cohort-based LMS and online learning community
- Procured an asynchronous micro-course library to support flexible learning
- Integrated an industry mentorship component into the program design
- Helped facilitate delivery of the online training components