Food Processing Skills Canada launches national workforce program
by CM staff
Food Processing Skills Canada received an investment of $7.7 million for this project from the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workplace Solutions Program.
OTTAWA —Food Processing Skills Canada – the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry’s non-profit workforce development organization – announced a new program, Achieving Our Workforce Destination: Qualified People, Successful Careers & Competitive Business.
Food Processing Skills Canada received an investment of $7.7 million for this project from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workplace Solutions Program (SWSP) which is a program that helps sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs.
“Ensuring a highly competitive Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry demands skilled individuals and exceptional workplaces – Achieving Our Workforce Destination will deliver on both,” said Jennefer Griffith, Executive Director, Food Processing Skills Canada. “Thank you to the Government of Canada for investing in an industry that offers exciting career and business opportunities for Canadians and recent immigrants.”
Achieving Our Workforce Destination will enhance the skills and employability of people and improve employers’ capacity to fill positions through better recruitment, onboarding, and retention best practices.
Skills Training Across Canada will deliver micro-credential training for supervisors to drive new industry leaders and attract the next generation of talent. Comprehensive, online training through a blended learning approach that includes onboarding, goal-driven content, coaching, gamification, and self-directed technical and social emotional learning.
Acahkos emotional intelligence training and coaching will be delivered to senior managers of small to mid-size companies to ensure the industry is at the forefront of management and leadership that values personal growth as much as professional development.
New and existing FoodCert certifications including Quality Assurance Manager, Meat Cutting Professionals, Fish and Seafood Personnel, and Food Production Supervisor will be made available to employees.
To provide employers with the latest tools an HR digital toolkit will be populated with interactive micro learning, assessment tools and downloadable training packages. A new Speaking Food livestream series will lead important conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts.
“With this new funding we have a project that will deliver training for up-and-coming leaders and senior management so that we not only raise the performance bar of today’s workforce, but develop a professional reputation that is attracting young talent for the future,” said Mike Timani, Chair, Food Processing Skills Canada.
“The future of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors depends heavily on having a skilled and reliable workforce,” said said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. “Recently, these vital sectors have faced significant challenges in maintaining stability and ensuring social and economic benefits for farmers, their families, and Canadians. The Achieving Our Workforce Destination: Qualified People, Successful Careers & Competitive Business program will contribute to our collaborative commitment to strengthen this vital sector that contributes to Canada’s growth and overall wellbeing.”
