Apprenticeship Programs Create a Resilient Workforce

From the shop floor to the newsroom, there is a lot of talk these days about the value of apprenticeship programs. Why do we care about apprenticeships? Apprenticeship programs are vital for success in the skilled trades. Every community relies on skilled workers for our daily activities. In light of the current labour shortage, companies are looking to connect with educators, families, students and job-seekers to build their workforce pipeline. 

For four communities in Ontario, Edge Factor has provided a solution.  At Edge Factor we have been working hard, and are pleased to finally bring you our new Workforce Excellence Program (WEP)! Officially launched on October 20^th, you can now Choose Excellence when you access the completely free digital platform filled to the brim with brand new e-learning tools and media. 

How does it work? 

Edge Factor utilizes the power of storytelling to showcase real-life people who have discovered a passion for their particular industry, learned new skills and overcome challenges. The features included in the Workforce Excellence Program offer solutions for employers and job-seekers. 

Employers can now: 

• Create Company and Apprenticeship Profiles to promote your businesses and highlight apprenticeship opportunities to job seekers right in your community.
  
  
• Identify relevant hard and soft skills for your field to best connect with motivated and qualified recruits. 
  
• Gain insights into how to build successful apprenticeship programs and create a resilient workforce through the new modular video series featuring real-life companies in the Brantford, Hamilton, Sudbury and Bruce-Grey areas.
  
•  Watch inspirational LaunchPoint episodes to follow apprentices’ success stories, Benchmark episodes with best practices for launching and developing an effective apprenticeship program, Geek Out episodes that explain the technology and tools used by the apprentice, and Soft Skills on the Job episodes that cover important transferable skills, like communication and dependability.
  
• Choose Excellence for your workforce.

Job seekers, their families and educators will be able to:

• Access the video series and other e-learning tools to expand your knowledge from a variety of perspectives, including youth, women, Indigenous peoples and new immigrants in the skilled trades. 
  
• Job seekers will be able to learn about local companies, what they do, and the apprenticeships and opportunities they offer. Use the Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Tool (coming soon!) to learn what technical and soft skills you need to succeed - and how to achieve them, so you can find the right industry and companies for you, and get the most out of your apprenticeship journey. 
  
• Find a great fit, and choose to connect with employers offering the positions.
  
• Choose Excellence for your future.

WEP is user-friendly and knowledge-rich with lots to explore, and it’s completely free! All you have to do is sign up and get started today!

Help us help you help your community

This platform was created to address the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in Ontario, and the recruitment challenges this has posed for employers. Developed with the support of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, WEP is designed to strengthen student interest in the trades, make locating and connecting with apprenticeship programs easy, and to reduce the stigma around entering the job market. 

The trades and related skilled fields can be very lucrative career options, without the burden of years of schooling and the collective tuition that can come along with the time commitment. These hands-on career paths can be profitable, rewarding and validating, and WEP is designed to help you find the right fit, and show you the path to get there. 

Where can it take you? 

We’re beginning by focusing our efforts in the communities of Brantford, Hamilton, Sudbury and Bruce County, to help build up existing local industries. By connecting motivated recruits with available apprenticeship and employment opportunities, we can build up strong local industries and create rewarding careers in our Ontario communities.  

Get Connected. Stay Connected. 

Sign up for the Edge Factor Newsletter and follow us on social media to receive the latest updates on features, events, and initiatives that will help you build the future workforce. 

Questions? Feedback? Contact us.

Email: info@edgefactor.com or message us on the Live Chat. We’d love to hear from you.