The Industry Education Council (IEC) is a champion for workforce development across Hamilton, Ontario. The IEC of Hamilton partners with local organizations, both of their local school districts, community leaders, and Edge Factor to enhance career exploration opportunities for everyone in their region. Over the last year and a half, the IEC and Edge Factor team have filmed in over 15 local companies to share real life stories and multimedia solutions that help answer Hamilton’s workforce development needs and build awareness of local companies and the careers they offer!
Edge Factor creates high-impact media and learning tools to inspire learners of all ages to explore, prepare and connect on their career journey. Through our partnership with the IEC, Edge Factor has filmed in Hamilton companies across several industries, from Healthcare, Construction, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Service, and more.
It all begins with a great story
Using the power of cinematic storytelling, Edge Factor takes learners on a career journey from "I have no idea what I want to do with my life!" all the way to, “I have browsed the opportunities, made informed decisions, and launched a local training and career pathway.”
The people behind each Hamilton company have stories and career opportunities worth sharing. In partnership with IEC, we are proud to announce the new media being produced that provides an inside look at Hamilton businesses and the people that make it all possible.
Edge Factor is a family-friendly career exploration platform, where students, parents, and job-seekers become inspired to launch their own training and career pathways. It features real life stories of people pushing back the edge of what’s possible and using their minds, hands, and technology to build the future and impact lives. The Edge Factor film crew has gone behind closed doors to film over 50 videos, including 20+ Career Profile videos, and 12+ Virtual Workplace Experiences, What’s In Your Toolbelt, Geek Out Competencies, STEAM on the Job, Soft Skills on the Job, and Safety Awareness Training.
The Edge Factor library includes age appropriate media and learning tools for learners from K - Gray. One of the newest releases for learners in Grades 3 -4, features real life people answering the question, "What's in your toolbelt?" as they show-and-tell the different types of tools, gear, or equipment they use on the job.
Students in Grades 7 - 8 will be inspired as they learn about industries and careers in the Skilled Responders series. They’ll hear from real life people like Scott Watt-Harrison, as he shared what inspired him to become an Estimator with Flynn Construction!
“I love working here,” said Scott Watt-Harrison. “Each day is different, it’s not a mundane job. I get to go to the sites and do construction all over the place!”
High school students and job seekers explore what a "day in the life" looks like in diverse careers when watching Career Profile videos. They can learn about various careers, including what it’s like to be a Mechanical Supervisor when they meet Don Roy from Heddle Shipyards and hear about the responsibilities, STEAM, and Soft Skills that come alive on the job as Don repairs and installs mechanical parts of ships.
These multimedia tools highlight careers, equipment, soft skills, and STEAM topics that come alive at Hamilton International Airport, Hamilton Health Sciences, Juravinski Hospital, NVK Nurseries, Royal Hamilton Yacht Club - Harbor West Marina, Stryker, Flynn Construction, Heddle Shipyard, Carmen’s Group, Norstar Window and Door Production, Walters Group, Fruitland Manufacturing, KF Aerospace, Cardi Construction, TruNorth Composites, ArcelorMittal, Studio 136, and Reimar Forming & Construction.
Check out the Hamilton has the Edge page to watch and share specially selected media from these companies and others, today!
“I get to work with communities from coast to coast… But Hamilton holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I call home!” said Larissa Hofman, Vice President of Edge Factor. “It’s been incredible to see Hamilton’s leaders in education, industry, and workforce development come together to help local students and job-seekers explore careers. When I drive around the city, I am constantly seeing companies and projects that we’ve filmed! Companies have enthusiastically jumped on board to partner with the IEC and Edge Factor to showcase the careers they offer and empower Hamilton families to realize: our city has extraordinary opportunities around every corner!”
IEC of Hamilton’s Career Exploration Programs
The City of Hamilton’s Economic Development Action Plan has identified 6 priorities for the next 5 years, and one of them includes “facilitating a skilled and adaptable workforce”, which aligns with the work IEC and Edge Factor are doing together.
In addition to partnering with Edge Factor, IEC also provides the following programs to Hamilton residents:
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Career Development Animation Program: A program that will focus on Hamilton’s high priority neighborhoods to support youth facing opportunity gaps, and help them to better understand the career opportunities available across Hamilton.
- W.A.G.E. Construction Program: A 16 week program that provides learners with fundamental training and skills needed to work in the construction industry.
- Certifications in Customer Service and Workplace Health & Safety: One hour sessions which provide an overview of the key elements and essential skills for job-seekers to excel in the workplace.
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Experiential Learning Opportunities: supporting the education sector provide a broad range of experiences for their students that support their career development, such as co-op, internships, mentors, classroom speakers and company tours including Virtual Workplace Experience videos by Edge Factor, that brings the experience into the classroom.
Uniting Community Efforts
Edge Factor unites efforts in a community through our e-learning platform. We have created thousands of videos, interactive activities, and lesson plans that focus on career exploration. K-12 and Postsecondary schools, companies, and organizations partner with Edge Factor to help tackle workforce development regionally and nationally.
Together with IEC of Hamilton, we are proud to share free access to specially selected media on the Hamilton has the Edge page! Students can learn about the Career and Technical Programs that teach real skills for the real world. Students and job-seekers can access the landing page and discover career pathways, companies and schools in their community.
Learn more about Edge Factor
If you are interested in learning more about what an Edge Factor membership can unlock, create your free account or register for an upcoming live webinar.
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