First Work

This #SmallBusinessSaturday, we're spotlighting the vital role Employment Service Providers (ESPs) play in empowering small businesses—the backbone of Canada's economy. 99.7% of Canadian businesses are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and ESPs act as crucial HR supports to help small employers overcome hiring and retention challenges in an increasingly competitive labour market. A healthy #WorkforceDevelopment ecosystem addresses both the supply and demand side of employment – #Jobseekers and #Employers. When Employment Service Providers are capacitated to bridge gaps, support regional economies, SMEs can ensure they navigate workforce challenges with confidence. Together, let's amplify our call for increased capacity so ESPs can meet the needs of these economic drivers.

Navigating the workplace as an introvert has its own challenges and rewards! In her latest post on the First Work Youth Council Blog, Emily L. from First Work member COSTI shares how she found her voice at work. She's learned to balance the quiet strength of observation with moments of stepping out of her comfort zone to make a lasting impact. Key lessons include understanding your communication style, building a support toolkit, and taking the time to observe workplace dynamics before forming conclusions. These lessons aren’t just for introverts—they’re for anyone striving to navigate their professional journey with authenticity. Read more here: https://ow.ly/MyrJ50UhLBr

**FREE Hospitality Training Program in the Greater Toronto Region** Are you a #Youth not in Employment, #Education or #Training and looking to explore a career in Hospitality? We are excited to share that First Work, in partnership with HTA75, is offering free Hospitality Training in the Greater Toronto Area with access to employment opportunities on graduation! HTA 75 is offering free specialized career training in these fields: Housekeeping, Front of House, and Culinary – if you know any youth who may be interested, please have them #REGISTER: https://ow.ly/C1eo50U7sg9

I can't believe it's already been a little over a week since the team, Ousama Alkhatib, Aia Bakir, Jasvine Kular, and I, attended and presented at this year's First Work #Futures24 conference. Our session shared insights on meaningful engagement with refugee youth as consultants, through co-design practices, equitable partnership principles (EPP), and expanded social capital. It was great to reconnect with familiar faces, make some new friends, and learn alongside many of our partners in systems change! Many thanks to Akosua A., Ikram Abdi, and the rest of the First Work team, for another incredible conference :) #leadersoftoday #workforcedevelopment #canadianlabourmarket #youth #immigrantyouth #systemschange #bestpractices #refugeeyouth #inclusion #codesign #cdnpoli #kmb

Do you struggle to understand a client’s motivation or lack thereof? Have you found yourself more invested in the goal than the client? Next week – continue your #Futures24 learning to build your capacity at our Members-Only Training! Date: Wednesday, November 13 Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Register and learn more at https://ow.ly/XUVm50U1jya 'Practical Applications of Motivational Interviewing' goes beyond theory to work with MI techniques, engage in small and large group discussions, and apply the concepts in real-time. This workshop is designed to provide #Actionable tools for change in a supportive and reflective learning environment.

Building on the incredible momentum and learnings of #Futures24, we are exhibiting at Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)'s Rethinking Disability Conference – where #EmploymentServiceProviders and #Employers are increasing capacity through sharing of inclusive-hiring best practices.

We’re pleased to be part of the #Futures24 conference by First Work, a gathering focused on #workforce development in Ontario. Over three days, this event explores essential themes such as bridging skills gaps, fostering #inclusive #hiring practices, and equipping individuals with future-ready skills to meet evolving job market demands. Our team members Manisha Roopnarine, Tara Bootan, Behnaz Azad and Suzana B. are actively involved in discussions on how we can support #newcomers and #jobseekers to adapt to these trends, aligning with our mission of creating a more inclusive workforce. As we engage with thought leaders in the sector, we’re reminded of the critical importance of these partnerships in building resilient, future-focused career pathways for all. To learn more about the work we do to support jobseekers, visit: https://bit.ly/35QH5k1 #Futures24 #FutureofWork #YouthEmployment

The First Work Youth Council - showcased how to thrive and build the new talent in our Sector. As our young aspiring network leaders, it was wonderful to see them showcase the future of our network and sector at the #Futures24 #workforcedevelopment conference!

🚀 Panel Announcement at First Work Futures 2024! 🚀 At FutureFit AI, we’re committed to helping job seekers succeed in a workforce landscape undergoing profound change. That’s why we’re excited to join a keynote session at Futures 2024 that will explore proactive strategies for navigating the future of work. 🗓️ Join us on October 29th, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM for an insightful discussion on “Nurturing Ecosystems: RBC’s Commitment to Workforce Development and Sustainability.” As technology reshapes the workforce, we’ll dive into how RBC and its partners are building proactive, collaborative solutions to support individuals in navigating a rapidly evolving labor market. From reskilling and upskilling programs to mentorship and work experience, this session focuses on the power of partnerships in creating equitable pathways to prosperity. Panel experts include: 💡 Farahnaaz Kanji, Director of Youth Strategy, RBC 💡 Nathan Janzen, Assistant Chief Economist, RBC 💡 Midia Shikh Hassan 施美迪, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Riipen 💡 Robert Barnard, CEO, Youthful Cities 💡 Vaishnavy Gupta, Head of Go to Market, FutureFit AI Together, we'll explore how to equip jobseekers with in-demand skills, provide meaningful career experiences, and foster community collaborations that drive long-term impact. 👋 If you’ll be at Futures 2024, be sure to connect with Vaishnavy Gupta to discover how AI and technology are transforming workforce ecosystems and unlocking new opportunities. #Futures24 #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureofWork #WorkforceTechnology #AI

Thanks to First Work for convening such a power panel and to Aaron Stauch for your talented moderating. It was a pleasure to be part of this important discussion and CreativeConnection Consultants Ltd once again created masterful visual minutes.