Workforce Development Specialist, Skilled Trades

**Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development**

Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence? Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career and workforce development, then consider a career with Centre for Skills Development

Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, with locations in Oakville, Milton and Clarkson, Centre for Skills delivers high caliber employment services, language training & settlement services, skilled trades training and literacy upgrading. Providing people with opportunities to build a better future and making a positive impact on peoples’ lives is integral to the business of Centre for Skills. For more information, visit: centreforskills.ca

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

**Job Number: 459**

**Job Title: Workforce Development Specialist, Skilled Trades**

**Department: Employment Services**

**Location: Halton**

**Start Date: July 2025**

**Hours of Work: Full-time (35 hours per week)**

**Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm**

**Pay Rate: $33.28 per hour**

The **Workforce Development Specialist, Skilled Trades**role is responsible for providing individualized services to clients and employers under the Foreign Trained Credential Recognition program, with the goal of achieving labour market attachment for clients entering the skilled trades and seeking opportunities to apprentice, and/or receive recognition for their skills and experience from their home country. The **Workforce Development Specialist, Skilled Trades**provides clients with direct support to negotiate with employers for new job opportunities that may exist or be developed based on the needs, skills and abilities for the client and the individual employer needs.

**These are your responsibilities**:

- **Client Direct**_
- Meet with clients, Trades Instructors, and their Employment Specialist to learn about client’s needs and goals.
- Source and present career opportunities to clients that fit with their skills, abilities and employment goals.
- Visit each individual’s workplace at least once (or more as needed) to monitor progress on-the-job.
- Provide guidance and coaching on the apprenticeship process to job seekers/employees and employers.
- Monitor client’s long-term progress by conducting follow-up activities and offering coaching as needed.
- Support participants in navigating the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and apprenticeship system to increase workforce retention and growth.
- Determine when and how to provide direct instruction and assistance to client to support job retention.
- Collaborate with Employment Specialist to implement added supports or request client supports to reduce barriers to employment.
- Respond to issues that arise with clients by utilizing support services both internally and externally.
- Participate in other activities that support client employment outcomes (such as / but not limited to: job fairs, project participation, community events, virtual workshops relevant to workforce opportunity etc.).
- Collaborate with other staff to develop strategies and share leads for clients across program/service.
- Survey clients to learn of their experience with the FCR program, with an eye towards continuous improvement.
- **Administrative/Accountability**_
- Consistently meet or exceed monthly employment/placement and activity targets.
- Maintain consistent and up-to date case notes on client engagement and communication.
- Follow guidelines for file maintenance as outlined by funder guidelines and as per Centre for Skills requirements.
- Ensure timely reporting, submitting accurate reports to track activities, supported by up-to-date case notes.
- Guide employers and clients on the completion of forms. Answer questions and ensure deadlines are met.
- Stay up-to-date on trends, issues and opportunities in the skilled trades and the quickest route back to employment for foreign trained tradespeople.
- Assist the team with grassroots marketing and outreach efforts on an ongoing basis.
- Represent the team at skilled trades/apprenticeship focused events and partnership meetings, both in person and/or virtually when appropriate.
- **Employer Direct**_
- Contact local employers to discuss their hiring and training needs and offer support through Skilled Trades and Employment Services programs.
- Assist employers with filling out appropriate paperwork.
- Work with Employment Services teams to collaborate on possible work placements and promote placement incentives to employers for eligible clients.
- Visit workplaces prior to work placement start, to ensure provincially legislated workplace polices and practices are in place.
- Provide coaching to employees and employers on the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Human Rights Code, and the apprenticeship system.
- Provide support to employers who require additional guidance related to the apprenticeship