Chatham-Kent Economic Development and the Small Business Centre, in partnership with Goodwill Career Centre and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, are hosting two webinars for employers called ‘Grow Your Workforce.’
The events will provide employers the opportunity to learn about a variety of programs, funding, and resources available to help address their workforce needs.
This includes attracting new employees, fill existing and future gaps in your workforce, and discovering incentives to help you scale up and enhance your existing workforce.
As well, employers will learn about support available to assist them with applying for programs.
“We are hearing from business and industry leaders across Chatham-Kent that they are looking for help with both hiring new staff and training up their existing staff,” said Rosemarie Montgomery, Economic Development Officer with Chatham-Kent Economic Development, in a press release.
“There is government funding available to assist with both hiring and training, so now is an ideal time to explore expanding your workforce, which is why we are offering these sessions.”
The ‘Grow Your Workforce’ events are being held on September 15, 2021 with both a morning session at 9 a.m. and a repeat evening session at 6 p.m.
“This is important information which is why we are holding the session at two different times on the same day. Our hope is that if someone can’t make the morning session, then they can attend the evening session,” said Montgomery.
One of the topics included in the sessions will look at opportunities for apprenticeships in both the traditional construction, industrial, and automotive skilled trades settings as well as other career paths such as the service industry.
“It is well known that there are apprenticeship opportunities for manufacturing and agriculture, and we will be discussing these industries. What is not always known is that with over 140 apprenticeship trades, even small businesses such as hairstylists can take advantage of apprenticeship funding and training,” said Montgomery.
“This means that the sessions are really for businesses of all sizes to attend, no matter if you are hiring your first employee or your 100th employee.”
The most recent unemployment numbers show that Chatham-Kent is holding a steady rate of around 7 percent. This is lower than the provincial and federal averages and is a positive trend for the community.
“Thanks to the diversity in our local economy, we have seen a strong rebound from challenges over the past year. A steady unemployment rate, combined with a growing Chatham-Kent population, is a sign that we are heading in the right direction when it comes to overall growth for our future,” said Jamie Rainbird, Manager of Chatham-Kent Economic Development, in a press release.
Rainbird added: “I want to remind businesses of all size that the team at Economic Development and the Small Business Centre is here to support you. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us.”
To register for the webinar sessions, please visit www.investck.ca or call 519-351-7700.
