March 2025 News Bulletin

It has been a busy time for the NL Workforce Innovation (NLWIC) team! Take a look at some of the in-person and virtual events attended since our last News Bulletin.

 

Susanne Dawe, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinaotr, attended the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade’s Winter Carnival 2025 Business Mixer event held on February 27, 2025 at Golfshotz. She enjoyed networking with other attendees and the chance to win some great prizes and take in a competition with Golfshotz’s new simulator.


Public Relations Specialist Lana Roestenberg attended a webinar focused on Navigating Change: Drive Growth with Human-Centric Strategies from Social Intelligence to learn more about strategies for engaging stakeholders to drive growth and brand awareness from expert presenters, including how to leverage online conversation to assess and adapt to the needs of an audience.

Director Sharon McLennon and Public Relations Specialist Lana Roestenberg celebrated International Women’s Day a few days early with NLOWE at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s on March 4, 2025. A panel of four women entrepreneurs - Ogaga Johnson of Verisult; Johanna Brown of Rivet, Tammy Snook of Paskwaw Harbour, and Bronwyn Bridges, of Pragmaclin - was enjoyed by all attending. The panel was moderated by Krissy Holmes with CBC 'On the Go'. For both Sharon and Lana, hearing the panelists speak about their entrepreneurial journeys and insights during the event on Leading The Change: Women Entrepreneurs Shaping The Future, was truly inspirational. Hearing what challenges they faced and how they identified gaps in the market to create their paths in the workforce was a testament to the innovative thinking and resilience that have gotten them to where they are today as businesswomen. Afterward, they connected with like-minded professionals at the networking reception and had a wonderful chat with panelist Tammy Snook from Paskwaw Harbour.

 

Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator joined NLOWE’s International Women’s Day celebrations at The Greenwood Inn in Corner Brook on March 6, 2025. She had the pleasure of hearing speaker Kayla A. share her journey about overcoming challenges highlighting that there is strength found in supporting each other. Susanne also had the opportunity to connect with NLOWE staff members Roshayne Mendis, Business Start-Up Advisor for Western, and Carla May, Business Growth Advisor for Western and Labrador (as pictured above).

As we delve deeper into the world of workforce development and innovation, it's essential to recognize that what we've experienced so far this year is just the #TipOfTheIceberg. Events play a crucial role in keeping NLWIC staff and others informed about the latest industry trends and best practices. Stay tuned for upcoming events that the NLWIC team will be attending to further enrich our understanding and engagement with this dynamic field!

Upcoming Events

Be part of an event that will shape the future of inclusivity and equity in the ocean, agriculture, and agri-food sectors!

On March 19th, join the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) and ECO Canada for Empower Her: Paving the Path to Leadership at the Johnson Geo Centre in St. John’s from 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

This powerful FREE event for professionals working in the ocean, agriculture, and agri-food sectors promises to be a transformative experience will focus on the pressing issue of systemic barriers while championing inclusivity and equity in the workforce.

 

Key Highlights of the Event:

 

  1. Expert Panels and Keynotes - Hear from industry experts who will provide invaluable insights on overcoming systemic barriers, solutions and advancing equity in the ocean sector.
  2. Interactive Workshops - Hands-on workshops that will give you tangible skills that you can apply immediately to create meaningful change.
  3. Networking Opportunities - Connect with like-minded professionals who share your passion for change to make a difference.
  4. Real-World Case Studies and Success Stories – Learn from organizations that are successfully navigating the journey to inclusivity.

 

Don't miss out! Take advantage of this free opportunity to be part of the conversation and take action on inclusivity and equity. After participating in this event, you will walk away with increased awareness, actionable strategies, networking collaboration, and enhanced skills.

Register

Encore Summit 2025: Leveraging Older Workers, Connections for Seniors, April 8, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Emera Innovation Exchange, In Person.


This Summit, organized by Connections for Seniors with collaborative support by NLWIC, is a pivotal event dedicated to empowering and supporting our older workforce in today's ever-evolving job market. Across the globe, populations are aging, and fewer young people are entering the workforce. Newfoundland and Labrador is also facing a critical labor shortage, exacerbated by an aging population and a shrinking workforce.


Set against the backdrop of Emera Innovation Exchange, the event promises a full day rich with insightful presentations, engaging roundtable discussions, and practical tips designed to enhance employability. Attendees will have the chance to network with industry leaders and fellow participants, fostering collaboration that aligns with NLWIC's mission of inclusivity and workforce innovation. Whether you are an employer eager to tap into the invaluable experience of senior employees or an individual navigating a career transition, this event is tailored for you. Join Connections for Seniors to discover how an older workforce can play a crucial role in building a stronger economy for Newfoundland and Labrador, while effectively addressing current labour shortages. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation and contribute to a more inclusive future!


Register Now

2025 Annual Summit on Episodic Disability and Employment, Realize, March 19-20, 2025, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), Virtual.


The 5th National Summit on Episodic Disabilities and Employment – Disclosure in Dialogue is a vital event for those committed to fostering inclusive workplaces. Scheduled for March 19 and 20, 2025, this free, virtual gathering will unite business leaders, HR professionals, and individuals living with episodic disabilities to bridge the gap between research and practical solutions. Participants will gain actionable insights and best practices that not only enhance workplace accommodations but also empower underrepresented groups. By attending, you will contribute to meaningful discussions that can lead to transformative changes in workplace culture, aligning with NLWIC's mission to support a diverse and equitable workforce. We invite all stakeholders to engage in this crucial dialogue and be part of the solution.

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Elevate Your Business: Leveraging EOS for Sustainable Growth in Small Enterprises, GRC Educators, March 24, 2025, 1:00 p.m. EST (2:30 p.m. NL Time), Virtual.


Join GRC Educators for an impactful workshop designed specifically for small business leaders eager to unlock their full potential through the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). This session will delve into how EOS can empower your leadership team to gain better control over your business by focusing on six critical areas essential for sustainable growth. Attendees will learn practical tools and strategies to ensure everyone in their organization is aligned with the company’s vision, has the right roles, and understands their quarterly goals, or “rocks.” By shifting from merely running the business to actively working on it, small business CEOs and COOs will leave with actionable insights and techniques that align perfectly with NLWIC’s mission to positively impact employabililty, employment, entrepreneurship and to drive innovation in the workforce. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your business and connect with a community committed to collaborative growth!

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Insights in Action Tour - Closing Webinar, Future Skills Canada, March 25, 2025, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (NL Time), Virtual.


Join Future Skills Centre for their final virtual “Insights in Action” session to enrich your organization's workplace innovation. Designed specifically for individuals looking to enhance their skills and professional development, this session will focus on actionable strategies that you can implement immediately to strengthen your skills, and valuable insights into industry best practices. Don’t miss out on this chance to gain valuable knowledge on workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities, key labour market issues and opportunities to strengthen Canada’s skills ecosystem, and discussion on solutions for workforce resilience.

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Unravelling Online Job Postings: A Powerful Way to Decipher Canada's Labour Market, Labour Market Information Council (LMIC), April 28, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m., (1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. NL Time), Virtual.


Join Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) for an insightful webinar as they explore "Unravelling Online Job Postings: A Powerful Way to Decipher Canada’s Labour Market." This event is designed specifically for career practitioners who seek to harness the potential of Online Job Postings (OJPs) as a vital tool for understanding labor market dynamics and skill demands. By exploring 2024 job postings data, participants will gain valuable insights into the intricate relationships between skills and occupations. The session, as part of a 3-part expert-led webinar series, will feature the unveiling of LMIC's 2025 research, including an interactive dashboard that visualizes job market trends across Canada. Discover how to transform OJPs into actionable insights that can significantly enhance employability and address workforce challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to position yourself at the forefront of labor market intelligence!

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International Equity, Diversity and Anti-Racism Conference 2025, , May 22-23, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. The Glynmill Inn, Corner Brook, NL, In-person.


The 2025 International Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) Conference, represents a pivotal education and training gathering for stakeholders committed to fostering best practices related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. This conference not only emphasizes the importance of EDI-AR initiatives in addressing pressing labor market challenges but also serves as a platform for collaboration among students, researchers, industry professionals, and community leaders from around the globe. Participants will have the unique opportunity to share best practices, innovative approaches, and success stories that can transform EDI-AR programs across various sectors, including post-secondary education, community organizations, and industry. With both in-person and online attendance options, the conference is designed to be accessible to a diverse audience, reinforcing NLWIC's commitment to supporting underrepresented groups. We urge all stakeholders to engage with this vital event and leverage insights to enhance EDI-AR initiatives, and the current challenges and innovations in promoting inclusivity within various sectors.

Register Now

Innovation in Action

Business Navigator Program

The Business Navigators Program, a government provided service, offers invaluable one-on-one support tailored to the unique needs of new and existing businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador. Focusing on personalized assistance, a Business Navigator can guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of establishing and operating a business in the province. With a commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting entrepreneurs, the program ensures that you have access to the necessary tools and resources. Business Navigators work closely with clients to simplify the complexities of government processes, from licensing to funding opportunities, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to thrive. By connecting businesses to industry networks and essential information, the program plays a crucial role in driving workforce development and enhancing the overall business landscape.

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This month marked two significant events - International Women's Day celebrated annually on March 8th and Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business for 2025 celebrated on March 6th, 2025 - in the journey towards enhancing workforce development and women leadership. These events are a key part of collaboration among various stakeholders in the labor market, showcasing our collective commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. As we reflect on these gatherings, they not only highlight the importance of women's leadership but also align seamlessly with NLWIC's mission to promote equitable opportunities for all. Let us embrace this momentum and inspire one another to engage in ongoing discussions and initiatives that support the development of women's leadership within organizations, paving the way for a more dynamic and inclusive workforce.

Last week a number of International Women's Day celebrations occurred throughout Canada and our province. We, at NLWIC, realize the transformative benefits of thriving in a workplace where an inclusive culture reigns supreme, and colleagues are not just respectful but genuinely understanding of one another's experiences. This vision is not just a dream; it is a call to action that requires a comprehensive and strategic approach to accelerate progress for women in the workplace. By addressing barriers and fostering environments that celebrate diversity, we can promote gender equity in every facet of professional life through research-based projects. Together, we can combat inequalities and expand opportunities for women and girls, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. The potential for positive change is immense when organizations prioritize inclusivity, and by uniting our efforts, we can create a thriving workforce that benefits everyone. That’s why events such as this are an important piece of sustainable workforce development.


A truly remarkable celebration happened last Thursday night in St. John’s as Atlantic Canada’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Business for 2025 were honoured! This event not only highlighted the incredible achievements of these trailblazing individuals but also perfectly aligns with NLWIC's mission to promote workforce development and empower underrepresented groups, particularly women leaders in business. This event celebrated not only achievement but the many ways that leadership shows up in the world and the poster it has to share the future of workforce development. The hard work and dedication of these role models and industry shapers help pave the way for future leaders - talk about a powerful gathering! At NLWIC, we are committed to fostering innovative solutions and celebrating diversity within the workforce, making this event a pivotal moment for collaboration and idea exchange. So, let’s keep the momentum going all year long to not only celebrate women leadership and further discussions on advancing workforce developments in Newfoundland and Labrador—together, we can make an impact!

On Our Radar

2025 Workplace Learning Report, LinkedIn Learning

The Human-Centered Workplace: Building Organizational Cultures that Thrive, Gallup and Workhuman

Evaluation and Learning in the Skills and Training Ecosystem, Future Skills Centre

Keys to Successful Indigenous Partnerships, Atlantic Economic Council

How Innovation Ecosystems Foster Citizen Participation Using Emerging Technologies, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Higher Education Trends Report: Student Mobility, Conference Board of Canada

Workforce Links

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Like the iconic iceberg, there’s more beneath the surface to see and understand when it comes to the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) and the workforce innovators who lead in research and innovation projects to address the most pressing problems and opportunities in the labour market in Newfoundland and Labrador.


Established in 2017 by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and administered by College of the North Atlantic, NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) has a provincial mandate to provide a coordinated, central point of access to engage all labour market stakeholders about challenges, opportunities and best practices in workforce development.


NLWIC’s goal is to promote the research, testing and sharing of ideas and models of innovation in workforce development that will positively impact employability, employment and entrepreneurship within the province’s labour force and particularly underrepresented groups. Funding for NLWIC is provided by the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills (IPGS) under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

©NL Workforce Innovation Centre 2025