August 2025 News Bulletin | | |
At the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC), our dedicated staff enjoy attending events across the province along with participating in informative webinars. These opportunities allow us to connect with communities, share insights on workforce development, and foster collaboration among employers, job seekers, and educational and training institutions.
On July 9, 2025, NLWIC team member Lana Roestenberg attended the Immigrant Entrepreneurship Networking Fair hosted by the Expertise Hub Cooperative. Lana actively participated in conversations with Expertise Hub and International Education Newfoundland and Labrador (IENL) representatives and learned more about how several exhibiting organizations are fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the newcomer community. By attending the fair, Lana not only represented NLWIC but also learned how initiatives align with the importance of creating inclusive environments that support diverse perspectives in workforce development. This reinforced our commitment to enhancing employment, employability and entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups in the province. "Events like these are crucial for building connections and empowering immigrant entrepreneurs to overcome challenges in their entrepreneurship journey so they can thrive in our communities and province.”
| | PR Specialist Lana Roestenberg at Immigrant Entrepreneurship Networking Fair | |  | MUN's Centre for Entrepreneurship booth space at Side Hustle Showcase | | | Following Lana’s participation in the Immigrant Entrepreneurship Networking Fair, she attended a dynamic Side Hustle Showcase hosted by MUN's Centre for Entrepreneurship on July 10, 2025, where student entrepreneurs showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Lana had the opportunity to visit with students who presented a variety of unique products, from homemade and hand-painted goods to custom-3D printed items. The atmosphere was vibrant, reminiscent of a bustling market, where students shared their passions and entrepreneurial journeys. Reflecting on the event, Lana stated, "It was inspiring to talk to students and hear them share their entrepreneurial journeys and how they turned their passions into viable business ideas. This showcase not only highlights their creativity but also reinforces the importance of entrepreneurship in our community." Both events underscore NLWIC's dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the community, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support for diverse voices in workforce development. | | Building on our commitment to collaboration, NLWIC team members Lana Roestenberg and Aleksandra Stefanovic-Chafe had the opportunity to meet up with Viet Vu, Manager of Economic Research at the Dais, Toronto Metropolitan University, on July 15th while he was visiting St. John’s for work. Amid the stunning backdrop of Cape Spear, Lana and Aleksandra were pleased to catch up on the latest organizational updates from Viet and talk about the workforce landscape and future opportunities for collaboration. | | NLWIC Director Sharon McLennon also contributed to the ongoing dialogue on workforce development by attending and presenting at the NL Jobs Forum Baie Verte Regional Summit hosted by the Department of Jobs, Immigration and Growth, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Forum’s focus was on the mining sector but also addressed broader job-related issues across various industries. This Forum mirrored the successful agenda from the St. John's event that Sharon participated in this past June, ensuring continuity in NLWIC being involved in contributing to key discussions about workforce development. Sharon shared the stage with Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO of Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, who kicked off the presentation on the current Future Skills Centre funded Employer-Led Workforce Development Project which introduced the Talent Pipeline Management Model (TPM) developed by the US Chamber of Commerce. NLWIC is proud to be a collaborator in this groundbreaking first pilot project to test and evaluation the TPM Model in Canada. | | Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth presenting at NL Jobs Forum Baie Verte Regional Summit | | | Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce presenting at NL Jobs Forum Baie Verte Regional Summit | | | |
We are thrilled to announce that the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) has been nominated for a prestigious 2025 MAPLE Awards, Magnet Awards for Pioneering Leadership in the Ecosystem, in the Collaboration Catalyst category! This award celebrates organizations that excel in fostering partnerships and innovative collaborations to enhance employment and training solutions.
Our nomination by Magnet recognizes the impactful work that both NLWIC and Magnet have done to co-design and develop the NLWIC Best Practices Repository (BPR), launched earlier this year. This innovative initiative, Powered by Magnet, centralizes vital research and best practices, making it easier for stakeholders across various regions and sectors to adopt effective workforce development strategies across various sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and beyond. Stay tuned for the public release of the digital platform.
The MAPLE Awards, which will take place on November 6th in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, will highlight organizations that are driving bold innovations and shaping a more inclusive labor market across Canada. We are proud to stand alongside other nominees in this category, all committed to advancing workforce development.
You can support us in this endeavor! Help us secure the Award by casting your vote and sharing the great work we do to enhance workforce development and innovation. Voting is open until September 30th, 2025. Click here so you can Vote for NLWIC.
Thank you for your support as we strive to make a meaningful impact in the province!
| | This is just the #TipOfTheIceberg of what the NLWIC team have been actively participating in recently to identify and advance ideas, innovation, and impact through engagement and collaboration on issues, opportunities, and best practices that benefit the NL labour market. Stay tuned for more updates in our next monthly news bulletin. | | | | |
EcoCanada 2025 Virtual Career Fair, EcoCanada, September 25, 2025, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MST (11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. NST), Virtual.
ECO Canada’s Premier Virtual Career Fair for Environmental Professionals is returning on September 25, 2025. This event is a fantastic opportunity for job seekers, students, and professionals in the environmental sector to connect with leading employers across the country. Attendees will have the chance to participate in live webinars, network in themed groups, and explore a variety of career opportunities, all from the comfort of your home. At NLWIC, we enjoy connecting underrepresented groups with valuable employment opportunities so we invite you to not miss out on this chance to explore new opportunities, advance your career or connect with top talent in the environmental field!
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The Algorithm Will See You Now: AI in Executive Search, Hunt Scanlon Media, September 9, 2025, 12:00 p.m. ET, (1:30 p.m. NST), Virtual.
Join Hunt Scanlon Media for an insightful discussion on how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the executive search landscape. This free webinar features two AI experts from Ezekia, both holding PhDs in AI. The webinar will explore several things including the evolving role of AI in sourcing and shortlisting candidates, how AI can enhance client engagement and improve outcomes, and common misconceptions about AI in executive search. This webinar will also provide a unique perspective from U.S. experts, highlighting how American firms are leveraging AI to enhance their recruitment strategies. Attendees will gain insights into the competitive, candidate-driven market in the U.S. and learn how to adapt to these technological shifts effectively.
This is a fantastic opportunity for executive recruiters and talent professionals to ask questions during the Q&A session to engage in high-level discussions with the panelists and gain valuable insights into the future of executive recruiting. Don’t miss out. Register today!
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30th Cold Harvest Conference & Trade Show, Newfoundland and Labrador Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA), September 23 – 25, 2025, Sheraton Hotel, St. John’s, NL, In-person.
The Cold Harvest Conference & Tradeshow is back, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in cold chain management. This three-day conference is a fantastic opportunity to foster connections and collaborations within the seafood farming sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. It offers seafood farming companies and service/supply companies a chance to come together to gain insights from industry leaders on the future of aquaculture to learn about Artificial Intelligence in Aquaculture, and Innovation in Finfish Aquaculture, discover cutting-edge products and services from leading companies in aquaculture through an exhibitor showcase. Don’t miss out. Secure your spot today!
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2025 Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Development Conference, EDANL, September 24-25, 2025, St. Anthony, NL, In-person.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Development Conference, hosted by the Economic Development Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (EDANL), taking place on September 24-25, 2025, in beautiful St. Anthony, NL. Join us for the premier event for economic development professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador — two days of learning, networking, and inspiration! Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, including how AI can transform economic development strategies and enhance decision-making, learning about the latest tools and resources available to support your initiatives, all while exploring the local culture and connecting with fellow professionals in a relaxing setting. Secure the opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador!
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Labour Market Resilience in the Face of an Aging Population, Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) and CERIC, September 29, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. NL Time), Virtual.
Join Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) and CERIC for their last webinar in the Navigating Canada's Evolving Labour Market Webinar Series. The insightful webinar will delve into the implications of Canada’s aging workforce, drawing from the latest research by the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC). This session will equip you with the knowledge to identify high-risk occupations and regions using essential tools like the replacement ratio tools to assess workforce vulnerabilities and develop strategies for knowledge transfer and workforce adaptability. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your organization for the future of work in Canada!
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econext 2025 Conference, econext, October 9, 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. NST, Delta Hotel, St. John’s, In-person & Virtual.
The econext 2025 Conference is set to take place on October 9, 2025 at the Delta St. John's in St. John's, NL. This premier event will gather leaders from business, government, academia, and the community to discuss the latest developments in Newfoundland and Labrador's green economy. Key Highlights include panels on innovation to explore the transformation of Newfoundland and Labrador's electricity sector and the path to achieving net zero in marine transportation, and networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and thought leaders dedicated to clean energy and environmental sustainability. There is also a pre-conference social at Grotto Restaurant & Bar. Which is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals and the econext team. Register to secure your spot and be part of the conversation shaping the future of our province's green economy!
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Cannexus26, CERIC, January 26-28, 2026, Rogers Centre, Ottawa, In-Person, and Virtually.
Join CERIC for Cannexus26 from January 26–28, 2026! This year’s theme, "Evolving Work, Expanding Impact," highlights the transformative changes in the workforce and the essential role of career development in navigating these shifts. For those attending in person, the conference will take place over 2.5 immersive days at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa. Expect engaging discussions and workshops focused on innovative practices, emerging labour market trends, and inclusive career development strategies. Prefer to join virtually? The online conference will be held on January 26 and 27, with all sessions recorded and accessible for three months afterward, ensuring you won’t miss any valuable insights. Cannexus26 will address critical issues and ideas shaping today’s career and workforce development landscape, offering a unique platform for networking and collaboration across various sectors and communities. Get ready to be inspired!
| | Video Release on Generative AI and the Future of Work! | | |
We are thrilled to announce the release of a video presentation featuring Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet, who visited Newfoundland and Labrador in April 2025. During his presentation, attendees delved into the transformative world of Generative Artificial Intelligence and its profound implications for the future of work. In this insightful session, Mark explored emerging technologies and their potential to reshape the workforce landscape. From enhancing productivity to creating new job opportunities, Generative AI is set to revolutionize how we approach work and collaboration.
Whether you are a career practitioner, employer, job seeker, or simply curious about the future of employment, this video is a must-watch! Deepen your understanding of AI and its impact on the workforce of tomorrow. Click the link below to watch the full presentation.
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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 | | | | |
