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It has been a whirlwind of activity for the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) team to enhance workforce development across Newfoundland and Labrador. Our commitment to addressing labor market challenges is nothing short of inspiring. Like a well-oiled machine, we’ve been innovating, collaborating, and engaging with stakeholders to foster a vibrant workforce community in our province.
The beginning of April was nothing short of exciting! We spent an incredible week of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and engaging discussions here in Newfoundland and Labrador with influential speaker Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet, a centre for innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University focused on the future of work, from April 7-12, 2025. On Monday, we held two sessions to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI), policy, education and workforce innovation with executive and other staff of the College of the North Atlantic and provincial government. The next day the “Wic-ed Women” of NLWIC spent the day attending the Encore Summit 2025 event organized by Connections for Seniors. We were thrilled to also be a collaborator and a sponsor of the event and to have Director Sharon McLennon moderate an afternoon panel session entitled “Skill Tool Kit: How to Upgrade and Up-Skill an Aging Workforce.” Sharon also joined Allan Dale of Gale Force Wins for a conversation while they were on-site for the event. Watch her YouTube interview to hear her talk about where older workers fit into the workforce.
Next on the schedule was the Future Ready: Reimagining Career Development in a Time of Disruption session with though-provoking presenters Lisa Taylor, Founder and CEO of the Challenge Factory, and Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet. They dove into the timely and relevant topic of AI with over 50 career practitioners! During the session we re-imagined career development in a tech-driven world and what needs to be done to break free from the traditional paths when servicing clients. Many in attendance realized that they need to leverage technology and embrace creativity, passion, and personal growth to redefine the future of their work.
We kept the momentum going to launch something great – A NLWIC Best Practices Repository! The BPR collaborative initiative of NLWIC and Magnet, linked to the Future Skills Centres (FSC) Community of Practice, was revealed. During the launch event on Thursday, April 10th at Emera Innovation Exchange, Signal Hill Campus over 45 invited guests enjoyed a demonstration of the platform following a presentation from Mark Patterson who spoke about workforce and technology integration, including AI. You can read more about the BPR announcement on the News Page of our website. Stay tuned for the public release!
The NLWIC team ended the week back on the West Coast to host and sponsor a luncheon event with the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade. With over 50 business owners, students and professionals in attendance, those in attendance learned how generative AI is reshaping the future of work and the workplace, along with the tools that are key to business growth and everyday productivity.
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All of this NLWIC activity on the road followed a equally busy March month for staff. We proudly joined forces with The Dais, a prominent think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University, to host a pivotal in-person roundtable discussion in St. John's on March 18th, as part of the innovative national Screen Break Project. Our Director, Sharon McLennon, and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, Susanne Dawe, were thrilled to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders in examining the NL Schools Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy. This collaborative effort aimed to ensure that personal device policies in our schools are shaped by real-world experiences and rigorous research, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based strategies. With roundtable sessions held across ten Canadian provinces, we were excited to help facilitate gathering invaluable insights from educators, policymakers, parents, and students alike on the effective implementation of these essential restrictions in Newfoundland and Labrador. | | |
Then on March 19th, we were excited to host the Empower Her: Paving the Path to Leadership workshop event with ECO Canada to help advance women in leadership. The recent event at the Johnson Geo Centre in St. John's served as a pivotal gathering for thought leaders, industry experts, and change-makers dedicated to advancing inclusivity and equity within the ocean, agriculture, and corporate sectors. By exploring meaningful strategies and sharing valuable insights, participants engaged in a collaborative dialogue that highlighted the importance of collective effort in addressing workforce challenges. This platform not only showcased innovative solutions but also reinforced NLWIC's commitment to fostering a diverse and skilled workforce, illustrating how concerted actions can lead to transformative change and economic growth in our communities. Together, we are inspired to take actionable steps that will shape a brighter future for all sectors, ensuring that they are accessible and equitable for all.
Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, Susanne Dawe, attended The Navigate Summit Demo Day on Friday, March 28th! She got to see four new founders of the Summit Accelerator Program pitch and showcase their businesses.
| | By actively engaging in workshops, conferences, and networking sessions, we unlock invaluable opportunities to not only enhance our expertise but also to hear issues and opportunities from labour market stakeholders and forge meaningful connections in the workforce innovation arena. Embracing these opportunities is essential for driving forward our collective mission to build a robust and skilled workforce, ultimately leading to measurable improvements in employability, employment, entrepreneurship, and skills enhancement across Newfoundland and Labrador. | | | | |
Navigating Canada's Evolving Labour Market: Webinar Series, Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) and CERIC, April 28, June 21, September 29, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. ET (1:30p.m. - 2:30 p.m. NL Time), Virtual.
LMIC and CERIC are pleased to offer a series of three webinars scheduled at various times throughout the year, each requiring separate registration. These insightful sessions will explore critical topics such as foreign credential recognition, the importance of workforce resilience considering an aging population, and the valuable insights derived from online job postings regarding current skill demands. Specifically designed for Career Development Practitioners (CDPs), these webinars will equip CDPs with actionable strategies and data-driven tools that are essential for effectively supporting newcomers, adapting to the dynamic shifts in the workforce, and successfully navigating Canada's evolving labour market. Join them in this opportunity to enhance your expertise and contribute to fostering a more inclusive and resilient workforce.
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Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference, Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce, May 5-7, 2025, Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, In-person.
The 8th Annual Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference in Whitehorse promises to be an inspiring gathering that unites Indigenous communities, business leaders, and investors under the empowering theme "Stronger Together." This conference emphasizes NLWIC"s unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders, creating a dynamic environment where shared growth aligns with workforce development goals. Set against the stunning backdrop of the traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, this conference serves as a vital platform to address the economic challenges faced by Indigenous communities, reflecting NLWIC's dedication to inclusivity and representation of underrepresented groups. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful exchanges, forge valuable partnerships, and explore sustainable economic opportunities that resonate with the traditions and priorities of Indigenous peoples. The conference will feature influential keynote speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, and immersive interactive workshops, all designed to provide actionable insights that NLWIC supports through research and collaborative initiatives. Join the conference organizers in their aspirations to create a vibrant space for networking and building long-lasting relationships that enhance employability and drive economic innovation.
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Central MinEx Mineral Industry Showcase, Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce, May 13-15, 2025, Steele Community Centre, Gander, NL, In-person.
Join the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Town of Gander for their annual conference and trade show. The event will feature thought leaders, technical experts, suppliers and those within the local business community, along with a Prospectors' Tent, Networking Events, Excursion Opportunities, and more. Those in attendance can connect with the explorers and operators developing a thriving mining sector and community in Central Newfoundland, and the many suppliers and contractors fueling this development.
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Workforce '25, On-Site Magazine, May 15, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. NL Time) Virtual.
WorkForce ’25 will challenge you to take action and deliver real strategies to help you attract, develop, and retain the skilled workforce you need to keep your business strong. Join the online event “Tackle the Skilled Trades Worker Shortage Head-On” to learn how to take control of your company’s image to market construction careers to a new generation, how to invest in your workforce with purpose, and how to engage compensation and benefit strategies to retain workers.
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ASNL Conference Embracing Neurodiversity, Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador, May 21, 2025, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (NL Time), Memorial University of Newfoundland, Signal Hill Campus, In-person.
The ASNL Embracing Neurodiversity conference is a groundbreaking gathering that brings together Autistics, their families, caregivers, educators, policymakers, government representatives, and the broader community, creating a vibrant tapestry of voices and experiences. As the only conference dedicated exclusively to the autistic community in the province, it serves as a vital platform for fostering inclusivity and understanding. Attendees will be treated to engaging sessions designed to enrich our collective understanding of neurodiversity, highlighting the strengths and unique perspectives of different neurotypes. The conference not only emphasizes the importance of lived experiences but also showcases how embracing these perspectives can lead to a more inclusive society. With stimulating presentations like the panel discussion on “Harnessing Neurodivergent Creativity – A Strengths-Based Approach” and an insightful session by Occupational Therapist Hilary Walsh on the role of Occupational Therapy in the community, participants are encouraged to delve into these enriching opportunities. By embracing the unique insights shared at this pivotal event, the conference aligns with the need to enhance employability and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, ultimately fostering a skilled and vibrant workforce that reflects the richness of our community. Participate in this inspiring journey towards understanding and inclusivity, and let’s elevate autistic voices together!
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Expo Labrador 2025, Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, June 24-27, 2025, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, In-person.
Expo Labrador, a project of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, is a key three-day event that offers a glimpse into the many bustling business sectors in Labrador. A fun-filled experience enhanced by talented keynote speakers, valuable networking, and engaging workshop and panel sessions, the Chamber invites all to join the meaningful discussion on arts-business collaborations, business expansion and equity ventures, and success of women in trades. The region’s premiere economic development conference and trade show, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
| | Western Community College Spotlight | | Western Community College (WCC) in Surrey, British Columbia stands at the forefront of career-focused education, dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative workforce development programs. By forging collaborative partnerships with employers across diverse industries, WCC crafts tailored training initiatives that not only equip employees with essential skills but also drive organizational success. This dynamic relationship ensures that WCC's programs are meticulously aligned with the ever-evolving demands of the industry, enabling companies to remain competitive while fostering the professional growth of their workforce. With an impressive array of over 65 undergraduate, postgraduate, and bachelor’s programs, WCC is committed to investing in employee education and addressing the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. Engaging with WCC represents a vital opportunity for both personal career advancement and enhancing overall business competitiveness, inspiring all stakeholders to explore how WCC can be a transformative partner in navigating the complexities of workforce development. | | |
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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.
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