Labour-Ready Workforce
Economies are facing rapid change and unique skills and training are required to stay ahead of the competition.
- There is currently a phenomenon of “jobs without people, and people without jobs” and this strategy seeks to bridge the gap
- Careers in the new economy have been difficult to fill because job seekers do not have the right skills to meet labour demand
Focused Projects
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Joint strategy on youth retention with post-secondary institutions
Objective
Develop a strategy to ensure that Niagara, has a skilled and educated workforce by attracting, engaging and retaining youth (under 40) to locate in Niagara.
Impact and Outcomes
Partnerships have been developed between the Region and the Niagara Workforce Development Planning Board, Niagara Local Immigration Partnership, Niagara Industrial Association, and regional education providers at all levels to execute on the strategy when complete.
This project has been moved into the implementation phase. Data has been collected and a joint strategy is being prepared in partnership with the Niagara Workforce Planning Board in the third quarter of 2018. Currently executing on manufacturing specific aspects of the plan that were identified in phase one of the project.
Recommendations and Next Steps
Continue to support the development of a labour-ready workforce by executing on joint strategies with our regional partners. A key component is to continue funding the collection of data as well as creating and distributing media rich content to engage with our target audiences.
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"Bend the Curve" on the Ontario Works caseload
Objective
To increase the number of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program clients with employment. The long term goal of this project is to further reduce the Ontario Works caseload.
Impact and Outcomes
The Building Employment Networks Niagara system launched in November 2017. The shift from manual tracking to system automation has resulted in an increase in the quantity of referrals and efficiency (real-time) of matches to training programs and employment opportunities.
The introduction of an employability assessment has significantly improved the quality of matches between clients and employers. As a result of the enhancements to service delivery, Niagara was chosen for the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association Local Municipal Champion Award. Over 10 Ontario Works offices across Ontario have contacted Niagara to learn more about the benefits of Building Employment Networks Niagara.
Recommendations and Next Steps
Data analysis is ongoing to support and shape future training and employment program planning for Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support clients.
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Provincial commitment to increased homelessness funding
- Provincial commitment to increased funding for homelessness from a baseline (2015/16) of $5 million to $7.8 million effective the fiscal year 2019/20
- Received "Home for Good" supportive housing funding, $5.4 million over three years
- Increased funding to homelessness priorities including shelter, prevention and supportive housing
Objective
To increase homelessness funding from the provincial and federal government that is representative of Niagara's need and economic indicators. Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative funding is the primary source of homeless funding in Niagara.
Impact and Outcomes
Recommendations and Next Steps
Continued sharing of Niagara's homelessness funding challenges and data to support further increases.
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