Survey gives Employers a say in how to build a Highly Skilled, Made-in-Hamilton Workforce

HAMILTON, ON – January 21, 2016 – The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development wants to hear from Hamilton employers this month.

Employers are asked to complete the 2016 EmployerOne online survey by February 5, 2016. The confidential survey is administered by Workforce Planning Hamilton.

Survey responses will help guide the task force in creating an action plan for building a highly skilled workforce for local employers and companies looking to expand and relocate to Hamilton.

The task force has held three roundtables with local employers to identify immediate and longer-term skills training, and workforce development challenges and opportunities.  Two more roundtables are planned for February and March.

“We want to hear from employers on how we can work together to make Hamilton home to Canada’s best educated and highly skilled workforce.” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger

“Hamilton companies can help build a strong workforce for both their business and our community by completing this year’s EmployerOne survey.” said Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development Chair and Mohawk College President, Ron McKerlie

Background

Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger launched the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development in June 2015.

The 12-member task force brings together local industry, business, labour, education and government leaders, with representatives from:​

• ArcelorMittal Dofasco
• City of Hamilton
• Coppley Ltd.
• Hamilton Area Steelworkers Council,
• Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
• Industry Education Council
• Maple Leaf Foods

• McMaster University
• Mohawk College
• National Steel Car
• Tiercon
• Tripemco Burlington Insurance Group Limited
• Workforce Planning Hamilton

The task force is chaired by Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie, with Bronko Jazvac, Director of World Class Manufacturing and Health and Safety at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, serving as Vice Chair.

The task force is developing an action plan to build a highly skilled workforce for  employers in Hamilton’s advanced manufacturing, life sciences, food processing and innovation communication technology sectors.