Additional Resources

Apprenticeship Update for Employers – January 2023

Apprenticeship Update for Job Seekers – January 2023

Apprenticeship Update for Service Providers – January 2023

PowerPoint Presentations from webinars

Apprenticeship Overview – roles of MLITSD and STO –
LiUNA and Literacy and Basic Skills presentation Jan_25_2023
Training Programs in the Horticultural Sector Through Collaborative Partnerships
Tom-Zizys: Overview of Ontario Apprenticeship Data

Apprenticeship Resources from webinars
Apprenticeship update webinars Q&A

Poverty Reduction Task Group Data Presentation

Members of the Simcoe County Poverty Reduction Task Group Share data on the breadth and impact of poverty in the County of Simcoe and District of Muskoka.

The ROI of Adopting a Living Wage Policy

Kelly Watson, Director of People & Development at Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge talks about the positive business case for being a part of the Living Wage movement. This presentation was part of SMWDB’s “Is Poverty Affecting Your Employees’ Productivity” event.

Chris D’souza “Challenge (IN)Equity”

Human rights strategist, Chris D’souza delivers a thought-provoking and energetic keynote at the “Breaking Down Barriers to Employment” – learn how Chris helps his audience to understand and come to terms with deconstructing personal bias around human identity using anti-oppression discourse and concrete examples.

Meghan Reid; “Translating the Warrior”

The challenges of transitioning from serving in the Canadian Armed Forces to the Canadian civilian workforce are unique. Military members spend months training to enter into the military workforce, moving through training institutions and learning how to work as a highly functional team.

Trina Foster’s January 2020 SSM Prototype Update

Trina Foster, former Chief Executive Officer at ONESTEP Toronto provided an update on the Service System Management initiative for the delivery of Employment Ontario services. Trina’s address was part of SMWDB’s “Breaking Down Barriers to Employment” workshop event in January 2020.

Stephanie Hobbs SMLN “Targeted Services for Adult Learners”

Stephanie Hobbs, Executive Director of the Simcoe Muskoka Literacy Network delivered an update on targeted services available to adult learners as part of SMWDB’s “Breaking Down Barriers to Employment” event in January 2020. These include skills upgrading for job seekers as well as those currently employed.

Tom Zizys 2019 Data and More Employment Ontario Data Analysis – Four Part Series

Tom Zizys, Labour Market Consultant Tom Zizys presented his annual “Data and More” review of Employment Ontario data and trends at SMWDB’s “Breaking Down Barriers to Employment” Presentation in January 2020. Tom reviews such trends as: demographics, unemployment, return to work, client and employee outcomes and much more.

Tom Zizys Part 1

Tom Zizys Part 2

Tom Zizys Part 3

Tom Zizys Part 4

Personal Support Worker Opportunities in Long Term Care

Explore the challenges and rewards of a career as a Personal Support Worker. Maloree’s enthusiasm for the work of her staff and the important support that PSW’s provide for residents is clearly evident. Think about a career as a Personal Support Worker yourself.

Personal Support Worker (PSW) – Is This the Career for You?

Sasha is a student PSW. She loves her work and talks about the rewards of her job. There is a severe shortage of trained PSW’s in the County of Simcoe and District of Muskoka. If you think this is the right career for you, check out the video and investigate the training options available.

Trained PSW worker, Alicia weighs on work in Heath Care

Alicia is a trained Personal Support Worker who is starting her second year in nursing. She loves her work as a PSW and is working to further her career in health care with the solid foundation that her training has provided. Alicia could inspire you to consider a career as a PSW! Go to www.pswsimcoemuskoka.com or www.workforlife.com for more information.

Personal Support Worker Education Options

Are you thinking about a career as a PSW? We talk to the Simcoe County District School Board’s Learning Centre and Georgian College about the training options available to you

LLMP Report with Tom Zizys

The annual Local Labour Market Plan (LLMP) Report is a detailed snapshot of workforce activity in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. As such, it is an important source of information for employers, employment service providers and anyone who needs to know what is happening in all sectors of the labour market. In this SMWDB Workforce Webisode, Data Analyst Tom Zizys joins us to review the 2018-2019 Report and talk about some of the key findings.

Ontario Trillium Foundation Muskoka Workforce Study and Recommendations

An in-depth scan and assessment of the District of Muskoka workforce with the funding support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation was conducted in 2018/19. Our Lead Consultant, Tom Zizys established a number of key recommendations to address the major issues facing both job seekers and employers in the district. In this video, Tom reviews the study findings, conclusions and next steps.

2018 Analyst Profiles and Location Quotients for Simcoe-Muskoka

Catherine Oosterbaan is an Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. She presented her data on March 6, 2018 at the Data and More event.

Tom Zizys – March 6 2018 Employment Ontario Data Part 1

Labour market analyst and consultant, Tom Zizys presents his 2018 report on Employment Ontario.

Tom Zizys – March 6 2018 Employment Ontario Data Part 2

Labour market analyst and consultant, Tom Zizys presents his 2018 report on Employment Ontario.

(BMG) Barrie Metro Glass and Aluminum share successful Immigrant hiring practice

BMG Barrie shares their success story bringing businessman, Nelson Vanegas on board through the Ontario Nominee Program.

Pavliks.com share successful Immigrant hiring practice through the Ontario Nominee Program

Pavliks.com Shares their success story hiring Chandan Dadral through the Ontario Nominee Program.

Simcoe Muskoka Tourism Success Stories: Squeeze’d in Wasaga Beach

Celebrating success in the tourism industry. Justin and Lana are operating a busy smoothie and drink business in Wasaga Beach, Ontario. You’ll get insight into what drives these young entrepreneurs and why customers keep coming back.

Simcoe Muskoka Tourism Success Stories: Ann Curley

Meet Ann Curley, Curator and Operations Manager at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst. Throughout her tourism management and teaching career, she has shared the important lessons for success in this service-oriented business sector. She talks about those key to success with us in this interview

Simcoe Muskoka Tourism Success Stories: Peter Hanney

Peter Hanney – Assistant General Manager, Snow Valley Ski Resort, Barrie

Peter has enjoyed a long and varied career in the hospitality industry, from franchise restaurant owner to Assistant General Manager at a facility with a staff of over 700. Peter recognizes the importance of two key aspects of business success; providing a memorable experience for every visitor and creating a working environment in which your staff is motivated to provide top-notch customer service.

Simcoe Muskoka Tourism Success Stories: Cathy Tait

Cathy Tait has garnered a wealth of experience in customer service and tourism management in her varied career. She shares her insights into what she looks for when hiring to ensure that visitors and guests leave any tourism destination with big smiles and lasting memories.

Singer/Songwriter, Jason McCoy Highlights Skilled Trades Success Stories

Check out the inspiring local stories of people who have found success in the Skilled Trades.

Singer/Songwriter, Jason McCoy Highlights Immigration Success Stories

Check out the inspiring local stories of people who have found success as Immigrants in Canada and the local community.

Singer/Songwriter, Jason McCoy Highlights the Importance of Literacy

Check out the inspiring local stories of people who provide literacy services and the success story of Gary Porter who accessed the community services helping bolster his career.

Singer/Songwriter, Jason McCoy Highlights First Nations Success Stories

Check out the inspiring local stories of people who have found success in the workforce as a First Nations’ person.

Singer/Songwriter, Jason McCoy Highlights Success Stories of workers with disabilities

Check out the inspiring local stories of people who have found success in the workplace despite their disability.

Singer/Songwriter, Jason McCoy Highlights Success stories of Youth entering the Workforce

Check out the inspiring local stories of youth who have found success in the Simcoe Muskoka workforce.

Muskoka Natural Food Market – Retaining Great Employees

Owner/Operator, Curt Dunlop explains Muskoka Natural Food Market’s recipe for retaining great employees

Employee Retention featuring Greg Taylor from Steam Whistle Brewing

Learn how to successfully keep your great employees – Greg Taylor from Steam Whistle Brewing speaks to best practices regarding employee retention.

Getting Connected Virtual Event – November 16th 2023