For many newcomers, finding a job in Canada starts with understanding what local employers are looking for.
That was the focus of Careers that Feed the Region, a workshop hosted by the Workplace & Immigrant Network (WIN) that connected internationally trained professionals and newcomers with food manufacturing employers, workforce development partners, and employment-support organizations across Waterloo Region.
As a sponsor of the event, EmployNext helped support conversations that gave job seekers direct access to industry insights, hiring expectations, and local employment resources.
Why food manufacturing matters in Waterloo Region
Food and beverage manufacturing is one of Waterloo Region’s largest employment sectors.
Employers across the industry hire for a wide range of positions, including:
- Production roles
- Quality assurance
- Food safety
- Technical positions
- Engineering roles
- Science-based careers
For newcomers and internationally trained professionals, understanding where opportunities exist is often the first step toward building a successful career in Canada.
What employers want job seekers to know
More than 70 people registered for the workshop, bringing together job seekers, employment professionals, and community partners, with approximately 30 job seekers participating in the session.
A panel of industry professionals shared practical advice about:
- What employers look for when hiring
- Workplace expectations in Canadian manufacturing environments
- In-demand skills across the sector
- Career progression opportunities
- How candidates can strengthen their applications
For attendees, the value went beyond labour market information.
Hearing directly from employers helped provide clarity about how existing skills and experience can transfer into opportunities within Waterloo Region’s food manufacturing industry.
Building connections that support career growth
The event also introduced job seekers to organizations that can help them achieve their employment goals.
- Participants learned about resources available through:
- Workplace & Immigrant Network (WIN)
- Shift Start, delivered by Reception House
- Conestoga College
- EmployNext and its employment services network
Together, these organizations provide access to career support, job search assistance, skills training, workforce development programs, and employer connections that can help newcomers navigate the Canadian labour market.
Helping newcomers navigate the Canadian labour market
Many job seekers have the skills employers need but lack access to local networks, labour market information, or employment supports.
Events like Careers that Feed the Region help bridge that gap.
By bringing employers, newcomer-serving organizations, training providers, and employment-service partners into the same room, job seekers gain access to information, connections, and resources that can support long-term career success.
For EmployNext, that is what workforce development is all about: helping people build the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to pursue meaningful employment opportunities.
Looking for employment support in the Waterloo Region?
Whether you’re searching for your first job in Canada, changing careers, or looking to expand your professional network, EmployNext can connect you with local employment services, career coaching, job search assistance, skills training, and workforce development resources.
Explore EmployNext and connect with local support to take the next step toward your career goals.
