Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development
Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence? Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career and workforce development, then consider a career with Centre for Skills Development!
Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, with locations in Oakville, Milton and Clarkson, Centre for Skills delivers high caliber employment services, language training & settlement services, skilled trades training and literacy upgrading. Providing people with opportunities to build a better future and making a positive impact on peoples’ lives is integral to the business of Centre for Skills. For more information, visit: centreforskills.ca
The Opportunity
Job Number: 463
Job Title: Trades Employment Specialist
Department: Skilled Trades
Location: Burlington On-site
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Hours of Work: Permanent Full-time (35 hours per week)
Reports To: Skilled Trades Coordinator
Start Date: July 2025
Salary: $60,569 per annum
The Employment Specialist supports students enrolled in pre-apprenticeship skilled trades programs by providing individualized and group-based employment services, including resume development, job search strategies, interview preparation, and career coaching. They guide students from intake through to job placement, playing a key role in their transition to employment and acting as a liaison between training and workforce entry. The Employment Specialist collaborates closely with instructors and program staff to ensure services align with student needs and industry expectations.
These are your responsibilities:
- Conduct assessments (common assessment) and other intake forms as needed with skilled trades students who are beginning their respective programs.
- Facilitate trades related workshops and presentation on employability topics such as Employer Expectations, Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Job Searching, Apprenticeship Process, Career Planning, and other employment-based topics.
- Assist trades students prepare for their job search including resume preparation, interview skills practice, and general employability skills.
- Support students post-graduation as they continue to job search and progress through their first year of employment.
- Engage with students during program and meet 1-1 throughout program to identify goals and develop individualized job search strategies.
- Provide employability and soft skill coaching to students to enhance their employability post program and assist them in securing employment and apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades.
- Work with Mental Health Specialist and instructional team to complete ESAT profiles and updates on student progress.
- Administer and implement EO-Employment Services components of support to participants registered in Centre for Skills Skilled Trades programs (from registration through follow-up).
- Work collaboratively with other team members such as Workforce Development Specialist and Mental Health Specialist on identifying work placement and employment opportunities for clients. Accompany students on class visits to local employers.
- Work closely with program team to complete accurate and timely reporting, achieving funder targets, and ensure program operates efficiently and effectively.
- Participate in community outreach to promote program services, client referrals, and develop partnerships with education, health and community support systems.
- Conduct regular follow-up with students post-program as per funder and Employment Services requirements.
- When needed, support and assist with recruitment activities such as interviews, shop days, and candidate selection.
- Respond to general inquiries regarding trades career paths and apprenticeship training options, making appropriate referrals to other employment and training programs where appropriate.
- Other job-related duties as assigned by the Coordinator, Senior Coordinator, and members of Centre for Skills’ Leadership Team.
What you need to bring to this job:
- Diploma or degree in a related .eld. Suitable educational equivalents may be considered for individuals with 5+ years of highly related experience in a similar role within a workforce development setting.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working with employment counselling, case management, mental health counselling/coaching, addictions and/or crisis intervention.
- Experience working with adults from culturally and socio-economically diverse backgrounds, including newcomers, youth, OW/ODSP recipients, and multi-barriered clients; Preference will be given to those with EO experience.
- Experience supporting individuals with securing employment or apprenticeships in the skilled trades is a strong asset.
- Knowledge and experience with Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused Counselling, and the Common Assessment Tool and/or similar model for conducting intake assessments.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a target driven outcome-based model; accountable to achieving monthly targets.
- Strong knowledge of job search techniques, career development, and issues relating to unemployment; within the skilled trades an asset.
- Professional and cooperative teamwork approach, positive attitude, excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to deescalate situations where clients may be acting in a negative or inappropriate manner.
- Knowledge of case management including local resources and access to services.
- Excellent skills in client assessments, crisis intervention skills, and client advocacy skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly skilled using MS Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook), social media platforms and career-related software.
How to apply:
At Centre for Skills, we offer a competitive compensation package and benefits. We value flexibility and the need to achieve a work-life balance. All employees receive above industry average time off, including vacation time, sick / wellness days and personal days. We promote and support continuous learning, providing our staff with training to develop skills, attend workshops and conferences. We are committed to supporting the growth of our staff and we take a team approach in all that we do. Contact us to learn more about why we’re sure you’ll love working at Centre for Skills!
Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to: resumes@centreforskills.ca
Application Deadline: Open until filled
We thank all applicants for their interest in Centre for Skills, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Contact resumes@centreforskills.ca should an accommodation be required in the recruitment process.