Workplace & Immigrant Network

08/13/2026

Interested in learning about careers in food manufacturing?

Join the Workplace & Immigrant Network (WIN) for a free workshop to learn about Waterloo Region’s food manufacturing industry, current labour market trends, in-demand skills, and career pathways across production, quality, food safety, engineering, science, and technical roles.

Gain practical industry insights, understand where your skills may fit, and explore pathways to a career in food manufacturing.

Event Details:
October 6, 2026
5:00 - 7:30 PM
Kitchener Public Library, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener, ON
Register: https://lnkd.in/gKpjhgnU

Designed for newcomers, immigrants, and internationally trained professionals.
This workshop is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC).

08/04/2026

Attention: Employers and professionals in manufacturing across Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington.

The Workplace & Immigrant Network is hosting Manu Connect on September 15th, and we’re looking for professionals and organizations to:
- Meet and connect with immigrant professionals/ local talent exploring the Manufacturing sector
- Share practical insights to help them navigate the industry
- Build relationships that support future workforce needs

September 15th, 2026
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
TBA, Guelph-Wellington

This event is for you if you are a manufacturing business owner, HR/recruiter, plant or production manager, engineer, supervisor, training provider, union representative, mentor, or anyone with relevant manufacturing experience.

If you’re interested in participating, please reach out to Olusola at [email protected] or Fadhwa at [email protected] for more information.

This event is hosted in partnership with Starling Community Services and is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC).

*This isn’t a job fair, just real conversations and meaningful connections.

08/03/2026

Join our CEO Charlene Hofbauer as she sits with Ian McLean and Greg Durocher for the first of her monthly visits to the Business to Business Podcast!⁠
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This month she is discussing how small businesses can get free customized support with their recruitment and retention so that they are ready for growth!⁠
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The Business to Business Podcast releases every Sunday at 12Pm and can be found on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or via B2BWR.ca⁠
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07/15/2026

Just two weeks to go until The Workforce Is Changing… Now What? employer session!

This virtual workshop will begin with a labour market snapshot and future workforce outlook by Charlene Hofbauer, CEO

We're also pleased to introduce the moderators who will be leading the breakout conversations:
1. Reducing Hiring Risks in a Changing Immigration Landscape
Moderated by Nicholas Docherty, MBA, RCIC, Paralegal (P1), Project Assistant, Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership
2. Hiring in Today's Labour Market: What's Working?
Moderated by Jennie DiGirolamo Di Girolamo, Talent Liaison Lead, Workplace & Immigrant Network
3. We Don't Have Time to Train: Practical Onboarding & Retention
Moderated by Sandra Dalziel, Executive Leadership Architect and Organizational Development Professional
4. Building Workplaces Where People Want to Stay
Moderated by Dina Zaki, RCIC, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist, City Of Guelph
5. Navigating Through Uncertainty
Moderated by Ian McLean, President & CEO, Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

July 29, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
The waitlist is now open: https://lnkd.in/gEKBtZFv

This event is intended for employers and employer representatives.

Hosted in partnership with the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin and the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership.

Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day!
Together, we celebrate the people, cultures, and communities that make Canada stronger.
Wishing everyone a wonderful day filled with pride, connection, and celebration.🇨🇦

06/25/2026

The Growing Your Workforce Conference is coming to Brantford!

This annual conference focuses on addressing workforce development challenges and opportunities across Southwestern Ontario and is a vital platform for bringing together partners, including employers, service providers, institutions, and decision makers.

It is an event where ideas are exchanged, best practices are shared, and solutions are crafted to address the pressing issues facing our workforce, talent pipelines, and local labour markets.

Don't wait to grab your tickets – let's build a stronger workforce, together!

Visit- https://lnkd.in/gAuXzGMk on registration, accommodations, and sponsorship opportunities.

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06/18/2026

The workforce is changing. Are you ready?

Join employers and industry professionals for a virtual discussion on labour market trends and practical workforce solutions.

This virtual workshop will begin with a labour market snapshot and future workforce outlook by Charlene Hofbauer, CEO Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin.

Followed by interactive, topic-based discussions led by moderators and sector professionals where attendees will have the opportunity to participate in breakout conversations based on their areas of interest.

Designed to foster practical peer-to-peer conversations where employers and professionals can openly share challenges, ideas, experiences, and real-world strategies for navigating today’s evolving labour market.

July 29, 2026 |11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
Wait list is open: https://lnkd.in/gEKBtZFv

This event is intended for employers and employer representatives.

Hosted in partnership with Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin and Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership

This event is Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada(IRCC).

06/03/2026

We're excited to officially launch the new Workplace Immigrant Network (WIN) website!

Announced at the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin's AGM on June 1st, this new platform will serve as a hub for employers, newcomers, and community partners to stay informed, engaged, and connected.

Visit https://www.winwwd.ca/ to learn about upcoming events, workshops, resources, and services available through WIN.

This initiative is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

05/27/2026

05/22/2026

Join us for a free, in-person workshop: “Be the CEO of Your Career".

An engaging and interactive workshop designed to help newcomers confidently navigate the Canadian job market and take ownership of their professional journey.

Facilitated by Alex Ade Adefemi NLP, EFT, The Leadership & Performance Navigator and creator and host of The Triple A Show.

This session will explore practical strategies to overcome self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and communication challenges through confidence-building NLP-based exercises tailored for interviews and workplace success.

June 16
Kitchener Public Library
Doors Open: 4:30 PM
Register: https://lnkd.in/eSxGQZqD

This workshop is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC.