Debra Mountenay, Executive Director of the EMOWPDB for the last 23 years, retired on March 31, 2022. We’re so sad to see her go, but so happy for her to experience the joys of retirement.

Proudly announcing our new Executive Director, Emilian Siman. Emilian’s first official day as the ED of EMOPWDB was April 1, 2022.

Shared below is the thoughtful message written by Deb on March 31, 2022, to say her farewells and introduce our partners and the community to Emilian:

“Director of the Workforce Planning and Development Board (WPDB) is the opportunity that I have had to work with a wide range of partners across the London Economic Region (Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford Counties). Workforce issues will continue to be the major concern over the next few years as employers look to expand their workforce and job seekers are able to secure employment that engages them while providing them with income that supports their families. 

The people I have worked with over the years recognize that we are all in this together. I know that collectively that work will continue. I believe that this is what I will miss most of all as I leave the WPDB at the end of March. 
Thank you to the individuals and organizations that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with over the years – to the past and present Directors of the WPDB, I appreciate the advice and leadership that you have provided – to the staff, past and present, I appreciate your willingness to go on this journey with me, even though I am sure at times you wondered exactly what road we were on and where it was heading.

Thank you to my husband, Joe, and our family and extended family. There were many times when I was going to spend time with you “just as soon as I finished this email”. You have been supportive through it all and given me the time and space to get the job done. 

It has been twenty-three years since I joined the WPDB. As I say goodbye to the staff at WPDB this week I know that I leave the organization in the very capable hands of Emilian Siman. Emilian has most recently been the Senior Data Analyst at the WPDB having started with the organization in 2013 as the Data Analyst for the Worktrends website. As the Executive Director of WPDB he will bring his talent to his new role and continue the growth of the organization. 

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” (Fred Rogers)

I am looking forward to finding out what that something else will be.”

-Deb Mountenay

Become more comfortable using the Local Jobs Hub tool by watching our demo with Jessica Gowers. Using this tool has the potential to make your job hunt more convenient and feel well-rounded.

Recorded from a LIVE event Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Join us Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM to hear from our Senior Data Analyst, Emilian Siman about the Labour Market Post-Pandemic Planning Scenarios for the London Economic Region (ER).

The purpose of Post-Pandemic Scenario Planning is to offer decisional support in planning the post COVID-19 economic recovery of the London ER.

Emilian will discuss four potential scenarios in which the regional economy could progress depending on the evolution of two uncertainties leading the post pandemic recovery of the region.

Join Jessica Gowers in her discussion on the different types of passion in the workplace, how they function, which is the most optimal, and the best ways to promote a genuine investment in one’s job.

Play is one of the easiest ways to practice skills critical to employability like teamwork, observation, communication, critical thinking and problem solving. Join Summer Burton from Literacy Link South Central to learn more by watching this webinar, originally aired live on December 17, 2020.

Written by Shannon Stoltz-Limin

Fanshawe College is offering a free 15-week Window and Door Installer program beginning this October. With a mixture of theoretical, practical hands-on skills and lectures; graduates from this program will be well versed to land a highly sought-after job in the trade. This program is being offered to give the underrepresented groups in the trade skill job market; (women, indigenous peoples, newcomers, persons with disabilities and veterans) the skills to land a job in an in-demand position. The Program runs from October 1^st 2020, to February 15^th 2021. For more information on this program please see the attached poster. If you or anyone you know has any questions, or would like to register please email cts@fanshawec.ca 

The second Growing Your Workforce Live! episode is here! Watch the full presentation above or download the podcast episode below.

Growing Your Workforce Live! is a new iteration of the publication focused on issues of hiring, training and retention. These 20 minute presentations will enlighten and invite you to dive in below the tip of the iceberg on workforce issues.

In this episode: how COVID-19 has changed the digital divide, plus a fireside chat with Kate Burns Gallagher, the Executive Director of Economic Development with the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC) about advocating for workforce issues at the decision making level.

Credits and sources:

https://brookfieldinstitute.ca/levelling-up/ (Digital literacy info)

Fanshawe Corporate Training Solutions is offering a new, free program. We’re pleased to be be a partner in an advisory role for this “Essential Skills for Truck Drivers” program offered online for people who are laid off, at risk of being laid off or are under-utilized workers who require truck driving industry skills and experience.  This self-paced  program will run from July 6th to October 16th. For more information please see the attached posters, and if you have questions or know someone who would like to register, please email cts@fanshawec.ca.