Apprenticeship and Trades Pathways Navigator

About The Career Foundation:

The Career Foundation is a dynamic non-profit organization and registered charity that offers a wide range of employment, training, and workforce development services to job seekers and employers. Since its inception in 1988, The Career Foundation has steadily expanded its services. Operating out of seven locations in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, as well as offices in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, we now help thousands of people each year successfully achieve their employment goals. Our team of dedicated professionals has described The Career Foundation as caring, compassionate, innovative, and team-oriented. For more information about us and our services, please visit our website at CareerFoundation.com.

Some of the benefits and features available to our employees include:

• Competitive compensation
• A comprehensive health benefits plan that includes massage therapy, naturopath services, travel coverage, and much more
• A comprehensive dental insurance plan
• An RRSP Matching benefit
• An Employee & Family Assistance program
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Paid days off for religious observance purposes
• Paid days off for personal wellness purposes

Role Description:

As The Career Foundation's Apprenticeship & Trades Pathways Navigator, you will serve as a subject matter expert and trusted resource for our job seeker clients pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including those exploring apprenticeship opportunities and those actively progressing through their apprenticeship journey. You will also serve as the primary point of contact for employers, workforce development organizations, training providers, and community partners to strengthen connections between industry stakeholders and apprenticeship opportunities. You will provide guidance on apprenticeship requirements, employer sponsorship opportunities, certification pathways, training options, and available financial supports to support successful outcomes for clients and employers alike.

Working closely with clients at various stages of their apprenticeship journey, you will deliver individualized case management, career planning, coaching, and resource navigation services designed to support successful outcomes and long-term career advancement in the skilled trades. You will also develop and facilitate workshops, create educational resources, maintain The Career Foundation's Made in the Trades online resource hub, and promote awareness of apprenticeship opportunities through employer engagement, community outreach, stakeholder collaboration, and digital engagement activities.

As the ideal candidate, you are passionate about the skilled trades sector, possess extensive knowledge of the skilled trades and apprenticeship ecosystem in Ontario along with familiarity with Red Seal pathways across Canada. You must excel at relationship-building, facilitation, and communication, and have the ability to support diverse clients while building effective partnerships with employers, training providers, workforce development organizations, and community stakeholders.

You are committed to helping individuals successfully pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades while contributing to increased awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and stronger workforce development outcomes across the communities we serve.

Position Type:

Full-time (37.5 hours per week) one-year contract.

Starting Salary:

The starting annual salary for this position is $57,000.00 (or $58k if the successful candidate holds a master’s degree, full bilingualism in French, or full proficiency in Sign Language).

Base Location, On-site Work, and Travel Requirements:

The designated base location for this position is The Career Foundation’s North York office, located near Lawrence Avenue West and Allen Road. The position requires regular travel to all offices of The Career Foundation, as well as partner, employer, and other stakeholder locations across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, and attendance at community outreach activities such as trade summits, conferences, and trade fairs.

The successful candidate should possess a valid Ontario G driver's licence and a reliable vehicle to perform the responsibilities of the position that require frequent local travel.

The role also permits a hybrid-remote work schedule, allowing for up to two work-from-home days per week, contingent on performance and operational requirements. As the hybrid schedule is based on performance and operational requirements, it is subject to change at any time. A company laptop, cell phone, and other required equipment will be provided.

Vacancy Status:

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Start:

As soon as possible.

Reporting to:

Director, Stakeholder Relations, Resource Development and Growth

Vulnerable Sector Check:

An offer of employment for this opportunity will be contingent on the incumbent providing an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).

Use of Artificial Intelligence:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not currently used to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process.

Responsibilities include:

Workshop Facilitation, Resource Development & Outreach

• Designs, develops, and delivers workshops, presentations, and information sessions that educate job seekers, apprentices, and employers on apprenticeship and Red Seal pathways, skilled trades careers, certification requirements, sponsorship opportunities, apprenticeship incentives, examinations, and career advancement strategies.
• Evaluates participant feedback, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness to continuously improve trades-focused workshop content, delivery methods, and participant engagement.
• Maintains and regularly updates The Career Foundation’s Made in the Trades online resource hub to ensure content remains relevant, accurate, and accessible.
• Develops apprenticeship-related resources, including guides, fact sheets, labour market information, training tools, and funding resource materials.
• Creates content focused on apprenticeship pathways, employer sponsorship, certification requirements, funding opportunities, scholarships, and labour market trends.
• Responds professionally to inquiries received through website forms, email, phone, and virtual platforms.
• Arranges and promotes awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and services through digital engagement and community outreach activities such as trades summits, conferences, and trade fairs.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Apprenticeship Case Management & Coordination

• Guides clients through the apprenticeship journey, from career exploration and trade selection through to certification completion.
• Assesses client career goals, skills, readiness, and eligibility for apprenticeship opportunities.
• Provides information and support regarding apprenticeship registration requirements, training standards, and certification pathways.
• Assists clients in identifying employer sponsorship opportunities and securing workplace placements.
• Monitors client progress, provides ongoing coaching and mentorship, and supports successful apprenticeship outcomes.
• Delivers individualized employment and career planning services to apprentices and prospective apprentices.
• Supports apprenticeship progression by providing guidance on Registered Training Agreements, on-the-job training hours, competency requirements, in-school training requirements, block release schedules, examination eligibility, and certification milestones.
• Shares up-to-date, relevant information with clients, including requirements, policies, and resources from Skilled Trades Ontario and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Researches and provides clients with information on provincial apprenticeship and certification requirements across multiple jurisdictions, as applicable.
• Assists clients in understanding trade-specific progression requirements at each apprenticeship level.
• Liaises with training delivery agents, colleges, employers, unions, workforce development organizations, pre-apprenticeship programs, and regulatory authorities to support apprenticeship advancement.
• Maintains accurate client records, case notes, service plans, and outcome tracking documentation in accordance with organizational standards.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Financial Supports & Resource Navigation

• Educates apprentices and employers about available funding opportunities, including government grants, wage subsidies, completion incentives, and apprenticeship support programs.
• Assists clients in accessing financial aid, scholarships, and other funding resources related to apprenticeship training.
• Connects clients with wraparound supports, including childcare assistance, transportation supports, financial literacy resources, mental health services, settlement services, worker rights information, and workplace standards resources.
• Supports internationally trained and newcomer trades professionals in navigating apprenticeship and certification pathways.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Employer Engagement

• Builds and maintains relationships with employers interested in hiring and sponsoring apprentices.
• Promotes apprenticeship pathways and communicates the benefits of apprenticeship participation to employers and industry stakeholders.
• Supports employer onboarding processes, apprenticeship mentorship development, and retention strategies.
• Advocates for inclusive apprenticeship hiring practices and workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborates with employers to identify skilled trades workforce needs and facilitates successful apprentice-employer matches.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Skills Required:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Career Development, Social Services, Business Administration, or a related field directly transferable to the requirements of the position, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of direct experience in delivering trades-related employment services, including job development, job coaching, career counselling, workshop facilitation, and case management, as well as demonstrated knowledge of apprenticeship and Red Seal pathways, Skilled Trades Ontario requirements, apprenticeship registration processes, certification pathways, and skilled trades workforce development programs.
• Experience developing and delivering workshops, presentations, training sessions, and educational resources for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated up-to-date knowledge of apprenticeship progression requirements, including on-the-job training, in-school training, Registered Training Agreements, certification milestones, and trade-specific standards as well as proven knowledge of government grants, wage subsidies, apprenticeship incentives, financial aid programs, and community support services available to apprentices and employers.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with employers, industry partners, training providers, and community stakeholders.
• Valid Ontario G driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle to conduct essential work-related travel within the GTHA to conduct some of the position’s core responsibilities.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills. Bilingualism is considered an asset.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to develop rapport with people from all stakeholder groups.
• Proven track record in a results-driven environment, with experience meeting assigned targets.
• Professional and courteous approach to client service, with a high level of respect for the diversity of the people served.
• High emotional intelligence, demonstrating patience, empathy, and the ability to build meaningful connections when working with participants of various experiences, needs, and abilities.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to uphold the organization’s service standards, policies, and core values.
• High ethical and confidentiality standards, with proven experience maintaining sensitive information and exercising tact, diplomacy, and good judgment.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask to meet deadlines and achieve targets and objectives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Microsoft 365 applications, including Teams and SharePoint. Must possess the aptitude and willingness to learn and work with new online systems and technologies.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside normal business hours when needed to meet client and program needs.
• Dedicated work ethic, with a demonstrated ability to remain flexible and resilient, adapting quickly to changing priorities while maintaining trust and positive working relationships.

The Career Foundation’s Commitment:

The Career Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to create a healthy and rewarding environment for all. We welcome applications from qualified individuals who represent the diversity of the people we proudly serve, including, but not limited to, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all genders and sexual orientation. The Career Foundation, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), is also committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with candidates requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.