Supervisor, Trade Programs

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Supervisor, Trade Programs

PROGRAM: Program Operations

COMPANY: Skills for Change

LOCATION: 1345 St. Clair Ave W, Toronto, Ontario

REPORTS TO: Manager, Programs and Services

CONTRACT TYPE: Full-time Permanent

HOURS: 35 hours per week (Hybrid, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and/or weekend hours)

START DATE: Immediate

APPLICATION DEADLINE: open until filled

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

With over 42 years of operations, Skills for Change is a highly respected charity with a province-wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, settlement, language training, and specialized programs for trades, women, Black communities, seniors, and youth.

Skills for Change is seeking a dynamic and experienced Supervisor, Programs and Services, to lead the coordination, delivery, and growth of our skilled trades programs. The Supervisor will play a key role in strengthening existing programs, managing staff, and helping launch new trades initiatives aligned with skilled trades, sustainability, and workforce development goals. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership and program coordination experience, in-depth knowledge of the skilled trades and apprenticeship pathways, and a collaborative, community-driven approach to workforce development.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS:

• Team leadership and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of the skilled trades sector and labour market trends and opportunities for newcomers in the sector.
• Sensitivity to, and understanding of, issues and barriers to employment faced by women, immigrants, youth and other underserved communities.
• An operations mindset, with a strong understanding of delivering high quality training and employment programs.
• Is vision and mission oriented, with the “grit” to see the long-term picture and bumpy road of success.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders including training partners, employers, and community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated excellence in time management, organization, planning and research skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to high standards of culturally sensitive service delivery within an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework.
• We encourage applications from candidates with lived experience like the clients we serve.

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Program Operations:
  • Supervise day-to-day operations of skilled trades programs, ensuring effective coordination, scheduling, and high-quality Trades Programs (pre-apprenticeship, bridge training, etc.) across multiple office and program sites.
  • Manage program tracking, documentation, and reporting requirements.
  • Coordinate program supplies purchasing and oversee the maintenance of program supplies.
  • Produce oral and written reports on program implementation and client feedback.
  • Collaborate with internal departments (Employment Services, Marketing, Mental Health) to ensure integrated, wraparound support and cross-referrals for clients.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery and present solutions to enhance services on an ongoing basis.
• Support the planning and execution of program-related events such as info sessions, job fairs, employer panels, and graduation ceremonies.
• Support employer engagement activities to enhance the employment outcomes of the programs.
• Visit program sites on a regular basis to review program quality and strengthen relationships.

• Staff Supervision:
  • Supervise part-time and/or full-time program staff, including onboarding, supervision, goal setting, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
  • Provide support to programs throughout delivery times (evenings and weekends as required).
• Partnership Development and Community Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with training institutions, industry organizations, employers, and community partners to enhance learning and employment pathways.
  • Represent Skills for Change at community events, employer roundtables, and sector networks to build visibility and support.
  • Manage vendor relationships, ensuring adherence to signed agreements.
• Program Development:
  • Stay current on trends in skilled trades, workforce development, and sustainability training opportunities.
  • Support the design of new skilled trades programs that align with sustainability and emerging labour market needs.
  • Identify and respond to gaps in service delivery through new projects, partnerships, or funding proposals.
• Budget Management:
  • Manage budget lines and authorized expenditures within delegated limits and SfC’s financial policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate project purchases and approve program expenses as required.
• Handle additional tasks as required by the Program Manager or Program Director

SKILLS, EDUCATION AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Education: Post-secondary degree or demonstrated experience in fields such as skilled trades, education, social work, adult learning.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of three (3) years in program management of skilled trades and/or training and employment programs - program delivery and reporting.
  • Minimum of three (3) years’ supervisory experience in a similar capacity.
• Knowledge and understanding of skilled trade education and employment pathways, with awareness of barriers and challenges faced by newcomers and other under-represented communities across the sector.
• Experience working with various government and community agencies.
• Experience within a unionized environment.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends, and to attend programs/events outside of the Greater Toronto Area.
• Preferrable to own and drive a vehicle.
• A clear, mandatory vulnerable sector check

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Accessibility

Skills for Change provides learning and training opportunities for immigrants, refugees and equity seeking groups to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community to persons with disabilities to newcomers to Canada (including refugees) to Indigenous peoples to members of a visible minority to children or youth to women of all ages including seniors to the LGBTQ2 community.

Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.