Bi-Weekly Newsletter
Volume 5: Issue 2. May 22, 2026 |
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Leaders in Workforce Development
Hamilton's Labour Market Connection
Labour Market Updates, News & Community Info
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The Latest From WPH
Your source of Labour Market Information in Hamilton
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Hamilton’s April 2026 Labour Market Snapshot is now available!
Hamilton’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 6.7%, remaining below Ontario’s provincial average of 7.6% and nearly in line with the national rate of 6.8%. Meanwhile, job postings increased by 3%, with over 6,500 active postings across the city.
Check out the full report by clicking below!
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🩺 National Nursing Week 2026 ran from May 11–17, celebrating this year’s theme: “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health.”
Across Ontario, the nursing workforce grew by 4% in 2025, reaching more than 190,000 nurses — the strongest growth seen since 2020.
Programs like the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant are also helping reduce financial barriers for future healthcare professionals and supporting the next generation of nurses.
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Workforce Planning Hamilton’s Labour Market Information (LMI) 101 Video Series is now up to Episode 7, helping viewers better understand key labour market concepts and trends through short, easy-to-follow videos.
We're also excited to announce that French versions of all seven episodes are now being released, with a new translated episode published each week. Whether you're exploring career opportunities, workforce trends, or labour market data, the LMI 101 Series makes valuable information more accessible to everyone.
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Hamilton Community Updates
Find out what's happening in the city!
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📅 Friday May 29, 2026
⌚ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Hamilton City Hall (71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5)
What to expect:
- Opening Ceremony at
1:30 PM
- Information Fair with 50+ organizations
- Community & Kids Zone
- Local marketplace and food vendors
- Live performances at
3:30 PM
✨ New this year:
- Community Mural
- FREE Forge FC tickets for the June 10 International Night game
Admission to this event is FREE!
All Hamiltonians are invited to join in welcoming newcomers in Hamilton.
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Energy Saving Workshop with Bill Reading
Workshop Description
This workshop is designed to help participants understand how they can reduce energy use at home and save money on their monthly utility bills and available rebate programs and incentives they might qualify for. Through practical information and easy-to-apply tips, attendees will learn how to use energy more efficiently and sustainably. It’s a great opportunity to gain useful knowledge that benefits both your household and the environment.
What Participants Will Learn:
- How to identify habits that increase energy consumption
- Practical tips for saving energy at home
- Simple ways to reduce utility costs
- Available resources and programs that support energy efficiency
Presenter
Ayham Haj Ahmad
Energy Mentor,
Empower Me Ontario
Clients can bring their family and friends to this event!
Date: Wednesday May 27, 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: YWCA Hamilton, 75 MacNab Street South (Training Room A) and online via Zoom.
To register for this event, click on this link: https://calendly.com/joinywca/empower-me-information-awareness-session
Bus tickets to and from the session can be provided if needed.
Light refreshments will be provided. |
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Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs |
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No-cost Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Skilled Trades
Upcoming Program:
- Sheetmetal Worker (308A): July 6- Sept 11, 2026
Program Highlights:
- 10 weeks in school: July 6- Sept 11, 2026
- Primary Trade: Sheet Metal Worker
- Equivalent Level 1 in-school Apprentice training in expanded format
- Safety Training could include First Aid/CPR Certificate training, Working at Heights/Confined Space
- Secondary trade exposure – Welder and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic + ODP Certification
- Tuition, textbooks, safety training, and safety equipment are included –free of charge
- Tutoring, math supports, learning supports
- Employment support for paid work placement* (September 21-November 27 in GTA)
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
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Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
(You will need to provide a SIN card, Driver’s License, and/or Canadian Passport upon acceptance into the program)
- Be 16+ years of age and eligible to work in Ontario
- Have your high school diploma/GED or equivalent
-Under the age of 18 must have diploma/GED
-Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Be willing and able to commit to full-time (approx. 30 hours per week) for the extent of the program
Link to the webpage (Application process is at the bottom of page)
https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/program-theme/skilled-trades-apprenticeship/future-apprentices/pre-apprenticeship-training-program
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June is Bike Month in Hamilton!
Bike Month is a city-wide celebration of cycling with events, rides, and activities taking place across the city, all month long! It’s a chance to connect with Hamilton's cycling community, try something new, and celebrate getting around by bike. It's welcoming, fun, and there's something for everyone!
Visit Bike Month Hamilton to discover 15+ events taking place across the city.
The kick-off to Bike Month is Bike Day on Wednesday, May 27th from 7:30am-9:30 am at Hamilton City Hall Forecourt.
Celebrate cycling by joining this drop-in event with free refreshments, t-shirts (while supplies last), bike tune-ups by New Hope Community Bikes, and community partner booths. Guided rides to City Hall led by Cycle Hamilton and Hamilton Bike Share. Drop by and join in on the fun!
Register for any Bike Month event for a chance to win 1 of 3 $100 VISA gift card
prizes! |
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Learning Connections Hamilton and the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council are helping employers support workforce development through the Skills Pathways for Work initiative. Whether employees need to strengthen foundational skills, improve digital literacy, earn high school credits, prepare for post-secondary education, or explore apprenticeship opportunities, this program can help connect them to the right resources and training pathways.
As Hamilton’s adult learning network, Learning Connections Hamilton works with individuals to explore their options and create personalized plans for success. Employers looking to support employee growth and skill development are encouraged to connect with a Learning Navigator to learn more about available opportunities.
For more information, visit www.lchamilton.ca or contact Learning Connections Hamilton at 289-779-8972. |
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What's In The News?
Latest updates!
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Current careers are almost unrecognizable compared to those of previous generations — from increased workplace fluidity and shifting perceptions of formal education to the introduction of advanced technologies.
As predictability and traditional career ladders continue to disappear, we must adapt our approach to career management to successfully navigate an evolving world of work.
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When you hear the word “improv,” what comes to mind? Do you picture a stage, spotlights, and the pressure of performing in front of an audience? Maybe you think of the cast of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” entertaining the crowd with quick wit and humour.
While improv can be all of those things, it can also be a powerful tool for building resilience, observation skills, teamwork, and communication. In other words, it helps develop the essential workplace skills that transform jobseekers into valued, long-term employees.
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Did you know, you can now request data from Workforce Planning Hamilton using our Data Request form?
Workforce Planning Hamilton’s labour market information can help identify:
- In-demand Industries, Skills & Jobs
- Workforce demographics
- Growing, declining & changing trends
- Job vacancy data
- Labour force supply & demand
- Immigration into the workforce
- Currently hiring skills & positions
- And More!
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