Bi-Weekly Newsletter
Volume 8: Issue 2. Aug 28, 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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🔧 Youth Are Leading the Way in Hamilton’s Skilled Trades!
In 2025–26, Hamilton welcomed 1,309 new apprentices, with youth aged 15–24 making up more than half of all new registrants — 692 apprentices!
The most popular trades among new apprentices included:
⚡ Electrician (Construction and Maintenance)
🚗 Automotive Service Technician
🔧 Plumber
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Minimum Wage Increase
In Ontario, the general minimum wage is currently $17.60 per hour, and the student minimum wage is $16.60 per hour for students under the age of 18.
On October 1, 2026, these rates will rise to $17.95 (general) and $16.90 (student) per hour.
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Need to Submit a Data Request? We Can Help!
Have a data request but not sure where to find the form or how to submit it?
We’ve created a quick video walkthrough to guide you through finding the Data Request Form, accessing it, and submitting your request.
🎥 Watch the video to learn how easy it is to get started! |
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Hamilton Community Updates
Find out what's happening in the city!
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Recent years have seen increased polarization and public expressions of hate. In Hamilton, hate crimes are on the rise.
Aside from criminal acts, many people in Hamilton experience discrimination in their daily lives.
A 2021 representative sample survey in Hamilton (PDF) showed that discrimination, anti-hate and exclusion are on the minds of many people.
Hamilton for All is an inclusion campaign. Social inclusion exists when all people have the best opportunities to enjoy life and do well in society – and making sure no one is left out or excluded.
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Historic Housing Investment in Hamilton |
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A major investment announced yesterday could unlock tens of thousands of new homes in Hamilton, marking an important milestone for housing affordability, economic growth and the city’s ability to attract and retain talent.
The Federal Government and Province of Ontario announced that Hamilton will receive $572 million through the Development Charges Reduction Program, supporting critical housing-enabling infrastructure while allowing the City to eliminate residential development charges from March 30, 2026, to March 31, 2029.
The City estimates the measures could help unlock more than 31,000 new housing units. |
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📢 Are you new to Hamilton? Join us on Wednesday September 16 for our annual Hamilton Welcome Event!
Here’s what you can expect 👇
🤝 Information fair for newcomers (1:30-5:00 PM)
💬 Presentations on employment, legal pathways, and more! (2-3 PM)
📄 Resume review (3-5 PM)
📸 FREE professional headshots for your job search (3-5 PM)
⌚ 1:30 - 5:00 PM
📍Floor 4, Central Library - @hamiltonlibrary , 55 York Blvd. (Jackson Square)
🍽️ Refreshments (food/drink) will be provided. Free and open at all.
ℹ️ This event is taking place during Welcoming Week, which runs September 10-19, 2026. Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging in their local community, no matter where they come from. |
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📣 Hamilton youth, we want to hear from you!
Are you 15-29 years old and living or working in Hamilton? Have you faced challenges finding or keeping a job?
We want to hear about your experiences and ideas to help shape better employment opportunities for young people in Hamilton.
💬 Share your perspective
🎁 Receive a $25 gift card for participating
✅ Help create programs designed with youth, for youth
📅 Youth Focus Group (Virtual) September 10, 2026 - 5:00 p.m. |
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Manufacturing Conversation |
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Join the Conversation: Women in Engineering & Manufacturing
Workforce Planning Hamilton and YWCA Hamilton invite HR, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations Managers to participate in a virtual discussion focused on attracting, retaining, and advancing women in engineering and manufacturing.
This collaborative conversation will provide an opportunity to share your expertise, discuss workforce challenges, and explore strategies that can help shape the future of women in the workforce and support Hamilton’s workforce development.
📅 Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00–10:30 a.m.
💻 Location: Zoom
Your perspective can help influence future workforce strategies and ensure they reflect the experiences and needs of Hamilton employers.
🔗 Register: bit.ly/Me4Change2026
We look forward to hearing your perspective and working together to help shape a stronger, more inclusive workforce in Hamilton. |
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Help Shape Hamilton's Manufacturing Talent Network |
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Help Shape Hamilton’s Manufacturing Talent Network
IEC Hamilton is inviting local manufacturers to share their experiences and help address workforce challenges related to recruiting and retaining talent for entry-level and skilled roles.
With funding from the Future Skills Centre, IEC Hamilton is exploring a potential three-year, employer-led Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) pilot to help strengthen Hamilton’s manufacturing talent pipeline.
Manufacturers can participate in a way that works for them, including:
- Needs Assessment Survey
- One-on-One Interview
- Employer Collaboration
- Co-Design Workshop
Share your workforce needs, recruitment and retention experiences, and ideas for building local talent pipelines.
Participation is voluntary and flexible.
📩 Interested in participating or learning more?
Contact Lauren Walker at lauren.walker@iechamilton.ca. |
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What's In The News?
Latest updates!
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If you’re a Canadian woman entrepreneur looking to launch, grow, expand, or strengthen your business, there are funding opportunities worth exploring.
Here are 5 grants and funding programs to put on your radar:
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Calling all Volunteers! The Fall Season of Nature Kids is right around the corner!
Join us weekly on Thursdays!
When: September 17th to October 15th
Where: 22 Veevers Drive!
Volunteers will get to practice and hone their leadership skills by actively guiding children through various fun and engaging eco-themed activities!
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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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