Projects that help people enter work successfully, develop skills, and align with real job demands.

We investigate pathways into work by aligning people’s skills and capacities with real job demands. Our team partners with employers, community organizations, and educators to remove entry barriers, modernize OSH training, and build job‑ready capabilities for under‑represented and diverse groups. The result is a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline that is prepared for today’s job.

Representative projects & contributions:

• Skilled Trades Research, Innovation and Education in Occupational Safety and Health (STRIVE OSH) (Multi‑initiative program). Built capacity in current and next‑gen skilled trades through applied research, tool/guideline development, and technology transfer directly addressing workforce challenges and strengthening subject matter expert competitiveness. 

  Funded by Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development

• Inclusive & Accessible Skilled Trades Employment (People with Disabilities). Identified barriers to accessible employment during the school‑to‑work transition; gathered perspectives from organizations, people with lived experience, and apprentices to inform future accessibility standards and training practices. 

  Funded by Accessibility Standards Canada

• Workforce Development in Small & Rural Communities (Waterloo Region). Co‑created sustainable workforce strategies with small businesses; supported learners, jobseekers, and workers in developing the skills needed for evolving, high‑demand sectors. 

  Funded by Economic and Social Development Canada

• Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE): Social Enterprises & Integration of Black and Racialized Persons. Launched a longitudinal study assessing how WISE support labour‑market participation and related outcomes (i.e., well‑being, socio‑economic). 

  Funded by Economic and Social Development Canada