Sector strategies are promising practices that seek to improve opportunities for low-income workers while also working to build a stronger economy. Sector strategies focus on two outcomes. One is helping workers move into better jobs by removing barriers and skills gaps, or building ladders. The second is improving the quality of low-wage jobs, or raising the floor.

To address the growing interest and need for innovative workforce development in Toronto, the Metcalf Foundation established the Toronto Sector Skills Academy, in partnership with the Aspen Institute. The goal is to build the capacity of leaders to grow, strengthen, and sustain sector strategies within the city. This fellowship program is the first of its kind in Canada.

In partnership with The Aspen Institute, the Toronto Sector Skills Academy provides an opportunity for leaders in the workforce development field to learn from experts; use case studies to explore innovative services and change strategies; reflect on their work; engage with peers; consider new ideas and perspectives; develop and strengthen partnerships and relationships; and acquire new skills to explore, catalyze, and enable sector-focused workforce strategies. Over a 10-month period Fellows will attend three retreats and three workshops. The Academy aims to strengthen Fellows’ capacity to develop and sustain effective and equitable workforce strategies, help Fellows collaborate more effectively with employers and other strategic partner organizations, and expand the number and quality of leadership who can develop approaches that advance equitable opportunities for low-wage workers and job seekers while meeting industry talent needs.

The leadership development model used by the Toronto Sector Skills Academy was created by the highly-regarded Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. Participants in the Toronto Sector Skills Academy become Aspen Economic Opportunity Fellows joining the international network. In 2017, 23 Fellows graduated from the inaugural Toronto Sector Skills Academy. In 2018, another 24 Fellows graduated from the Toronto Sector Skills Academy. This 2020-21 cohort will be the third and final Academy.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020-21 cohort of the Toronto Sector Skills Academy has been delayed. All rescheduled dates, including the application deadline, retreat and workshop dates, and special receptions will be announced in Fall 2021. Please check our website for updates.

The Toronto Sector Skills Academy is designed for experienced senior level managers of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, business associations, businesses, social enterprises, union-based training efforts, and colleges. Candidates are required to be in leadership positions, have decision-making authority and standing to execute strategies on behalf of their organizations, and demonstrate interest in strengthening their local workforce system. They must be committed to exploring equity and value the opportunity to reflect on their current work, explore leadership practices, and gain feedback from colleagues.

All applicants engaged in or planning workforce development efforts that target specific industries are invited to apply.

Applicants must:

• be leading existing workforce initiatives, policy development, or leading industry programs that are seeking to develop sector strategies;
• hold positions of leadership and decision-making authority regarding workforce development;
• be based and active within the Toronto region;*
• submit a letter of support from their supervisor approving their participation in the Toronto Sector Skills Academy; and
• commit to full participation over these set dates:  All dates to be rescheduled.
  • Welcome reception – September 10, 2020
  • Retreat 1 – September 29 – October 2, 2020
  • Retreat 2 – November 18 – 20, 2020
  • Retreat 3 – May 26 – 28, 2021
  • Dates to be confirmed (these dates will be confirmed by the application deadline):
    • The in-town Toronto workshops in February 2021 (2 days)
    • The closing presentation and graduation reception in June 2021

Inclusivity and diversity of race, ethnicity, and gender are core values of the Toronto Sector Skills Academy. Members from equity seeking groups are encouraged to apply.

*While the geographic catchment for the Toronto Sector Skills Academy is the Toronto region, applicants living outside the GTA with a strong sector-focused approach to workforce development will be considered.

Due to COVID-19, the third and final cohort of the Toronto Sector Skills Academy has been delayed. All rescheduled dates, including the application deadline, retreat and workshop dates, and special receptions will be announced in Fall 2021. Please check our website for updates.

A Word version of the Application Form can be found here.

Click here to view the April 20, 2020 information webinar session on the program and application. Presentation slides can also be accessed separately here.