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 2020/2021 cohort will be the third and final Academy.

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:
  • 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.

Applications to the 2020 Toronto Sector Skills Academy will be accepted on or before:

2:00pm, June 16, 2020

No late applications will be accepted. We encourage you to submit your application prior to the deadline. All applicants will be notified of the status of their applications by mid-July.

On March 31, 2020 we will hold an in-person information session to review the program and answer questions. Register at: https://tssa-2020-info-session.eventbrite.ca. Space is limited.

On April 20, 2020 we will hold a webinar to review the program and focus on the application. Register at: https://tssa-2020-webinar.eventbrite.ca.

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

On March 31, 2020 we will hold an in-person information session to review the program and answer questions. Register at: https://tssa-2020-info-session.eventbrite.ca. Space is limited.

On April 20, 2020 we will hold a webinar to review the program and focus on the application. Register at: https://tssa-2020-webinar.eventbrite.ca.