A strong local workforce is built on the skills, experience and knowledge of the people who make up our communities. Among them are members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and their families, whose influence and value extend well beyond their service to our country.
The Centre for Workforce Development (CFWD) proudly salutes Canada’s military community and recognizes the important role its members play in strengthening our regional workforce, supporting local employers and contributing to the economic vitality of our communities.
Military members and veterans bring a tremendous range of skills and experience to the civilian workforce. Leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, technical expertise, teamwork and the ability to perform in complex and changing environments are just some of the strengths developed through military service. These are valuable skills that local employers need across a wide range of industries and occupations.
However, translating military experience into civilian employment is not always straightforward. Recognizing how military training, qualifications and experience align with civilian occupations is an important part of supporting successful career transitions. There is an opportunity to strengthen connections between military talent and local employment opportunities, benefiting both individuals and the businesses looking to fill workforce needs.
Military families are equally important to this conversation. Military spouses and partners often navigate unique employment challenges associated with relocations, changing communities and interruptions to their careers. Access to meaningful employment, opportunities to maintain and develop skills, and connections to local employers can make a significant difference in helping military families establish themselves and contribute to the communities where they live.
At CFWD, we recognize that understanding these experiences is an important part of understanding our regional labour market. We are proud to work alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and associate organizations that support our community, including CFB Trenton, Garrison Petawawa, Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) and local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.
These relationships help strengthen our understanding of the workforce challenges, opportunities and priorities within our region. Having a strong understanding of the experiences and employment needs of military members, veterans and their families helps ensure that workforce planning reflects the people and circumstances that shape our local economy.
There is also an important role for employers in creating opportunities for Veterans to succeed in civilian workplaces. Veterans Affairs Canada’s Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative highlights the value of employers who demonstrate a commitment to recruiting, hiring and supporting Veterans. Initiatives like this reinforce an important message: military experience is an asset to the Canadian workforce, and recognizing that value is an important step toward building stronger, more inclusive workplaces.
For CFWD, supporting workforce development means recognizing the skills and potential that exist throughout our communities and helping create the connections that allow people and businesses to succeed. Canada’s military community represents a critically important source of knowledge, expertise and transferable skills…from leadership and operational experience to highly developed technical capabilities. We see them as key partners in building a stronger, more resilient workforce across the communities we serve. Through targeted outreach, program support, and collaboration with employers and service organizations, we can all help to ensure these skills translate into meaningful employment and career pathways for military members, veterans, and their families—benefiting both individuals and local businesses alike.
Note: The Centre for Workforce Development is your expert on the local labour market in Hastings, Prince Edward, Renfrew, Lanark, and Lennox & Addington Counties. Funded in part by the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario, it operates as one of 24 non-profit Workforce Planning Boards across Ontario with a focus on local labour market research and workforce development. To learn more visit CFWD.ca.
