Nonprofit Boosts Skilled Workforce Through Training

What is the Work-Based Learning Consortium?

Paul Coleman, Learning and Program Development Specialist: WBLC is an industry-led nonprofit organization that helps businesses in Canada fill skilled labor needs in advanced manufacturing by developing and managing work-based learning programs. We've developed innovative training programs that help companies quickly hire and upskill workers for critical roles like CNC Machinists and Mold Maintenance Technicians. Our unique approach is to provide fast, reliable and cost-effective training that typically takes half the normal training time and costs half as much, addressing critical gaps in the manufacturing workforce.

What is your history and role with the WBLC?

Coleman: I am on the WBLC Virtual Learning and Marketing team. I have helped develop the Mold Maintenance, CNC Machinist and QuickLearn Training Programs. I’m also a professional videographer, CAD designer and online instructor supporting students in their e-learning journey. For over 30 years l have worked in and supported companies in Canada’s manufacturing sector.

I started as a mold designer and quickly realized that success in the global manufacturing market would rely on companies not only adopting but properly implementing technology. So, I spent years working with international software development companies, spearheading innovation in automation and knowledge-based design.

How successful have the WBLC training programs been?

Coleman: Our track record speaks volumes about the effectiveness of our approach. Between 2014 and 2018, we developed and delivered five Work-Based Learning programs, collaborating with over 50 manufacturing companies to train more than 550 individuals across 48 program intakes.

The results have been remarkable, with over 90% of trainees achieving certification and an impressive 95% of certified graduates continuing employment with their participating companies. We have continued with this model and have trained over 750 people to date. This success demonstrates the power of our targeted, industry-driven training methodology.

Q: Let’s talk about moldmaking training, specifically. What is the Mold Maintenance Technician Program?

Coleman: Canadian manufacturing companies face a critical shortage of skilled technicians. The Work-Based Learning Center (WBLC) has successfully addressed this challenge, beginning with its first initiative — the Mold Maintenance Technician Program — developed in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Mold Makers (CAMM). Building on this success, WBLC has now expanded its offerings to include a CNC Machinist Level 1 Program.

The Mold Maintenance Technician (Level 1) Program was initially offered in 2021 with two pathways: direct hiring of mid-career professionals and upskilling of existing employees. This versatile program served manufacturers using molds for plastic and metal production.

The curriculum combined e-learning, classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learned blueprint reading, applied mathematics, materials science and workplace safety, while developing practical skills in mold assembly, maintenance and inspection.

Training progressed from foundational learning to shopfloor practice under dedicated trainers. Certification required passing module tests, demonstrating hands-on skills and completing an examination. 

Building on the proven success of the Mold Maintenance Program, WBLC continues to bridge industry needs with workforce development through its current program offerings, like the CNC Machinist Level 1 Program. This initiatives equip trainees with the skills to advance their careers while addressing the critical shortage of skilled technicians in Canadian manufacturing.

Can you describe your CNC Machinist training program?

Coleman: Our CNC Machinist [Level 1] Rapid Upskilling Program is a comprehensive three-month solution designed to address critical skills shortages quickly and effectively. The program integrates e-learning modules with weekly virtual classroom sessions, hands-on on-the-job training, technical trainer effectiveness workshops and ongoing monitoring and coaching. Completely free to participating companies, the program aims to fully certify trainees to industry-defined technical job standards, providing a robust pathway for both new hires and existing employees looking to enhance their skills.

How do you select and assess potential trainees?

Coleman: Our selection process is rigorous and scientific, conducted through our staffing partners. Candidates undergo a comprehensive assessment that includes a 60-minute online test evaluating essential employability competencies, an extensive structured interview focusing on job-specific skills and a manual dexterity assessment. This meticulous approach dramatically reduces the traditional interview-to-hire ratio, typically keeping it between 2:1 and 3:1, ensuring that only the most suitable candidates are considered for training and employment.

What makes your training approach different?

Coleman: Our approach stands out through its industry-led program design, which focuses on targeted recruitment of mid-career job seekers and comprehensive skills assessment. We've developed a unique blended learning approach supported by government and industry funding, with ongoing support for both trainees and technical trainers. Unlike traditional training programs, we prioritize practical skills, quick adaptation and immediate employability, creating a direct pipeline of skilled workers for manufacturing companies.

How does the training program work?

Coleman: The program is structured around several key components:

• A 12-week online course covering CNC machine fundamentals, including materials, cutters, feeds and speeds
• Weekly instructor support to keep trainees on track
• An in-company technical trainer who provides hands-on guidance
• A comprehensive electronic "playbook" outlining weekly goals and skill development
• A final live assessment where trainees machine a part to demonstrate job readiness

Companies can use this program to train new hires or upskill existing employees interested in CNC roles.

How do you fund this program?

Coleman: We secure funding through government R&D channels. We've successfully demonstrated the program's value by training 50-60 people in initial cohorts. The government recognizes the program's potential to retrain workers, particularly those losing jobs in assembly factories. The Canadian government's approach to funding innovation and training is highly coveted. Funding allows us to develop highly specialized quality training programs that would be very challenging to do in the private sector at a cost that manufacturing companies could afford.

What is your microlearning approach? 

Coleman: WBLC Microlearning is an innovative training method designed for today’s workforce. Delivered in bite-sized modules under 10 minutes, these training segments can be accessed on smartphones and include various learning materials such as text, graphics, photos, videos and short quizzes.

The approach helps manufacturers efficiently assess and improve employee knowledge while providing engaging, easily digestible learning experiences. Employers receive monthly progress reports, enabling them to track and support their employees' learning journeys.

How are you leveraging technology in your training?

Coleman: We're exploring AI tools like Google Notebook and Gemini to help with content creation and testing. We're careful about data privacy, preferring platforms that enable us to control what the AI learns. These tools help us create quizzes, draft materials, and streamline various tasks.

Are there plans to expand this program?

Coleman: Absolutely. We're exploring opportunities in the United States. Our strategy is to potentially license the program and train people to deliver it locally. We're particularly interested in partnerships with organizations like the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), which has a workforce-oriented approach.

How can companies get involved?

Coleman: Companies interested in our programs can easily get started by visiting our website at workbasedlearning.ca. We encourage manufacturers to explore our CNC Machinist and Mold Maintenance Technician programs, and to contact us directly to discuss potential participation. Our team is ready to explain our recruitment, training and certification processes and to help companies address their specific workforce development needs.

“Our approach stands out through its industry-led program design, which focuses on targeted recruitment of mid-career job seekers and comprehensive skills assessment. We've developed a unique blended learning approach supported by government and industry funding, with ongoing support for both trainees and technical trainers.”

What's next for your training programs?

Coleman: We're focused on scaling our current initiatives. With our funding window of 18 months, we're working to generate more interest and place trainees in meaningful roles. We aim to continue demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted, innovative workforce training.

Tell me about your neurodivergent workforce initiative?

Coleman: This initiative, developed by Spero Careers Canada, focuses on creating more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent individuals. I work with them to help educate companies on making simple yet impactful adjustments, from modifying lighting to redesigning interview processes.

The program is deeply personal. As someone with ADHD, I understand the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face in traditional learning and work environments. We aim to break down biases and help companies recognize the unique talents neurodivergent individuals can bring to trades.

How have companies responded to this initiative?

Coleman: The response has been increasingly positive. When employers hear directly from neurodivergent individuals about their experiences and potential, they become more open to adapting their processes. We've found that sharing successful examples is key to changing perspectives.