Workforce Development

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Background

The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Lake of Bays, and Township of Muskoka Lakes, is taking proactive steps to address the challenges and barriers in the changing workforce and labour market.

Development of a regional workforce strategy has been underway since 2019 to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce in the region, funded through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

Regional Workforce Committee - As an outcome of the Muskoka Employment Partnership (MEP), the RWC was established in October 2022 to coordinate implementation of the Muskoka Regional Workforce Project, initially funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program’s Labour Market Targeted Intake. Accomplishments to date include the creation of the Muskoka Job Board to connect job seekers with employment opportunities, as well as the creation of the Muskoka Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Strategy and Implementation Plan (see below) were developed with consideration given to workforce attraction, development, and retention initiatives.

The purpose of the Regional Workforce Committee (RWC) is to:

  • Advance regional workforce collaboration by bringing together municipalities, employers, education, employment services and community partners around shared workforce priorities.
  • Strengthened employer engagement to better understand workforce needs and ensure regional initiatives respond to the realities facing Muskoka employers.
  • Continue to strengthen connections between workforce and economic development, recognizing the important role that housing, healthcare, transportation, education and other community factors play in attracting and retaining workers.
  • Building stronger regional partnerships to improve coordination, reduce duplication and identify opportunities for collective action on Muskoka's workforce challenges.

The District and its partners are working on developing annual workplans, budgets and resourcing strategies, and operationalize the Implementation Plan over the next three to five years.

We are always looking for ways to partner and collaborate - reach out to us to inquire about potential ways to join forces and ensure the sustainability and resilience of Muskoka's workforce and labour market.

Regional Workforce Achievements to date include:

  • Supported youth skills development and career pathways, including support for Muskoka students participating in the provincial Skills Ontario competition. Click HERE for our press release.
  • Advancing a workforce readiness pilot initiative focused on connecting job seekers with practical skills, certifications and local employment opportunities.
  • Expanded workforce attraction and awareness efforts through the development and launch of a regional digital marketing campaign and workforce video series, showcasing local career opportunities, industries, and quality of life to attract and retain talent.
  • Enhancing regional employment tools and resources, including improvements to the Venture Muskoka Job Board and website.


Muskoka-Specific Job Board - Check it out!

Visit our Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map available at www.muskokajobboard.ca

The project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs


LOCAL LABOUR MARKET PLAN -

Every year, our workforce board, Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce, provides an in-depth analysis of labour market trends, workforce challenges, and emerging opportunities across the region. The Local Labour Market Plan offers valuable insights into employment trends, industry demands, workforce demographics, and skills gaps, helping employers, job seekers, educators, and community partners make informed decisions and support a strong, resilient workforce. Click HERE to access current and past plans.

Participation in Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce's annual Employer Survey helps build stronger local labour market intelligence by identifying employer needs, workforce challenges, and growth opportunities. The findings inform workforce initiatives and regional planning - click here to access the current survey.



Regional Workforce Digital Marketing Campaign Video Series

"Consider a Career in Muskoka"



Regional Workforce Implementation Plan


Background

The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Town of Bracebridge, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Lake of Bays, and Township of Muskoka Lakes, is taking proactive steps to address the challenges and barriers in the changing workforce and labour market.

Development of a regional workforce strategy has been underway since 2019 to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce in the region, funded through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

Regional Workforce Committee - As an outcome of the Muskoka Employment Partnership (MEP), the RWC was established in October 2022 to coordinate implementation of the Muskoka Regional Workforce Project, initially funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) program’s Labour Market Targeted Intake. Accomplishments to date include the creation of the Muskoka Job Board to connect job seekers with employment opportunities, as well as the creation of the Muskoka Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Strategy and Implementation Plan (see below) were developed with consideration given to workforce attraction, development, and retention initiatives.

The purpose of the Regional Workforce Committee (RWC) is to:

  • Advance regional workforce collaboration by bringing together municipalities, employers, education, employment services and community partners around shared workforce priorities.
  • Strengthened employer engagement to better understand workforce needs and ensure regional initiatives respond to the realities facing Muskoka employers.
  • Continue to strengthen connections between workforce and economic development, recognizing the important role that housing, healthcare, transportation, education and other community factors play in attracting and retaining workers.
  • Building stronger regional partnerships to improve coordination, reduce duplication and identify opportunities for collective action on Muskoka's workforce challenges.

The District and its partners are working on developing annual workplans, budgets and resourcing strategies, and operationalize the Implementation Plan over the next three to five years.

We are always looking for ways to partner and collaborate - reach out to us to inquire about potential ways to join forces and ensure the sustainability and resilience of Muskoka's workforce and labour market.

Regional Workforce Achievements to date include:

  • Supported youth skills development and career pathways, including support for Muskoka students participating in the provincial Skills Ontario competition. Click HERE for our press release.
  • Advancing a workforce readiness pilot initiative focused on connecting job seekers with practical skills, certifications and local employment opportunities.
  • Expanded workforce attraction and awareness efforts through the development and launch of a regional digital marketing campaign and workforce video series, showcasing local career opportunities, industries, and quality of life to attract and retain talent.
  • Enhancing regional employment tools and resources, including improvements to the Venture Muskoka Job Board and website.


Muskoka-Specific Job Board - Check it out!

Visit our Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map available at www.muskokajobboard.ca

The project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs


LOCAL LABOUR MARKET PLAN -

Every year, our workforce board, Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce, provides an in-depth analysis of labour market trends, workforce challenges, and emerging opportunities across the region. The Local Labour Market Plan offers valuable insights into employment trends, industry demands, workforce demographics, and skills gaps, helping employers, job seekers, educators, and community partners make informed decisions and support a strong, resilient workforce. Click HERE to access current and past plans.

Participation in Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce's annual Employer Survey helps build stronger local labour market intelligence by identifying employer needs, workforce challenges, and growth opportunities. The findings inform workforce initiatives and regional planning - click here to access the current survey.



Regional Workforce Digital Marketing Campaign Video Series

"Consider a Career in Muskoka"



Regional Workforce Implementation Plan


  • New Muskoka Job Board Launched to Help Employers Connect To Workers They Need!

    Share New Muskoka Job Board Launched to Help Employers Connect To Workers They Need! on Facebook Share New Muskoka Job Board Launched to Help Employers Connect To Workers They Need! on X (formerly Twitter) Share New Muskoka Job Board Launched to Help Employers Connect To Workers They Need! on Linkedin Email New Muskoka Job Board Launched to Help Employers Connect To Workers They Need! link
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    Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map part of a regional project to address Muskoka’s workforce development needs.

    Thursday, June 29, 2023 (MUSKOKA, ON) - The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Town of Bracebridge, Township of Georgian Bay, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Lake of Bays and Township of Muskoka Lakes, has created a Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map available now at www.muskokajobboard.ca

    The job board is part of a Muskoka Workforce Development Project generously funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs' Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

    The Job Board and Map provide critical access for employers and employees looking to connect. Information housed on the board is populated from over thirty (30) popular job sites indexed and searchable by community, job type and industry. The accompanying map visually represents where jobs are located in relation to communities. Users are encouraged to visit the site regularly as more jobs are added daily from the participating municipalities and employers.

    Venture Muskoka is an economic alliance of the lower-tier municipalities within the District of Muskoka that focuses on building the economy and improving the quality of life throughout the Muskoka region. Hosting the job board and map on the Venture Muskoka website supports this alliance’s overall goals, including investment attraction, supporting a year-round economy, and labour force development.

    Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map part of a regional project to address Muskoka’s workforce development needs.

    Thursday, June 29, 2023 (MUSKOKA, ON) - The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Town of Bracebridge, Township of Georgian Bay, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Huntsville, Township of Lake of Bays and Township of Muskoka Lakes, has created a Muskoka-specific job board and interactive map available now at www.muskokajobboard.ca

    The job board is part of a Muskoka Workforce Development Project generously funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs' Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

    The Job Board and Map provide critical access for employers and employees looking to connect. Information housed on the board is populated from over thirty (30) popular job sites indexed and searchable by community, job type and industry. The accompanying map visually represents where jobs are located in relation to communities. Users are encouraged to visit the site regularly as more jobs are added daily from the participating municipalities and employers.

    Venture Muskoka is an economic alliance of the lower-tier municipalities within the District of Muskoka that focuses on building the economy and improving the quality of life throughout the Muskoka region. Hosting the job board and map on the Venture Muskoka website supports this alliance’s overall goals, including investment attraction, supporting a year-round economy, and labour force development.

Page last updated: 04 Sep 2026, 09:29 AM