Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) has launched three new national initiatives to help food and beverage manufacturers strengthen their workforce during a period of political and economic uncertainty.
The programs, announced Thursday, are designed to support employee training, connect students with employers, and enhance leadership development for managers. Each is backed by federal funding and is available immediately to businesses across the country.
“With the political threats and rapidly changing expectations from our U.S. trading partner, it has been a challenging time for businesses and Canadians at large,” said FPSC Executive Director Jennefer Griffith. “But it’s also a time of potential for the food and beverage manufacturing industry – a time to invest in the people of this industry and build prosperity for the future.”
Support for food safety, student employment, and leadership training
The first program, Investing in Food Safety, reimburses up to 70% of eligible training costs for frontline workers and supervisors. It includes e-learning modules on food safety and quality assurance, and participating businesses also receive Chromebooks to support digital access to training.
The Student Work Placement Program has been renewed, offering up to $7,000 in wage subsidies per student, per term, for co-op placements in summer, fall, and winter. FPSC says the program helps students apply their academic knowledge while giving employers access to new talent and perspectives.
The third initiative, Refine Yourself — Leading with Emotional Intelligence, is a no-cost, four-month leadership development program for 50 mid-level managers. The program combines live webinars and self-directed e-learning focused on self-leadership, team management, and organizational impact. It builds on a successful pilot and is funded by the federal Future Skills Program.
Industry response to workforce challenges
Mike Timani, Chair of FPSC, said the organization is responding to global and domestic pressures by expanding support for employers and workers.
“We are increasing our program offerings to ensure Canadian operations continue to run smoothly and workforces continue to provide the very best Canadian food and beverage products for consumers,” Timani said.
Funding for the initiatives comes from several sources, including the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program, the Student Work Placement Program, and a partnership with the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation.
FPSC is a national non-profit based in Ottawa, focused on workforce development in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The organization collaborates with industry, educators, and government to support skills training, recruitment, and retention across the sector.
