New training program helps newcomers enter workforce

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region offers hands-on training, paid work experience to support newcomer employment

Waterloo Region, Ont., July 8, 2025 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region has welcomed its first cohort of newcomers, who will receive hands-on training and work experience over the next four weeks as part of a new employment initiative.

Funded by the Region of Waterloo and supported by the Immigration Partnership, the Newcomer Work Experience Program is a paid training initiative designed to support career development and help newcomers transition more easily into the workforce. Participants will build both hard and soft skills while gaining valuable experience at The Food Bank’s distribution centre in Kitchener.

“This program is a great example of how we can create more equitable pathways to employment for newcomers in our community,” says Karen Redman, chair, Region of Waterloo. “By supporting hands-on training in our community, we’re investing in people’s potential and strengthening our local workforce.”

“Newcomers face unique barriers to employment, and programs like this are critical in helping them build the confidence, experience, and skills they need to thrive,” adds Ian McLean, chair of the Work Steering Group, Immigration Partnership. “It’s a collaborative effort that supports both individual success and community well-being.”

As part of the program, each participant receives comprehensive training in workplace best practices, including health and safety, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), food safety, order picking, and driver assistance. They also gain valuable skills in de-escalation techniques and in working respectfully with vulnerable populations—knowledge that supports both personal and professional growth.

“We believe in empowering newcomers by helping them build their skills and confidence—so they can contribute to the Canadian economy and help fill critical labour gaps in Waterloo region by strengthening the workforce where support is needed most,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

All participants are 16 or older, currently unemployed, and belong to one of the following groups:

• Canadian citizens born outside of Canada
• Permanent residents
• Convention refugees
• Refugee claimants or protected persons with a valid work permit
• Temporary residents with a valid work permit, including Ukrainians under the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program

By the time the program wraps up in May 2026, seven cohorts of newcomers—about 42 people—will have completed training at The Food Bank. Each participant will receive a letter of completion to support their employment applications.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty-one years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes more than 8.9 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 54 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

About The Region of Waterloo

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, situated in southern Ontario, is a diverse and thriving community that encompasses the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, along with the townships of Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley, and North Dumfries. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, the Region is dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant community for all. For more information, visit regionofwaterloo.ca.

About the Immigration Partnership

The Immigration Partnership is a collaboration of public, private and non-profit partner organizations working together through a Leadership Council and three Steering Group—Settle, Work, Belong—to take action to enhance immigrant success and community prosperity. The Immigration Partnership engages with federal, provincial and other government and community initiatives to strengthen their ability to contribute immigrant success. Learn more at immigrationwaterlooregion.ca

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Media contacts

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca

Media Relations
Region of Waterloo
media@regionofwaterloo.ca

Tara Bedard
Immigration Partnership
tbedard@regionofwaterloo.ca

Ian McLean
Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
519.749.6038