Food And Beverage Ontario Launches RecruitNOW! To Try And Help Food Manufacturers Secure Talent

Employees on the production floor at a food and beverage processing facility in Ontario. (CNW Group/Food and Beverage Ontario)

TORONTO — Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) announces that it has launched RecruitNOW!, a new employer-focused service to try and help Ontario’s food and beverage processors connect with job ready candidates and access to workforce resources. The no-cost offering is reportedly meant to try and provide support for companies looking to recruit, retain and prepare talent for roles in the food manufacturing sector.

RecruitNOW! is delivered through FBO’s CareersNOW! program, which provides training, labour market insights and networking opportunities to help jobseekers build careers and assist employers with ongoing workforce challenges. Through RecruitNOW!, CareersNOW! staff reportedly meet directly with employer hiring teams to assess recruitment needs and connect businesses with a customized suite of employment supports that complement their existing workforce efforts.

“The food and beverage processing sector continues to grow, and employers have told us they need practical, hands-on support to find and hire skilled talent,” said Christopher Conway, chief executive officer of Food and Beverage Ontario. “RecruitNOW! builds on the strong foundation of the CareersNOW! program by helping employers identify their hiring needs and access the tools that strengthen recruitment and retention across their operations.”

Alongside RecruitNOW! consultations and support, CareersNOW! reportedly offers a range of free resources to help processors attract and retain qualified talent.

“As the sector grows, we’re seeing more opportunity than ever for people to build rewarding careers,” said Isabel Dopta, CareersNOW! Program Director. “RecruitNOW! helps employers tap into that energy — especially from young people who are ready to contribute — and gives them the tools to build strong, successful teams.”

Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector reportedly includes more than 4,000 businesses and employs over 125,000 people. According to Food and Beverage Ontario in a press release, employers continue to report high demand for machine operators, bakers, millwrights, HVAC professionals, quality assurance technicians and other skilled roles.