CareersNOW! // Food and Beverage Ontario
Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector is a cornerstone of the provincial economy, yet employers continue to face persistent labour shortages and limited awareness of career opportunities among jobseekers and students.
To address these challenges, Isabel Dopta Consulting developed and delivers CareersNOW! on behalf of Food and Beverage Ontario, an industry-led workforce initiative focused on strengthening talent pipelines and advancing inclusive employment.
CareersNOW! is designed in collaboration with employers, industry associations, workforce organizations, educators, and government partners. The program aligns directly with employer needs—attraction, retention, and skills readiness—while reducing barriers for individuals seeking sustainable careers in the sector.
A key driver of CareersNOW!’s success is its integrated, multichannel communications and marketing strategy, which leverages digital outreach, social media, employer storytelling, and partner networks to engage jobseekers across Ontario. This approach ensures strong reach among priority populations, including youth, newcomers, and underrepresented communities.
To date, CareersNOW! has supported approximately 5,000 individuals in securing employment.
Participants in CareersNOW! reflect a diverse demographic: 50% are between the ages of 18 and 30, 62% are newcomers to Canada within the last five years, and 4.3% identify as Indigenous. Participants gain greater awareness of career pathways and access to employment, training, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
For employers, CareersNOW! delivers access to a more informed and job-ready talent pool while strengthening long-term connections with workforce and education partners. The program demonstrates how targeted workforce development—supported by strategic communications—creates measurable, lasting impact for both people and Ontario’s food and beverage processing businesses.