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OPPI receives skills development funding to launch a series of free workshops

OPPI has received funding from the Ministry of Labour’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream, which offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers, to drive Ontario's economic growth.

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This funding will allow OPPI to develop a series of training materials to address the shortage of planners in Ontario by supporting existing planners in upskilling for more senior roles, helping internationally trained planners adjust to the realities of planning in Ontario, and assisting professionals from adjacent professions in their transition to planning.
 
Over the next 12 months, OPPI will be creating and launching a series of workshops which will be offered for free, both in person and virtually. These workshops will cover a range of carefully selected topics, including:

  • Understanding the Legislative Framework of Planning in Ontario (for job seekers)
  • Indigenous Engagement & Consultation (for job seekers)
  • Plain Language for Planners (for job seekers)
  • OPPI Professional Code of Practice (for job seekers)
  • Job Readiness (for job seekers)
  • Employer Readiness (for employers of planners)

As part of this project, OPPI is also pleased to announce a partnership with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) on the development of a handbook to accompany the Employer Readiness workshop. 
 
“We are excited to have the opportunity to create resources that specifically address the shortage of planners in Ontario,” says Claire Basinski, RPP, OPPI Council Chair. “We are also extremely grateful to the Ministry of Labour for their support and recognition of the importance of planning, as well as the need to bring more skilled individuals into the profession to help support our growing communities.”

A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued soon and OPPI members will be encouraged to submit. This structured bidding process will allow for the transparent and equitable evaluation and selection of the best-suited vendor to support OPPI through this project.

Contact Ryan Des Roches, Registrar & Director, Special Projects with any questions.