Succeeding at Work (SAW) Language Stream is a 1-year program developed to address the limited English Language literacy and proficiency skills for New Canadians and the immigrant workforce in Ontario’s food and Beverage processing industry.

Applications for participants begins January 2021. The SAW Language Stream program will provide 20+ Ontario food and beverage companies and 300 employees with skills training opportunities through proven online courses in seven different languages. 

Increased food safety and workplace safety regulations coupled with new COVID-19 protocols requires employers to upskill and reskill their workforce rapidly. With a large immigrant workforce, food industry employers must ensure non-English speaking employees fully comprehend their job requirements, safety information, and changes to protocols. Lack of comprehension may result in these individuals being sidelined and not able to achieve career advancement due to the additional effort in keeping them informed. This is an industry issue across Canada that is especially prevalent in Ontario — home to the largest number of food and beverage processing businesses and a destination for immigrants and New Canadians.