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Calling men in, not out.
Workplace culture matters but knowing what needs to change is different from knowing how to change it. Shifting Gears is a full-day, practical learning experience built for men working in construction, energy, tech, mining, engineering, and other male-dominated fields.
 
This event gives you the tools, confidence, and clarity to handle real situations at work in the moments where culture is shaped. No theory. No judgment. Just practical skills you can use immediately.
 
What you’ll walk away with: 
What to do and say when something feels off
How to engage in conversations about respect and culture without overthinking or avoiding them
How everyday actions (what you say, what you allow, what you reinforce) shape workplace culture
Practical approaches you can use with your team every day
 
What makes Shifting Gears different:
Real talk, not theory
Honest conversations about what’s working and what’s not, in a judgment-free space
Built for real workplaces and everyday situations
Practical and action-focused
A space to ask questions without pressure or expectation
 
Sign up today
You don’t need to have all the answers — you just need to be willing to show up and learn.
 
Reserve your spot and be part of the shift from talk to action.

Agenda and speaker bios coming soon!

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Pathways to Place is a wage subsidy-supported workforce initiative funded by the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism designed to help employers in Newfoundland and Labrador access highly skilled immigrant talent and build long-term workforce capacity.

Through structured, meaningful 8-week work experience placements, we connect employers with professionals who bring strong credentials, global experience, and a desire to build lasting careers here. The program is designed to reduce hiring barriers, support retention, and create stronger alignment between employer needs and available talent.

We are currently inviting employers across sectors to partner with Pathways to Place and be part of a practical, solutions-driven approach to workforce development.

If your organization is hiring, planning for growth, or exploring new ways to strengthen your talent pipeline, we welcome the opportunity to connect.

Whether you’re an SME or a large organization, learn more about becoming an employer partner.

Contact: Taejha Young, taejha@equiforce.ca

(St. John’s, NL) Women in Resource Development Corporation (WRDC) unveiled its new name and brand identity at a launch event in St. John’s today. The organization will now operate as Equiforce, a name that reflects its purpose and mission to advance equity and strengthen workforces across Newfoundland and Labrador. The shift signals an evolution of the organization’s long-standing work supporting women and other underrepresented groups to access meaningful careers and participate fully in the labour market.

The rebrand builds on nearly three decades of impact, and marks a renewed focus on equitable workforce development, new programming, and strategic supports for employers and industry.

“Equiforce reflects a strategic shift toward building equitable talent pipelines, supporting employers and industries, and scaling workforce opportunity,” said Abbie Hodder, Chief Executive Officer.

We exist to support equitable workforce development that benefits people and industry together. We are growing our work with new programming, services that respond to the needs of industry, and deeper collaboration with partners. When we advance equity, we strengthen workforces. That is the purpose behind our name and the direction behind our work.”

A new identity with a focus on impact

The transition to Equiforce marks an evolution in services that respond directly to emerging labour needs. The organization is expanding its program suite with FastTrackHER, an industry-led career readiness pilot for women entering in-demand fields. The pilot will begin on the Avalon with a focus on construction and is designed to expand into additional regions and sectors. It is also introducing Pathways to Place, a province-wide work-integrated learning initiative that connects newcomer women with meaningful, sector-aligned Canadian work experience while also supporting local employers. Equiforce is also updating and expanding its Employer Services portfolio, which includes research and evaluation, customized training and learning experiences, workforce facilitation, and data-driven measurement tools that help employers track progress and strengthen retention.

“The Board is proud to support this next chapter for the organization”, said Nancy Andrews, Board Chair.
“Equitable access to opportunity helps us build a robust, well-skilled workforce that is needed to help us unlock our full potential as workers, employers, and as a province. We are excited to collaborate with industry, government, and partners to support participation and build more resilient labour capacity across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The brand rollout will continue into 2026 with updated program materials, partnerships, and new announcements. Details on refreshed and newly developed programming will be shared in the months ahead. For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, visit equiforce.ca.

Equiforce invites proposals from qualified curriculum development consultants or firms to support the second iteration of the FastTrackHER Pilot Program. FastTrackHER is a short-term, industry-informed workforce readiness program designed to prepare women for employment in high-demand sectors. The first pilot is currently being delivered in the Avalon region of Newfoundland and Labrador and focused on the construction sector. That work produced a foundational curriculum framework and template set that will be adapted for additional sectors.