Employer Led Workforce Project

The Employer-Led Workforce Development Project a collaborative research project led by the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC) and funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program. The Project is being delivered by the NL Workforce Innovation Centre (NLWIC), in collaboration with the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and the Baie Verte Chamber of Commerce as implementer of the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Model with NLWIC providing the evaluation, communication and project management expertise.

This is the first TPM being delivered in Canada.

Staff and Supports

• Lori Shea-Smith, Project Director, Baie Verte Chamber of Commerce (BVCC)
• Rhonda Tulk-Lane, TPM Facilitator, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and ACC staff support Patti Colson and Tracy Beaver
• Aleksandra Stefanovic-Chafe, Evaluator, NLWIC
• Ayriana Gomez, Communications, NLWIC, supported by Patti Colson ACC and Kim Hewlett BVCC
• Joanne Kendrick, Project Administration, NLWIC supported by Tracy Beaver ACC

What is Talent Pipeline Management

Lead Employers (the backbone of the project)

1. FireFly Metals
2. Shoreline Aggregates and Guy J Bailey LTD.
3. New Found Gold Corp

Partners

• Baie Verte Chamber of Commerce
• NLWIC / Future Skills Centre
• US Chamber Foundation

TPM Advisor for Baie Verte Project

 Leah Nord

The Employer-Led Workforce Project, grounded in the proven Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) model, is strengthened by the guidance of an exceptional advisor. Leah Nord, a respected faculty member with the TPM Academy, brings deep expertise in employer-driven workforce strategies and best practices that will help shape the project’s direction. Leah will support and advise facilitator Rhonda Tulk-Lane as she leads this important initiative to build stronger, more responsive talent pipelines across Atlantic Canada.

Project Timeline

November - TBD

Project Status

September 2025

• Secured funding through the Future Skills Centre and the NLWIC
• Discussion with host (chamber) and partners

October 2025

• Figure our roles and expectation of partners: NLWIC, ACC and Baie Verte Chamber
• Hire support on the ground in Baie Verte in partnership with the Baie Verte Chamber of Commerce

November 2025

• Official start of Strategy 1 of the TMP model
• New staff Orientation

December 2025

• Confirmed employers participation
• Employers 1st meeting to set expectation and start to discuss regarding common talent pain points
• Holiday Kick Off for stakeholders in the region

Become a Facilitator February 2026

The TPM Academy trains business, workforce, and economic development leaders on the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) approach, a demand-driven strategy to create real career pathways for students and workers with talent pipelines aligned to dynamic business needs

Next online training dates are February 2026.

TPM Academy: Blended Learning Cohort

Build stronger talent pipelines with the proven Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) framework. Designed for workforce, education, and economic development professionals, the TPM Academy Blended Learning Cohort offers a flexible, interactive training experience that combines online modules with live virtual sessions facilitated by certified TPM faculty.

This course equips participants with the strategies and tools needed to implement employer-led solutions that align education and workforce systems to meet industry talent needs. Whether you’re new to TPM or scaling an existing initiative, this hands-on learning experience will prepare you to apply TPM’s six strategies and data-driven decision-making approach within your own community.

What’s Included:

• Self-paced online modules for each TPM strategy
• Eight (8) live cohort sessions with expert facilitators and peers over 12 weeks
• Practical tools, templates, and case studies
• Access to the TPM Co/Lab Support Center and peer network

Who Should Enroll:
Professionals from chambers of commerce, business associations, workforce boards, community colleges, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholder groups looking to implement or expand employer-led talent strategies.

Cost $2500 US

Register here

Learn more here

What's Happening Across Canada?

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to work alongside their sister chamber, the Alberta Chamber of Commerce, as they expand the delivery of the Talent Pipeline Management model across the province. Through the TPM Academy of Alberta, this partnership supports a shared commitment to employer-led workforce solutions and strengthens our collective efforts to build more resilient, responsive talent pipelines across Canada

TPM Academy of Alberta

The TPM Academy® is a training developed by the U.S. Chamber Foundation that seeks to enhance partnerships between employers and their talent supply chain partners. Facilitated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the TPM Academy is supported by a customized curriculum that serves as an employer handbook giving participants the knowledge, skills and abilities to implement talent supply chain solutions.

In partnership with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and the Government of Alberta, the TPM Academy will bring together a cross-sector cohort of professionals—from government, nonprofits, industry, chambers, and postsecondary institutions—to advance workforce development across the province. As Alberta’s first TPM cohort, this Academy supports a broader initiative to address labor market challenges and foster inclusive economic growth.

Participants will engage with the TPM curriculum, collaborate through peer learning, and apply strategies in real-world settings. The Alberta Chambers of Commerce Talent Development Task Force will support this effort with data from over 3,000 businesses and province-wide collaboration.

All participants in the TPM Academy are required to commit to attending all the training sessions listed below. Each training will consist of lecture, group work, and community application. We recognize that attending the Academy alone will not result in change for your community—it will require your commitment to identifying, developing, and integrating tactics throughout your approach. Upon graduating the TPM Academy you will become part of the National Learning Network, a collaborative group that will support your efforts beyond your TPM Academy experience

Learn more.

Relevant News

• ACC's bold action on talent Atlantic Business Magazine
• New Shipping Berth Proposed for Baie Verte Peninsula VOCM 
• Fire Fly Metals named Employer of the Year by Skills Canada
• New Found Gold and Maritime Resources Announce Closing of Previously Announced Arrangement: Creation of an Emerging Canadian Gold Producer