Workforce Development Centre: Sales & Services
Sales & Services Sector: The Current Scope
The Sales and Services sector was hit hardest by COVID-19. Although there was an increased need for grocery store workers, the overall private sector (including accommodation and food services, wholesale, and resale industries) experienced a decline of approximately 6% since March 2020, according to the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario.
As Ontario recovers from COVID-19, thousands of Sales and Service jobs will need to be filled again. There is a need to identify new skills and to ensure that workers entering the sales and services sector are adequately trained for future demands.
The Career Foundation can support companies with reskilling and deployment of workers to critical, high-demand areas to help stabilize and grow the sales and services sector.
Click through the links below to access relevant information about the Sales & Services Sector.
Employer Partners & Sector Experts
The Career Foundation has partnered with dozens of employers in the sales and services sector – many of which are hiring now! To learn more about current career opportunities, connect with one of our Sector Experts today or browse our job vacancies on the Digital Job Centre!
Vartika Sharma
Employer Services Consultant, Sales & Services SectorVartika has a diverse background in Sales & Services, having previously worked as a consultant, program and education coordinator, call centre representative, and retail associate. She also volunteered as a PR consultant with Junior Achievement Canada and the National Women’s Show. Vartika has found the perfect fit with The Career Foundation because she loves communicating and networking with job seekers and employers—particularly in the customer service field. In her spare time, Vartika enjoys working out, going for long walks and drives, cooking, and reading.
Idil Osman Jama
Employer Services Consultant, Sales & Services SectorIdil is a highly knowledgeable Job Developer and Hospitality & Tourism professional with 15+ years of experience in the employment services sector. She enjoys establishing partnerships and maintaining effective working relationships. Idil describes herself as a “go-getter” who consistently gets the job done. Her skills in public relations, outreach, and case management give her an ‘edge,’ as she taps into a variety of professions and builds a robust employment network. She is fluent in Somali and English.
Vartika Sharma
Employer Services Consultant, Sales & Services SectorVartika has a diverse background in Sales & Services, having previously worked as a consultant, program and education coordinator, call centre representative, and retail associate. She also volunteered as a PR consultant with Junior Achievement Canada and the National Women’s Show. Vartika has found the perfect fit with The Career Foundation because she loves communicating and networking with job seekers and employers—particularly in the customer service field. In her spare time, Vartika enjoys working out, going for long walks and drives, cooking, and reading.
Sales and Services Sector Initiatives
Future at Work Podcast & Webinar Series
The Career Foundation’s Future@Work Podcast and Webinar Series focuses on new and emerging trends occurring across high-growth industries, including the technology sector. We also highlight dynamic workforce development solutions that tackle talent needs and mismatches, and share career insights that truly develop human potential.
Accenture: Skills to Succeed Learning Exchange Program
Access employment preparation and job search training online, at your convenience! We are pleased to partner with Accenture Canada to offer their Skills to Succeed Learning Exchange Program.
Path to Customer Success Program
Are you a woman looking for remote work? The Path to Customer Success Program assists diverse women across Ontario who lost jobs in the services sector due to COVID-19. It prepares them for remote work in Customer Success roles.
Learn about and register for the Path to Customer Success Program here.
Upcoming Industry Events:
Scroll through the stream below for upcoming sector events. To register for an event or to view more details, click the event image.
Industry Reports & Resources
The Future of Consumer Markets
Report by: PwC Canada
At the beginning of the pandemic, consumers were able to fulfil their needs through e-commerce and outside shopping methods, such as curbside pickup and delivery. This article outlines the five trends that are already shaping tomorrow. Additionally, a plan is given to overcome uncertainty and capitalize on opportunities.
Shake-up in Aisle 21: Disruption, Change & Opportunity in Ontario’s Grocery Sector
Report by: Brookfield Institute
COVID-19 has brought light to the everyday superheroes who stock the shelves in your local grocery store. This report offers insight on the complexities of Ontario’s evolving food retail sector. It explores nine trends, from the rise of data, to the skillsets workers possess, to the changing nature of food shopping as a consumer activity.
Learn more about Disruption, Change and Opportunity in Ontario’s Grocery Sector!
Voice of Canadians and Impact to Retailers
Report by: Deloitte Canada
In 2020, Deloitte surveyed Canadians to better understand their confidence in the economy and their own personal financial situations. They also investigated how behaviours have changed—and will continue to change—as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.
Learn About Top Sectors in Ontario
Click through the sectors below to access sector-based information, including industry events, training initiatives, labour market news, and top industry employers.
This Employment Ontario service is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.