FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Manufacturing Production Worker Program (REDI)

MITT and OFE have compiled a list of frequently asked questions from service providers and clients regarding the Manufacturing Production Worker Program (REDI).

If you have a question that you can’t find the answer to, please feel free to email us at redi@mitt.ca.

Am I guaranteed to get a job if I attend this program?

Although we work directly with our employer partners, employers always have the final choice on all hiring decisions and completion of this program does not come with a guarantee of an offer of employment. However, as with many education and training programs, completion of this program greatly increases the chances of acquiring full-time, permanent employment in manufacturing over the same client seeking employment on their own unassisted.

How many hours a week are these jobs in manufacturing?

All of the manufacturing jobs offered through this program are 40 hours per week.

Are the jobs temporary?

No, the expectations of the program and of employers are providing opportunities for full time, permanent employment. Although each employee’s employment can be quite different, we are proud that 90% of successful participants are still employed after 6 months.

What is the percentage of people still working?

Although each employee’s employment can be quite different, we are proud that 90% of successful participants are still employed after 6 months.

Is there any future in these manufacturing jobs?

Absolutely. While clients begin in entry level positions, there are often chances for professional growth including cross-training and promotions. Some past participants step into leadership roles, moving-on to become mentors of new participants.

How much do these jobs pay?

All positions are entry level with salaries a little above minimum wage, with opportunities for benefits and wage increases.

What do clients learn exactly in this program? (ie: do they learn what their rights are?)

They learn not only about their rights as employees in Canada, but also about Canadian workplace culture, asking questions, filling out forms, specific manufacturing vocabulary, working with different tools and much more.

How does MITT or OFE ensure clients are properly prepared for the workplace?

The program curriculum is carefully designed by not only experienced ESL Instructors and Essential Skills Facilitators but also based on feedback from employers themselves, in order to prepare students as best as possible for success in the manufacturing industry and Canadian workplace. Feedback is provided continually throughout the program, including a mid-term one-on-one meeting with students where program staff highlight their milestones and key areas for improvement.

Do people from the manufacturing industry teach students?

Yes, the last four weeks of the program take place at a manufacturing jobsite where students will have the opportunity to learn and train in a manufacturing company.

Does MITT or OFE do any kind of follow-up with employers after completing the program?

Yes. OFE works directly with employers before, during and after students are employed. The employer liaison at OFE works closely with employers to address concerns in the workplace and gather valuable information to be incorporated into instruction. We are in regular communication with our employer partners, and also do regular site visits where we are able to check-in with past participants and follow-up.

Does MITT or OFE do any kind of follow-up with clients after completing the program?

Yes. Both MITT and OFE follow-up with all clients after completion of the program to support clients in their transition, mediate any issues, and celebrate their successes in the workplace.

Is there any follow-up with clients that do *not* do well and are not hired?

Yes. MITT and OFE do a mandatory 30-, 60- and 90-day follow-up with clients who did not complete the program or were not hired in Manufacturing. If clients wish, they can still receive support in their independent job search, or referrals to other suitable agencies to meet their needs.

Why does the program take so long?

This program aims to help those with low levels of English and little to no job experience in Canada. The program length has been chosen to ensure enough time to meaningfully improve their English for work and have the necessary training for jobs in manufacturing. This training also replaces the need for several years of “Canadian work experience” that is often required by employers. Students’ circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, recognizing individual experiences, language level, skills, and professional objectives.

Can I finish the program sooner if my English is good or I have previous experience?

While higher levels of English and previous experience will provide a higher chance of being connected with an employer, they do not mean that you can finish the program before completing all the modules. There are a few rare circumstances where exceptions have been made for clients with certain skills, experience, and/or situations. However, these exceptions are rare and are only offered at MITT & OFE’s discretion.

Do I get paid to be in this program? Are there any financial incentives for clients taking the program?

As an education and training program, participants are not paid to participate. However, one of the primary benefits of joining this program is that it is made available at no cost to the participant by generous funding by the Government of Canada and the Manitoba Government. Another benefit of the program is that clients are never alone, with dedicated instructors and educational assistants, a counsellor to assist with life issues outside of the classroom, and an employer liaison to help them navigate the workplace. Those receiving EIA benefits may also be eligible for additional supports.

I have children - do you have childcare in this program so I can join?

No, unfortunately childcare is not available in this program. Therefore, clients who wish to join the program must have childcare in place at the time of the application.

I'm in English classes now - if I join this program and want to go back to English classes later, will I have to wait on a waitlist again?

Former REDI students have priority on ESL school waitlists when they choose to rejoin English classes, meaning the wait to re-join ESL classes can be much shorter than it normally is.

I'm just looking for part-time work. Can this program help me find a part-time job?

The Manufacturing Production Worker Program is aimed for clients who are looking for a full-time, permanent job in manufacturing.

Will I lose my EIA benefits after joining this program?

No, students who receive EIA benefits will continue receiving their benefits while in the program. EIA also can provide individuals with additional supports for engaging in the REDI program.

Does your program accept Refugee Claimants?

Yes. Refugee Claimants are eligible to apply.

When does your next class start? Or can people join anytime?

Click here or go to mitt.ca/redi to confirm the next start dates for the program.

Additionally, interested clients can apply at anytime. If applications are received after the class start date, clients can sometimes be accepted as a late client or they will be placed on the waiting list for the next available class. Contact us for more details.

Where do we refer a client if we are interested in referring them to the manufacturing program?

Clients can be directly referred to OFE or MITT.

If I have questions about the program, who can I contact?

You can feel free to contact either MITT or OFE with your questions

MITT: 204 989 7746 or redi@mitt.ca

OFE: 204 925 5283 or ofe@ofe.ca