WBLC TEAM

Rod Jones, B.Eng., MBA currently provides overall direction and management of the Work-Based Learning Consortium. He led the creation in 2013 of the Ontario Manufacturing Learning Consortium (OMLC) – a joint initiative of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA), the Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC), and the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCI) that delivered work-based-learning to help advanced manufacturing companies bridge their skills gaps in entry to mid-level skilled positions. During his 21 years as Executive Director of the OAC (1993-2014), Rod led the following learning and HR projects:

Learning Programs for the Aerospace Sector: Aerospace Industry Training Program – for production operators; Program Management in Aerospace – for engineers and development program teams; Aerospace Executive MBA – for aerospace executives. (Ontario government funding: $2.25 million)

Canadian Manufacturing Agility Forum – development and pilot delivery (6 firms) of a strategic change program for SME aerospace suppliers. (Federal and Ontario government funding: $1.2 million)

Canadian Aerospace Human Resources Strategy: development of the Human Resources strategy for the Canadian aerospace industry, engaging all Provinces. (Federal government funding $800K)

Ontario Manufacturing Learning Consortium: with the WBLC Leadership Team, developed and delivered five (5) OMLC assessment/selection, hiring, learning and certification programs for entry- to mid-level skilled jobs, working with more than 50 Ontario advanced manufacturing companies.  From early 2014 to late 2018, over 550 young people (18-29) were hired and trained via these OMLC programs to be CNC Machinists, CNC Setup, CNC Operators, CMM Operators and Structural Airframe Assemblers. (Ontario government funding: $4.3 million)

John Mavrak is Managing Director of WBLC and leads the business development organizational advancement functions. John has more than two decades of Organizational and Workforce Development experience. He has provided leadership to national, industry-wide efforts working with industry, governments, education, training providers, and organized labour, to conduct research, develop and implement programs to support identified industry wide labour market requirements.

John is the founding CEO of the Council for Automotive Human Resources (CAHR), the Sector Council for automotive manufacturing in Canada. John directed the work of the Council: Labour Market Research; Policy Development; Standards Development; Program Development; Training Development, Assessment and Certification, to address the critical workforce development requirements of the sector. John also filled key leadership roles with the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC); as Co-Chair, Manufacturing Caucus (TASC); on the Great Lakes Manufacturing Council (US/Canada joint initiative for industry development); Ministry of Education (Advisory Committee); Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (Apprenticeship Committee); and the Toronto District School Board (Advisory Committee).

John Mavrak brings extensive knowledge and experience in the field of Organizational and Workforce Development, and believes in a rigorous process, which will assess and represent the collective interests of all stakeholders to address, in very tangible ways, the training and workforce development needs of their industry.

Reema Duggal is the Director of eLearning and Information Technology. Since 2019, the eLearning team has developed a significant body of eLearning programs including: Mold Maintenance; CNC Machinist; CNC Machinist Micro-learning; CNC Line Setup; Machine Operator; Packer; Graphic Installer; Manufacturing Operator; and Wind Turbine Blade Repair. Reema also leads technology strategy and systems for WBLC, designing and developing WBLC’s Trainee Information Management Systems and Competency Assessment platforms..

Reema is a strategic professional with a long career in the global IT industry. She has expertise in Revenue Generation (Strategy, Marketing, Portfolio Management) and Delivery Management (Practice Leadership, Program and Project Management) – working with all sizes of companies – from startups to Fortune 500 firms.

She is the President of The Sitaran Group, a consultancy that helps manufacturers and distributors innovate by building comprehensive digital channels. She is also the Co-Founder of Silicon Halton Technology Alliance, a 1500-person community of talented technology freelancers, solo-preneurs, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

Ann Boyko is the Operations Director. With a focus on achieving strategic goals, Ann ensures the effective delivery of key business initiatives and continuously improves workflows to adapt to evolving business needs.

She has a proven track record in program management, human resources, and policy development across diverse industries. Known for being highly organized and adaptable, Ann excels in driving efficiency and streamlining administrative and operational processes.

Throughout her career, she has held pivotal roles in Data Migration, Policy and Procedures Writing, and Program Coordination.

Paul Coleman is on the WBLC Virtual Learning / Marketing team, and has been instrumental in the development of the Mold Maintenance, CNC Machinist, and QuickLearn Training Programs. He is a professional Videographer and CAD Designer. He is also the Online Instructor supporting students in their elearning journey.

For over 30 years Paul has been sharing his passion and knowledge in technology to top companies in Canadas manufacturing sector. Starting as a Mold Designer, Paul quickly realized that success in the global manufacturing market would rely on companies not only adopting – but properly implementing technology. He spent many years working with international software development companies spearheading innovation in automation and knowledge-based design.

Paul is actively involved in his community church as a member of the Mission Action Team to motivate, help share and show love in practical ways in his community and abroad.

Rick is the Employer Relations Manager for WBLC, introducing new businesses who may be interested in leveraging WBLC Work-Based Learning programs. Rick also led the development of WBLC’s Remote Assessment telepresence solution.

He is a technology leader with over 30 years experience with software companies, large IT professional consulting firms and software start-ups.

Rick founded Search Velocity, helping tech and non-tech companies with their complex staffing needs, and partners with OslerHR to help the Canadian Electrical Industry with their technical staffing needs.

He is also a Co-Founder of Silicon Halton Technology Alliance, a 1500-person community of talented technology freelancers, solo-preneurs, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

Pavel Wegrzyn is a CNC Machining Subject Matter Expert. He provides monitoring and coaching to Trainees in various companies taking WBLC’s hybrid CNC learning programs.

Pavel works with Trainees to coach them on reading blueprints, understanding cutting tools, materials, controller functions and codes, setup, and efficient parts production.