Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association

High-quality onboarding sets the tone for an employee’s municipal career, but its real power comes when training courses are paired with meaningful practice on the job. When municipalities provide clear, practical orientation training and then reinforce it through hands-on application, new employees don’t just learn the material, they internalize it.

This dual approach of “teaching” and “practicing” builds confidence, reinforces safe work habits, and learning with support. It also shows new hires that the municipality is investing in their long-term success. Applying learning through real-world practice helps employees move beyond theory and understand how policies and expectations work in daily operations.

For municipalities across Ontario, the early days and weeks of employment are a strategic window. When HR leaders and CAOs combine effective training courses with structured opportunities to practice, onboarding becomes one of the most effective ways to accelerate readiness, reduce risk, improve retention, and build a workplace culture prepared to serve the community well from day one.

Strengthening Onboarding Through Training Courses and Practice

Strengthening onboarding through practice means moving beyond “training courses” and giving new employees the chance to do. After an employee completes their training courses, whether it’s eLearning or through a facilitated session, applying training on the job while concepts are still fresh, helps employees to retain information. I call it “sticky-training”. This hands-on approach also supports a safe, respectful workplace by setting clear expectations and reducing misunderstandings that can lead to incivility. At the same time, supervisors gain a clearer picture of each employee’s progress and where additional training and/or coaching will have the most impact. As an example, the following onboarding activities can be used on-the-job to reinforce the content learned from the respective eLearning courses provided by Empower Learning Solutions:

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System):

• Label Hunt: Have new employees to identify WHMIS labels in municipal facilities, such as janitorial supply rooms, maintenance areas, or public works storage areas.
• SDS Review: Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for commonly used chemicals, cleaning products, or maintenance materials during team meetings.
• PPE & First Aid Practice: Ask new hires to explain the proper use of personal protective equipment and first-aid procedures for one product they might use in their daily tasks.

Worker Health & Safety Awareness:

• Facility Safety Walkthrough: Begin each day or week with a brief walkthrough to spot hazards such as slippery floors, equipment in maintenance areas, or unsecured public access points.
• Incident Review Discussion: Review past incidents or near misses (icy sidewalks, equipment related injuries, resident conflicts) and discuss how similar situations can be prevented. This helps new hires recognize common hazards and take practical steps to keep themselves, their coworkers, and the public safe.

Workplace Violence & Harassment:

• “What Would You Do?” Huddles: Present realistic municipal scenarios (e.g., dealing with an upset resident, overhearing inappropriate comments between colleagues) and ask new employees how they would respond. This helps normalize speaking up and identifying early warning signs.
• Reporting Review: Ask new hires to explain, in their own words, who they would report to if they felt uncomfortable or unsafe, and review the reporting process.
• Red Flag / Green Flag Activity: Clarify acceptable workplace behaviours by having employees categorize examples:
  • Green flag: respectful, safe, appropriate
  • Yellow flag: early concern, needs attention
  • Red flag: unacceptable behaviour requiring action

Accessibility (AODA):

• Empathy Scenarios: Discuss municipal scenarios from the perspective of seniors, residents with disabilities, or visitors requiring accommodations. Questions to consider:
  • “Where might someone face challenges accessing services?”
  • “How can we help them feel safe and supported?”
• Feedback Practice: Role-play asking residents for feedback about accessibility and reviewing responses as a team. Example questions:
  • “Is there anything we can do to make this service easier to use?”
  • “Do you need any additional support today?”

Most municipalities have policies and procedures covering the above mandatory training requirements. However, getting the information to the employees and particularly new hires often presents significant challenges to managers and leadership teams who must find the most cost-effective way to deliver this essential training content.

To create employee onboarding success, the combination of effective training courses and real-world practice is what truly elevates a program. When leaders reinforce content learned in a course through on-the-job application, supervisors can spot knowledge gaps early, address risks before they affect operations and compromise service delivery, and ensure every new hire feels supported and capable. Empower Learning Solutions is here to support you because well-trained, well-supported employees are the foundation of strong municipal service.