Toronto Pearson Builds a Workforce for the Future with the Community at the Center
“These workforce development efforts connect local talent to opportunities across the airport, guided by the belief that when the community thrives, the airport does too. ”
Deborah Flint, President and CEO of the Toronto Pearson International Airport, receives YYZ’s Airport Workforce Development Accreditation from ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin Burke.
At Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), workforce development is more than a goal, it’s a shared vision. As a Level 3 accredited airport in the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation program, YYZ is leading the way through a series of ambitious, campus-wide initiatives designed to grow, support, and sustain a future-ready airport workforce.
These workforce development efforts connect local talent to opportunities across the airport, guided by the belief that when the community thrives, the airport does too. By aligning the efforts of employers, government, educational institutions, and community partners, Toronto Pearson is helping remove barriers to employment and foster long-term career growth.
A cornerstone of this approach is the Pearson Ready-to-Work program, an industry-led, employment training initiative. By providing job seekers with the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience needed for success in airport roles, the program opens the door to meaningful, long-term employment and supports employers in meeting their operational needs with qualified, work-ready talent.
YYZ also invests in identity and belonging through its “I Am Toronto Pearson” program, which highlights the diverse individuals who work at the airport and power its daily operations. These stories celebrate not just jobs, but the people behind them—fostering pride, connection, and awareness.
Behind the scenes, the airport authority is building the foundation for a world-class workforce through a bold and forward-looking HR strategy. With a focus on attracting top talent, cultivating future leaders, and fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture, the authority is advancing a comprehensive approach to workforce development. This includes growing early talent pipelines through strategic campus partnerships, enhancing onboarding and leadership development, and leveraging data to align performance and growth with organizational transformation. These efforts ensure that the people powering Pearson are as future-ready as the airport itself, positioning the authority and YYZ as an employer of choice and a catalyst for sector-wide excellence
With additional community investments into workforce development initiatives through the Propeller Project, YYZ is modeling what it means to be both an economic driver and a community partner.