Lost your job and wondering what's next? Here's how to build on what you already know, find affordable training, and position yourself for better opportunities.
Losing your job is tough. For many frontline workers, a layoff is more than just lost wages. It can shake your sense of stability and pride. The routines you built over years disappear overnight. The coworkers who became friends scatter. The identity you built around your work suddenly feels uncertain.
Layoffs disrupt income, identity, and stability, but they do not erase your skills. By building on existing experience through upskilling, workers can take practical steps toward new opportunities.
But there is a way forward. Upskilling, or learning new abilities that connect with your experience, can open doors to better opportunities. The process does not need to be overwhelming. It is about small steps, one at a time.
This is true whether you worked in a meatpacking plant in Nebraska, an auto assembly line in Ontario, a federal office in Ottawa, or any other workplace where layoffs have disrupted lives.
In January 2026, Tyson Foods closed its Lexington, Nebraska beef processing plant, displacing 3,200 workers in a town of just 11,000 people. Combined with shift reductions at Tyson's Amarillo, Texas facility, nearly 5,000 meatpacking workers face the same question: what comes next? For workers affected by these closures, we have published a dedicated guide: Tyson Plant Layoffs 2026: What Lexington and Amarillo Workers Can Do Next.
In Ontario, workers at the CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll have faced repeated uncertainty as the auto industry restructures around electric vehicles. For those in southwestern Ontario navigating these changes, see our Ingersoll jobs guide and CAMI resources.
In Ottawa, federal government restructuring has displaced thousands of public servants, many of whom built entire careers in government and now face a private-sector job market for the first time. See Ottawa federal job cuts: resume examples and our broader guide on what to do after a massive layoff.
Whatever brought you here, the path forward starts with recognizing what you already bring to the table.
Every job teaches skills. If you worked in a factory, on a construction site, in transport, in healthcare support, or in an office, you already have strengths that employers value. These might include:
These skills matter in every industry. They transfer across roles and sectors, even when the specific job titles change.
Write down what you did in your last job, day by day. Think about:
That list is the starting point for your next move. It reminds you that you are not starting from zero.
For workers who have spent years or decades in a single role, this exercise can be revealing. A production worker who "just worked the line" may discover they operated complex machinery, maintained equipment, trained dozens of coworkers, and consistently met quality standards under pressure. Those are real, valuable skills.
For help translating hands-on experience into resume language, see What Goes in a Trades Resume: A Simple Guide for Skilled Workers and the Plant Worker Layoff Resume Guide.
Identifying your transferable skills is an important step when planning what comes next after a layoff. Transferable skills are abilities that apply across many jobs and industries, and they often matter more to employers than a specific job title. They show how you work day to day and help explain your value when moving into a new role or field. Recognizing these skills also makes it easier to choose training or job paths that build on your existing experience rather than starting over.
Common transferable skills for frontline and plant workers include:
Understanding these skills helps you present your experience more clearly to employers and identify next steps that align with your strengths.
Upskilling is not about becoming someone different. It is about adding to what you already bring. The best training programs build on your existing experience rather than ignoring it.
Upskilling does not mean going back to school for years. Many training options are short, affordable, and designed for working adults. Some are even free.
The key is finding training that builds on what you already know. By connecting new learning with past experience, you make the transition smoother and more valuable to employers.
Many high-demand careers require only weeks or months of training, not years. Here are common pathways for workers transitioning from production, manufacturing, and frontline roles:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
For workers in Alberta's energy sector, CDL credentials open doors to oilfield services, heavy haul, and equipment transport. See hiring trends in Alberta for current market conditions.
Forklift and Warehouse Certifications
Healthcare Support Certifications
The healthcare sector continues to grow even during economic uncertainty. For workers open to this transition, see hiring trends in Ontario, British Columbia, and the United States for current demand patterns.
Welding and Manufacturing Technology
For workers in welding and pipefitting, we have specific resume guides for Alberta pipe welders, Texas pipe welders, and welders generally.
HVAC Technician Training
See How to Write a Resume for an HVAC Technician for guidance on presenting these credentials.
IT and Technical Support
Before committing to any training program, research carefully:
Before enrolling in any program, search job postings in your area for roles that require that credential. If you don't see many openings, the training may not lead to local employment.
Many regions offer government or union programs specifically for laid-off workers. These can cover tuition, provide career counseling, and sometimes offer financial support during training. Do not hesitate to ask. These programs exist for situations exactly like this.
In Canada:
For detailed information on navigating the Canadian system after a layoff, see Resume Builder for Canada: How to Create a Job Bank Approved Resume.
In the United States:
Contact your local workforce development center or state/provincial labor department to learn what's available in your area. The Tyson Plant Layoffs guide includes specific links for Nebraska and Texas resources.
If you were a union member, your union may have training funds available. Many unions maintain programs specifically for members facing layoffs or industry transitions.
For more on how unions support members through layoffs, see Union Layoff Support Program: How Yotru's Pilot Helps Unions Lead in Times of Change and Outplacement Services for Unions: Navigating Layoffs Together.
Beyond government and union programs, community resources can support your transition:
Online learning has become more practical and accessible than ever. Community colleges, trade schools, and platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Career Certificates offer programs that fit around job searching and family responsibilities.
Not all online learning is equally valuable. Prioritize programs that result in recognized credentials employers actually look for.
Stronger credentials:
Weaker credentials:
For a thoughtful analysis of whether LinkedIn Learning certificates are worth pursuing, see Are LinkedIn Learning Certificates Worth It?.
If you're not sure where to begin, start with something manageable. A single course in basic computer skills, spreadsheet fundamentals, or workplace communication can boost your confidence and make you ready for a wider range of jobs.
Small wins build momentum. Finishing a short course proves to yourself that you can learn new things, which makes bigger training goals feel more achievable.
Many online platforms offer free trials or audit options. Try a course before committing money. If the teaching style doesn't work for you, move on and try something else.
Learning new skills is only half the battle. The other half is communicating those skills to employers in a way that gets you interviews.
This can feel difficult if you're used to hands-on work where results spoke for themselves. But a resume is your first impression with most employers, and it needs to tell a clear story.
Your resume should show both your work history and your new training. Employers want to see that you bring real-world experience AND that you're actively developing new capabilities.
For example, a production worker who completed forklift certification and basic logistics training might present themselves as:
"Production worker with 12 years of experience in food processing, including equipment operation, quality inspection, and team coordination. Recently completed forklift certification and warehouse management training. Ready to apply both hands-on experience and new skills in a logistics or distribution environment."
This positions you as someone who brings proven reliability plus fresh credentials.
If writing a resume feels overwhelming, tools can help. Yotru's resume builder is designed to help workers translate real-world experience into clear language employers understand. It asks you questions about your work history and helps you identify and describe transferable skills.
For a comparison of available tools, see The Ultimate Guide to Resume Builders in 2026 and Resume Builder for Laid-Off Workers: Turning Job Loss into a Fresh Start.
Practice explaining your background and transition verbally. Clear, simple statements give employers confidence.
Examples:
"I worked 15 years in manufacturing. After the plant closed, I completed a logistics certificate. I can bring both hands-on experience and fresh training to your team."
"I spent eight years in food processing, with strong experience in quality control and safety compliance. I'm now certified in HACCP and looking to apply those skills in a food safety role."
"I worked in federal government for 12 years, managing complex projects and coordinating across departments. I'm now focusing on project management opportunities in the private sector, where I can apply my organizational skills in a faster-paced environment."
These statements are direct, confident, and forward-looking. They acknowledge the transition without dwelling on the difficulty.
For detailed guidance on interview preparation after a layoff, see Interview Preparation Tips: How to Prepare and Impress Employers and How to Explain a Mass Layoff to Employers.
Upskilling works better when you're not alone. Support from others makes the process less stressful and often leads to opportunities you wouldn't find on your own.
Join a training group, talk with former coworkers, or connect with others online who are navigating similar transitions. Many people discover new jobs through word of mouth. A former colleague may hear about an opportunity that's a better fit for you than for them.
In communities experiencing mass layoffs, like Lexington, Nebraska or Ingersoll, Ontario, these informal networks can be particularly valuable. Pooling information and encouragement benefits everyone.
For guidance on building professional relationships that lead to opportunities, see Networking Strategies: How to Build Professional Connections That Last.
Some workers return to the same industry after a layoff. Others move into new fields. Both are valid paths.
Think about what you enjoyed most in your last job. Was it fixing machines? Working outdoors? Organizing tasks? Helping customers or coworkers? Let that guide you. Upskilling doesn't always mean moving far away from what you know. Sometimes it's a shift into a related area with more stability or better prospects.
The question Is AI Pushing Workers Toward Blue-Collar Careers? explores how some workers are finding that hands-on trades offer more stability than white-collar roles affected by automation.
For workers over 50 navigating career transitions, see How to Build Your Next Career Chapter After 50.
The job market is changing. Technology, automation, and new industries are reshaping work in ways that affect every sector. Upskilling is not only about today. It's also about staying ready for tomorrow.
Even small steps, like learning digital basics, earning safety certifications, or understanding new tools in your field, keep you competitive as the economy evolves.
Finally, remember that upskilling is part of a larger journey. Rest, family support, and self-care matter too. A layoff is stressful. Don't push yourself to learn everything at once. Progress is steady, not instant.
If you're struggling with the emotional weight of job loss, you're not alone. Many workers experience anxiety, frustration, or even grief after losing a job, especially one they held for years. Seek support from family, friends, community organizations, or mental health professionals if needed.
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
It depends on the credential. Some certifications (forklift, food safety) take days. Others (CDL, CNA, basic welding) take weeks to months. Community college certificates typically take 6-12 months. Choose a timeline that fits your financial situation and job market needs.
This guide is written for workers who have been laid off and are considering upskilling to improve their employment prospects. It addresses workers across industries, with specific attention to frontline and production workers navigating career transitions.
Content is based on workforce development research, government training program documentation, and practical guidance from career transition frameworks.
This article is maintained for accuracy and designed to be shared by workforce agencies, libraries, unions, and community organizations supporting displaced workers.
This article is not affiliated with any employer, union, or government organization. It provides general information and is not professional advice. Training program availability, costs, and outcomes vary by location and individual circumstances. Research programs carefully before enrolling.
Layoff-Specific Guidance
Resume Building for Specific Roles
Career Development and Job Search
Market Insights
U.S. Department of Labor. (2026). Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa
U.S. Department of Labor. (2026). Trade Adjustment Assistance Program. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/tradeact
Government of Canada. (2026). Employment Insurance training benefits. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html
Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. (2026). Second Career. https://www.ontario.ca/page/second-career
Nebraska Department of Labor. (2026). Workforce Services. https://dol.nebraska.gov/
Texas Workforce Commission. (2026). Training Programs. https://www.twc.texas.gov/
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