Impakt & DESIGNwith’s Common Thread Program serves to connect newcomers in the GTA with meaningful employment in the apparel industry. In 2021 we recognized that many newcomers came to Canada with valuable skills such as sewing and tailoring, and while there is a labour shortage in these fields, Canadian apparel factories often turn away newcomers due to their lack of Canadian work experience. Our solution was to launch Common Thread, where we worked directly with employers to connect them with skilled newcomers. While our pilot phase of the program was a success, we found that our network of new Canadians desired a more communal, engaging work environment. Working with DESIGNwith, an innovative and sustainable apparel/design lab in the heart of Toronto, we’re addressing this issue by connecting newcomers to training programs which can give them the experience needed to gain employment at DESIGNwith.