When a strong team member becomes the boss, the job changes fast.
This 6-day, OPEN SEAT cohort based on MCE’s DEVELOP Forward Ready Leadership Pathway, helps emerging leaders make the shift from peer to supervisor with clear tools they can use immediately on the floor, in the office, and in daily team conversations.
Why Manufacturing?
Making the shift from team member to team leader is one of the most challenging transitions in a career in manufacturing. This specialized leadership course is designed for frontline supervisors, team leads, and new managers in the manufacturing sector who are stepping into leadership roles for the first time.
Participants will learn how to successfully transition from peer to leader — building trust, setting expectations, and driving performance — all while maintaining credibility on the floor.
Through practical tools, real-world scenarios, and hands-on exercises, this course equips new leaders with the skills to:
Whether you’re newly promoted or preparing high-potential talent for leadership roles, this course sets the foundation for strong, respected front-line leadership in manufacturing environments.
Content developed for manufacturers, logistics teams, industrial service firms, equipment-related businesses, and other operations where technical expertise often leads to promotion.
The self-awareness and emotional control leaders need to stay steady under pressure. Recognize how reactions, tone, and decisions affect the team, especially in fast-paced environments where clear communication matters.
Moving from peer to leader changes everything. Newly promoted leaders need to clarify their leadership style, values, and expectations so they can step into the role with confidence and credibility. Learn how to lead former coworkers without losing trust.
Good feedback should improve performance without damaging relationships. Practical ways to give clear, respectful feedback that addresses issues early and keeps work moving forward. The focus is on building trust & strengthening accountability.
Strong teams run on clear expectations and follow-through. Leaders model accountability, reinforce standards, and create a culture where people take ownership for results. Build consistency, reduce excuses, and support a team environment.
Support performance before small issues become bigger problems. Set expectations, check progress, and address performance concerns in a constructive way. More clarity for the employee, more consistency for the team, and better support for day-to-day.
Leadership comes with competing demands, interruptions, and constant problem-solving. Learn practical ways to prioritize work, manage worker energy, and stay focused on high-value work. Improve productivity and reduce reactivity.
Day 1 | September 23, 2026
Day 2 | October 14, 2026
Day 3 | November 4, 2026
Day 4 | November 25, 2026
Day 5 | December 2, 2026
Day 6 | December 16, 2026
WorkWell Spaces
901 Guelph Line
Burlington
L7R 3N8
Timing| 9am to 4pm, with breaks.
In-person, Open Seat training.
Participants learn with peers
facing the same transition. That
shared context helps create a
common leadership language
and reinforces consistency
across supervisors.
Terry is a passion-driven leadership facilitator and corporate trainer who believes that great leadership isn't about grand gestures; it’s about consistent, authentic connection.
With over 20 years of hands-on experience as a senior HR executive and corporate educator, Terry brings deep real-world expertise to the training room
At MCE, Terry works directly with emerging and existing leaders across Ontario to sharpen practical, high-impact workplace skills. Whether leading corporate workshops or teaching college classrooms, her focus is on making professional development highly interactive and instantly applicable.
Terry has held many major leadership roles, including serving as Director of People Development, where she advised over 400 workplace leaders.
Transitioning from a top performer on the floor to an effective boss is a challenge. You don't have to navigate it alone.
This hands-on, 6-day cohort will give you the exact tools you need to lead former peers, build trust, and drive performance with confidence.
On Course Engagement & Workplace Relevancy
"Very engaging and useful sessions.”
“Training course is very close to reality.”
“Good training with very realistic scenarios.”
“Interactive and very practical experience applicable for employees.”
“Really good material & interactive sessions.”
“The course is beneficial to trying to apply to everyday work.”
“Like how they get people up and moving and in to groups and lots of hands on open discussion.”
“Excellent opportunity for group discussions and inputs. Amazing class so far.”
“Very helpful and makes you think about it in your workplace.”
New Supervisors Manufacturing Industries
Group Discussion Dynamics
"Great group discussion."
"Very engaging discussions."
"Great discussions and good interaction with the facilitator and the team."
"Promotes engagement and sharing of personal experiences to help everyone in the class gain a better understanding of how we can learn to lead."
New Supervisors Manufacturing Industries
Critical Thinking & Supportive Learning Environment
“Very welcoming and informational, kept us all involved and helped us get out of our comfort zone.”
“Course makes you think of how to approach things differently.”
“Very welcoming! Great tips!”
“Good course makes you stop and think and opens your eyes to see things in a different light.”
“Instructor was kind and patient. Instructor seemed to be concerned with the level
of knowledge we will take from this course and how we will utilize this in our current roles.”
New Supervisors Manufacturing Industries
Communication Skills Development
“Learned more on communication skills that will improve my communication.”
“Taught me communication skills to be successful in my job role.”
New Supervisors Manufacturing Industries
