Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) hosted the ‘Human Capital Management 2010’ Summit at the International Centre in Mississauga on 30th March, 2010. It was a major initiative undertaken by a leading industry body bringing together a diverse and talented group of human resource professionals, under one forum, to deliberate some of the challenging issues facing the industry.
The HR Champion panel discussed major issues on how to develop, retain and attract top talent, to source funding opportunities for training, to effectively prepare for the new legislation regarding harassment and violence in the workplace (Bill 168) and to identify how the Ontario government can assist in the year ahead.
It was an ideal platform for more companies to learn about ‘World Service Cargo’ (WSC), a Practice Firm program funded by the partnership of both Federal and Ontario governments. This successful program is contributing to employment and economic growth in Ontario. Attending the summit on behalf of World Service Cargo were Christina Chu, Program and Service Manager, Hale Soylugil, Program Administrator, Irina Shutko, Supply Chain Coordinator and Sanjay Chaudhary, Marketing Coordinator.
At the booth and in one-on-one discussions during the breaks, our team explained the key role that the Practice Firm program plays through recruiting skilled and educated immigrant professionals with experience in supply chain, accounting, administration, marketing/sales, HR, information technology and SAP. We provide them with the opportunity to practice and showcase their business skills in a Canadian workplace, thereby, reducing the gap between employer requirements and the qualifications of internationally trained individuals.
WSC representatives pointed out to attendees that the Practice Firm program offers industry-standard tools, technology and business processes. This notwithstanding, WSC seeks out partnerships with employers who are interested in providing input to the design of our operating environment such that the experience would enhance the productivity and attractiveness of participants to fill present or future positions with that employer.
The team strategically divided themselves among different participant groups during the summit to maximize access to and networking with participating human resource professionals to understand their staffing challenges more clearly and to identify opportunities for partnerships aimed at helping to address these challenges.
In a presentation by Deloitte, it was noted that surveyed companies are in “low readiness” when it comes to having the skills and competencies for managing change in this new economy. Christina Chu noted “Practice Firms could be part of the solution with a focused effort on enhancing critical competencies of participants to meet business needs”.
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