Programs

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Workforce Development

The single biggest issue facing businesses or organizations in the Battlefords today is Workforce Development. The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce continues to work on initiatives in this area.

ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT 

 Background:

In February of 2003, the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce signed a partnership agreement with the then Provincial Government Department of Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs. 

Click here to view the signed agreement -

One purpose of this partnership is to address both the needs of employers who face the challenge of replacing an aging workforce with a shortage of young skilled workers and address the needs of Aboriginal youth who wish to be actively engaged in the workforce.  Therefore, the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce chose to help address this situation with a project based upon breaking down the barriers to Aboriginal employment and raising awareness of the benefits of diversity in the workplace.  This project is the "Aboriginal Employer Tool Kits".  The tool kits are independently funded by a grant from Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs and HRSDC and built upon partnerships with the Battlefords Tribal Council and the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee.  These tool kits are designed for the small and medium sized businesses in the Battlefords who may not have the human and financial resources to develop their own human resource strategy.  In providing these kits, we hope to tackle myths and misconceptions, match skills with the needs of employers, and promote diversity in the community and a positive work environment.

         Your Employer Tool Kit Includes:

•  Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Introductory Letter
• "Celebrate Us" 2005 Calendar - This is a calendar which features the stories and pictures of 12 Aboriginal Success Stories from the Battlefords and Area.  These outstanding individuals remind us of the great things that can happen when Aboriginal people overcome the barriers to community and economic involvement, and succeed in all aspects of life.  They are role models and leaders in the community who deserve to be celebrated for their achievements.  The calendar also includes the celebrations of many cultures and religions which employers can see year round as a way to identify with their workers and celebrate the diversity of their employees by learning and respecting their traditions and beliefs.
• "Help Wanted?" Battlefords Employment Agencies Magnet - This magnet features the employment agencies situated in the Battlefords.  We hope that it will be placed in the workplace and utilized by employers in the community to recruit a wide variety of potential workers and allow them to compete on an equal playing field.  Increasing employee diversity results in  many advantages for employers such as adding different views and experiences to your company and appealing to wider clientele with a workforce which reflects the diversity of the community.
• "You Do The Math" Video C.D. or "A.W.P.I." Video C.D. - Play these C.D. ROMs in your computer and watch the movies.  The movies explain the significance of the partnership agreement and the benefits to businesses that have already signed the partnership agreement and made the choice to hire more Aboriginal People.
• "Saskatchewan At Work;  Aboriginal Professionals Share Their Stories" - 
• Saskatchewan Job Futures Job Chart - This Job Chart is an excellent resource for employers who are conducting an employment audit.  The chart offers examples of classifications and job descriptions to use as a guide when classifying and listing positions in your business.
• Saskatchewan Jobs, Job Order Form
• Can, - Sask. Career and Employment Services Information Sheet
• Job Start Future Skills Information Sheet
• H.R.S.D.C. "Making a Difference In Our Communities" Handbook
• Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Information Sheet
• Battlefords Tribal Council Traning and Employment Information Sheet
• Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee Card
• Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Bag
• Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Pen
• Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Note Pad
• H.R.S.D.C. Youth Employment Pen
• H.R.S.D.C. "Building Your Future" Bookmark
• Commitment to Open Employment Certificate
• Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Employment Audit Information Sheet -  This is a very important aspect of the tool kit that invites employers to conduct an employment audit in their workplace.  Although this sounds like a daunting task, the audit is a simple process with huge benefits, both to the employer and the community as a whole.  The audit involves evaluating all jobs in your workplace whether they are vacant or not.  (Note that this is an evaluation of JOBS, not employees)  The jobs then are listed and categorized, using specific skills and qualifications needed for the job, based upon tasks necessary.  Having specific task related qualifications rather than  experience and degree based requirements prevents unnecessary barriers from preventing the inclusion of new employees.  It is important  to then provide these job audits to the Aboriginal Employment Development Program in order to be included in Provincial Databases for skill and job demand in the Province so educational institutions, and young workers can see exactly what it takes to be a part of the workforce here in Saskatchewan.  Listing the jobs available in Saskatchewan and in each community this allows educational institutions to target skills training to the needs of employers.  Workers can see the jobs that are available in their community and prepare accordingly.  Finally, listing all jobs, rather than vacancies.  This ensures that by the time vacancies do exist, the workforce is prepared to enter that workplace with the appropriate skills and experience.
• Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Stakeholder Roles Chart -  The purpose of this page outlines the roles and responsibilities of different community members and groups who are needed to make this partnership work.  Read this handout and see how you fit into the success of this partnership!
• Battlefords REDA "The Importance of an Aboriginal Workforce" handbook-  This handbook outlines some of the reasons that businesses like you can benefit from including more diversity in your workplace.  The Aboriginal population is an untapped resource in this community, and we can all benefit from their inclusion in the workforce.
• Youth Employment Mouse Pad

        Conclusion:

The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce hopes that businesses and employers who receive these tool kits will meet this information with an open mind.  Also it is the intent to utilize the community services and resources which we included to aid them in making positive human resource decisions.  Furthermore, the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce hopes that this tool kit will provide the inspiration and support to make your own Aboriginal Human Resource plan, and conduct an employment audit of your workplace.  Most of all, we that this kit will help you open your workplace even more to Aboriginal employees and celebrate the diversity around you.  We, at the Chamber, look forward to creating a long term and sustainable workforce for the Battlefords business community.  We are proud to say that Battlefords is open for business, to all of the people of this community!

 

SASKATCHEWAN IMMIGRANT NOMINEE PROGRAM -

There is however, another opportunity for local employers to hire skilled labour through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

There is a package of information provided from the Government of Saskatchewan website which can be viewed online at www.immigrationsask.gov.sk.ca . If you have any questions about the SINP, or are interested in hiring an immigrant, please review the following material, and call Walter Garchinski at (306) 280-6741. The two categories that are provided are for: Skilled Workers, and Family Members Category.

2006 Operations Associates, Tennille Bear (left) and Kyla Caswell (right) were busy with two important summer projects.  Tennille worked with the Workforce Development Committee on the Job Inventory Matrix and Workforce Surveys distributed to all 2006 Chamber members. 

Kyla Caswell assisted the Immigration Committee as they began work on the collection of donated items (and an inventory list of these items) to be distributed to new families who have immigrated to the Battlefords and are setting up their first homes in this country.