The state of career development in the Canadian workplace was the focus of an interview with Sharon Ferriss, CERIC’s Director of Marketing, Web & New Media, on the Career Buzz radio show that explored the findings of a recent Environics National Business Survey undertaken for CERIC.
Barbara Wilson, Director of Career Development at CIBC, also participated in the March 26 interview that discussed whether Canada has a skills gap and what Canadian employers are doing to recruit and retain people. She shared some of the bank’s career development strategies, including its “help it happen, make it happen, let it happen” model.
CERIC commissioned Environics Research Group to survey 500 employers in late 2013 to get an in-depth look at the response of Canadian business to youth unemployment, skills shortages and employee development.
Survey findings highlighted in the interview include:
- Canadian employers are evenly split on who should address the skills gap in Canada – 43% believe employers should provide training, while 43% think the onus is on individuals to enhance their skill set
- Organizations are often willing to hire people with soft skills, such as a positive attitude and strong work ethic, and teach them hard or technical skills on the job
- While 70% of employers say it’s important to provide career management programs, only 30% actually provide them
- More and more, organizations tend to use employee referrals and internal promotions to fill vacant positions – not external job postings
Career Buzz is a weekly radio show that focuses on career issues. The show is produced and hosted by Mark Franklin, president of Career Cycles, and can be heard on CIUT 89.5 FM in Toronto and online at www.ciut.fm.