TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Fostering greater collaboration between industry, government and post-secondary institutions is essential to building a highly skilled workforce in Ontario, says a new report released today by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Strengthening Ontario's Workforce for the Jobs of Tomorrow, which was developed in conjunction with Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC World Markets, calls on the government to take the necessary steps to build a highly skilled workforce by identifying and helping create the jobs of today and tomorrow.
"This is an absolutely critical issue for our members, for our economy, and our future prosperity," said Bill Greenhalgh, CEO, HRPA. "More collaboration, communication and cooperation between industry, educators and government is essential to creating a stronger workforce, and a more competitive economy."
The HRPA's paper reveals that only 43 per cent of HR Professionals feel the employees they have hired in the past year have been adequately prepared by their pre-hire education and training for the jobs they take on – indicating a vast gap between the skills taught in Ontario and those in demand by an ever-shifting economy.
The HRPA recommends that this skills gap can only be addressed by educators working more closely with business to stay on top of current industry needs and revising curriculums to facilitate the application of those skills in the job market setting. Today's paper also underscores the importance of on-the-job training, calling on businesses to invest further in worker training, and recommends government search for ways to reduce training costs to ensure workers learn essential skills throughout their careers.
Colleges and universities need to work more closely together, according to the paper, which points to a German model of dual post-secondary systems that combine academic and on-the-job training as a possible way forward in Ontario.
"Ontario is moving in this direction with Articulation Agreements, and offers numerous collaborative and joint degree programs," concluded Greenhalgh. "The province should look to expand these programs and promote them with high-school students.
The recommendations in today's report would help provide both the academic and real-world skills young people need to get the in-demand job they need while helping our businesses grow and stay competitive, building a more prosperous Ontario for all.
The full report can be found at https://www.hrpa.ca/Documents/Public/Thought-Leadership/Strengthening-Ontarios-Workforce-for-the-Jobs-of-Tomorrow.pdf.
About HRPA
Through an Act of the Ontario Legislature, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) regulates the professional HR practice of its more than 22,000 members in Ontario, across Canada and around the world. HRPA connects members with an unmatched range of HR information, resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. On an annual basis, HRPA hosts Canada's largest HR conference and trade show. HRPA issues three levels of professional certification: the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation for practitioners entering the profession and working in administrative capacities; the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), for practitioners working in fully professional capacities; and the Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), for senior executives.
Related Links
https://www.hrpa.ca/
SOURCE Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
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or to arrange interviews, please contact Liz Bernier, HRPA Communications Specialist, at 416.923.2324 x324 or at [email protected].
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