Now Is the Time to Support Our Canadian Students

Apr 9, 2020

By John Jefkins

Now is the time to demonstrate support for university and college students and showcase the electrical industry as a great career destination. In light of COVID-19, universities and colleges are closed, which means many students are returning home. For some, returning home may present a number of different financial and mental health challenges. These students are the future leaders in our industry.

In my member engagement meetings with leaders from all organization sizes, in addition to leading the EFC Human Resources Network, there is a common theme: the need for great, young talent. This is supported by members of the EFC community who’ve ranked talent as the number one game-changer affecting the electrical industry.
This talent need is driven by two key factors. First, the “tsunami” of retirements. Ten thousand employees from within EFC’s member organizations currently over the age of 55 may retire within the next 10 years. Second, there is a need for new skills as our industry continues to drive innovation in areas such as electrification, digitization, robotics and intelligent buildings.

The 2015 EFC Research Report, Talent: A Playbook for Adapting to the 21st Century, highlighted the importance of talent attraction:

“We need to spread knowledge about our industry, that it is exciting and full of opportunities – and is sustainable and solid. If we can’t/don’t want to compete for talent with ‘trendy’ industries, we need to determine how to attractively differentiate ourselves.”

The shift in the working landscape may be very different as a result of COVID-19. Many companies are now reducing staff and redefining their business product and processes. Attracting new talent and upskilling and reskilling employees will become critical components of an effective business strategy as the competition for talent soars.

EFC already has a solution with its annual EFC Scholarship Program. This initiative is even more important now — during the COVID-19 crisis — than in any of its 24 years of existence. Providing over $140,000 across 55 scholarships, this program offers students hope. Students have an opportunity to apply for a scholarship and potentially receive funding. It also motivates and reinforces their skills as the eligibility requirements for the program include proof of volunteer, employment and school accomplishments. Participating EFC member companies also have access to student applicants for future part-time, co-op and full-time roles available within their organization.

How can your organization do its part?

1. Promote the EFC Scholarship Program to your employees, friends, family, customers, vendors, etc. Many may have students back living at home and will appreciate you sharing this program.

2. Share this initiative with other departments in your organization.

3. Spread the word about the program on your company and personal social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Learn more about the EFC Scholarship Program at https://scholarship.electrofed.com/
https://scholarship.electrofed.com/content/RQAward_EFC_SCHOLAR_FR.html

In addition to the Scholarship Program, EFC provides several other resources to support business leaders in the areas of talent attraction, retention and training:

• TalentNest — a job-posting portal to assist business leaders in their recruitment efforts. Visit TalentNest here.

• The Young Professionals Network (YPN) — a program that provides young professionals, employed at an EFC member company, with networking and skills development opportunities. Learn more about the YPN here.

• EFC will also be launching a new research report this year titled [IT]Talent Availability for an Emerging Workforce[IT], which will address how shifts in the electrical industry are impacting talent availability needs. It will also speak to the strategies organizations must adopt to build stronger workforces for the future. Stay tuned for the details here.

Join EFC as this is the time to rally around Canadian university and college students, show concern and support, and to demonstrate how a career in the electrical industry can be professionally and personally rewarding.

John Jefkins is Vice President, Member Engagement & Corporate Partnerships, Electro-Federation Canada.

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