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.

Contribute Your Product Knowledge to Develop the Industry’s Harmonized Data Model (HDM)

IDEA Harmonized Data Model Have you heard about the industry’s Harmonized Data Model (HDM) initiative? IDEA, in partnership with NAED, is calling all product experts to get involved and be recognized by the industry. People who join the Product Expert Task Force will impact the future of the electrical distribution channel.

In the next 6 months, subject matter experts (SMEs) will be harmonizing the categorization for dozens of product categories. It’s an opportunity for industry experts to participate as a SME in the HDM initiative.

For more information Go Here.

McKenna Agencies Selected to Represent EGLO Canada in Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Parts of B.C.

McKenna

By Rhonda Cox, Regional Sales Manager, Western Canada, EGLO Canada

It is with pleasure that EGLO Canada annouces the nomination of McKenna Agencies as our representation in the specification market as well as electrical distributor channel for the markets of Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and parts of B.C.

Covering various interveners within the specification market (engineers, architechts and designers), McKenna Agencies is a privately-owned-andoperated company whose history under its current ownership dates back to 1988.

Sonepar Acquires CioffiRenato in Italy

Sonepar CioffiRenato

Sonepar has officially signed an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of shares in CioffiRenato. Founded in 1974, CioffiRenato is a company active in the distribution of electrical material operating in the Lecce province, with its headquarters in Casarano.

In 2021, with its two branches serving all the area, the company recorded sales of around €10 million. It employs 17 associates and 2 sales representatives. Thanks to this acquisition, Sonepar, already present in Puglia with six branches, will strengthen its business in the region.

Electrozad Announces Retirement of Sales Representative Chris Farrah

Chris Farrah

Electrozad have recently announced the retirement of Sales Representative Chris Farrah, on July 29th, 2022. Chris began his career with Electrozad on February 20th, 1983. His first position was doing deliveries as a truck driver, then advanced to a warehouse position, then a Customer service/Counter sales representative.

Finally in 1991, Chris was promoted to the position of Sales Representative where he continued to excel and increase his relationships with customers and vendors for the remainder of his career. Chris had been a valuable member not only of Electrozad's business but of the Electrozad family too.

Franklin Electric Releases 2022 Sustainability Report

Franklin Electric

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. released its third annual Sustainability Report this month, once again providing transparency, insight and data related to the Company’s performance toward Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives and goals. The commitment to these initiatives and goals led the Company to be named to Newsweek’s 2022 list of America’s Most Responsible Companies.

This year’s report includes several details related to product advancements, employee health and wellness programs, and manufacturing initiatives.

Doug Bunting Appointed Senior Sales Manager for ...

Ramy Yousif of Westburne is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Bunting as Senior ...

Contribute Your Product Knowledge to Develop the Industry’s Harmonized Data Model (HDM)

Changing Scene

Peers & Profiles

Copper $US Dollar price per pound