In Burnaby and the broader business community in British Columbia, addressing workforce challenges is paramount for sustained economic growth and prosperity.
BurnabyWorks, a groundbreaking new workforce development initiative from the Burnaby Board of Trade (BBoT), is revolutionizing the way these issues are tackled through an ecosystem-level approach.
By acting as a central workforce development hub and collaborating with stakeholders throughout the ecosystem, BurnabyWorks is not just creating jobs; it's forging pathways to better careers and bridging the gaps between employers and job seekers.
Workforce challenges in Burnaby and B.C.
Skills gap
One of the foremost challenges faced by businesses in Burnaby and B.C. is the skills gap.
Rapid technological advancements have led to a demand for specialized skills, leaving many job seekers without the necessary qualifications to fill these positions. This gap not only stifles the region's overall productivity and competitiveness but also creates a pressing need for proactive solutions.
Creating and adapting educational pathways enabling people to better understand and utilize rapidly advancing technology to its full potential is an important part of this process.
Co-ops and internships also play an integral role, ensuring that students are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of work.
Mismatch between employer needs and job seeker skills
Often, employers struggle to find talent with the specific skills required for their industry, while job seekers may not be aware of the opportunities available. This mismatch results in job vacancies and underemployment, a situation detrimental to both parties.
This is an area where recognizing foreign credentials comes in to play, as many newcomers have the skills needed, although they aren't recognized in Canada.
BurnabyWorks understands the immense value that newcomers bring to the table and is actively working to bridge this gap by advocating for the recognition of foreign credentials and creating pathways for these skilled professionals to apply their expertise in the local job market.
Addressing workforce challenges at an ecosystem level
By functioning as a central hub for workforce development, BurnabyWorks facilitates collaboration between stakeholders across the ecosystem, leading to a more coordinated, impactful approach.
BurnabyWorks begins by actively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, educational institutions, government bodies, and job seekers.
Through in-depth discussions and data analysis, they are able to gain insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by each group.
Moreover, the programs under this initiative are designed to equip job seekers with the skills and qualifications necessary to meet employers' requirements, effectively closing the skills gap. They actively promote careers in high-demand fields, offering training and educational pathways to individuals interested in pursuing these opportunities. Simultaneously, they liaise with employers to understand their talent requirements and work together to ensure a seamless match.
BurnabyWorks' innovative approach to addressing workforce challenges in Burnaby and the greater BC business community is creating a more vibrant, competitive, and prosperous future for all. By collaborating with stakeholders, building demand-driven programs, and bridging the gap between employers and job seekers, this initiative is at the forefront of a transformative movement that promises to reshape the landscape of work and opportunity in the region.
For more information about the various programs under the BurnabyWorks umbrella, and how you can get involved, you can reach out to Ryan Leonhard, Burnaby Board of Trade’s Director of Workforce Initiatives ([email protected]).
