CivicAction sets a new talent destination for Ontario Employers with HireNext

TORONTO, April 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, CivicAction is making it easier for employers to fill their hiring needs with new youth talent thanks to HireNext, a set of in-demand tools for employers to recruit, select and retain the young, diverse talent they need in their organization.

Ontario has over 300,000 youth between 15-29 not in employment, education or training. At the same time, 70% of employers said their biggest challenge to filling entry-level roles was finding applicants. Despite both supply and demand for young talent, youth and employers aren't always finding each other. HireNext will help employers and all youth, but most importantly opportunity youth who may currently face additional barriers to employment.  

"Young and engaged talent is out there, but some employers are having difficulty reaching this group. It's time for new, more inclusive HR practice to establish better inroads to diverse talent. HireNext can help set these changes in motion," said Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO, CivicAction.  

Already, dozens of employers of all sizes and industries have signed up to participate and complete one change using the HireNext tools:

HireNext helps employers by providing templates, best practices and business case studies to foster and inform youth-focused solutions to their hiring needs. It also includes a free, quick and easy online assessment for employers that provides customized next steps to adopt youth-friendly hiring.

"By implementing even one action from HireNext, employers are taking steps to modernize their talent management and opening themselves up to young, diverse, and innovative candidates. It's a clear win-win," said Zabeen Hirji, Chair, CivicAction.    

CivicAction is now calling on other businesses and organizations across Ontario to join the momentum and be part of HireNext. Thanks to this new on-ramp toward youth-inclusive hiring, it's never been easier for employers to make a difference.

"Ontario is proud to support this landmark initiative that works hand-in-hand with the private sector to address youth employment in new ways. By working collectively, we can ensure Ontario's youth are positioned for success now and in the future," said the Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister of Child and Youth Services.   

For more information on HireNext, visit: http://www.civicaction.ca/hirenext.

Stakeholder Quotes:

"With branches across Canada, RBC is always looking for the best talent that reflects the communities and people we serve. Our involvement in HireNext is an important part of this journey," Jenny Poulos, Senior Vice President Workforce Strategy and Employee Experience, RBC.

"At Accenture, our people are our key differentiator when it comes to delivering to clients, and so we are always seeking top talent through innovative new channels, including our involvement in the launch of HireNext," said Stephen Gardiner, a managing director with Accenture Digital in Canada.

"By using real-life scenarios, we've been able to find the best candidates who are able to provide a great customer experience in our store. A small change in how you recruit can have a big impact, HireNext can show employers the way," Miles Lucas, Country Human Resources Manager, H&M.

About CivicAction: CivicAction is a premier civic engagement organization that brings together senior executives and rising leaders from all sectors to tackle challenges facing the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. CivicAction builds partnerships and takes action through campaigns, programs and organizations that transform our region. For more information, visit www.civicaction.ca or follow CivicAction on Twitter @CivicActionGTHA.

About HireNext: Nearly 300,000 Ontario youth are not in employment, education or training, yet employers can struggle to recruit, hire, and retain talent for entry level jobs. To help employers, CivicAction created HireNext, a set of in-demand tools including templates, business case studies, and a free, online assessment that employers can use to make HR practices more youth friendly. CivicAction received valuable input and advice to develop HireNext from leading companies such as RBC, Starbucks, H&M Canada, the Greater Toronto Airport Authority, KPMG, and LinkedIn Canada, with special contributions from youth with lived experience. For a full list, click here.

Our thanks to Cision Group for sponsoring this announcement.

SOURCE CivicAction