Research programs, resources for hiring new Canadians, and latest volume of HR Guide are included in the ongoing projects for 2011-12

OTTAWA, Ont. (October 2011) - Federal grants and contribution programs which support the work of the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC) are in the midst of a comprehensive change, but the Council has announced that several existing initiatives will continue as planned while the new funding model is established.

"Human Resources and Skills Development Canada [HRSDC] recently unveiled plans to refocus the Sector Council Program, phasing out core funding and some elements of project funding by March 31, 2013," explains CTHRC Executive Director Angela Splinter. "This funding will be replaced by a refocused grants and contribution program to support many vital human resources priorities."

The new approach will use calls for proposals to focus on leading-edge labour market intelligence, National Occupational Standards, and certification/accreditation regimes. Sector Councils like CTHRC will also be able to submit funding proposals through HRSDC initiatives such as the Foreign Credential Recognition Program and the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.

"The CTHRC is already actively involved in each of these areas of interest," Splinter stresses. "And we will be exploring every emerging funding avenue or partnership opportunity to support the Council’s future work."

Meanwhile, the task of developing effective HR tools for the trucking industry will continue. Ongoing projects for 2011-12 include:

• Tools for hiring new Canadians - The Foreign Credential Recognition Project has developed a series of resources to help recruit, integrate and retain Internationally Trained Individuals. Offerings include an industry-specific English-as-a-Second-Language assessment tool, a Trucking Bridge2Work program delivered through immigrant-serving organizations, and an Orientation to Trucking in Canada program that provides essential information about Canada and its trucking industry.
• Updated labour market information - Employers and HR managers across Canada’s trucking industry and its allied trades are being surveyed to create an updated look at the industry’s labour market. The CTHRC is partnering in this project with Newcom Business Media, provincial trucking associations and provincial Sector Councils, and the related data will update online Labour Information Highway data tools, which identify historical, current and projected demand for nine key occupations. This data can be used to establish benchmarks and guide future HR strategies alike.
• Your Guide to Human Resources: Volume 3 - The latest volume in the CTHRC’s popular Your Guide to Human Resources series is being unveiled this fall, offering practical tools and advice to address a number of HR issues. Volume 3 will cover how to build a business case for sound HR practices, manage different generations of people who work in the same fleet, address succession planning, and identify the HR implications that emerge when "greening" a fleet.
• Research into the link between licensing standards and safety - Working with provincial insurance providers in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, CTHRC is studying the link between licensing standards, types of driver training, and highway safety.

"Projects like these are more important to the trucking industry than ever before," says Gord Peddle, Chair of the CTHRC’s Board of Directors. "We know the shortage of skilled workers will continue to intensify, particularly as a growing number of employees approach their retirement years. Tools like those offered by CTHRC will help us to identify emerging trends, welcome new Canadians who are vital to our industry’s future, and enhance skills development for key occupations in need."

To learn more about the CTHRC’s ongoing research or the tools to support effective HR practices, visit www.cthrc.com, call 613-244-4800, or email info@cthrc.com.

- Funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program, the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC) is an incorporated not for profit organization that helps attract, train and retain workers for Canada’s trucking industry. The Foreign Credential Recognition Project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program. For more information, visit www.cthrc.com.

Media Contact: Angela Splinter
Executive Director, CTHRC
Phone: 613-244-4800
Email: info@cthrc.com