Equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies guide organizations on their journey to becoming employers of choice. Research has shown that diverse and inclusive workforces improve both employee and team performance, stimulating meaningful collaborative work, which in turn increases a sense of belonging and ownership of the work at hand. Improving organizational inclusion and accessibility also accelerates business outcomes, leading to revenue growth by nurturing creativity and fostering innovation.
Our Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership (CIIL) has a long history of providing effective research and consulting services to help businesses and organizations improve their business operations. The CIIL develops solutions and strategies for leaders based on goals and needs while keeping equity, diversity, and inclusion at the forefront. The CIIL takes a holistic approach, analyzing all aspects of your organization because a one-size-fits-all solution isn’t sustainable for forward-thinking organizations. Creating custom frameworks to meet your unique situations promotes long-term learning and growth.
Below is an example of the important work being done by NorQuest College to advance equity and support organizational needs.
Streamlining Accessibility into the Supply Chain Sector through PLAR
This initiative was supported by Alberta Labour, Government of Alberta.
- Project lead: Zeina Sleiman, PhD
- Key team members: Erin O’Neil and Tendisai Cromwell
- Funding dates: April 1, 2023-March 31, 2025
- Partner: Supply Chain Canada
About the project
The supply chain industry is facing a growing labour shortage, and there are indications that this shortage is likely to intensify. Meanwhile, newcomers in Canada have lower labour force participation rates compared to non-immigrants yet often come with the necessary skills and knowledge for this industry.
Streamlining Accessibility into the Supply Chain Sector through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a pilot program funded by the Government of Alberta. We have developed a unique and innovative digital PLAR assessment platform in partnership with Supply Chain Canada. The program provides Albertans with the ability to streamline access into the supply chain workforce by badging and recognizing skills in the industry. Upon the successful completion of a PLAR assessment, participants are placed into a work placement along with receiving personalized career coaching. Participants are also offered an opportunity to enrol in one or more employability workshops to better prepare them for employment in the supply chain industry. To date, over 70% of participants have received at least one badge.
While long-term data on employment outcomes remains uncertain, as the program is currently underway, there have been notable success stories. Participants who have completed the program have expressed increased confidence in navigating the supply chain industry in Alberta, with some participants having been hired by the work placement employment partners soon after receiving their badge. Others have expressed that career coaching and tailored resume support have either resulted in more callbacks and interviews or anticipate this being the case. This pilot initiative has revealed the need for more targeted support and engagement with employers. We are actively seeking ways to expand the program.
Learn more about CIIL and explore additional success stories at norquest.ca/ciil