As organizations struggle to find new hires, the tech giant has taken to creating its own talent pools
Microsoft is teaming up with CIBC to help plug the ongoing skills gap across Canada. Announced today, the CIBC has partnered with the tech giant to create a new Social Impact Alliance – which aims to provide employment opportunities in the technology and digital sector. Having committed a total investment of $850,000, the organizations will look at the accelerated learning and development of new hires and potential candidates, with the view of supercharging Canada’s digital economy.
"This initiative is an important part of the work that we are doing through our CIBC Foundation to help build an inclusive economy and create access to opportunities in all communities," says Sandy Sharman, group head, people, culture and brand at CIBC. "We are looking forward to helping more individuals, particularly Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and underserved youth, get the support and resources they need to grow and achieve their ambitions."
The ongoing talent shortage in Canada is beginning to impact organizations, with the government even making amendments to legislation allowing international students to work longer hours. As employers continue to struggle to plug the gaps, more and more upskilling programmes spring up. Initiatives such as this one should help Canadian organizations have a more unfettered access to local talent pools, as well encouraging underrepresented groups to consider new job opportunities.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has committed to driving organizational change, with their recent Work Trend Index Pulse report suggesting that HR leaders make learning and growth "core to the employee experience." The data shed light on the importance of L&D in Canadian organizations as a means of solving the skills shortage – with 78% of employees saying they’d stay with their company if they had more access to personalised upskilling. Now, with this new alliance, Microsoft are acting on their suggestions.
"This alliance helps bring to life our commitment to support inclusive economic opportunities by fostering the growth of diverse tech talent across Canada," says Chris Barry, president of Microsoft Canada. "By working alongside our program partners and supporting their incredible efforts, together we can shape the future of our digital economy."
