The world is changing with new and faster technology, changing values, aging worker populations, a decreasing work force and skill gaps. The race to attract skilled workers is well underway, and it goes far beyond Alberta and Canada – the race is on world wide! The “Its About People”® International Symposium is based on a world-wide perspective, and it will help you to think globally, but act locally, when it comes to issues of human capital.

You have been reading reports, and attending meetings and conferences that have simply been talking about the trends and discussing the current and future challenges in human resources; the “It’s About People”® Symposium is different. Our focus is on finding and sharing solutions and some emerging best practices already underway.

This Symposium will feature local, national and international business and industry leaders who have successfully met the challenge "head on”. These leaders will share how they have and are dealing with the issues of attracting, developing and retaining a skilled and qualified workforce now and into the future.

In North America, declining birth rates and aging workers are two major reasons that skilled worker shortages are beginning to appear. While attracting more foreign skilled workers is a partial solution it is not the entire answer to the problem.

There are only so many skilled workers to go around and the competition to attract them is fierce. The United States, with 20% of the world’s population, is attracting over 50% of foreign workers and, more astoundingly, over 70% with university education. It is not easy for Canadian businesses to compete with the United States in this area.

Canadian industries and businesses requiring more human capital to grow, or to replace retiring workers, will have to become more creative when it comes to addressing these critical areas. On a long-term basis, it is going to require changing attitudes, especially in younger workers and in those exerting career choice influence such as parents, educators and career practitioners, towards the promising career opportunities in a variety of fields including the trades.

As importantly, other key groups in our society such as older workers cannot be overlooked. Their steady contribution can improve the bottom-line of a business simply by their work ethic and experience. Disabled workers can also make a positive contribution if given the right opportunity. Aboriginals are another untapped source of human capital only recently being addressed.

The “It’s About People”® International Symposium will broaden your perspective and understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead when it comes to our most important resource – people.

Who Should Attend the “It’s About People"® Symposium

1. Owners/Managers of businesses dependent on skilled workers, particularly those involved in hiring trades in construction, logistics and oil and gas.

2. Senior corporate managers responsible for deciding on and implementing programs to attract and retain human capital.

3. Educators, employment counsellors and career practitioners who influence career choices.

4. Association/Industry Managers, board members, sector councils and consultants involved in finding long term industry solutions to skilled worker shortages

5. Policy makers who decide or influence public decisions on matters relating to human capital and skilled worker issues.

6. Media and politicians who influence public opinion when it comes to careers, trades, worker shortages and economic opportunities.