EARN presented on May 2nd at the Workforce Development Conference, billed as an Employer Summit, and entitled “Attract + Train + Retrain for tomorrow’s jobs, today”. Held in Smiths Falls and well attended by 60 employers and service providers, the event’s purpose was to discuss the changing landscape of work. It was further tagged as a trade show for employers to learn more about local service provider supports.

Where Smiths Falls once faced tough economic times, businesses are now thriving and finding it difficult to recruit enough qualified people. Employers were encouraged, therefore, to take stock of potential bias in hiring and consider a broader talent pool i.e., people with disabilities and other diversity groups, to meet their burgeoning talent needs.

EARN presented on the benefits and resources the network offers employers, including service provider expertise and access to an untapped talent pool (people with disabilities). EARN also had a booth at the trade show.

The conference gave an opportunity to connect with employers in Lanark County and reinforce our relationship with service provider partners.

Organized by ontrac Employment Resource Services, Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation, and the Small Business Advisory Centre, the invitation to present came from EARN member Michelle Toop of ontrac in Smiths Falls. We thank Michelle for inviting EARN to participate.

To find out more about ontrac Employment Resource Services visit: https://www.getontrac.ca/