Humber Polytechnic is stepping up to help the more than 8,300 Hudson's Bay employees who are being laid off with free career support services.
John McNeil, associate dean, Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) with the Longo Faculty of Business, and Dave Smiderle, associate dean, CPL with the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology, are leading the initiative. To support those affected, as well as others considering a career change, they've organized a series of free career counseling webinars dubbed Career Comeback designed to help participants navigate their next steps.
The initial information session happens Tuesday, June 10 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. There will be additional webinars that cover topics including resume and interview best practices. They will also obtain access to the JobScan Premium membership for a limited period of time. JobScan is a resume builder software that helps job seekers tailor their resume to fit the job postings for which they're applying.
Further sessions will highlight how participants' experience, education and transferable skills may align with in-demand fields through Humber and its post-secondary partners offerings, ranging from diplomas and degrees to post-graduate certificates and Continuous Professional Learning programs.
"Humber Polytechnic is here to help and we're doing this all for free," said Smiderle, who added that the sessions will be led by Humber staff. "Why are we doing this? Because it's the right thing to do."
The webinar is open to all Hudson's Bay employees regardless of where they live. Smiderle said those located outside of southern Ontario will also be shown possible post-secondary offerings to upskill or reskill closer to their home.
McNeil explained that Humber is tapping into its extensive network of experienced faculty who will help those affected unleash their inner potential and gain an edge for their future careers.
Many of them might be surprised to know that their previous education and experience could gain them advanced standing in a post-secondary program and that many have skills that are in-demand. The insurance, health care, media and IT sectors as well as the skilled trades are just a few examples of industries that need workers and Humber can help reskill and upskill laid-off employees to help meet that need.
The hope is that the initiative will offer meaningful support during a challenging time.
To find out more, or to register, visit the Career Comeback website.
