Skills shortage
A recent survey of 115 North Shore-based employers conducted by the North Shore Immigrant Inclusion Partnership found almost half reporting current skills shortages on the North Shore.
According to a press release from the NSIIP, the situation is most severe in the construction industry, with 50 per cent of construction industry employers reporting a severe shortage. Meanwhile, moderate or severe shortages were reported by 44 per cent in retail trade, 20 per cent in health care/social assistance, 14 per cent in professional, scientific and technical services, and 13 per cent in education.
The survey also found that very few employers seek help from government-funded employment services (11 per cent) or immigrant serving agencies (9 per cent) in finding workers. By far, the most common recruitment technique identified was a referral from colleagues, employees or friends at 78 per cent.
The NSIIP is a coalition of community organizations and institutions working to improve immigrant settlement and integration on the North Shore.
Federal boost
The North Vancouver-based emergency network ePACT has received almost $1 million in federal funding.
The network was selected in the second competitive round of the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative to get the money. Launched in 2013, WINN is a five-year initiative providing $100 million in repayable contributions to Western Canada-based companies that are developing "cutting edge technologies and services," an ePACT press release states. To receive WINN funds, candidates must go through a multi-stage application and selection process.
In 2014, $21 million was awarded to 27 companies across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In this second year, 21 companies were successful applicants, with ePACT being one of seven enterprises in B.C. The emergency network will use its $920,152 to expand across North America.
Executive news
Brent Hale has joined Seaspan's senior executive team as vice-president of human resources. In this role, he will provide leadership for strategic plans and guide the development and implementation of human resources and labour relations initiatives and processes, according to a press release from the North Vancouver-based company.
Hale joins Seaspan from ICBC, where he served as director of strategic HR and governance. He succeeds Lisa Bumbaco, who is retiring after more than 12 years with the company.
Top CG school
Think Tank Training Center, a computer graphics and animation college in Lower Lonsdale, was ranked the top CG school in Canada and third in the world overall at the 2015 CG Student Awards.
The School of the Year rankings were calculated based on the final results from entries submitted by students to this year's awards. Judges awarded points to each school based on data collected from entrants in Student of the Year, Film of the Year and Game of the Year categories.
Compiled by Christine Lyon Submit information on North Shore business groups or events to [email protected].
