Workforce development is no longer optional

A recent labour market survey by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce finds “perceptions of the current labour market are not improving and it’s having an effect on business.” Among the concerns reported by Manitoba businesses, “There is a need for additional training and upskilling. It is difficult to attract good talent. It is difficult to find candidates with the right skills.”

Partnerships

It is not easy running a business, working hard to maintain and grow your organization, and finding professional development for your staff. But you don’t have to do all of it alone. University of Manitoba (UM) Extended Education’s Business Development team is working with companies and organizations from across the province to understand your needs and support you in providing further education, created with the expertise of the university, industry, and community.

In today’s competitive world, a strategic plan to support employee growth is not optional. To remain competitive and retain talent, you must invest in your employees with professional development. Professionals demand a good career and quality of life.

“If their employer is not offering professional development, employees will move on,” says Yvonne Kinley, Director of Business Development, UM Extended Education.

Investing in talent to build capacity

A workforce development plan considers the careers needed in the organization including their specific skills and competencies, and if current staff have them. It closes gaps. It asks what is missing and what is needed. The goals are to increase the skills and capacity of current staff, do succession planning, and attract new talent.

In addition to skills and training, professional development increases an employee’s confidence and enhances their impression of the organization and their commitment to its success.

HR training

For those who would like to build this expertise in-house, she suggests UM Extended Education’s Certificate in Human Resource Management. Accredited by CPHR Manitoba, the program trains HR professionals and prepares them to apply for professional certification.

And when someone is preparing for promotion, you want to ensure you provide them with adequate training for their new role.

Management training

For managers, the Certificate in Applied Management (CAM) is one that can be customized to meet your needs, says Kinley. For example, a non-profit social services agency within the community was looking for management programming and found their answer with their own customized version of CAM.

UM certificates are long recognized as quality education in their industries, says Kinley. They go beyond short webinars and workshops, with deeper content offered in a flexible format, online from anywhere. Several also offer an applied learning component, for real-world industry experience.

Courses to develop skills and competencies

UM Extended Education courses offer targeted training and the opportunity to get started on a professional development journey or credential. With their newest addition, Understanding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Practice, employees can apply what they learn to your workplace so everyone can thrive. They will prepare to challenge biased systems and practices to identify and remove barriers for all with this course.

Make technology work for you

With the Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Machine Learning Solutions, employees learn how to work with data to solve your real-world problems in just three courses, no coding required.

Or with Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL), two programs are developing digital leaders to transform careers and organizations. Digital Transformation for Managers and Digital Transformation for Leaders are offered by DIAL founded by SFU’s Beedie School of Business, in partnership with University of Manitoba Extended Education.

Upskilling your staff ensures the economic resilience of your business, and the Manitoba and greater economies. “Our ability to attract business to the province also depends on achieving a skilled workforce. It’s important for existing business and to attract new investment,” says Kinley.

“We are reimagining engagement, making strong connections through partnerships. Our upskilling benefits your employees, your organization, and your greater community.”

Learn more about UM Extended Education partnership opportunities

Liz Katynski