The pandemic has undoubtedly brought inequities back to the table. The topic of diversity is on everyone's lips. However, we have been talking about its benefits in companies for over thirty years, particularly on performance and innovation. However, the labor shortage and the need for talent are such today that managers are finally looking at more inclusive hiring. Recognition of prior learning and in-company training could be possible solutions. Interview with the Director of Continuing Education and Business Services at Cégep Gérald-Godin, Valérie Gosselin and her business advisor, Patrick Fortin.

Attracting competent employees and allowing them to evolve and develop within the organization, in a collaborative environment, is the basic principle of corporate inclusivity. To achieve this, the Continuing Education and Business Services at Cégep Gérald-Godin offers recognition of prior learning programs as well as online, in-company, or on-site training, depending on specific needs.

Overcoming Bias for Skills-Based Hiring

“Recently, we saw at the job fair that many employers are still holding back from hiring certain people out of fear and ignorance of the disruptive effect they could have on their corporate culture,” Patrick Fortier, the Cégep’s new business advisor, is quick to share. However, even if the statement in itself remains terribly disturbing, naming the problem is the first step in the right direction.

That said, diversity should not be the theme of a separate program in a company's strategies: it should instead be an intrinsic part of its values and culture. To raise awareness among managers and teams about bias, whether conscious or not, Cégep Gérald-Godin offers specialized training in cultural diversity management and intercultural communication , a first step towards destigmatization and better integration of all employees.

"For employers who have overcome cultural bias, for example by recruiting staff from the Maghreb, and therefore speaking French, choosing qualified allophone workers should not be an obstacle," continues Mr. Fortin. "The Cégep offers in-company francization courses to learn to communicate and write in French to better integrate into their company."

The recognition of foreign diplomas is also an important issue for workers from immigrant backgrounds. Cégep Gérald-Godin offers a program for the recognition of acquired skills and competencies (RAC), which allows the company to have employees' skills officially assessed and recognized in relation to the specific skills of a study program.

During their RAC journey, employees have the opportunity to demonstrate that they do indeed have these skills. In addition to obtaining a college diploma recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, the RAC allows candidates to improve their knowledge and skills in order to more adequately meet the demands of the job market. By offering recognition of acquired skills and competencies, management demonstrates its confidence in its employees and allows them to progress within the company.

Equal opportunities, integration and advancement

If the integration of immigrants, but also of young people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, visible and ethnic minorities, as well as indigenous people depends in part on individual characteristics, the conditions and resources made available to them, particularly in the workplace, facilitate its achievement.

“The objectives of our business services (SAE) are precisely to be able to respond to needs that arise over time, and to update skills,” explains the Director of Continuing Education and Business Services, Ms. Valérie Gosselin. “We respond to needs on a customized basis. These advanced training courses are a great way for employers to motivate their employees and stimulate their commitment, to establish a relationship of trust and retain talent.”

Because diversity is not just a question of hiring quotas, but also of integration and equal opportunities in order to establish parity and healthy representation across all levels of an organization.