As the future of work and learning continues to change rapidly around the world, six students and recent graduates were tasked with uncovering what a successful path forward should look like for young professionals working in Atlantic Canada. 

To oversee the project and create meaningful changes based on its findings, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Volta, Halifax Innovation District, Halifax Partnership, En Point and Two Igloos formed a strategic partnership, to serve as a resource and guide for the group of students as they interviewed various employers – from companies of all sizes – across Atlantic Canada. 

The research group focused on how local companies – including corporations, startups, nonprofits, and government organizations – have responded to the challenges and opportunities that come with finding employment during COVID-19, remote work, adoption of rapidly changing and emerging technologies, and more. 

One major takeaway shared by participating young professionals and employers was that students should be prepared to gain experience virtually, and employers should be ready to recruit, hire and train online. Their complete findings were synthesized into a Playbook, with five primary recommendations for both young professionals and employers to consider, as the future of work and learning continues to evolve. 

We invite you to review the research findings, and join us for a presentation and panel discussion that Pushes Past the Playbook on Monday, Oct. 5 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm (ADT) and continue this very important conversation, that will help both young professionals and employers.

To learn more about the project and read the Playbook, visit www.rethinkingemployment2020.com

Quotes: 

“We are so fortunate to have so many great, authentic collaboration opportunities right here in our local Innovation District. At any given time, problems are raised, conversations happen, and a tangible solution is identified with a path forward set and the momentum just takes over. It is our sincere hope that as many people as possible take the time to hear from these wonderful participants, as I believe they have uncovered some truly invaluable insights into the future of employment.” – Michael Sandalis, Innovation Execution Lead at Atlantic Lottery 

“As an employer, business and entrepreneur whose company supports people through transitions in their career, we are so proud to work with this amazing group of aligned partners who continue to be optimistic about providing young professionals opportunities to have meaningful dialogue with employers in our region. This project has showcased the great young talent that we have here in Atlantic Canada, the employers who are committed to growing their businesses, and the community partners who continue to move Atlantic Canada forward.”  – Chantal Brine, En Point CEO 

“To remain competitive now and in the future, businesses in our city, province and region will need a talented workforce with practical experience and future-relevant skills. Understanding and tackling the future of work and learning requires a coordinated and collaborative effort between the private, public, and post-secondary sectors. Halifax Partnership is excited to collaborate with our Investors, Halifax businesses, and our many partners in the Halifax Innovation District to help get businesses and people back to work and future-ready.” –– Wendy Luther, President and CEO, Halifax Partnership

“We really enjoyed our experience working with the talented young team and the many partners involved. The future of work is a major question facing everyone, so it was great to play a role in supporting the development of solutions that can be applied in Atlantic Canada and beyond.” – Cameron Maxwell, Partner, Two Igloos 

“The way people and organizations approach employment and education is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and projects like this one reinforce how critical it is that we understand, adapt and shift our approaches to business and learning to remain competitive, retain youth in Atlantic Canada, and continue to boost and grow our local economies.”   – Martha Casey, Volta CEO

About the Partner Organizations: 

Atlantic Lottery is publicly owned by the four Atlantic provinces and provides government-regulated and responsible lottery products to Atlantic Canadians who choose to game. 100 per cent of lottery profit stays right here in Atlantic Canada each and every year to help fund essential services like health care, education and infrastructure. Atlantic Lottery has returned more than $10-billion in total profit to the region since its inception in 1976. To learn more, visit alc.ca.

En Point’s mission is to support one million people to make the right connections at the right stages in their careers. En Point leverages their proprietary software and expertise services to build custom mentorship programs for organizations, institutions and associations. Learn more at mentorshipchangeslives.com. 

Halifax Partnership is Halifax’s public-private economic development organization. The Partnership drives and accelerates economic growth by selling and marketing Halifax to the world, helping businesses reach their full potential and tracking Halifax’s economic progress. With private, public, and post-secondary Investors and partners. Halifax Partnership is leading the advancement of the Halifax Innovation District, with support from the Province of Nova Scotia in collaboration with public, private and post-secondary partners, to support the growth of startups and scaleups in Halifax and to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. Learn more www.halifaxpartnership.com and www.halifaxinnovationdistrict.com.  

Two Igloos is an innovation and customer strategy consultancy based in Canada and the U.K.  A blend of critical thinking, creative design and commercial rigor allows Two Igloos tackle challenges in a holistic way to create impactful yet practical solutions for their clients, creating new products and services customers love.

Volta (formerly Volta Labs) is one of Canada’s largest innovation hubs, located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. Volta is a space where members of the Atlantic Canadian innovation ecosystem can work, connect and learn from one another by accessing Co-Working Space, participating in programs and attending events. Volta has been home to more than 50 startups through its Residency program, which has created more than 300 jobs and raised a combined total of $60-million in equity financing. Learn more at voltaeffect.com. 

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