With technological advancements and the impact of AI, global businesses are grappling with the challenges of recruiting top early-career talent in a time and cost-efficient manner. If you’re a startup in Canada, you’re likely facing similar hurdles in securing the right interns. With insights from our Canadian partners, we’re delving into the strategies to help overcome these challenges and build a remote talent pipeline for your Canadian startup.
According to the Korn Ferry analysis, the talent shortage and skills gap in the U.S. alone are predicted to leave 85 million unfilled jobs and a loss of $8.5 trillion by 2030. For startups, this intensifies the challenge of competing with larger corporations to attract and keep top talent.
A strategic move adopted by global employers to address this issue is the shift towards skills-based hiring and supporting student pathways through internship programs. It's a collaborative effort between companies and educational institutions, aiming to boost students' employability and cultivate a fresh talent pipeline that startups can tap into to navigate the hiring challenges.
Hosting successful internship programs begins with the creation of clear internship projects. Transparent communication sets the stage for success, ensuring that expectations are clear, and project scopes are well-defined. This not only helps you as a supervisor to manage and achieve the best from hosting the internship but also leaves a positive impression on interns.
These emerging professionals value opportunities to gain industry knowledge and enhance their career readiness competencies. In fact, 94% of employees express a preference for companies committed to continuous learning. Beyond just the placement program, the key lies in ongoing training and development initiatives. These investments not only attract stellar interns but also play a role in retaining them for the long haul.
The flexibility work is gaining momentum, with 46% of tech pros contemplating leaving organizations lacking this flexibility. GenZ, now entering the job market, operates in a world of multiple commitments. Flexibility is not just a perk for them; it's a necessity, allowing them to navigate their diverse responsibilities seamlessly.
GenZ candidates aren’t just looking for a job but also seeking a cultural fit. By showcasing the company’s values, you can attract interns who resonate with your vision. In competitive job opportunities, your company culture is what stands out and guides potential interns to a workplace where they not only contribute but also belong.
Canadian SMEs can’t afford to overlook the power of building strong ties with career services and active participation in career fairs. These avenues serve as direct pipelines to the budding talent pool.
Supporting student pathways from classrooms to the workplace is a strategic move for startups. It lays the foundation for a well-structured talent acquisition route that ensures transition for future interns. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges, which, if you’ve been seeking a collaboration with an educational institution, you may already understand.
When it comes to spreading the word, don't underestimate the power of social media. Platforms like LinkedIn are goldmines for talent. LinkedIn is beyond just merely a job board, it’s where your company can engage with the community, showcase your company’s culture, and let potential interns see everything behind the brand name.
Candidates often turn to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to build professional connections and seek employment opportunities. Leverage these social channels to showcase your brand. Build trust by spotlighting the faces behind the screen, sharing your company's mission, and illustrating its values. This approach helps interns get a genuine feel for the cultures and values. It's not just about finding any intern; it's about finding the right fit for your unique company.
At Virtual Internships, we partner with diverse educational providers worldwide to ensure the continuous flow of talent cohorts throughout the year. Internships are no longer confined to the summer since year-round work-based learning is becoming a new norm. Our approach also simplifies the process for educational institutions to recognize startups like yours as valuable internship placements.
This collaborative effort offers unique access for Canadian startups to diverse pools of early career talent to navigate the competitive job market. This isn’t just a short-term placement but also an opportunity to build and nurture your potential talent pipeline.
Our educational partners cover all the fees for the students so there’s no additional cost required from your end. However, hosting internships requires more than just a clear project plan. It demands your investing time and effort into mentoring and providing training to guide emerging talents through their initial steps into the professional world. It’s a win-win scenario. Introducing an intern to your business will not only equip them with real-world experiences but also bring fresh and unbiased perspectives to your operations.
Our innovative platform streamlines the entire process, from setting up interviews to making job offers. With over 250 templates, feedback mechanisms, coaching calls, and expert webinars aligned with NACE career readiness competencies, we ensure a seamless journey for both interns and your company, without requiring additional resources.
We currently have an exclusive cohort of skilled Canada-based interns seeking placements in Canadian companies. This program is fully funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) for Canadian businesses. These emerging professionals are ready to support your projects in areas like Cybersecurity, Web Development, Data Science, and Data Analytics. It's an opportunity to infuse your projects with fresh perspectives and cutting-edge skills.
Don't miss out. Sign up now for early access to this select pool of interns and transform your projects into success stories.
Discover how early career hiring can revolutionize your workforce planning strategy by developing a dynamic talent pipeline for future demands.
Explore how mentoring cybersecurity interns through skills-based internships can bridge the talent gap and cultivate the skilled future talent pool.
Discover insights on navigating a local talent shortage and embracing remote talent with The Internship Equation Report 2024. Download now.