HR practices at the City of Cambridge recognized by WRIEN

CAMBRIDGE, ON - Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) recently presented the City of Cambridge with an "Employer Best Practices" award in recognition of the municipality's work in attracting, recruiting and retaining internationally trained professionals. WRIEN is a collaborative of employers, agencies, governments, educators and foreign trained professionals that builds cooperative strategies to enhance Waterloo Region's reputation as a welcoming community to foreign trained professionals.

"We are honoured to be recognized for our work in areas that support the acknowledgment and advancement of a diversity of people," says George Vandermey, Director of Human Resources Services. "As an employer in a very diverse community, it's important for us to continue to demonstrate the opportunities for everyone and to develop programs that enhance opportunities for workforce development when they join our team."

The City of Cambridge currently employs about 600 people and works to attract the best talent from around the world. Special corporate initiatives that were highlighted include: teaming up with the YMCA to offer a mentoring partnership program; offering internship partnerships for new Canadians at Conestoga College in conjunction with WRIEN; and, supporting the YMCA's Cultural Diversity Program to promote harmony, respect for diversity, and to foster collaboration among individuals groups and organizations.

Through these initiatives, the City of Cambridge has been able to reach out to the local community and to the potential talent throughout the world. As well, staff takes pride in continuing to promote the need to understand, embrace, and accommodate cultural differences in the workplace.

Last October, the City of Cambridge was also applauded for its programs to support employment opportunities for newcomers and immigrants by the Employment Facilitation Network of Cambridge and North Dumfries.