At the same time Brock University helps prepare graduates to be contributors to the Canadian economy, it is also conducting research that examines what employers are looking for in their new hires.

A new policy brief set to be released by Brock’s Niagara Community Observatory sheds light on Niagara employers’ expectations of young job seekers.

The brief — “Is there a skills gap? Understanding what Niagara employers are looking for in recent graduates” — will be released Tuesday, Feb. 28 in a discussion at Brock. The document addresses questions such as how important soft skills and technical expertise are and if there’s a skills gap related to young workers in Niagara.

“This policy brief was based on a study that involved in-depth interviews with a wide variety of Niagara employers,” says Brock researcher and brief author Kate Cassidy.

“We wanted to get a deep understanding of their perception of what it means to be career-ready today and if they see a gap in the skills and credentials young people are bringing to the workforce.

“The goal of this project was to help identify what, if anything, is needed to improve the career-preparation of young people and what stakeholders are in the best position to be part of this process,” says Cassidy, who is also director of Brock’s Youth University.

Cassidy will be among those at a presentation and discussion of this research, co-sponsored by Youth University and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

What: “Mind the Gap” panel discussion on the research brief, “Is there a skills gap? Understanding what Niagara employers are looking for in recent graduates”

When: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 9 – 11 a.m.

Where: Pond Inlet, Brock University

Who: Kate Cassidy, director, Community Learning and Youth University at Brock University and author of the research brief. Panelists include: Mario De Divitiis, CEO of Niagara Workforce Planning Board, and Rachel Crane, chair of NEXTNiagara.

WHY: to help young job seekers, employers, educators, families, the community and others address the “skills gap” common in today’s job market

The NCO event is open to the public and media.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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