Companies are recognizing it’s critical to prepare future HR leaders
HR education is finally coming into its own. About 10 years ago, you’d be hard pressed to find people making large investments into HR education, however corporate executives are waking up and realizing the value in such an investment.
“The role and scope of an HR practitioner is changing and our understanding is that it takes a lot of planning to equip corporate Canada with students who have strong HR skills,” said Dave Cole, vice-president of HR for United Parcel Service Canada (UPS).
UPS recently donated almost $40,000 to York University in Toronto to expand its HR program. York plans to put this grant towards an annual HR workshop and lecture series that will focus on HR technology. The first workshop is scheduled for March 2003. Workshop topics will include the latest HR software, online recruitment strategies and tools, and electronic payroll systems.
Cole said technology is being used as an important tool to strengthen the HR function.
“The program at York links quite nicely with what we’re doing at UPS and how we do business around the globe. Given the critical role technology plays in business, UPS is pleased to help ensure today’s students are well-equipped to leverage current technologies as they enter the workforce.”
UPS has had a long partnership with York, a close affiliation influenced by the proximity of the two organizations. UPS set up its headquarters right across from York, four years ago, and has since sent a number of employees back to school to pursue higher education. In return many graduating York students have completed internships at UPS. In 2001, the company decided to step up its contribution.
“They approached us first and said they wanted to get more involved,” said Monica Belcourt, York University’s HRM program co-ordinator. “It (UPS’ donation) really says something for the students...we believe it will increase the employability of York students.”
This investment is a strong signal that corporations believe HR is critical to the success of the business, she added.
And UPS is making sure the initiative goes beyond the standard cheque signing.
“There’s a certain responsibility we have with giving money. We want to stay engaged and involved. We don’t want to walk away after handing over the cheque,” Cole said. “Companies like UPS have a vested interest in actively volunteering at educational institutions as these students will be the future business leaders.”
In support of its philanthropic mandate, six HR employees including Cole will volunteer their time to York students through workshops, guest speaking engagements and management training courses. Cole will also be joining York’s HR advisory board. This participation ensures students can balance theory and real world experience, he said.
“The role and scope of an HR practitioner is changing and our understanding is that it takes a lot of planning to equip corporate Canada with students who have strong HR skills,” said Dave Cole, vice-president of HR for United Parcel Service Canada (UPS).
UPS recently donated almost $40,000 to York University in Toronto to expand its HR program. York plans to put this grant towards an annual HR workshop and lecture series that will focus on HR technology. The first workshop is scheduled for March 2003. Workshop topics will include the latest HR software, online recruitment strategies and tools, and electronic payroll systems.
Cole said technology is being used as an important tool to strengthen the HR function.
“The program at York links quite nicely with what we’re doing at UPS and how we do business around the globe. Given the critical role technology plays in business, UPS is pleased to help ensure today’s students are well-equipped to leverage current technologies as they enter the workforce.”
UPS has had a long partnership with York, a close affiliation influenced by the proximity of the two organizations. UPS set up its headquarters right across from York, four years ago, and has since sent a number of employees back to school to pursue higher education. In return many graduating York students have completed internships at UPS. In 2001, the company decided to step up its contribution.
“They approached us first and said they wanted to get more involved,” said Monica Belcourt, York University’s HRM program co-ordinator. “It (UPS’ donation) really says something for the students...we believe it will increase the employability of York students.”
This investment is a strong signal that corporations believe HR is critical to the success of the business, she added.
And UPS is making sure the initiative goes beyond the standard cheque signing.
“There’s a certain responsibility we have with giving money. We want to stay engaged and involved. We don’t want to walk away after handing over the cheque,” Cole said. “Companies like UPS have a vested interest in actively volunteering at educational institutions as these students will be the future business leaders.”
In support of its philanthropic mandate, six HR employees including Cole will volunteer their time to York students through workshops, guest speaking engagements and management training courses. Cole will also be joining York’s HR advisory board. This participation ensures students can balance theory and real world experience, he said.
