Hamilton,
07
August
2020
|
10:48 AM
America/New_York

Employing Success - Fora Outdoor Living

Fora Outdoor Living, a new backyard showroom and garden centre in Ancaster, is home to City School’s mobile unit where participants are learning horticulture and landscaping.

Fora owner Marty Verhey didn’t hesitate to say yes when the opportunity came up. “City School is an amazing program,” said Verhey, who was immediately inspired when he heard College President Ron McKerlie speak about it.

City School encourages participants from disadvantaged communities to enrol in college or pursue a career. “It’s a great solution to the trades shortage,” said Verhey. “A wealth of people are available, but they just need a connection and exposure to the college.”

Verhey saw the power of Mohawk during his 10-year tenure in human resources at Hamilton structural steel fabricator Walters Group. He continues to work as a consultant for the company.

“Developing a close relationship just made sense because Mohawk is a strategic talent pipelinefor Walters.”

Verhey says securing and keeping talent requires that employers be creative and willing to build partnerships.

Walters employs Mohawk alumni throughout its operations – from technicians and technologists and engineers, to project managers and front-office staff.

That relationship included a partnership to establish the Mechanical Techniques Welding and Fabrication certificate program. That includes the Joint Venture Training Program in which students in the program work one day a week in the Walters shop.

“It’s essentially paid training and we have dedicated staff who are training them. They get directindustry training and we get a 10- to 12-weekworking interview.”

To learn more about Mohawk's partnering opportunies visit https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/industry-and-employers