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Occupational Standards, Labour Market, Skills Assessments and Certification Models
Arcus has substantial experience with Sector Councils and the challenges of
the skills trade transition that many industries are facing.Two Sector councils engaged Arcus in 2007 to provide long term pro-active workforce development and
manage Occupational Standards, Skills Training change management and human resources consulting services. The objectives of the projects
involve stakeholder relations and integrating messages to increase impact with stakeholder groups
with diverse interests.
Labour Market Research
Arcus provides labour market research and facilitative services to sector councils, employers, unions, government departments and community organizations to help understand labour market demand and supply dynamics, education standards, competencies and training. The focus of Arcus's services for labour market research is to strengthen the understanding of labour dynamics and drivers of productivity. Our client list includes Sector Councils of several manufacturing, service, energy industries, Human Resources Development Canada and several other government departments. Arcus's consultants regularly facilitate workshops for the Canadian civil service, notably for Public Works and Government Services, Transport Canada, the Department of Justice and the Canadian Security Establishment, and others.
Experience in certification models
Arcus has extensive experience in existing certification models that apply to
industrial-based sectors such as manufacturing, construction and utilities through our work on national skills
assessments, certification projects, Red Seal and skilled trade initiatives for sector councils in 2007-2008.
Experience/samples with project subject matter and deliverables:
One sector council client’s testimonial
(Director of Projects) of our approach included: “Arcus’ feedback on the challenges being faced by the industry, potential solutions and tactics to address these
challenges will provide the foundation for long term change in an industry that employs over 40,000 Canadians.
Your work provided a common framework that will engage employees at every level, complimented by support
materials and consultancy support. The proposed approach was practical without being overly prescriptive.”
Market research:
Our researchers, Merril Mascarenhas, David Johnston, Dr. Paul Nesbitt, Dr. Marianne Fedunkiw and Francine Burel have over 80 years of collective hands-on experience on major market research and strategy development projects in public and private sectors. We are committed to a data-driven and fact
based approach to understand the impact of occupational standards, skills training and productivity.
Industry associations: Arcus is a Corporate Member of the Human Resources Professionals Association
(HRPA), Market Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA) and Canadian Marketing Association (CMA).
Arcus also serves on the Energy Committee of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Arcus follows MRIA research standards for all Qualitative and Quantitative research projects.
Survey of the different certification models:
We have conducted surveys of the different certification models
available in Canada and other economies like the US, UK and Australia. A special emphasis is placed on existing
models that apply to child care sectors and that align closely to the skills assessment systems available through
provincial/territorial training and apprenticeship authorities. Part of this work also includes an analytical review of
the newly-developed Setting the Standard, a guide for the development of NOS, certification programs and
accreditation programs from The Alliance of Sector Councils.
Create and validate a DACUM chart
Arcus has experience with creation and validation of DACUM charts foroccupations based on a thorough evaluation of duties and tasks for occupations.
Essential Skills and occupational language benchmarks data collection will be done to validate the situation
analysis. We use proprietary research methodologies to analyze benchmarks for data collection of occupational
language for standards development. The competencies
associated with the job are supported with examples to
illustrate each skill via behavioural indicators or other forms of
criteria-based evidence. We rate the skills on three
dimensions: relative criticality, relative importance and the
frequency at which each skill is performed and related
importance and relevance of each skill. Arcus analyzes
authentic workplace documents or other materials that relate
to the concepts defined in the standards. Our experience has
been that occupations tend to have diverse descriptors
across provinces.
Certification
Arcus develops competency models,
assessments and e-learning to provide organizations with
certification programs. A properly developed and validated
certification program ensures individuals have mastered the
critical skills and knowledge identified in the competency
model and required for business success.
Training Development, Delivery, & Evaluation
Our competency-based training programs are based upon
professional job analysis yielding valid competency
models. Arcus’ functional approach to program design
ensures the training improves job performance.
Competency-based learning (CBL) provides a powerful
foundation for the construction of learning solutions
through targeting crucial skills and practices that directly
contribute to an organization's goals and business drivers.
Training and assessment
Arcus’ integrated approach to training and assessment is the
basis of our Systems View of Training that includes
competency modeling, functional context and competencybased
training, competency-based assessment and training
evaluation. The goal of our Systems View of Training is to align assessment and training with performance
improvement on the job and the mission of the organization. Arcus measurement experts conduct program and training evaluations to assist the organization in managing these programs and training so that the expenditure achieves a rapid and large return on investment.
Case Studies
Read more about how we helped clients address their most challenging organizational issues.
Services
- Transition management
- Facilitation services
- Understanding and dealing with
the human dimension of change
- Leadership
- Relationship building
- Team building
- Developing Mission,Vision and Values
- Communication skills
- Attract Quality Hires
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- Negotiation skills
- Management and supervisory training
- Succession Management
- Retain High Value Employees
- Motivate Older Workers to Stay
- Increase Employee Engagement
- Identify/Develop Talent
- Align Workforce with Business Strategy
- Knowledge Management
- Develop Leaders
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