Responding to the world refugee crisis is not just the responsibility of governments and world leaders. Private sector employers are emerging as influential and critical leaders in finding long-term solutions for the integration of refugees. Employers in countries on the frontlines of welcoming refugees are helping in the best way they know how: providing employment opportunities. Beyond corporate social responsibility, employers that recognize the experience, talents and skills many refugees bring to the workforce, will be in greater position to meet and respond to growing labour market needs.

Join Anki Elken, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs at Randstad Sweden Group (Stockholm, Sweden) in a learning exchange with Merissa Preston, Training Liaison at LiUNA! Local 506 (Toronto, Canada), to discuss the successful models of employer leadership in providing refugees with meaningful employment. Learn how each organization is meeting skills and labour shortages through programs aimed at actively recruiting and integrating refugees into the workforce.
This webinar is part of Refugees Jobs Agenda: a webinar series exploring refugees and labour market integration hosted by Hire Immigrants, Cities of Migration and Bertelsmann Stiftung

Speakers

Anki Elken , Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs, Randstad Sweden Group (Stockholm, Sweden)

Anki Elken is the Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs at the Sweden office of Randstad, the second largest sourcing (staffing) company worldwide. She is also a board member for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Sweden, focusing on diversity and inclusion in the corporate framework. Anki has worked at the Swedish Migration Board, the government agency responsible for determining permits for individuals to live and work in Sweden. Previously, she was the Chairperson for the Swedish Women’s Lobby, where she championed issues related to women’s rights and sustainability. Anki has 25 years of experience addressing diversity, inclusion and human rights in the workplace.

Merissa Preston, Training Liaison, LiUNA! Local 506 (Toronto, Canada)

Merissa Preston is the Training Liaison at LiUNA! Local 506, one of Canada’s leading labour unions. Merissa has over 15 years’ experience facilitating labour market entry in the construction industry for persons facing employment barriers. Since joining the Union in 2013, Merissa works with the Training Centre team to build capacity, increase apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and provides training to various community groups throughout the Toronto area. Merissa is currently on the Board of Directors of the Toronto Community Benefits Network and the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club and is a participant in the 2017 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Previously, Merissa was the coordinator of the Hammer Heads Program that supports youth from the 13 priority neighbourhoods in the City of Toronto enter the trades industry.

Technical Requirements

No cost to participate. You will need a computer with internet access and speakers. Pre-test System Requirements. Adobe Connect requires the Flash Player plugin, download version 13.0 or above to run.

Refugees Jobs Agenda Webinar Series

This webinar is part of Refugees Jobs Agenda: a webinar series exploring refugees and labour market integration hosted by Hire Immigrants, Cities of Migration and Bertelsmann Stiftung

Sessions:
• Refugees Jobs Agenda: Kick-starting Employer Action
• Refugees Jobs Agenda: Rethinking Employer Role and Leadership
• Refugees Jobs Agenda:  From Welcoming Cities to Welcoming Economies
• Refugees Jobs Agenda: Entrepreneurship Offers Employment Pathways