SCP operates like a broker or intermediary on behalf of our portfolio companies by doing all the upfront engagement and marketing to the local community programs/agencies. As a step in the due diligence process for potential investments, we assess the community employment agencies that can best deliver the profile of employees that the franchise investment requires.
In assessing the suitability of the agency, there are a number of criteria we examine:
- Core competency in developing and delivering pre-employment training, employment preparation programming, candidate screening and delivering retention supports
- Agencies that have a good understanding of the profiles they serve, and can demonstrate that these profiles align with the employment opportunities provided by our portfolio companies
- Track record in delivering programs that may be a good fit for employers. Existing programs that we have worked with include Job Connect, Ontario Works, and the Targeted Wage subsidy program.
- Sufficient capacity to deliver candidates consistent with the employer's projected needs, either working alone or in collaboration with other partners
Once SCP identifies a preliminary list of agencies, we contact individual agencies to identify their interest in working with us, as well as examining to what extent they meet the above criteria. We typically engage agencies at the executive director or employment manager level to secure their buy-in and commitment to working with the local franchise location. We will also work closely with employment counselors and job developers to come to a shared understanding of the employer's specific hiring needs, and share learning from our experience in other regions we have worked in.
When the employer is initially looking to hire, SCP can help facilitate the process with the agency, including providing job descriptions and clarifying any specific candidate requirements. Agencies usually send screened resumes directly to the employer, who may provide feedback to the agency directly or indirectly through SCP. During the process, SCP can also provide support around the hiring process as requested by the employer and/or agency. The eventual goal, however, is to broker and strengthen the relationship between the employer and the key agencies and to eventually minimize the role of SCP as a "middle man".
SCP primarily works with an average of 2-5 agencies in each of the locations in which we have our franchise investments. These include colleges (that deliver the Job Connect program), municipal government (such as departments that deliver Ontario Works), independent nonprofits (including the YMCA and Goodwill Industries), and other related organizations. We also work through employment networks such as the Durham Regional Employment Network and Onestep. As our franchise investments scale up geographically, we will continue to build our database of contacts with employment service agencies. If you're interested in working with us, please contact us and let us know.