Areva
Innovative Practice/Initiative: Attracting and Retaining a Young Workforce
Organisation Profile
AREVA Resources Canada ("ARC"), with its head office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is a world leading uranium exploration, mining and milling company. We operate the McClean Lake Operation as well as the Cluff Lake mine, which is being decommissioned. ARC is a partner in the McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill, and the Cigar Lake project.
In 2009 and 2010, ARC stopped mining and milling operations at McClean Lake. Over two hundred positions had to be terminated from all over the Company, unionized and out-of-scope, leaving just over one hundred positions at McClean Lake and just over two hundred in Saskatoon. Though the impact on morale and retention has been a real factor, there is continued optimism. The energy and enthusiasm of our young workforce has been a major contributor in allowing us to recover from our losses and turn towards a very bright future. The next section describes a number of initiatives undertaken that have had lasting, positive impacts on AREVA Resources Canada.
The Organisation's Initiative
Innovations in attracting and retaining a young workforce.
Considering all the demand for talent that existed in 2008, AREVA Resources Canada knew that it had to stand out from the crowd in the rush for new graduates at key Canadian Universities. We knew that the draw to greener pastures would be a constant factor, too, so we laid the foundation for a long-term strategy to gain, and keep, the attention of the best and brightest young talent. Here a few examples:
We launched a Campus Ambassadors program at the University of Saskatchewan, asking summer students to wear our colours, hand out pens, talk about their experiences, host on-campus events with AREVA experts and generate a lot of positive buzz in their respective colleges. And even though these people are no longer formally ambassadors, they continue to promote AREVA near and far.
We took a fresh look at how we presented ourselves at career fairs, and went out of our way for a new style, company shirts and vests, a bright new look to our displays and materials, and we got rid of the table and chairs, choosing instead to engage face to face with our prospective employees.
Facebook and YouTube became our allies as we jumped headfirst into social media. From advertising our attendance at career fairs to promoting our operations and our people, we were 'out there' even when we were in the office! Students responded, specifically looking for us among the 100's of companies.
We host special events to welcome summer students and to bid them farewell. Attended by senior management and their supervisors, these events go a long ways in fostering strong connections and to demonstrate how much we appreciate everyone's contributions.
Considering the long-term potential of our summer workforce, we continue to offer casual contracts to students so they can contribute during the school months, get some needed cash, and we are pleased to welcome some back every year as experienced contributors to our operations and projects. Their energy is always welcome. Some join us full-time upon graduation, already starting with months or even years of practical experience.
We maintain an active social club for all employees. We value our employees' engagements with volunteer organizations, and we participate actively in a number of local charity events annually. It's okay to have fun at work!
Flexible work hours and time off for special events also make our workplace desirable. Even our business casual dress code keeps our workplace relaxed and our people energized.
The theme throughout this program is one of valued relationships. Our young workforce knows that we value them because we don't just talk about our culture, we define it, and therefore, we will continue to retain and attract the best talent that will drive AREVA forward.
Evidence of Impacts
Engagement and relationships with the University is stronger than ever; hundreds of applications received for summer positions and new grad positions
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Our retention rates for new graduates is excellent
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Our social networking sites continue to attract the attention of students and employees
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AREVA's survey results show sustained support from all regions of the Province.
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Have a look at our websites for more information on how we are continuing to engage
