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skills, strong spatial perception and an understanding of the interactions
between equipment parts. These are individuals who
possess natural technical aptitudes – something that written and
other theoretical assessments simply cannot evaluate.
A new method that HR professionals and recruiters are using
to assess high-skill manufacturing talent – operators, mechanics,
millwrights, maintenance, electricians, electro-technicians,
etc. – is administering simulator assessments. These intense,
90-minute simulation assessments can identify the strongest
technical employees prior to hire, evaluate incumbents to confirm
and diagnose the quality of current maintenance and operation
teams and identify the best employees in cases of downsizing
operations.
Depending on the job position, simulator assessments involve
a series of standardized tests of various complexities for
mechanics, operators and electricians. Trained assessment administrators
perform the simulation tests at client locations
to assess candidates’ skills. During a series of timed, simulated
tasks, the candidates have to resolve malfunctions in the most
logical way and shortest time possible.
After the assessments, employers receive a report detailing
observations made during the test. Based on these results, the
report makes recommendations on the suitability of candidates
for the specific position(s).
The assessment simulator tests help to eliminate uncertainty
in hiring. Employers no longer merely “hope” that candidates will
have the talent to perform on the floor since the assessments provide
the data employers need to make smart hires that are solidly
backed up by proven success factors.
MANY CANADIAN MANAGERS WORK 11 HOURS
OR MORE PER DAY
Almost 70 per cent of Canadian office workers and managers
report working more than 40 hours a week, and the majority consider
the office the most productive place to get work done. But
employers need to take action to ensure it remains an inspiring,
motivating environment. This is according to the second annual
Workplace Index conducted by Staples Business Advantage, the
business-to-business division of Staples, Inc.
Forty-three per cent of Canadians say they’re working longer
hours simply to catch up on work they couldn’t tackle during an
eight-hour day, with 22 per cent working 11 hours or more per
day. That workload is taking a toll. Consider:
■■ Sixty-eight per cent of Canadians say their workplace has
contributed to stress
■■ More than one-quarter of Canadians cite the volume of their
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TELEPHONE416 204 3284EMAILTGardiner@cpacanada.ca
14 ❚ SEPTEMBER 2016 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL
15-183_EN_CPAsource_halfpageead_7x4.indd 1 10/22/2015 9:40:57 AM