Taking care of business during COVID-19


As the province begins to reopen, McMaster, other local postsecondary schools and a number of community partners have developed a series of online sessions called Taking Care of Business, designed to support and connect with local employers as they get back on their feet and, potentially, start to hire new employees.

“Taking Care of Business is an opportunity to discuss the different ways employers can connect with us to meet their hiring needs. We have a pool of candidates ready to make a difference in our community,” explains Gisela Oliveira, associate director of career and employment at McMaster’s Student Success Centre. “We can work together to maintain the number of jobs in Hamilton for our students and alumni.”

The series is hosted by McMaster, Mohawk College, Redeemer University, Workforce Planning Hamilton, Hamilton Economic Development, CityLab and Chamber of Commerce.

As well as helping students and new graduates bridge the gap between school and employment, Taking Care of Business helps ensure that employers are aware of the community supports that are available as they navigate the shifting workplace requirements of COVID-19.

“As Hamilton is soon to join the rest of the province in stage two of reopening, our attention must shift to supporting employers with the right resources and information they need to enter into the recovery phase of the pandemic,” says Cassandra D’Ambrosio, manager of marketing and communications with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

Taking Care of Business will take place Thursday, June 18, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., on Zoom. The event will feature the following panels and sessions:

  • Community Partners Panel: Featuring Judy Travis (executive director, Workforce Planning Hamilton), Cassandra D’Ambrosio (manager of marketing and communications, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce)
  • Mini sessions: Funding Pot, Work-Integrated Learning, Virtual Onboarding and Future Workspaces
  • Ask the Expert: Participants can questions and seek advice during this optional Q&A session.

More information and registration can be found on OSCARplus.