Issue 3/03 – 5 March 2003
Welcome
By Capt Vance White
Welcome to Recruiter's Corner, a new section of
Canadian Forces Personnel Newsletter.
Every issue, we will be keeping you informed about new policies
and initiatives affecting recruiting, and about events where our
efforts are concentrated. We will also offer you opportunities to
better understand how recruiting works, and information about some
exciting 'second careers' within the CF.
What's new?
One of the major changes in Canadian Forces Recruitment
Group (CFRG) is our size.
Since 1999, our numbers are up as a result of our
expanded recruiting drive/campaign, and heightened awareness of
employment opportunities offered within the CF. We've grown
from about 670 Regular, Reserve and civilian staff to more than
1 000. Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) has
shown the most growth – the number of staff has increased
to 350, allowing an annual capacity of 4 800 non-commissioned members
and 1 200 officers on basic training courses.
Not only have we grown in numbers, but our footprint
is expanding as well. We are opening new offices in locations allowing
us to better serve the communities from which we attract recruits.
As well, we are upgrading and renovating our current recruiting
offices to better serve our clients and to ensure we look the part
of an “employer of choice” – competing successfully
with private sector companies begins with positive first impressions.
How are we doing so far?
Most of you are aware of the recruiting drive that
began in summer 2001. Our recruiters have been very busy since then.
In the first year of the campaign, our intake rose
from the previous five-year (fiscal year (FY)) average of 8 100
Regular Force, Primary Reserve and Cadet Instructor Cadre members
to more than 11 100 (about half of whom were Reg Force).
For the current year ending March 31, we again expect
to reach our target of 11 000. In fact, this year more than 7 000
of the intake will be Reg Force. Although the official intake plan
for FY 03/04 has not yet been confirmed, we do not expect to have
to bring in more than 10 000 people, largely due to our success
over the past two years.
What about ‘distressed' occupations?
When the campaign was launched in 2001, more than
25 NCM trades and 10 Officer occupations were considered significantly
understrengthed. Now, most occupations are stable and are getting
their recruits and officer cadets through occupation training.
The occupations that remain our biggest challenge
are Navy technical trades and Medical staff officer occupations
– but we're working on that.
What next?
Later this spring, expect to see a follow-up publication
to the YOU make the difference! You are our best recruiters pamphlet.
We will be providing the newest information in a consolidated format
so that you can give up-to-date information to prospective applicants
and point them in the right direction – to our recruiters,
to be enrolled as the next generation of the CF.
Capt White is a Public Affairs
Officer with CFRG.
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