Our Initiatives

Leveraging the expertise and experience of our members and partners, we offer new ideas, spark debates, and inspire action that leads to sustainable change. Explore our work by areas of focus below.

Initiative

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-integrated learning (WIL) prepares the next generation of workers through hands-on experience and skills development. WIL gives employers access to fresh ideas and new talent pipelines, and builds a more productive inclusive, and job-ready workforce. BHER is committed to ensuring that every post-secondary student in Canada gets a WIL opportunity before they graduate.

Man in wheelchair with laptop on lap in modern office outdoor setting, smiling.

Initiative

Accessibility

Persons with disabilities are a vital and underutilized talent pool who deserve inclusive work opportunities. BHER and its members are committed to supporting the Government of Canada’s goal to make workplaces barrier-free for persons with disabilities by 2040.

Two workers one training the other in safety vests and equipment.

Initiative

Upskilling + Reskilling

Upskilling and reskilling helps workers retain jobs or transition to new ones. BHER is committed to supporting business-higher education upskilling and/or reskilling partnerships that help employers and the economy stay up to date, make productivity gains, and benefit from the latest training and technology.

Woman looking up at screens looking optimistic about technology.

Initiative

Technology + AI Adoption

Canada’s technology adoption lag and AI hesitancy mean an opportunity for growth, but only if we can overcome what’s causing it. Businesses and post-secondary institutions need to collaborate earlier, more, and across different sectors. BHER is committed to help.

Woman putting post-it notes on glass during brainstorm session at work.

Initiative

Productivity + Innovation

Canada continues to outperform our OECD peer countries on post-secondary attainment and research excellence. We also continue to come last on most productivity, innovation, and growth metrics. Something needs to change. BHER is committed to facilitating collaborations between the business and higher education sectors to help make Canada a productivity and innovation leader.

International students working with 3D printer in classroom setting.

Initiative

International Talent

Engaging and retaining international talent is key to addressing regional, provincial, and national labour market needs. BHER and its members are at the forefront of Canada’s international talent strategy and are committed to developing partnerships and projects that build career pathways for international talent.

Man in safety vest working on installing solar panels in field.

Initiative

Net-Zero

A green skills-equipped workforce is key to meeting sustainability commitments and remaining globally competitive. BHER and its members are committed to increasing access to green career pathways and ensuring that both new and experienced workers have the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in Canada's net-zero transition.