Tuesday, April 1

Workforce Realities in Rural Communities: Understanding the Gaps

Part of the Bridging the Diversity Disconnect collection

Explore hiring & retention challenges in rural communities and discover practical steps to bridge employment gaps & create opportunities.

By ASPECT BC

Date and time

Tuesday, April 1 · 5 - 7pm UTC

Location

Online

About this event

Event lasts 2 hours

Many rural communities face ongoing workforce challenges—employers struggle to find and retain workers, while skilled job seekers remain underemployed. Indigenous individuals, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented job seekers bring valuable skills and fresh perspectives to workplaces, yet persistent barriers—such as misconceptions, accessibility challenges, discrimination and hiring practices—limit opportunities.

In this session, we’ll break down what’s working, what’s not, and what practical steps can improve hiring and retention in rural areas. Whether you work directly with job seekers or support employers in workforce development, you’ll leave with insights and strategies to help bridge employment gaps and create more sustainable job opportunities for your clients.

All sessions are free to attend

Accommodations Available: Each session will include ASL/FSL interpretation and language captioning to ensure accessibility for all participants.

Audience: Employers, Career Development Professionals (CDPs), and Community Leaders

Presented by: ASPECT, in partnership with Free Rein Associates Training Ltd. and Life Strategies Ltd.

ASPECT, in partnership with Free Rein Associates Training Ltd. and Life Strategies Ltd., presents Bridging the Diversity Disconnect: Steps Toward Workforce Success. This series builds on the Diversity Disconnect research project, which originally focused on the employment experiences of Indigenous individuals and persons with disabilities, to share lived experiences, lessons learned, and actionable next steps for employers, Career Development Professionals (CDPs), and community leaders supporting underrepresented workers—particularly in rural and remote communities

This session aligns with the National Competency Profile for Career Development Professionals and is eligible for Career Certification® education units.

4. Diversity and Inclusion

13 Awareness of Diverse Worldviews

6. Professional Development

Frequently asked questions

Who should attend this session?

This series is designed for CDPs, employers, service providers, and workforce professionals who support hiring, retention, and employment development, especially for underrepresented groups.

Will this session provide specific solutions for my industry?

While the session focuses on broader workforce challenges in rural areas, it will include practical strategies that can be adapted across various industries.

Is this session only for those working in rural communities?

While we focus on research from the Diversity Disconnect project, the findings are useful for anyone navigating workforce challenges and inclusive hiring, regardless of location.

Do I have to attend all sessions?

Nope! You can choose to attend individual sessions that best align with your interests and needs or join the full series for a comprehensive perspective.

Organized by

ASPECT BC

The Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training (ASPECT) provides leadership, professional development, advocacy and representation support of community-based workforce development service providers.