West-Can HR is excited to introduce the newest member of our team, joining us at the beginning of June, our HR Generalist Heavenlee!
Born and raised right here in Brandon, Manitoba, she has deep roots in the community and a strong appreciation for the people who call it home. She’s excited to continue building her career in the same city that shaped her, and to support local employers and job seekers alike.
With a Business Administration Diploma from Assiniboine College (2019) and a Red Seal Cosmetologist certification (2017), she brings a uniquely well-rounded blend of business expertise, creativity, and people-focused insight.
Over the past six years, she has built an impressive HR foundation across both Federal and Municipal offices, gaining hands-on experience that strengthens our growing team.
And guess what? Just this November, Heavenlee earned her Registered Professional Recruiter (RPR) designation from the Association of Professional Recruiters of Canada — another great addition to our recruitment expertise!
One of her favourite parts of working at West-Can HR is strategically matching great people with great employers.
She genuinely enjoys the satisfaction of placing the right person in the right role, and seeing the shared happiness that comes with a successful fit.
Outside the workplace, she’s a proud mom to a very busy toddler, which keeps home life lively, in the best way. She loves spending time with her family and friends, getting creative with crafting projects, or getting cozy with Netflix.
Please join us in welcoming her to West-Can HR! We’re thrilled to have her on board and excited for the expertise, warmth, and energy she brings to our community.
Soft Skills: The Foundation of Employability
By: Sangeetha Kavasseri
In today’s rapidly changing work environment, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Employers are increasingly looking for professionals who combine knowledge with strong soft skills, the interpersonal qualities that determine how effectively we communicate, collaborate, and adapt.
Why Soft Skills Matter
Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence play a crucial role in day-to-day success. They influence how we interact with colleagues, manage challenges, and contribute to the organization’s goals. In fact, studies show that soft skills often make the biggest difference in achieving long-term career growth.
Building and Strengthening Soft Skills
Unlike technical skills, soft skills are best developed through continuous practice and real-life experiences. Some effective ways to enhance them include:
- Workshops and Training: Short sessions on communication, leadership, or conflict resolution help employees reflect and improve.
- Mentorship and Feedback: Learning from peers or mentors encourages self-awareness and professional development.
- Team Projects: Working across departments builds adaptability and collaboration.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly evaluating how we handle situations improves emotional intelligence and empathy.
The Takeaway
While technical skills may open the door to new opportunities, it’s soft skills that help individuals thrive, lead, and build lasting careers. Investing in these abilities not only enhances personal employability but also strengthens the overall culture and performance of the organization.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Opportunities to Support Youth Employment
By: Heavenlee Prawdzik
Youth unemployment in both Brandon and across Canada is becoming an increasingly urgent concern for employers and community leaders. Since 2022, unemployment among youth has steadily worsened, climbing to 14% in 2025, a significant jump from the 10% average seen in previous years. Rates such as these are traditionally associated with periods of recession, as such we are currently witnessing the highest unemployment rates since 1990.
Several factors are driving this shift. The most notable is the sharp rise in the population of young temporary residents, which has outpaced the number of available entry-level roles. In Brandon specifically, labour demand has slowed at the same time the young population has grown rapidly, creating a widening gap between job seekers and opportunities.
At the same time, the landscape of youth employment sectors is changing. Retail, which historically employed the most youth, is now playing a smaller role in the youth labour market, while automation and AI continue to replace or restructure roles in retail, hospitality, and administration. Examples like self-checkout systems replacing cashier positions highlight how quickly entry-level jobs are being absorbed by evolving technologies. Youth are overrepresented in these vulnerable sectors, making them disproportionately affected by these shifts.
Despite the challenges, small businesses play a critical role in improving youth employment outcomes. Local employers can make a measurable difference by:
· Offering structured entry-level or seasonal opportunities with clear training components
- Hiring for potential rather than past experience
- Creating hybrid roles that blend customer service, merchandising, or basic digital tasks
- Partnering with schools, newcomer organizations, or employment programs
- Providing mentorship, regular feedback, and skill-building support
By taking small but intentional steps, the business community can help strengthen Brandon’s workforce, support the next generation of talent, and create a more stable pipeline of early-career workers. Addressing youth unemployment is not only an economic priority, it’s an investment in the long-term vitality of the local labour market.
Gen Z is facing the worst youth unemployment rate in decades. Here is how it’s different | CBC News.
Brandon Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee
– December 5, 2025
Santa Land
– December 6, 2025
Chamber Holiday Mixer
– December 11, 2025
Brandon Career Symposium – Save the Date!
– March 17-18, 2026
Assiniboine College Employer Showcase Series 2025
Rob and Regina attended Assiniboine College’s Employer Showcase Series on November 13, 2025, where they connected with aspiring students and shared practical insights on employability and tips from employers to help them succeed in their careers.
What made this event even more engaging was how prepared the students were, asking questions about how organizations like ours can help them get ready for the workforce, what skills they should focus on while finishing their studies, and what recruiters are specifically looking for on resumes.
Events like this are a great way for us to stay connected with the community and support the next generation of talent
United Way Spook-a-ghetti 2025
Team West-Can HR came out in full Zorro spirit for the United Way Halloween event — masks, laughs, and all! We had a fantastic time joining the spooky fun while supporting a cause that truly makes a difference in our community. Big thanks to Victoria Inn for the delicious lunch and their super accommodating staff!
Take Our Kids to Work Day 2025
As part of Brandon School Division’s Take Our Kids to Work Day, West-Can HR was excited to participate and host two students from Crocus High School, Priyamvada Arun and Darissa Lerengine.
Both students got a firsthand look at what an office environment is like and what our team does day-to-day. They also had the chance to work on some basic documentation, try out tools like MS Office, and get a quick introduction to the recruitment process: from reviewing resumes to seeing how we screen candidates and match them with the right opportunities.
It was a fun, hands-on day, and we loved giving them a little glimpse into the world of HR!
