KAMLOOPS – Human resource management students at Thompson Rivers University are gearing up to offer their expertise to local non-profits.

The business students, now in their final year of studies, have their tools ready: programs to recruit and select employees/volunteers, programs to enhance employee performance and programs which help retain and inspire employees.

“The feedback from former clients has been very positive with most implementing most or all of the students’ recommendations,” explained the students’ instructor, Richard Roy, who describes the activity as a win-win situation.

“The students learn the best and latest practices in recruitment, retention, compensation and training and have a great deal to offer. It also provides them with hands-on experience,” he said.

The class is looking for four or five non-profit organizations that need HR help. Projects would start in the new year and wind up in April.

“The process we follow is an initial meeting with the client to identify their HR needs. This could be in recruiting and training volunteers, designing and delivering training programs, designing compensation programs, or what have you. Students then research the literature and look at comparable employers for”best” practices, they compare these practices to their clients’ and make recommendations for improvement,” explained Roy.

The project, now in its fourth year, has had very good response. Students have worked on such projects as developing a performance management program for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and making recommendations for best HR practices for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Child Development Centre.

“This was an excellent experience for us,” said Doug Gibson, Executive Director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. “As a small non-profit organization we don’t have the resources to undertake this kind of initiative. The students provided both recommendations and a plan for implementing a performance management program.”

Debra Frolek, Executive Director of the Child Development Centre was similarly enthusiastic about the students’ work.

“I was most impressed with scope and depth of the project. The document they produced is first class and I can’t wait to share the information with our directors.”

Her remarks were echoed by Marcia Wilson, Executive Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, who enthused that “This was an excellent experience for us.”

“As a small non-profit organization we don’t have the resources to undertake this kind of initiative. I was totally impressed with the final outcome. What a treat to look through the document and find everything I need,” she added.

The deadline for applications is January 8. Local employers interested in participating in next year’s project may contact Roy at 371-5803 or email: rroy@tru.ca.