Published on 25th April 2024
The WEC Awards 2024 saw an impressive array of submissions showcasing the incredible work being done by WEC members across the globe. The winners were revealed on 24th April during a ceremony held within the framework of the World Employment Conference 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. Four categories were open to competition:
Leadership in Social Innovation: Kompetensföretagen (Sweden) – Empowering Integration: A Mentorship Program for New Arrivals in Sweden
This award recognises initiatives demonstrating exceptional leadership in creating positive social impact. The programme developed by Kompetensföretagen aims to enhance employment prospects for newly arrived, highly educated immigrants in Sweden by matching them with experienced recruiters providing them with the skills needed to navigate the job market and land positions in their fields of expertise. 33% of the participants secured relevant employment, while another 33% commenced internships. An additional 17% embarked on training programs aligned with their future career aspirations. In total, 56% of the participants made measurable progress towards employment. The mentorship program is a successful social innovation example because of its proven impact on individuals’ lives, its contribution to filling the skill gaps in the Swedish economy, and its promotion of an inclusive society that values diversity and integration.
Outstanding Advocacy: RCSA (Australia & New Zealand) – Campaign against changes to procurement by the New Zealand government of staffing services
This award celebrates efforts that have significantly contributed to impactful advocacy for the community or industry. In 2022, the government of New Zealand unexpectedly released a new tender for contract to supply staffing services across the whole of government, proposing a radically new pricing model. RCSA sprung to immediate action. What was different and unique to this campaign was a critical decision to engage the client side in advocacy from the outset. It took several rounds of negotiatons and relentless action from RCSA and its members to eventually revert the situation. This advocacy campaign has been a game changer in the way the New Zealand Government understands the role of the HR services industry in sourcing and securing talent, and in partnering with them to deliver quality talent outcomes.
Remarkable Initiative: APSO (South Africa) – Professionalising Staffing in South Africa
This award acknowledges outstanding projects and programs that have made a remarkable difference. APSO set up a comprehensive ecosystem of education to future-proof staffing professionals in South Africa. Combining an academic qualification framework and a continuous professional development program delivered through flexible learning platforms, APSO’s initiative delivers a curriculum that equips recruitment professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles and remain at the forefront of industry development. Nearly 1300 industry professionals underwent the programme and above 89% rated it overwhelmingly positive. With 75% female participation and a notable representation of youth demographics, APSO’s initiative is also making a significant contribution to reflecting the diversity of the South African workforce.
Trailblazer Award: Engma (China) – Innovation Conference
This award is a new category where WEC National Federation members could nominate their own members who have been trailblazers for the industry. Engma is a member of CAFST, WEC’s Chinese National Federation. In 2014, Engma launched an “Innovation Conference“, a two-day event that has grown to become one of the industry’s most anticipated and influential conferences. With over 8,000 attendees on-site and over 920,000 online participants, the “Innovation Conference” has positioned Engma as a trailblazer, making a significant contribution to the innovation potential of the Chinese HR services industry. Engma is also invested in several social responsibility projects such as the LoveZone Charity Foundation, which contribute to reducing poverty and providing humanitarian assistance.
The WEC Awards put the spotlight on the work of WEC’s national federation members in advancing the private employment services industry and the enhancement of labour markets. Winning a WEC Award is a great opportunity to showcase to industry peers, clients, partners and stakeholders the concrete contribution that private employment services organisations bring to society. Congratulations to the 2024 winners!
