Generic competitions are frequently used to staff CS positions, and are starting to be used by other groups and levels. Staffing through generic jobs is facilitated by the Agency's move to increased use of generic job descriptions. Middle Managers gain experience through participation in a Task Force designed to initiate a group of managers into tackling Agency issues and preparing an analysis and recommendations for presentation to the executive. Managers develop sensitivity to the various interests of many disparate groups in the organization, in addition they gain from the inter-group collaboration. STC employees interested in undertaking original research can apply to the Internal Research Sabbatical Program and be temporarily exempted from their own duties so as to pursue concentrated full-time research for up to a year.
Sabbaticals enhance research and analytical skills and facilitate mobility.
Professional Recruitment and Development Statistics Canada invests heavily in initial recruitment decisions by hiring employees who have potential, will and skills to adapt to change throughout their careers. The intake of new professionals, ES, MA, SI, and CS is under central management. A corporate Professional Recruitment and Development Committee forecasts future needs and engages in university recruitment at a time when it can attract the best and brightest. The quality of recruits chosen has thus been high and there has been a steady demand for their services. Newly hired graduates are not placed immediately into a regular position, because it is critical for them to acquire a broad exposure to the Agency.