Prism’s in-depth knowledge of labour market structures, issues, sources, people, institutions, regulations, and policies leads to credible and practical research. Prism understands the different interests and perspectives of stakeholder groups and carefully balances analysis and reports to respect and reconcile these interests.
Consultants at Prism share a passion for accurate and honest analysis and a close, personal understanding of client groups. Our range of services includes: cost-benefit, socio-economic and econometric analysis; social research (including telephone, pencil and paper, Internet surveys, focus groups, facilitated meetings, Delphi and other techniques); strategic planning; and market analysis.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING
From in-depth economic impact studies to easy to access dynamic reports, Prism offers a broad scope of economic analysis and forecasting services. By maintaining a comprehensive database of statistics and economic indicators Prism is able provide our clients with timely, customized research and outlooks for their specific industry or market to facilitate with strategic planning.
LABOUR MARKET ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING
Prism produces industry and occupation specific labour market outlooks. Each industry has its own particular trajectory and Prism’s research identifies future directions and creates labour market scenarios which reflect the strengths and challenges facing a given industry. Prism has extensive experience creating labour market information for the construction industry as well as for engineering occupations and the technology sector and skilled trades. Further, Prism has created human resources outlooks for manufacturing sectors and for the electricity sector (among others).
INDUSTRIAL AND SECTORAL ECONOMICS
Prism has conducted many studies which analyse the competitiveness of specific industries and broader sectors. These studies examined the structure of firms and markets, their technological and innovative capability, international and inter-provincial trade, human resource and skills capabilities, and provided forecasts for key parameters, in order to assess overall competitiveness. These studies have been the basis for strategic human resource planning, technology road-maps and strategic initiatives by industry and sector organizations.
LABOUR MARKET POLICY
Prism has undertaken research on labour market issues with direct policy implications, which have served to inform decision makers, such as a series of studies on the underground economy in construction, as well as on the impact of technology in productivity and work practices on productivity in construction. Prism has also undertaken analysis in support of industrial relations and bargaining.
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION
Prism has over a decade of experience in conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups and other types of consultation with diverse client stakeholder groups. Prism’s ability to obtain a clear understanding of the needs and interests of each group rests on strong relationships with both industry and labour across Canada, and on sound methodology and research strategies aimed at identifying distinct perspectives. Prism’s experience and ability to draw in and engage vastly diverse stakeholder groups ensures all stakeholders come to the table to weigh-in on the issues at hand.
APPRENTICESHIP, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION POLICY
Prism has conducted numerous studies into issues impacting apprenticeship training such as the impact of specialization, and studies on apprenticeship completions. Further, Prism’s research has supported various individual skilled trades (e.g. Masonry, Sheet Metal Workers, Carpenters) on the development of training centers and the review and addition of new skills and technologies to programs.
RESEARCH ON WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
Prism has undertaken numerous studies which examine issues relating to workforce diversity. From a study on the integration and licensure of internationally trained architectural graduates, to a study of factors that shape the attitudes of young women towards mathematics and science and towards careers in engineering and technology, to a look on employers’ use of temporary foreign workers alongside Canadian apprentices, Prism has uncovered unique findings which inform on how diversity is evolving in Canadian workplaces.