Fall Professional Development with CPHR Alberta

With the year quickly drawing to a close, ensure you get those CPD hours before it's too late! 

We have many great opportunities to learn and grow with us throughout the next 3 months, from Certificate Programs, to Partner Webinar opportunities. 

Check out what's upcoming below: 

October PD: 

October HR Roundtable 
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
The HR Virtual Roundtable is a monthly opportunity for CPHR Alberta members to connect with other members and discuss current and/or emerging HR topics.
In this structured conversation, participants will be split into smaller breakout groups, offering members quality time to discuss topic questions, network with one another, share ideas and perspectives, receive support, and inspiration. 

 
Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Virtual - Complimentary for Members 
CPD Hours: 1 
This session dives into the transformative impact of talent management within the HR department. Discover how strategic acquisition and employee development empower HR to become a driving force for organizational success. It involves analyzing the current talent within the HR team, identifying the required gaps to achieve the business' goals, and optimizing the workforce.
 
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm 
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
Are your organization's mental health and general wellness initiatives falling short despite significant investment? You're not alone. Join us for this insightful presentation that looks at the core reasons for such failures that are regularly missed or ignored and what needs to be done to ensure effectiveness in your workplace mental health and general wellness initiatives. 
 
Head over to our PD Page to view all the different dates and times available for this program. Offered throughout October and November with morning and afternoon cohorts. 
Virtual - Member $1,600 +GST | Non-member $1,850 +GST
CPD Hours: 21 
The role of Human Resource Professionals within an organization continues to evolve and with it, a shifting perspective on the expectations placed on HR when it comes to workplace mental health. Not only that, but a muddiness in accountability and responsibility between HR and the Business might have increased tensions between yourself and the very partners you’re meant to be supporting.
 
Tuesday, October 22 2024 to Thursday, October 24, 2024
Virtual - Member $1,000 +GST | Non-Member $1,250 +GST 
CPD Hours: 21
This certificate program combines live virtual instruction through Zoom with hands-on experiential learning through case studies, scenarios, group work/break out discussions and simulations.  
 
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual - Complimentary  for Members 
CPD Hours: 1 
This talk dives into the current reality of HR careers, drawing from a global study of more than 3 million HR profiles, surveys with 350 HR professionals, and in-depth career stories of 10 senior HR leaders to explore 4 pressing questions. 
 
The Trauma-Informed HR Professional
Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Virtual - Member $399 +GST | Non-Member $450 +GST
CPD Hours: 7
This Trauma-Informed HR Professional training is designed to empower HR professionals with the knowledge and tools to apply a trauma-informed lens in their work. Participants will explore the fundamental concepts of trauma-informed practices, including understanding what a trauma-informed lens is and recognizing the benefits of incorporating it into the workplace.
 
November PD:

November HR Roundtable 
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 9:00am to 10:00am
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
In this structured conversation, participants will be split into smaller breakout groups, offering members quality time to discuss topic questions, network with one another, share ideas and perspectives, receive support, and inspiration.  It goes without saying that confidentiality and the willingness to share are key to the success of this event. 

Enhancing your Organizational Culture Certificate of Completion - 3 Day Certificate Program 
Tuesday, November 5, 6 & 7, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Virtual - Member $1,295 +GST | Non-Member $1,495 +GST
CPD Hours: 21
You can create a vibrant, profitable culture within your organization by learning how to enhance it. With our Enhancing Your Organizational Culture™ Certificate Program, you will learn the tools needed to boost morale and bring positive energy into the workplace. Learn strategies for increasing productivity and performance, solving problems quickly and easily, lowering employee attrition, raising profits and sales - not to mention reduce stress levels amongst employees!

Partner Webinar - Unlock Talent Intelligence with AI
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
Discover how AI can revolutionize talent management. Explore practical strategies to leverage AI for identifying and developing top talent, enhancing decision-making, and refining talent strategies.

Report Writing Workshop - Half Day PD 
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 8:30am to 12:00pm
Virtual - Member $199 +GST | Non-Member $250 +GST
CPD Hours: 3.5
This half-day workshop will provide the overall purpose, right down to the details you need, to ensure your report withstands the highest level of scrutiny.  You have conducted interviews of your Complainant, Respondent, and Witnesses, analyzed dozens of documents, assessed other evidence, and now you need to write a report.

Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast 
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 8:30am to 10:30am
Virtual - Member $50 +GST | Non-Member $75 +GST
CPD Hours: 2
Organizational culture has a profound impact on the success or failure of any strategic initiative, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Despite substantial investments in DEI programs, many organizations struggle to drive meaningful and lasting change. This workshop will explore why culture is the key factor in determining the outcome of your DEI strategy, and provide a practical framework for aligning your culture with your DEI goals.

Interviewing Techniques Workshop - Full Day PD 
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Virtual - Member $399 +GST | Non-Member $450 +GST
CPD Hours: 7
This workshop is the practical extension of the interviewing module in the Workplace Investigations Training Certificate program. A successful investigation interview requires planning, learned skills and tips, focus and excellent communication skills. This day is filled with mini-scenarios and practice opportunities. 

Chapter Mingles 

Stay tuned for Mingles in each chapter! More information to come soon. 

December PD: 

December HR Roundtable 
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 9:00am to 10:00am
Virtual - Complimentary for Members
CPD Hours: 1
In this structured conversation, participants will be split into smaller breakout groups, offering members quality time to discuss topic questions, network with one another, share ideas and perspectives, receive support, and inspiration.  It goes without saying that confidentiality and the willingness to share are key to the success of this event. 


Conducting Credibility Assessments Workshop - Full Day PD 
Monday, December 9, 2024 from 8:30am to 4:30pm 
Virtual - Member $399 +GST | Non-Member $450 +GST 
CPD Hours: 7 
This workshop is designed to build on the Credibility Assessments module identified in the Workplace Investigations Certificate workshop. Conducting credibility assessments is a critical analysis required when one person's version of events is different from another's and there is little corroborative evidence for either version - commonly known as he said/she said investigations.

 

 

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



2026 PD Opportunities with CPHR Alberta

By Jessica Jaithoo • January 28, 2026
Plan your 2026 professional development in advance and discover what CPHR Alberta has planned for you! Below is a brief overview of the programming coming your way in the months ahead. For full details, visit our new PD Calendar , and check your Member Portal regularly for updates. Signature Events Member Recognition Gala – April 30, 2026 | The Westin Airport Hotel, Calgary We invite you to an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. The Member Recognition Gala is a formal event honouring the individuals, teams, and projects shaping the future of HR across Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis, this redesigned experience replaces traditional awards with Spotlights—a meaningful way to recognize excellence in action. Tickets will go on sale soon. CPHR Alberta 2026 Conference: Future-Ready HR – June 2–3, 2026 | BMO Centre, Calgary Our 2026 Conference prepares human resources (HR) professionals to master the fundamentals, embrace innovation, and build executive-level influence—creating agile organizations ready for economic and workforce change. A future-ready HR community. Registration will be opening soon. Chapter Community Events | Throughout 2026 We’ll be visiting all chapters across the year with popular community events in your region. Stay tuned for event announcements and details. Stampede Breakfast | July | Calgary, AB A member favourite breakfast event is returning! Join us to mingle, connect, and enjoy the energy of Stampede. More information will be shared soon. Certificates Workplace Investigations Training | February 17–19 and March 17–19 Presented in partnership with Veritas Solutions. The Workplace Investigations Certificate is a three‑day program focusing on three core training topics. Participants may register for the full program or select stand‑alone courses. A certificate is awarded upon completion, and no prerequisites are required. Webinars Networking at Noon Join us for one hour each month to explore current and emerging HR topics. With a new focus every session, you'll leave with thought‑provoking questions and earn 1 CPD hour. On February 12, join us for HR Trends & Priorities for 2026. International Women’s Day National Event Join us on March 4 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for a special fireside chat with Layne the Auctionista and Sheena Russell, founder of Made with Local . This national celebration of International Women’s Day explores the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting how generosity and purpose‑driven leadership can shape meaningful careers. You’ll hear real stories, bold insights, and practical inspiration you can take back to your HR practice. Details ®gistration: https://cphrns.ca/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2018615&group= Virtual Sessions for Students Students can expect two sessions each month: one dedicated to building skills one offering practical advice from HR professionals in the field These sessions are complimentary for Student Members. Are you interested in becoming a member? Students receive complimentary membership. Learn more: www.cphrab.ca/student-programs Other Events DisruptHR YYC 13.0 will take place in October. More details will be shared in late summer. Plan Your Year With Us Explore the full list of programs and events on our 2026 PD Calendar.

Welcome to OY Works: Practical Tools to Recruit, Onboard & Retain Opportunity Youth

By Jessica Jaithoo • January 22, 2026
In 2025, CPHR Alberta became a partner to the Collaborative Funders Table and the Calgary Youth Employment Initiative to address under-employment for opportunity youth. Over seven months, more than 60 partners came together to research, design, and test what would become OY Works . That story of co-creation is what makes this toolkit different. Employers shared what they need to know and what tools would make a difference. CPHR Alberta members contributed HR expertise through representation on the steering committee, and participation in surveys, interviews, and protype testing throughout 2025. Attracting, engaging, and retaining young talent isn’t just a workforce strategy — it’s an investment in our collective future. When we empower youth with meaningful opportunities, modern skills, and a sense of belonging, we build workplaces that are more innovative today and more resilient tomorrow. The organizations that thrive will be the ones that recognize youth not as the workforce of the future, but as essential contributors shaping the world right now. A dedicated toolkit to hire opportunity youth gives HR professionals and employers the practical resources, insights, and frameworks they need to connect with young people authentically — turning intention into action and helping break down barriers and supporting organizations to build strong, sustainable talent pipelines. Co‑designed with HR professionals and industry leaders, the toolkit reflects real challenges and real solutions, ensuring it is both practical and deeply aligned with the needs of today’s evolving workforce. - Lisa Watson, CPHR Alberta Board Director, OY Works Steering Committee Member Today marks an exciting milestone: the launch of OY Works , an online toolkit designed to make inclusive youth hiring easier for Alberta employers and HR professionals. This free resource was co-created by a diverse group of stakeholders—employers, HR experts, and non-profit agencies—who share a common goal: opening doors for young people who are ready to work but face barriers. Why OY Works? Too many youth are eager to contribute, learn, and grow, yet struggle to access meaningful employment. OY Works is here to change that. Built with practicality and purpose in mind, the toolkit offers actionable strategies to help businesses recruit, onboard, and retain Opportunity Youth—young people aged 18–29 who are not currently in school, training, or work. What’s Inside the Toolkit? It makes business sense: Read the Business Case for hiring Opportunity Youth and be empowered to influence leaders. Explore the ideas and tools in the Quick Start Hiring Guide . Learn how to onboard effectively and build retention from day one in the Optimal Onboarding & Mentoring Guide and the Retain & Grow Guide . Discover how non-profit agencies are preparing OY for the workplace. They often support employers and employees through all stages of employment. This isn’t just about doing good—it’s about making smart business decisions. Inclusive hiring strengthens workplace culture, reduces turnover, and taps into a motivated talent pool ready to make a difference. We invite you to explore OY Works and join the movement to create opportunities for youth who deserve a chance to shine. Explore the OY Works toolkit: https://bit.ly/3L6SQuF When young people get a chance to contribute, it’s a win for youth, employers and the community. Join us in spreading the word by sharing the toolkit with your networks.

Refuel. Recharge. Repeat: Lead Yourself with Intention and Energy

By Jessica Jaithoo • January 13, 2026
Author: Robin O’Grady Wellbeing can feel impossible when life is already overflowing. The thought of adding “one more thing” to your plate? That’s enough to send anyone over the edge. However, in the end, taking care of your own health is not a “nice to have”, it is essential, in more ways than one. As an HR Professional you are often the go-to for tough conversations and as a support system. Protecting your own energy isn’t only about your personal wellbeing, it is what allows you to show up fully for your people, when it matters most. To get it out of the way, here are the things this is NOT about: Going to the gym Hopping on a trend (wellness/fitness/nutrition) Adding more things to your calendar What it will be about is… Refuel, Recharge, Repeat . Leading yourself with intention and energy. Perspective Shift Keep it simple. Thriving over surviving. When in the tornado of your day-to-day adding things to you r calendar can feel overwhelming and unattainable. The first step is to take stock of your capacity, really step back and assess what you might have available timewise. Then, assess how full your fuel tank is, how are your energy levels at different times of the day? Only then can the strategy be built on how to implement what is right for you. To begin, choose only one thing, many struggle because they try to do too much at once. Tips If choosing nutrition as a needed change, consider adding or removing only one thing as a beginning VS changing your entire diet or diving into a trend-based program that you know isn’t sustainable. Movement comes in a large variety of ways. Think about things you actually enjoy doing and find ways to add them instead of forcing yourself to do things you don’t enjoy just for the sake of adding more movement. Fulfillment is an important part of taking care of your holistic health, prioritize time for things you love – hobbies/family/travel etc. Energy Management The oxygen mask principle is a familiar one. When flying on an airplane, the flight attendant tells us that in the case of emergency, you must put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. This is where the protection and management of your energy begins. Awareness of what energizes you VS what drains you and an intentional placement of those things through your day as one step. Another, in protecting your calendar and being diligent about the spaces you had set aside for your energy management (eg. specific closed door office hours or break times). Tips Take your breaks away from your desk, even away from the building when possible. Implement grounding practices through your day, for example, before entering the workspace and at the end of your day before going home. Protect your transition time - 15 minutes between meetings to process and reset. Intentional Adaptation Making a decision that something might need to change is really the first step, without that awareness, there is little that can or will be done. As a leader, your responsibility is to yourself, but it is also in role modelling for the team. HR Professionals set the tone for the workplace culture around them. The way you prioritize your own boundaries and wellbeing quietly gives others permission to do the same. When you show up with intention, it ripples through the entire organization. The research and stats are clearer now than ever before, workplace wellbeing as a strategy, is one that increases the bottom line and enhances the overall culture of your workplace. In order to see the high end of those stats, intentional adaptation is key. This is a strategy and a process, one that will make you and your business better, you could be the catalyst for that. Tips Create a community within the workplace to prioritize these habits and strategies with. Make it a fun practice you can all do together and hold each other accountable to, especially when the day takes over and the “tornado” is most fierce. Build out the process and SOP in the same way you would for other business strategy and involve your team in the process, so you know what you are planning is good for the whole. Make sure you are first. Leaders first. Remember the oxygen mask principle, you deserve whole health, and you will thank yourself later for checking in and adjusting when needed. Start with some space to breathe. That space? It comes from letting go of what you think you "should" be doing and tuning into what actually serves you and your team. Wellbeing isn't a one-size-fits-all prescription. It's a personal practice of alignment, which can (and should) be translated into how you all work as a whole. Today is as good as any, tomorrow will come regardless. 
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