Canada's Top Employers for Young People (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 5
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LABATT
CANADA’S TOP EMPLOYERS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (2026)
p At Labatt Breweries of Canada, over 40 per cent of interns return to the company in a full-time role, or its Early Talent programs, after graduation.
Creating a culture of belonging
Young people want growth and meaning – or they lose interest in their employer
I
f you want to engage and retain
young talent, take a look at what
Canada’s Top Employers for Young
People (2026) are doing. These
winning organizations are using
career exploration to deliver what younger
employees want, fostering an environment
where individuals are encouraged to
explore their options within the same
company.
Many offer career mapping so employees can visualize multiple pathways,
empowering them to pursue new skills,
roles and experiences tailored to individual strengths and interests. As well,
personalized coaching and one-on-one
development conversations provide young
employees with a sense of where they can
go within an organization. That’s having a
big impact in industries like construction
where retention is challenging.
Steve Nadeau, vice president, human
resources, at CRH Canada Group Inc.,
says that conducting individual interviews
has “absolutely encouraged more young
employees to explore and be more open to
internal development options.”
Additionally, its programs like Career
Ladder, MyCareer and CRH Academy are
crucial, providing clearer pathways,
meaningful opportunities, a sense of
direction and flexibility.
“The newer generations want to
advance quickly, with the freedom to learn
across different areas,” says Nadeau.
“Many come with diverse educational
backgrounds or interests, and they’re
looking for employers who give them
room to explore a range of skills and
opportunities that aren’t limited to their
current role.”
“When employees can envision a future
with us – and understand how their
contribution and pay can grow over time
– they’re empowered to take ownership of
their career, using the programs as a
stepping stone to help them reach their
goals.”
At Labatt Breweries of Canada, Early
Talent programs give participants
hands-on experience across its operations,
along with exposure to senior leaders who
share their insights, guidance, and
real-world expertise.
Beatriz Grubesic, vice president, people,
at Labatt, says that over the last three
years, more than 40 per cent of its interns
have returned to Labatt in a full-time role
or as part of its Early Talent programs
upon graduation. Support includes formal
mentorship programs, such as “Buddy
Circles” where interns are paired with
previous trainees to regularly discuss
challenges, share advice, and provide a
safe space to navigate their early careers
together.
“These connections are key to broadening our interns’ horizons, inspiring
curiosity, and guiding them to discover
opportunities that align with their
interests and future aspirations,” says
Grubesic. “The confidence developed at
the start continues to shape their trajectory, leading to dynamic careers that span
different locations and business areas.
“The most common theme we hear is
that these programs make people feel
empowered, valued and set up for success
– exactly what we aim for.”
– Diane Jermyn
