In this episode, Chantall Yelle from Hire Local Ottawa joins the host to discuss the importance of hiring locally and supporting post-secondary institutions in Ottawa. Hire Local Ottawa represents a consortium of four post-secondary institutions: Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité, and the University of Ottawa. The organization emphasizes the necessity of providing work experience to local and international students within Ottawa to retain talent post-graduation. Through collaboration with entities like Invest Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Board of Trade, they aim to synchronize industry events and set up comprehensive career fairs, thereby building a talent pipeline for local employers. Chantall shares insights on the initiative's efforts to connect students with job opportunities, especially in high-demand sectors like cybersecurity and AI, and underscores the significance of soft and transferable skills across different industries. Future aspirations for Hire Local Ottawa include strengthening their message and the consistent hosting of job fairs, promoting a community-driven approach to local hiring.