BY JAMES CARELESS
The marine defence industry employs a wide range of talented people with specialized skills, from precision technicians to knowledgeable executives in the C–suite. Without the right people in the right positions, defence businesses cannot succeed, and neither can their customers.
Fortunately, finding the right people for these jobs is what Duke Smart Staffing Solutions does best. Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, Duke has been finding highly-skilled professionals for the shipbuilding and oil & gas industries for over twenty years.
They provide customizable staffing and recruiting solutions to their clients — namely the talented and skilled individuals seeking the next step up in their careers, and the employers who need this kind of talent in their organizations right now.
EARNED RESPECT
The respect that Duke Smart Staffing Solutions has amassed in the marine defence industry is exemplified by this company’s status as a preferred supplier to Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Having earned such a status, on what is arguably the most ambitious and important maritime defence project in Canadian history, is no small achievement.
“Playing such a substantial role in providing skilled resources to the NSS underscores Duke’s commitment to contributing to important projects that have a significant impact on Canada’s defence and infrastructure capabilities,” said Sonia Logue, Duke’s President & CEO. “Since I started this company with my father, John ‘The Duke’ Logue, some 25 years ago, we have earned our reputation as a first-class staffing solutions firm. We’ve done this by continually meeting and exceeding the expectations of our clients, by taking the time to build a relationship with them. and becoming a valued partner in their continued business success plans.”
WOMAN-OWNED & OPERATED
Duke Smart Staffing Solutions is a woman-owned and operated company. It is adeptly helmed by Sonia Logue and Sherry Colville, Duke’s Senior Vice-President of Operations with more than 30 years’ experience in aerospace and defence.
“Diversity and inclusion are extremely important in this day and age,” Colville told CDR. “Duke is playing an integral part in helping and promoting an inclusive workplace and diversity amongst not only the shipbuilding industry writ large, but other defence markets as well.”
SMART STAFFING SNAPSHOT
The best way to assess Duke’s expertise at recruiting for the maritime defence industry is to look at some of the skilled professionals this company has placed with a notable client. “Krista Seward, Waterfront Change Team Lead, and Nicole Skinner, Sub-Lead Structure/Outfit Change Team, both significantly contribute to the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” says Colville. Krista is a dedicated Duke leader responsible for managing JSS2 change scope as it relates to all disciplines in modelling, drafting and structure, while maintaining quality and developing lean processes. Krista also oversees all the discipline leads, with one of her many direct reports being Nicole Skinner.
“I am proud to sub-lead a Structure/Outfit Change Team, contributing to the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Skinner. “My role involves the creation of 3D production models and detailed production drawings in response to evolving engineering designs and production requirements. I manage task delegation, prioritize workflow, and maintain schedules, while also focussing on providing the team with the necessary tools and support. This approach ensures a balance between individual responsibility and collective teamwork, driving us towards delivering high-quality products efficiently.”
ALL POSITIONS COVERED
Historically, Duke Smart Staffing Solutions has followed the industry practice of recruiting the right candidates for professional positions. However, the rigorous production demands of projects such as the NSS, and the increasing difficulty in finding skilled tradespeople in Canada, has spurred Duke into recruiting skilled trades workers for its corporate clients as well. There is a shortage of such skilled people in Canada, and Duke is doing what it can to address this shortage for its clients.
“Adding skilled trades recruitment to our portfolio provides our clients with a broader depth of services plus one-stop shopping for their employment needs,” said Colville. “The expansion of our offering to skilled trades is essential for the functioning and progress of various industries. These roles contribute to economic growth, support essential services, and offer diverse career opportunities for individuals with a range of skills and expertise.”
In an attempt to provide more flexible options for its job candidate and employer clients, Duke Smart Staffing Solutions provides contractors in addition to permanent placements. This degree of employment flexibility offers additional possibilities for both sides of the employment equation — and more opportunities for the right fit — and is in line with the evolving nature of paid work today.
“The choice between permanent and contract workers gives employers the freedom to address all of their recruitment needs, including covering for maternity/paternity leaves and similar temporary absences,” Logue told CDR.
“From a candidate perspective, it works for them,” said Colville. “Meanwhile, if the client has budget or headcount restrictions, we can offer solutions so that there is no risk to their program schedules.”
SUPPORT FOR VETERANS
As a company with deep roots in the Canadian defence industry, Duke Smart Staffing Solutions has profound respect for the contributions made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is why the company offers Military Career Transition Services for Veterans. “Our dedicated team is ready to offer advice on career path goals, resume building, and interview prep by complementing existing transition group services,” Colville said. “We utilize our connections with corporate partners to provide additional hiring opportunities and our firm understanding of additional challenges when transitioning to the workforce allows us to provide customized guidance. “
As for the future? “We are expanding beyond oil & gas and shipbuilding into aerospace and other markets,” said Colville. “Duke Smart Staffing Solutions aligns outstanding talent with our clients’ needs in all markets. Let us get working for you!”
James Careless is CDR’s Ottawa Bureau Chief
