Overview
Hiring decisions, performance conversations, and retention challenges don’t just sit with HR departments. In many roles, people are expected to make or influence people‑related decisions without formal human resources training.
Human Resource Essentials introduces the core functions of human resource management and explains how HR practices support organizational goals, employee engagement, and performance. Designed for professionals who work with people but do not specialize in HR, this course provides a practical overview of how human resource processes operate in today’s organizations.
You’ll explore key stages of the employee life cycle, including recruitment, selection, retention, and performance management, and examine how these functions align with business strategy. The course also introduces organizational development and planned change, with a focus on how communication and HR systems support engagement, accountability, and successful workplace transitions.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to analyze core HR functions, recommend recruitment and retention strategies, assess performance management practices, and understand how human resource management contributes to organizational development.
This course is ideal if you:
- work in an office or professional role and are involved in hiring, supervising, or supporting employees
- want foundational HR knowledge to support people‑focused decision‑making
- are a skilled trades or technical professional with people‑related responsibilities on the job
- bring professional or leadership experience from another country and want to understand Canadian HR practices.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- analyze the field of human resource management
- establish a recruitment strategy that supports an organization’s strategic plan
- develop strategies to select the right candidate to support the organization's business goals and objectives
- recommend strategies to increase employee retention and engagement
- assess a human resource performance management system
- describe the links between organization development (OD) and planned change.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
If you're certified by a professional association, this course may qualify for continuing professional development (CPD) hours to help maintain your certifications/designations. Please check with your association to confirm eligibility.
This course aligns closely with the business competencies outlined in Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Blue Seal Certificate framework and may support your application. Learn more about earning the Blue Seal using SAIT Continuing Education courses.
I highly recommend HRMT 001! The material was clear, practical, and directly connected to real HR situations. The instructor gave great guidance and feedback, making the online experience engaging and easy to follow. This course strengthened my understanding of how evaluation supports effective HR practices.
Brittany Collins
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
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Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled, and blended courses, and one day before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you’ll receive course content accessible online in Brightspace (D2L).
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements
- Internet access.
Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants, including the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
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Certificate of Achievement
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.