Low unemployment and a tightening labour market have led to a significant talent shortage in Canada, according to a new survey from Manpower Group.
Forty-one per cent of employers across the country said they are having trouble filling jobs. Those surveyed said not only is there a lack of applicants in general, but those who do apply for positions lack the experience and “hard skills” required by the jobs.
According to Manpower, jobs that require some post-secondary training – but not necessarily university degrees – are currently the hardest to fill. In particular, employers looking for those in skilled trades, sales representatives and drivers report having the most difficulty.
“We continue to see increasing demand for skilled workers across all sectors of the Canadian economy, from trades and transport to sales,” said ManpowerGroup Canada country manager Darlene Minatel.
“Today’s job seekers don’t always have the skills employers need.”
Minatel said employers should consider investing in learning and development themselves to increase the talent pool available to them. This is already happening, according to the report; 68% of those companies surveyed said they are already investing in development tools.
More than a quarter of all respondents – 28% – said they are offering more flexible work schedules to attract workers, and more than half (56%) said they are focusing on hiring retirees, part-time workers and those returning to the workforce after raising families.
