There are more jobs available in the Sudbury–Manitoulin area than there are people to fill them.
Demand is outstripping supply, according to a labour market plan for 2024-2025 released this week by Workforce Planning for Sudbury & Manitoulin (WPSM).
While the demand for labour locally is softening, things are out of sync in matching job seekers to available positions in this region, and this will continue to be a chronic issue heading into the future unless something changes, WPSM said in its report.
There’s no shortage of jobs available, the organization said, pointing our that there’s, on average, about 2,500 new jobs posted every month on its job board in its coverage area.
“This is astounding. And these are only jobs that are posted online,” according to the report tabled by Reggie Caverson, WPSM’s executive director. WPSM combines government data with its consultations with local business, unions, educators, economic developers, municipal officials and others in issuing the annual report.
The supply of labour has various employers competing domestically and internationally for highly skilled talent.
On the flip side, many available jobs that don’t require many skills and credentials are not being filled up because it’s hard to find people who actually show for work to do the job, the report said.
There seems to be a disconnect in matching up job seekers with employers, and the expectations from those seeking employment to those offering work are not marrying up with one another, especially as the skill sets change with certain occupations.
The report identifies the disconnect between education and employment is nothing new. Education provides some work-integrated learning (WIL) but it can’t be done without employer engagement.
“Each expects the other to make or have ready-made employees. “
Employers have tried a number of things to make adjustments to their business operations since the pandemic and in the way they recruit. “These are not always in sync with those looking for work,” the report said.
For job seekers, there’s an emphasis on better wages and benefits to keep up with inflation along with more value being placed on work-life balance and well-being.
While the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, job hunters are still dealing with inflationary pressures, underemployment, lack of affordable housing and childcare, and access to reliable transportation. Combined with unrealistic expectations by job seekers, motivation, job readiness skills, language issues, mental health and addictions, and criminal records, these are all identified as barriers to employment.
“Despite efforts to address each of these, as a society we are not doing a very good job,” the report said.
In summing up area labour market trends, the industries that are hiring require skilled trades work, primarily in construction, and drivers, particularly in trucking, school bus and delivery. Healthcare providers need people to work in hospitals and homecare.
The Canadian mining industry, nationally, often talks about the shortfall in its workforce, but locally, WPSM said the feedback they’re getting is that’s not the case in the Sudbury area. Mining jobs are not in great demand, with the prevalent feeling that mining companies are promoting and hiring from within.
Retailers, food services and the hospitality sectors, which traditionally provide entry-level jobs, are not hiring as they were in the past.
There’s an ongoing need for skilled trades, particularly mechanics, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and auto service techs, with related jobs available in shipping, receiving and manufacturing.
The healthcare sector needs personal support workers and RPNs.
The IT sector is looking for data analysts and software developers.
Other notable positions that need to be filled are in customer service, receptionists, retail management, teaching, social service jobs, power-line technicians, engineers and seasonal, contract and low-wage jobs.
Some employers want to recruit a more diverse workforce.
On the skilled trades front, the report said despite many efforts to entice people to enter the trades, the number of applicants is still low compared to demand. The apprenticeship system is challenging to navigate and there’s little support available to connect to employers willing to hire new apprentices.
According to Caverson: “The good news is that year over year since the pandemic, we continue to see an increase in the number of local businesses. This includes a marginal but important growth in sole proprietors and local businesses with less than five employees.”
