Is the Skills Gap Widening in Hamilton's Skilled Trades?

In-Demand Skilled Trades Breakfast Forum: Wednesday March 11, 2020

Under Pressure 2.0 report is finalized and will be launched at the March 11th Skilled Trades Breakfast forum. Register today as spots are limited.

We interviewed over 130 Hamilton employers in the skilled trades and you will hear their feedback on pressing topics such as hiring issues, skills gaps, apprenticeship, and potential solutions to talent shortages.

There will also be speakers from local community partners who can share information on the skilled trades as well.

Closing the Employability Skills Gap

Soft skills refer to personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

Advances in AI, cognitive computing, and automation mean employers should equip workers with more than technical skills.

Soft skills like creativity, leadership, and critical thinking might be more important than ever.

Employers also need to consider not only how to attract top talent, but also potentially rethink learning and development and better cultivate the social and emotional skills that their workforce needs to add value in the future. 

Click here to find out how organizations can help their workforce develop enduring human capabilities .

Are Smaller Employers Facing a Skills and Labour Shortage?

The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses reported that 76% of nearly 8,000 employers surveyed experienced difficulty hiring workers over the past five years due to skills and labour shortages. The biggest difficulty reported was the lack of qualified applicants because small businesses are seeking workers with a college diploma, apprenticeship, or high school education, respectively.

Read more here and to find out the changes suggested by CFIB.

Hamilton Labour Force Information: January 2020