What Employers Told us, and What has to Change
Labour shortages are the top issue facing B.C. manufacturers. In research with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, the survey tapped into more than 500 manufacturers across six regions. The results told us that 81 per cent expect employment to grow in the next three years, and 41 per cent already have active shortages. Internationally trained newcomer talent are already part of their workforce: 79 per cent of manufacturers employ them, and describe them as reliable, adaptable, and technically strong.
What holds this talent back is not capability. A “Canadian experience” requirement alone drops employer willingness to hire by 19 percentage points. Employers also asked for a simpler LMIA process, a restored B.C. Provincial Nominee allocation, and workplace-based language training for newcomers.
“Newcomer talent is a MUST, not an option.” — B.C. manufacturer
Employers can also use the SME Workforce Readiness Diagnostic, ASCEND, MentorConnect, TalentConnect, and the IEC-BC Learning Hub.
