WorkShoppers Online

Worker shortage pushes tourism industry wages higher in B.C.

B.C. tourism industry wages rose by an average of 10 per cent in the past two years -- with outdoor adventure guides topping the list with a 28-per-cent wage hike, according to the industry's human resources association. Source.

Jobless rate will fall to record low next year, OECD says

Canada's jobless rate will fall to a record low next year of six per cent, an international economic think-tank said Tuesday. Source.

School's community-linked trades training gives youth a leg up to better-paying jobs.

Fort St. John, a city in an area with a huge need for qualified tradespeople, is dead serious about solving the problem. And the solution starts right at its local high school. Source.

$43 Million to help new workers settle in BC

Premier Gordon Campbell put out a $43-million welcome mat Wednesday to help immigrants find the work they are capable of doing and to better adapt to life in their new communities.  He said the "Welcome BC" initiative is designed to ensure that the province remains Canada's most popular destination for new immigrants, who will be needed to help fill an anticipated one million new jobs over the next 12 years. More.

Public service faces job-filling challenge

CALGARY -- Public sector advocacy groups say more needs to be done to attract people and keep them in the public service, especially since the sector's employees are generally older than the Canadian average. Source.

WorkBC Action Plan

British Columbia’s economy is strong, and this is good for all of us – workers, employers, educators, trainers, and government. But with this strength comes major challenges and necessary changes. The changes affecting our province today are unprecedented - the result of four broad trends coming together: an advantaged position in the world marketplace, a growing economy, an aging workforce, and fewer young people entering the job market. These factors have combined to create an increasing shortage of skilled workers across our province. Our challenge is to respond effectively to these changes. Source.

Trades are a first class career

Kwantlen University College officially opened its trades and technology training centre in Cloverdale on Friday -- 17,000 square metres of soaring glass and bright classrooms.  Key trade programs: automotive, electrical, welding, carpentry, millwright, farrier, appliance repair and public-safety 911 communications. Source.

Skills Shortages

Skills shortage is a global phenomenon. Employers are actively seeking skilled immigrants to meet workplace needs. In this connection, the Business Council has completed a comparative analysis of major competing, immigrant-receiving countries, examining relevant skilled migrant worker policies, programs and practices for further consideration in BC and Canada.  Source.

Province lures grads with student aid

The provincial government plans to dole out nearly $2 million annually in new scholarships, research fellowships and student loan repayments to entice talent to the B.C. public service.  The plan will have a major impact in the Greater Victoria area where about 12,000 of B.C.'s approximately 30,000 public servants live and work. It will cost $1.75 million in the first year. Campbell said the new incentives are part of a program to give the public service a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining employees. That's important since 45 per cent of managers and 35 per cent of current employees are eligible to retire from the public service by 2015. Source.

Workers allowed to semi-retire and still contribute to pension

The Harper government laid out plans yesterday to help more seniors achieve semi-retirement, moves that should also help Canadian businesses hang on to much-needed experienced workers.  The two key steps are part of the Conservatives' broader effort to quell the anger among many seniors hurt by the government's decision in October to tax income trusts, a popular investment vehicle.  In one of the new measures, the government said it will begin allowing employers to pay a partial pension to an employee while that same worker is also contributing to the pension plan. This will make it easier for retired individuals to return to the work force part time.  It should help Canada's efforts to combat its skills shortage, which is expected to become an increasing problem as the work force ages. The change, expected to carry a small price tag for the government, is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.  Source.