November 1st, 2007
By Greg McNeil
Cape Breton Post
SYDNEY – A local study is indicating that Cape Breton’s knowledge sector could be faced with worker shortages in the near future.
The JCI Cape Breton study, entitiled Cape Breton works, was designed to identify barriers Cape Breton is facing in attracting and retaining its young, skilled workforce.
The project focuses on the human resource needs and requirements in Cape Breton from the perspective of market employees, employers and expatriates.
At the midway point of data collection, project manager Stephen Tobin, a member of JCI Cape Breton, said surveys of the local population and Cape Breton knowledge-based employers have been completed.
“The attraction and retention of highly skilled workers is essential to addressing specific labour requirements in the knowledge economy. An aging workforce coupled with youth outmigration means that, within five years, several key regional employers will be faced with substantial retirement rates and not enough employees to fill vacant positions”.
Results of the population survey show a high percentage of peole chose to stay, live and work in Cape Breton to remain close to family and friends.
“There are a lot of things most people would expect but some surprises in terms of what key influences are for people who choose to stay here. As well, a large percentage of people we asked said they haven’t considered leaving. That was surprising.”
The next and final stage to the project will be a survey of Cape Bretoners now living and working in other parts of Canada or around the world.
Survey results will be displayed in the new year. From there JCI plans to present the results to all levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal.
“It is a problem I think a lot of people have been talking about for a longtime but not many people are really addressing the issue. JCI Cape Breton is committed to ensuring that the results are pushed forward on all levels to create positive change.”
The survey was conducted by the local VMP group.
A majority of respondents are employed in health care, education, business and social services.
gmcneil@cbpost.com
