February 24, 2006

Firms find it hard to get workers

TORONTO

Sixty-six per cent of Canadian employers are having trouble finding suitably talented workers compared with 40 per cent worldwide, according to a study by the Manpower Inc. employment firm.

Manpower surveyed nearly 33,000 companies in 23 countries including 1,000 in Canada, and found that the hardest-to-find workers in Canada are, in order, sales representatives, customer service representatives, engineers, drivers, mechanics, labourers, chefs, electricians, skilled trades and nurses.

“Across North America and Asia, the top three talent shortages are identical — sales representatives rank No. 1, followed by engineers and technicians,” said Jeffrey Joerres, chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc.

“Employers are telling us that they are not just looking for bodies to fill sales jobs; they want experienced salespeople who know their respective industries and can drive revenues,” said Joerres. Compensation packages in hot job categories will be rising rapidly, he added.

“In 10 years we will see many businesses failing because they haven’t planned ahead for the talent shortage. The talent crunch is for real, and it’s going to last for decades.” Factors contributing to the talent-hunting woes of Canadian employers include “demographic shifts like aging population and lower birth rates and inadequate education programs,” said Lori Procher, general manager of Manpower Canada.

To combat shortages, the survey suggests enhanced links with schools, investment in training, re-skilling and up-skilling employees.

Canadian Press

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