Half of Canadian manufacturers who responded to PwC's new third-quarter 2011 Manufacturing Barometer study said they expect positive hiring over the next 12 months. Only 5% reported they are planning to reduce their workforces. resulting in a net workforce projection of plus 1.2% over the next year.
Of the 50% of companies looking to hire within the next 12 months, the most sought after employees will be professionals/technicians (45%), followed by skilled labour (26%). "The Canadian economy is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled workers at all levels, from welders and engineers to HVAC technicians," says Calum Semple, Consulting partner and leader of the Operational Turnaround practice at PwC. "This is an opportunity for Canadians looking for skilled employment to boost their incomes, but they may have to be willing to be retrained and relocate, as many of these job opportunities are not in the big cities."