Growing the Workforce of the Future

(November 5, 2007). One of the largest challenges facing Canadian businesses in the upcoming years will be access to skilled workers. It is well documented that Canada's aging population and declining birth rate combined with ongoing economic growth, will create an ongoing challenge in the future. The response to the LEDC's 2007 Workforce Survey confirms that a majority of organizations are indeed already experiencing this as an issue and looking for assistance and solutions for help as they face a future filled with greater competition for workers. The recently released survey results confirm that the LEDC's decision to create a workforce portfolio four years ago was timely and visionary. Many other communities are looking to the London model and just starting in the process.

The respondent’s to the 2007 survey gave a clear indication that they are anticipating worker and skills shortages and that they are open to resources and programs that will assist them in their recruiting and retention efforts. The survey also showed that raising awareness about local programs that are already available will be well received, as many were not aware of the scope of resources available to them today.

According to Jeny Wallace, Director of Workforce with the LEDC, this comes down to a supply and demand equation. "Our businesses have the demand; we are working to understand that demand and to design programs and tools to help connect them to the supply side, remembering that the supply side is contracting because of a declining birth rate and that Baby Boomers exiting the workforce are going to create a bigger gap in the future."

Over the past few years the LEDC has developed three critical resources to help employers tap into talent pools: Experience Works for recruiting and retaining older workers; Global Talent to create and manage a diverse workforce; and GoodMoveLondon to assist in attracting talent from outside of London.

The LEDC is launching two new resources to assist business in the city. A new website, www.londonworks.ca, is dedicated to all workforce issues. Whether an employer or a jobseeker, this gateway will lead to existing resources, the agencies and partners in the community who can assist in meeting your needs, or, information about events relevant to workforce.

The second resource is an initiative designed to enhance the HR practices of small and medium businesses, who have 20-100 employees, and who do not have a person or position dedicated to the role of Human Resources. Through this initiative, HR consulting and support services, focused on recruitment, retention, and engagement of employees, are available to smaller businesses. This project is funded in part through the Government of Canada's Workplace Skills Innovation Initiative, and some services will be available free of charge.

The LEDC is also coordinating an exciting new event to address the workforce of the future. This Student-2-Business networking event will be held 15th January 2008 and will see students from all of Western's university campuses and Fanshawe College invited to the Convention Centre for a conference on understanding what London has to offer, followed by a networking event with business and community representatives. Information and registration details are available through the LEDC’s website www.ledc.com/s2b .

According to Wallace, "what is exciting about the 2007 survey findings is that we now have additional information to help us understand what more we can do to assist our local businesses to meet their workforce needs. The responses will also help shape ongoing project and resource development through the Workforce portfolio. In the coming months we will discuss these opportunities with community partners and make decisions on additional activities that can be undertaken to help ensure London is cultivating the workers its businesses need."

Contacts:

Jeny Wallace
Director, Workforce
London Economic Development Corporation
(519) 661 4526.