On Wednesday June 30^th London/Oxford EMC Members got a peak at how they are going to find employee's in the near future……..They also had the opportunity to lean what resources are available in the Community to help them find their workers of the future.

FACT:

With an aging workforce and declining birthrate, Canada's entire net labour growth will come from immigration in less than three years. London-Middlesex employers are facing increased competition with other businesses throughout the province, across the nation and around the globe for this pool of international talent.  At the same time, the skill sets of internationally trained individuals or skilled trades persons are being underutilized.

These "Facts" were presented to the over 20 London/EMC Member companies in attendance at this SIG Event.

You can't do business the old way 

Immigration Fuels Labour Growth 

• London CMA competing against larger municipalities, other provinces and other countries for this emerging talent pool.
•  21.7% of Londoners are, or have been, an immigrant to Canada.
• Immigrants are entering London with post-secondary education levels 2X that of non-immigrants.

Immigrants can help London business compete . . .

• In Ontario's Creative economy, up to 70% of new jobs will require post-secondary education.
• By addressing current skill shortages and future labour shortages.
• Strengthening the talent pool for London's traditional manufacturing base as well SMEs in emerging industries.
• Facilitating opportunities for expansion into global markets and domestic ethno-cultural markets.

Failure to leverage international talent will impact London's ability to grow… 

• 2007 LEDC Workforce Survey:
  - 60% of respondents experienced difficulty filling positions and/or compromised their requirements as a result. 
  - 10% decided against expansion in London because of difficulty finding staff. 

Issues to Consider

REAL

• Haven't done it before
• Lack of accurate labour market information

PERCIEVED

• Credential recognition/interpretation
• Failure to recognize previous work experience
• Failure to identify transferable skills
• Lack of established business/social network in Canada
• Perceived language barriers

The above points were presented by Phil Hunt, Director of Workforce Development at the London Economic Development Corporation. After Mr. Hunt opened up the groups eyes to impending labour shortage the follow local organizations presented on how they can help fill the labour "void"!

Deb Villani, Program Coordinator, Mentorship for Newcomer Success

• High level review of tools and resources available to business
• Overview of the program and Corporate Champions initiative

Bonnie Macklin, Sales and Marketing Manager, WIL Employment Connections

• Sourcing International Talent
• Overview of WIL's volunteer work placement program

Sohail Khan, Project Manager, Skills International

• Sourcing International Talent
• Overview of SkillsInternational.ca as a cost effective resource

 Kate Kennedy, Project Manager, Access Centre for Regulated Employment

• Overview of The Access Centre and benefits to business.

AIESEC University of Western Ontario

• AIESEC, the world's largest student-run organization, provides an international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential. Students in this organization have access to a number of international opportunities, experiences and resources, such as a variety of conferences held around the world and our Global Internship Program. Through these activities, today's youth will improve their professional skills and develop a global perspective.

All presentations have been posted on the London/Oxford Consortium home page. If you have any questions or would like to contact any of the presenters please let me know.

A special thanks to Brian Hughes and JMP Engineering in London for hosting this SIG Event. Brian is one of the most forward thinking HR folks in have come across and a real asset to the London Manufacturing Community. JMP has used of number of the services outlined at this SIG event and his insights and experience sharing with other EMC members was very valuable!. 

We will pick up the SIG Event in September! I wish you all great summer!

Jason Bates

EMC London

519-281-1176, jbates@emccanada.org