A new provincial government report predicts the number of skilled workers needed will exceed the supply of workers available by 2016.
The second annual Labour Market Outlook 2010-2020 report anticipates the
Northeast will have the highest annual growth in demand for workers, followed by the Mainland/Southwest, and North Coast and Nechako.
One million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2020. One-third of the jobs available will result from the province's economic growth, while two-thirds are spurred on by retirements and the aging workforce.
The largest numbers of job openings are anticipated in the areas of: sales and service, business, and trades and equipment operators. The health occupation group is expected to have the largest percentage increase in demand growth.
The report predicts that post-secondary education will be important.
Approximately 78 per cent of job openings over the next decade will require some post-secondary education and training or a university degree.
Responding to the increasing need for skilled workers in B.C., the government is investing over $470 million in jobs training and skills development programs this year. The government has also developed Skills for Growth, a labour market strategy to ensure that workforce skills in British Columbia match and meet the economic needs of the Province.
The priorities of the Skills for Growth strategy are:
To increase the skill level and market success of British Columbians, with an emphasis of increasing skills levels of those already in the work force, and teaching new skills to people who are not currently working.
To attract skilled workers and job-creating entrepreneurs through programs such as the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program.
To improve workplace productivity.
As well, the Ministry of Social Development's employment programs have helped over 73,000 people on income assistance get jobs since 2001. The ministry is improving its job training programs by opening new employment centres in the spring of 2012 to make it easier for people to find work and provide stability for their families.
"This report is a strong signal that B.C. will be entering a period of strong job growth and increasing prosperity," said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Families. "In all regions of B.C., including our rural areas, will benefit from this growth. Our government is working hard to meet the challenge and seize the opportunities here -ensuring that we are able to meet the demand for the over one million jobs that will become available over the next decade."
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