Sales, service to see most openings
A new report by the government of British Columbia is predicting 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 one million job openings in B.C. by 2020. Two-thirds of the jobs available will be spurred on by retirements and the aging workforce, while one-third will result from the province's economic growth, found the report.
The largest numbers of job openings are anticipated in the areas of sales and service, business and trades and equipment operators. The health industry is expected to have the largest percentage increase in demand growth.
The report predicts that post-secondary education will be important. About 78 per cent of job openings over the next decade will require some post-secondary education and training or a university degree, found the report.
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 workforce, 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.
