Although businesses in Canada say dealing with a skills gap is one of their biggest challenges, they are divided on how to deal with a shortage of skilled workers, according to the results of a Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC) study released January 21.
The survey found that 43% of employers feel that providing employees with more training is the best way to deal with the issue. However, an equal number – also 43% – feel it is the prospective employees themselves who should prepare themselves for the labour market.
Almost two-thirds of respondents said they would be willing to train employees on the more technical aspects of their jobs provided they had the right soft skills, but 64% of those surveyed expressed concern that employees would move on to different companies after they received training.
The study found that almost seven in 10 executives – 68% – felt a shortage of skilled workers is a challenge they are dealing with. The results showed that 70% of executives reported finding skilled employees is not an easy task. A quarter of respondents described the task as “very difficult.”
“Clearly, Canadian business leaders are very concerned about their need for skilled people and the talent disconnect that is happening,” said Mark Venning, chair of the CERIC board of directors. “They need additional tools and expertise when it comes to recruiting new employees and helping all their employees achieve their career goals.”
The survey also found:
- 52% of executives feel a potential employee’s online presence is important, with 11% saying it is very important;
- 76% said resumes are still important, with 10% saying they have become more important than in the past; and
- 19% have concerns about hiring youth because they feel they will be too demanding.
