By 2020, Canada is expected to face a shortage of one million skilled workers, according to Conference Board of Canada estimates. For many private business owners, this is probably old news, particularly as more Baby Boomers retire each year. The upshot? If you haven't already felt the effects of this looming employment gap, you will—and you'll need to brace for it. While this may seem like an issue that's beyond your control, there are some things you can do to encourage the next generation of workers to pursue careers in the trades—and fill your employment gaps in the process.

Promote the trades

  • Within the last few decades, new workforce entrants have started to veer away from careers in the trades. Instead of apprenticeships, high school graduates are opting to pursue university degrees and white collar jobs.
  • The thing is, the trades still offer a lot for today's young workers—an opportunity to avoid the nine-to-five grind, get out from behind a desk, and even some day to be their own boss and grow their own businesses. These benefits will speak to the next generation—but we need to spread the word. By hosting booths at student job fairs, speaking at high school career days and getting involved in college apprenticeship and co-op programs, you can promote the skilled trades—and help some kids find careers that fit their skills and interests.

Get involved with government lobbying efforts

  • There is no doubt governments have a huge role to play in filling the looming skilled trade shortage—but you have the ability to push their hand, and encourage them to take effective action by joining industry associations and lobby groups.
  • Many of these groups are asking provincial and federal governments for improved immigration policies that will streamline the immigration process to fast-track skilled trade workers and better recognize foreign trade credentials. They want the federal government to re-introduce incentives like mobility tax credits, that will make it easier for workers to travel from province to province—where the skills are needed most. In addition, some groups are also lobbying for increased funding for apprenticeships and training programs.
  • The more support these groups have—and the louder the voices—the more likely they'll be able to instill change.

Employ creative hiring practices

  • With the skilled labour pool drying up, now is not the time to stick to your company's same old hiring practices. If you want to get ahead of the competition—and attract the few skilled workers that are out there—you need to change things up a bit. This could include more attractive compensation packages that feature anything from higher-than-average wages to paid flights for out-of-province or US candidates.

Invest in training

  • If you have the people but their skills are outdated—or no longer a good fit for your evolving business—consider offering additional training programs to improve them. These programs—which could include job shadowing, in-house training programs or external training programs—are a great way to both invest in your existing workforce and your business at the same time.
  • While the skilled worker shortage may seem daunting, there are still plenty of things you can do today to minimize the impact of the shortage—and breathe new life into our country's skilled trade industries.

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