No Full Time Jobs in Our Area? Think Again…

By the Grey County Economic Development Team

If we have heard this once, we have heard it again and again; ‘there are no full time jobs available’. We keep hearing this from young people, from retirees, and from parents. That, however, is not what we’re hearing from employers across Grey and Bruce County.

In fact, employers are actively looking for both skilled and unskilled workers. We recently spoke to an area manufacturer who said he is purchasing a machine to automate his processes because of the lack of available employees. Other businesses, particularly in the tourism sector, are changing their business model to reduce the need for staff. Recent employment statistics for the agricultural sector showed a marked decline. We spoke with some area farmers to gain insight, and their answer is simple – they can’t find enough employees so they are automating. Unemployment in the Federal Region 580 was at 5.2% in January 2017, compared to 6% for the province. It’s one of the lowest unemployment rates in Ontario. The Four County Labour Market Board continues researching this issue, and time and time again the number one issue facing employers is lack of skilled employees.

The lack of a trained and available workforce is a critical economic development issue. Businesses can`t succeed or grow if they can’t find the workforce to sustain them. New businesses won’t relocate to our region if they don’t believe they can find a labour force. Despite automation, and more is coming, area businesses require key staff to be successful. Many are offering full-time employment with career advancement.

The good news is that many people want to relocate or stay in the area. The Regional Job Fair being held at Heritage Place Shopping Centre March 8^th is an opportunity to merge employers with potential employees. Thirteen of the 60 employers will be conducting on-site testing. In other words, the employers attending the job fair are ready to hire.

The list of employers and available jobs can be found on the YMCA Employment website www.ymcaowensound.on.ca. It’s an impressive list of businesses from across all sectors hiring a full range from seasonal to full-time employment. To name a few:  Cobble Beach, Superheat FGH, Ministry of Community Services and Correctional Services, Revera Living, Tenneco, MacLean Engineering, Sears, Grey County Long Term Care, A&W, Owen Sound Ledgerock, Blue Mountain Village Association, Chapman’s Ice Cream and Grey Bruce Health Services.

The days of ’no jobs’ available is just not true. Young people don’t have to leave the area to find employment and they can get much of the skilled training locally at Georgian College.

Get your resume ready and be prepared to sell yourself at the Regional Job Fair, March 8 at Heritage Place Shopping Centre. The Owen Sound YMCA Employment Office can even help you with your resume. Students seeking part-time or summer employment are welcome and encouraged to attend, including their parents. Know someone interested in relocating to our area? Please encourage them to visit the Regional Job Fair.

The Regional Job Fair is organized by the Grey County Economic Development team in partnership with the YMCA Employment Office, Four County Labour Market Board, Georgian College and the City of Owen Sound.