County of Simcoe Launches Labour Study

Packet and Times

The County of Simcoe is taking the pulse of local communities this fall, hoping to breathe life into the region’s labour market for the future.

In partnership with Employment Ontario, the County's Ontario Works and Economic Development staff will lead a process to identify issues facing the labour market across Simcoe County and identify training opportunities supporting a variety of job sectors.

"This project will serve all of the County of Simcoe, including the cities of Barrie and Orillia," explained Kelly Scott, employment services supervisor at the County.

"We want to be inclusive and we need representation from many sectors including the cities and specific groups; education, health care, manufacturing, green economy and tourism."

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities contacted Ontario Works last summer to begin a process "that would adequately support both current and future job seekers across the county as well as the cities of Barrie and Orillia."

Community information sessions will be held for the public this month in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Collingwood and Alliston, the first step in the analysis that will end with an inventory of training opportunities to support various job sectors across the region.

"The data collected through this project will provide a more inclusive understanding of the current and future labour market and a framework for change and future planning," Scott said.

Expected population growth and the aging workforce are two factors known to affect the economy in Simcoe County. Employers and job seekers will quickly benefit with data identifying market trends and supporting training initiatives, and local communities will thrive through new economic development opportunities.

"We will be offering an opportunity for everyone to have a voice," Scott said. "The County of Simcoe is home for many of us. It's where we live, work and play, so why wouldn't we want to see our communities flourish?"

Input from residents of Simcoe County affected by changes in their employment circumstances is crucial and the review will also develop a detailed employer questionnaire that will be used to determine current and future labour force needs and issues.

The expected results will support the development of a labour force strategy that will match supply and demand in the labour market.

A total of $150,000 was funded equally through the province and the County’s Ontario Works surplus budget. Also, the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board is on board to provide in-kind support throughout all phases of the initiative.

It's expected that the labour market partnership project will be completed by March 31, 2014.