Nipissing District’s mining-related employers, as in other areas across the North, are facing a shortage of skilled workers.
A forecast released by The Labour Market Group and the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), indicates a demand for skilled workers currently exists.
The mining sector currently employs about 2,000 workers in Nipissing, but the projected hiring requirements could reach about 5,600 more workers over the next 10 years.
“We typically find that no matter where we go across Northern Ontario, there are demographic issues in the sense that we need to replace retiring workers,” said Jamie Wolcott, an economist with MiHR.
The Nipissing Mining Hiring Requirements Forecasts 2013 was released in North Bay in March.
Nipissing District has no operational mines but the area is home to several mining supply and service companies. The forecast indicates that industry demand for skilled workers will be competitive in communities that support mining construction and activities in quarries and aggregate mining.
“This report identifies the key areas we can be focusing on,” said Wolcott. “A snapshot of the labour market and a forecast that gives weight to the claims.”
Employment in Nipissing is mainly concentrated in retail, construction, trade, accommodation and public administration. Fewer people are employed in primary sectors, such as the mining sector.
The education level of the workforce in Nipissing is below the provincial average and there is also a shortage in the skilled trades sector. The area’s workforce is aging and the district’s median age is 44.
“There seems to be a mismatch of employers’ requirement for workers and workers looking for work,” the forecast stated.
The demand for qualified and skilled workers in Nipissing is going to outstrip the existing labour supply.
The forecast indicated that the mining industry in Nipissing faces some human resource challenges, based on discussions with stakeholders.
Its close proximity to southern Ontario makes it harder to retain professionals, such as engineers. Retirements will create a skills shortage, but a lack of apprenticeship opportunities are hindering training and skills development.
The mining industry’s image in the region is a potential deterrent to attracting youth, but some organizations have been undertaking initiatives to improve the brand.
The greatest hiring requirements in the region are in the trades and undesignated occupations. The area’s mining sector will face stiff competition for workers such as millwrights, electricians, heavy equipment operators and truck drivers.
Supervisors, co-ordinators and foremen occupy the second-greatest hiring requirement. Retirement over the next 10 years will impact these roles since these employees have significant experience.
“When I go across Canada I hear all about how Canadian miners are older and retiring and there are not enough young people coming in to step up and take their place,” said Wolcott.
“Ontario has even more workers in the older age categories and it is a double-edged sword, because there are fewer younger workers. The trend is more pronounced when it comes to Ontario.”
