Two surveys have opened as part of the Cariboo Chilcotin regional labour market study. The study is a partnership between the Cariboo Regional District, municipalities and First Nations in the Cariboo Chilcotin with the goal of identifying labour gaps and future job needs.
“We have two main goals in this labour market study: One is to provide an assessment of current and forecasted labour market trends, opportunities and needs specific to the region,” said Margo Wagner, Cariboo Regional District Chair. “Secondly, the study will provide an evidence-based strategy to facilitate capacity building among the regional labour force and business sectors.”
Local project representatives have been connecting with businesses in-person over the summer to complete the business survey. Telephone outreach will continue until Sept. 21 to random select businesses. To maximize participation, all businesses across the Regional District are encouraged to complete the survey through an online link.
The business survey seeks to gather input from business owners related to accessing labour, challenges in labour recruitment and labour impacts on future business decisions, training and skills needs. The survey closes Sept. 21, 2019. Take the business survey: https://surveys.tsp.ca/IntWeb.dll/Online/TSP19038/TSP19038W
A job seeker survey has also launched for people interested in new careers or that are currently not employed. This survey will provide job seekers with an opportunity to share their perspectives on employment opportunities and supports and services to assist them in securing employment.
The job seeker survey closes Oct. 15, 2019. Take the job seeker survey: www.jobseekersurvey.ca
To wrap up the study, an education and training sector roundtable discussion is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2019 in Williams Lake. Potential workshop participants will be contacted directly to ensure a broad representation of educational institutions and their appropriate faculty, staff and administration are invited.
“I encourage all our business owners and those looking for work to participate in these surveys to help us gain a solid perspective on the challenges our labour market is facing,” said Wagner.
The labour market study is a partnership between the CRD, the municipalities of Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House and Wells, and member communities of Northern Secwepemc, Tŝilhqot’in and Southern Carrier/Dakelh First Nations. The project is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
The study is being researched and written by MDB Insight (mdbinsight.com), a consulting firm that has worked extensively with communities, large and small, across Canada. The project is expected to be completed with a final draft in December 2019.