Manufacturing sector shows highest concern for finding skilled workers
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Employers in Alberta will continue to expand their workforces for the remainder of 2017, according to a survey by CPHR Alberta.
The latest Hiring Confidence Index (HCI) shows the number of HR professionals expecting workforce growth outnumber those who are expecting declines by two-to-one. The semi-annual survey collected 1,478 responses in June, and provides a forward-looking indicator into the province’s labour market.
The HCI dropped slightly compared to December 2016 data – from a score of 64.9 to 64.1. The index weighs two components: a six-month employment projection and an assessment of expected candidate qualifications.
“A drop in confidence isn’t always good news, but in this case it is,” said Peter Dugandzic, CEO of CPHR Alberta, the granting body for the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. “The rise in hiring expectations was offset by concerns of shortages for skilled workers. This means more jobs are coming for Alberta, and it reinforces the importance of policy shifts to address labour mobility and skills training in the province.”
Skills shortages
Some industries are expecting more competition for skilled workers than others. HR professionals in the manufacturing sector showed the highest concern for finding skilled workers.
“We're seeing top candidates receive multiple offers while we are actively recruiting them - our ability to act quickly and competitively is becoming more critical,” said Jesse Grieder, vice-president of HR at Applied Industrial Technologies in Edmonton.
