New hires require significant training: Survey

Retail and construction sectors most likely to need training

Skills training for new hires remains a high priority among Canadian employers in 2013, according to a survey of 500 employers from BMO Bank of Montreal.

More than one-third (38 per cent) of small businesses said new hires require basic training while another 22 per cent have found new hires require significant training and guidance.

But the need for training for new hires is most prevalent among large corporations, where three in four employers said new hires need basic (47 per cent) or significant (27 per cent) training.

"The level of talent and expertise of a small or large business' employees are the very foundation of success and are often the source of competitive advantage," said Steve Murphy, senior vice-president of commercial banking at BMO Bank of Montreal.

"Whether it's enrolling new and existing employees in specialized training programs at community colleges, career colleges, union training halls or through internal programs, ensuring there are resources dedicated to the training and development of new employees is essential and should continue to be a top priority for business leaders."

New for new hire training, by sector

Basic training

Significant training

Small business

38%

22%

Large business

47%

27%

Services

41%

17%

Manufacturing

42%

23%

Retail

44%

26%

Construction

51%

22%

Agriculture

26%

25%

Business/Finance

29%

30%

Need for new hire training, by region

Basic training, experience

Significant training, guidance

Overall

38%

22%

Atlantic

41%

25%

Quebec

40%

25%

Ontario

34%

20%

Prairies

29%

23%

Saskatchewan

27%

16%

Alberta

43%

20%

B.C.

44%

23%

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