Ontario manufacturing sector still faces workforce shortages, industry group says
Ontario manufacturing faces skilled labour shortages despite easing job vacancies See why training gaps and retirements still threaten hiring across the sector
A new report from Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters says Ontario’s manufacturing sector continues to struggle with workforce shortages, even though job vacancies have eased in recent years.
The report says employers are still having trouble finding workers with the right skills, especially in trades such as welding, mechatronics and electrical work. It also says apprenticeship and education pathways are not keeping up with the needs of modern manufacturing, creating a mismatch between training and industry demand.
Dennis Darby, the association’s president and CEO, said the problem is broad and affects both large and small manufacturers. He noted that layoffs tied to CanadaU.S. trade tensions have temporarily narrowed the labour gap, but longterm needs remain as many workers near retirement and immigration levels decline.