From left: Chair of Quinte Economic Development Commission Ross Rae and Executive Director Chris King, September 19, 2017 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
A new program to address the shortage of labour supply in the Quinte area may come out of a study that is now underway.
Officials of the Quinte Economic Development Commission told its board meeting in Quinte West Tuesday it has received a $47,000 grant from the provincial government to undertake the survey.
It will involve about 60 local manufacturers and businesses forecasting labour requirements, helping the province redevelop some of its programs or develop new ones.
For instance, they would include how to encourage more people to consider manufacturing as a career.
Executive Director Chris King.
#1 CHRIS KING
He says the study is focused on how to rapidly respond to employers’ hiring and training needs in rural Ontario.
#2 CHRIS KING
King says there might be some follow up dollars for implementation of some of the recommendations, allowing his team to come up with some strategies locally. He says when it comes to business expanding or businesses locating to the area, having an available workforce is extremely important.
They will look at the needs of the present work force as well.
The Economic Development commission survey will be completed by mid-November.
