Greater Victoria now has a 10-year labour market plan that maps out jobs and needed skills in the region, thanks to more than $104,000 in government Community and Employer Partnership funding.

The 77-page Labour Market Partnership report from the WestShore Chamber of Commerce maps out demographics trends, labour market trends and educational achievement. The report also maps out best practices for how to meet employment demands in the region over the next decade.

The report points out that there will be growth of nearly 15,000 new jobs over the next decade for residents and migrants to find work in the regional economy. Many of these jobs will be the result of retirement.

The top jobs expected to grow over the next decade are in nursing (1,100); support workers in legal, social community and education services (1,000); general office workers (800); and health services support workers (770). The study also revealed that difficult to fill positions include diverse occupations, such as engineers, dishwashers, pharmacists, senior executives and farm labourers.

By 2022, Greater Victoria is set to grow by 10%, from a population of 368,472 to 407,507.

Surveys were conducted with more than 70 employers, 12 educators and trainers, as well as results from focus groups conducted with 22 representatives from community agencies.

Labour Market Partnerships are a component of the Employment Program of BC’s (EPBC) Community and Employer Partnerships fund for projects that share labour market information and increase employability throughout the province. They were introduced with the EPBC in April 2012.

Labour Market Partnerships help local employers, employee and employer associations, and communities develop ways to deal with worker shortages or changes in the job market so they can prepare for the future.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“Understanding future labour needs is an important component of long-term economic development in a community. The province provided more than $104,000 to help the community develop a 10-year labour market outlook. This will provide a detailed roadmap for employers in Greater Victoria over the next decade that looks at the skills needed, while maximizing employment opportunities.”

Julie Lawlor, executive director, WestShore Chamber of Commerce –

“This Labour Market Partnership project gives us a clear indicator of what new jobs will develop across the region over the next 10 years. Without the funding support of the Province of British Columbia, we wouldn’t have this piece of the puzzle, which ultimately helps focus our efforts on the best ways to achieve sustainable economic growth and prosperity in our region.”

Quick Facts:

• For those aged 15 years and older, people in Greater Victoria have a fairly high level of post-secondary education with 174,800 people having earned a certificate, diploma or degree.
• The research for this labour market study was conducted by the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria for the WestShore Chamber of Commerce, and supported by the Greater Victoria Development Agency.
• In 2015-16, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured as a component of the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. The Blueprint helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.
• Funding supports 84 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Crown corporations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships:
https://www.workbc.ca/Job-Seekers/Employment-Services/Community-Employer-Partnerships.aspx

To see the WestShore Chamber of Commerce labour market study: http://westshore.bc.ca/business-training/

For more information on B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/skills

Learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/social-development-and-social-innovation

Learn more about the Employment Programs of BC: http://www.sdsi.gov.bc.ca/programs/epbc/index.htm

Find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Work-BC-Centres/Pages/Work-BC-Centres.aspx