Career Information

Industry Statistics

• Statistics Canada reported in August 2006 that the manufacturing industry currently employs 2,086,100 jobs.
  Source: Labour Force Survey, Statistics Canada - September 8, 2006
• The aging population poses a serious labour demand issue for the future. Beginning in 2010, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over will expand rapidly, reinforced by a low birth rate and a longer life expectancy. In 2001, those aged 37 to 55 made up 47% of the labour force. In 2011, half of them will be 55 or over, and 18% of them will be over the age of 60.
  Source: Statistics Canada
• In 2002, employment in manufacturing increased by almost 6%, with the biggest growth occurring in food manufacturing and machine production.
  Source: Statistics Canada
• By the end of [the 90s] and into the new millennium, the manufacturing industry led the economy in job creation. Since virtually all manufacturing jobs (97%) are full time, the industry contributed significantly to the jump in full-time employment. Manufacturing accounted for 18% of all full-time employment in 2002. The manufacturing and trade industries employ the highest number of Canadian workers (full and part time), each accounting for about 15% of the labour pool in 2002.
  Source: Statistics Canada
• A shortage of skilled workers can be an obstacle, not only to the adoption of production technology but also to innovation.
  Source: Statistics Canada
• The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that 48.7% of its members in 2003 said the shortage of qualified labour was the most important issue they face.
  Source: Remarks for Canadian Welding Association Industry Education Forum - March 1, 2006
• Only about 25% of young people enrol in university and another 25% choose college or trades. That leaves about 50% who enter the work force without the skills they need to compete for good jobs.
  Source: Remarks for Canadian Welding Association Industry Education Forum - March 1, 2006
• Over the next 10 years, we expect something like over half a million people to retire from manufacturing jobs in Canada.
  Source: Globe and Mail (Wanted: More skilled labour, and quick - November 2005)
• Many Canadian manufacturers face a tough time finding skilled workers as the front-end of the baby boomers near retirement over the coming years.
  Source: Globe and Mail (Wanted: More skilled labour, and quick - November 2005)
• Canadian manufacturers are turning to other strategies to deal with their [labour shortage] problem, including partnering with educational institutions to churn out the needed workers.
  Source: Globe and Mail (Wanted: More skilled labour, and quick - November 2005)