Employers and government officials from Saskatchewan are ramping up efforts to attract workers by expanding their recruitment tour this year to the United Kingdom.
Last year Ireland was the only destination for a similar recruitment envoy to Europe, where they attended and represented Canada in Dublin’s Working Abroad Expo. They visited several cities, and approximately 10,000 Irish workers attended the events as economic turmoil continues to plague the country.
This year, the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy along with 13 employers who are in dire need of workers, have expanded their tour to include a two-day visit to Manchester in the U.K.
“Based on last year’s success, employers expressed interest in returning to that country hoping to recruit at least 80 high-skilled workers this year, for positions such as heavy-duty mechanics, welders, engineers and machinists, among other occupations,” said the Ministry in a statement, noting that last year’s efforts resulted in nearly 300 new Irish families in the province.
However, some employers are taking their own approach, unhappy with the cattle-call-like atmosphere at these international recruitment fairs. They have arranged to travel to these places on their own in order to narrow their focus and target the workers they need.
Saskatchewan’s recent economic growth has resulted in massive worker shortages – particularly in the skilled trades such as plumbers and electricians.
Source: Regina Leader-Post
