Comox Valley Education & Career Fair 2010

CURRENT LABOUR TRENDS

Background
Traditionally, employment opportunities in the Comox Valley have been found in the defence, education, healthcare, tourism and retail sectors.

The top four employers include 19 Wing CFB Comox with over 1430 employees, School District 71 with over 900 employees, St. Josephs Hospital with over 840 employees and Mt. Washington Ski Resort with over 850 employees in the winter months.

The top 6 retail employers include the Real Canadian Superstore with over 300 employees, Wal-Mart with over 218 employees and Home depot with over 200 employees.

These top 6 major retail employers account for almost 1,000 jobs for the Comox Valley.

The current recession has left few corners of the country untouched and the Comox Valley is no exception. Many companies have been adversely affected by the global downturn and there is no denying the fact that jobs, all kind of jobs - from construction to retail – have been harder to come by.

However, this situation will not last forever. The Coastal Chronicles (Summer 2009 edition) predicts that within a few years, due to its unique demographic (an aging population and a low birth rate) the Valley should once again be in a labour shortage position. Growth areas for jobs are predicted to be in the healthcare, construction and retail sectors.

Comox Valley Youth and Employment

The 2008 results from BC Stats Local Health Areas - Courtenay Indicators of Youth at Risk show that 4.1% of the population between 19-24 years were on Employment Insurance (EI), almost double the BC average of 2.2%.

The same study showed that 4.7% of youth in this age category were on income assistance vs. The BC average of 3.0%.

BC Stats Labour Force Statistics reported that the jobless rate among BC youth (aged 15 - 24 years) rose 2.7% in October 2009. At 15.8%, the youth unemployment rate is more than double that of adults aged 25 and over.

Opportunities in Skilled Trades

Numerous recent labour market studies have shown this area to be severely lacking in employable candidates for skilled trades and technical occupations. Skilled shortages in the Comox Valley include qualified construction and healthcare professionals.

Employment projections to 2011 indicate that the construction industry is expected to expand, gaining approximately 30,000 new jobs by 2011. Youth who are not interested in attending university may wish to consider trades and industry occupations.

The opportunities that these fields offer are:
*A variety of types of career
*Job growth and stability
*Higher salaries

Historically, however, youth have had difficulty in connecting with experienced trades people to obtain practical career information. Due to busy work schedules and WCB worksite restrictions, trades people are not always available to talk to youth about the ins and outs of a career in their particular field.

This is where the Education and Career Fair can help. A dedicated Trades and Technology room hosting a variety of trades people will be available to show off the tools of their trade, demo their skills and answer questions. This is a valuable resource and we encourage you to take advantage of it.