If the mining industry takes off in the Kenora District, we will need to find individuals to fill several key vacancies.
That’s the basis behind a 10-year outlook of employment needs released yesterday in Dryden.
The report was presented by Jamie Wolcott, the Labour Market Economist from the Mining Industry Human Resources Council.
The report shows the need for nearly 3,300 workers by 2022, including 1,700 skilled trades workers alone.
Wolcott says the region now has hard data to go by and notes it’s up to educational institutions, the industry and government to plan for development.
Those in attendance stressed the need to enhance trades learning in our schools as well as improve numeracy and literacy skills.
Some also indicated the need for skilled workers at this time.
Sonja Wainio is the Executive Director of the Northwest Training and Adjustment Board.
Wainio is welcoming the report and its outlook on the future of the Kenora District.
She notes they can use the report to give to other service providers and to better promote the opportunities facing the area.
Wainio is also stressing the importance of working with area schools about the possibility of future employment.
(Stats cited in report: Mining sector employment in the Kenora District was estimated at almost 4,289 workers in 2012.
The projected hiring requirements over the next 10-years will be roughly 3,290 workers. Mining sector employment in the Rainy-River District was estimated at almost 1,555 workers in 2012. The projected hiring requirements over the next 10-years will be roughly 640 workers.)
