OVERVIEW

Labour and skills shortages are the most pressing challenges facing manufacturers today. Through our many programs and services devoted to workforce development, CME helps manufacturers attract, retain and engage talent. We are also working to expand the labour pool; improve education programs; and lower the cost of on-the-job training.

EXPANDING THE SKILLED LABOUR POOL

As the driving force behind workforce development services targeted specifically to the needs of the sector, manufacturers can be confident that CME is here to help them grow with industry-specific guidance, supports and programs. These supports include advisory services, peer councils and connections with government, community partners, education and industry to produce, attract and retain current and future talent.

WHY IT MATTERS

Access to a large, high-quality workforce is critical to manufacturing success. It boosts productivity, competitiveness and profitability. It also drives innovation and is vital to taking the fullest advantage of new technologies and production methods. CME surveyed over 225 manufacturers from across Canada from small to large companies and the results are troubling:
  

  • More than 85 per cent of manufacturers struggle to fill vacancies;
  • Canada’s youth are increasingly unprepared and uninterested in working in manufacturing;
  • Employers lack the capacity to invest in skills and training;
  • Current immigration levels are simply not meeting Canada’s workforce needs, and;
  • Labour and skills shortages are holding back manufacturing, and Canada’s economic prosperity.

IMPACT ON MANUFACTURERS

Labour and skills shortages are a major obstacle to operational efficiency, productivity, technology adoption, and innovation. CME’s bi-annual Management Issues Survey (MIS) tells us there are four main barriers preventing manufacturers from investing more in on-the-job training:
  

  • They are too busy to afford the down time;
  • They are concerned about losing their investment should their employees leave;
  • The cost of training programs is high; and/or;
  • There are no existing programs that fit their specific needs.

OUR ADVOCACY WORK

According to CME’s 2020 Management Issues Survey (MIS), skilled labour shortages is the most important issue facing manufacturers today. Companies are playing a growing role in workforce training because too few students are graduating from relevant programs; and because of the increasingly-specialized skills requirements for advanced technologies and production processes. Read our policy position papers, reports and learn more about our advocacy efforts on this front here.

 

OVERCOME WORKFORCE CHALLENGES – LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A CME MEMBER

 

 

IMMIGRATION RETENTION IN MANITOBA

Learn more HERE or

CME SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS

WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING (WIM)

The Women in Manufacturing initiative aims to increase the number of women in manufacturing by 100,000 in 5 years, bringing the total jobs held by women in manufacturing to 525,000 by 2023.

FUTURE WORKFORCE (YOUTH)

A wide variety of programs across Canada introduce students, parents, educators and industry to workplace technologies and high-demand careers in modern manufacturing through career fairs, online tools and marketing materials. Tours and mentoring connections give students first-hand exposure to manufacturing.

SKILLS OF THE FUTURE – ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

How can industry and educators prepare a workforce of the future for jobs that don’t yet exist today? CME’s is on the leading edge of programming to prepare the workforce for advanced manufacturing (Industry 4.0), addressing the needs of the future today. Upskilling today’s workforce and identifying and developing training on skills of the future are integral to these efforts. Learn more about CME’s work to advance industry 4.0 in manufacturing.

ADVOCACY & LABOUR – MARKET INFORMATION

Labour and skills shortages are the most pressing challenges facing manufacturers today. CME is working to expand the labour pool; improve education programs; and lower the cost of on-the-job training through our research and advocacy efforts.

HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) PEER COUNCILS

Active at different levels – from operational to strategic – members explore current topics, labour market information, policies and trends as well as access to industry experts to ensure HR staff are equipped to lead people strategies and programs in manufacturing.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (LDP)

Providing front-line leaders with skills to engage people, involve everyone in continuous improvement, coach employees and create a committed workforce to achieve business goals. This program includes a mentorship element to ensure companies can create a high-performance culture.

OPEN DOORS TOURS

Across the country, CME hosts Open Door tours to introduce new current and future workers to the world of manufacturing, as well as to showcase best practices and encourage learning and sharing among Canadian manufacturers. To see if there are any upcoming in person or virtual tours in your area, visit our events page:

 

MANUFACTURING IS HIRING MB

More than 60,000 job openings will need to be filled in the next few years in Manitoba, which is why we are running the “Manufacturing is Hiring” campaign on social media, on transit shelters and on billboards across the province. Are you a job seeker or an employer? A career in manufacturing is waiting – simply access this portal to learn more.