Canadians expect employers to pony up for skills training: survey
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Randstad Canada survey says 91 per cent of Canadians put the onus on employers to cover cost
TORONTO—When it comes to work-related skills training, a vast majority of Canadians expect their employers to pay for programming to keep them up-to-date with job requirements.
According to a study conducted by staffing firm Randstad Canada, a staggering 91 per cent of those surveyed put the onus on their employers to cover the cost of skills training.
“This may in part be related to the fact that the study also revealed that more than eight in 10 Canadian workers feel that the demands on employees are higher than five years ago,” Randstad Canada president Tom Turpin said in a release.
This has significant implications for Canada’s skills shortage, according to the firm, as employed Canadians would be less likely to pursue advanced training on their own.
However, while Canadians workers are among the most likely to expect their employers to ensure their skills and competences are maintained, they are also amongst the least likely in the world to believe that formal education will become more important in their position, with only 57 per cent agreeing.
“Education and training is a serious investment for either a company or an individual,” Turpin said. “It isn’t an easy thing for a job seeker or worker to do on their own, but many professions require it.
“Canadians who are looking for opportunities for training within their workplace, or through their employer, need to start that discussion today.”
Implementation of programs like the Canada Job Grant can take time, and the program announced earlier this year won’t be fully instituted until 2017.
However, the advantages of training and promoting from within are very real, according to Turpin.
“When you train someone and bring them up through the ranks it can be beneficial to your employer brand,” he said. “It can also be a very beneficial cost savings, removing the need to engage in a more complex hiring process, or train new employees on your internal processes.”
To ensure they are bridging the skills gap accordingly, Randstad Canada said employers need to evaluate what processes or strategies will help them meet their long term hiring and skills management goals.
At the same time, Canadian job seekers and workers need to plan for ongoing skills development to both ensure they are prepared to meet the requirements of future job opportunities, as well as to advance within the companies they currently work for.
