On-going
Way Forward Commitment:
In order to grow the economy and retain our workforce, it is important that we have access to reliable and up-to-date labour market information that allows us to predict the job opportunities, training needs and skills gaps of the future. In 2018-19, our government will develop a Comprehensive Human Resource Plan guided by labour market analysis to forecast future job opportunities. This plan will consider the needs of Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, youth, older workers, women and newcomers to the province.
What We’ve Accomplished:
- The Provincial Government, via the Labour Market Partnership program, Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, is presently working with the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association-NOIA (via the Petroleum Industry Human Resource Committee – PIHRC), the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association-NAIA, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture-NLFA to study sector human resources needs and demands. Research studies are examining the current and potential needs for each sector, engaging with employers and other stakeholders on topics including skills and training gaps.
- In the near future, both the Technology (including the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries-NATI, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association-NEIA, Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defense Association-ACADA, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (NL)-CME) and Forestry (Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association) sectors are anticipated to also begin exploring their human resource needs.
- Provincial sector research will help in developing more informed and targeted labour market information for use both by government, sectors and training institutions. Using research results allows for a better understanding of the ongoing and potential human resource sector needs while enabling industry, government and training to develop products and services based upon evidence and industry engagement. Outcomes will take the form of new labour market information products such as occupational profiles, influencing post-secondary training delivery, and enhancing how supports are provided to job seekers.
- The above work, as well as engagement and collaboration with a number of other priority sector associations, industry and stakeholder groups, will inform the development of the Comprehensive Human Resource Plan. The Comprehensive Human Resource Plan will be based upon understanding the Newfoundland and Labrador labour market and assessment and analysis of labour demand, labour supply, training and skills, and labour market information (LMI). From there, actions and outcomes will be identified for industry, government, and academia stakeholders.
- On November 15, 2019, the Provincial Government released The Way Forward on Workforce Development – a 36-action plan for strengthening the province’s workforce and supporting a productive, knowledge-based economy.
- Supported by approximately $25 million in government funding, the plan provides an understanding of current labour demands and identifies potential skills gaps and future opportunities for economic growth. It also considers the unique employment needs of Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, youth, older workers, women and newcomers to the province.
- The plan aims to better prepare individuals for skills and training needs, better inform and share labour market information, and better support workers and employers to create matches to meet the skills demands of the labour market.
News Releases:
Provincial Government and Aquaculture Industry Take Action to Support Sustainable Aquaculture Growth
Provincial Government Launches The Way Forward on Workforce Development