The last time we saw any growth in employment in the manufacturing industry was from 1998 to 2000. 2001 to 2004 was a period of stagnation and from 2004 to 2008 job losses reached 322,000! In just four years, one in seven manufacturing jobs disappeared and one in five manufacturing jobs were lost in Ontario alone!

Statistics Canada further reports, “ These trends are not unique to Canada — manufacturing has been declining in most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. The situation in Canada was noticeable for being somewhat delayed, with manufacturing jobs beginning to decline only in 2004, while other countries, notably the United States, had already registered significant job losses for several years.”

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has been lobbying at the federal, provincial and local levels of government on behalf of small and medium sized businesses, (SME’s) for over 35 years and provides the following statistics:

Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential to Canadian society and its economy. SMEs play a role in shaping local communities, creating new jobs and serving consumers. Collectively, they generate close to half of Canadian GDP, according to a CFIB estimate based on National Accounts data. Small and mid-sized establishments, with fewer than 500 employees, represent 97 per cent of all Canadian businesses and employ 56 per cent of all workers.

Prior to our last Federal Election, the CFIB sent a questionaire to each of the party leaders to assess their level of support for entrepreneurs and small business. Despite the significance of SME’s, which account for the employment of six out of ten Canadians, no response was received from the Conservative Party of Canada.

If you have been have been affected by manufacturing job losses or are considering a career transition, call today for a free resume critique.

It is understandable in today’s troubling economy that cutting costs is at the forefront of every business, every community and every individual. However, no decision should ever be considered that compromises the safety individuals!

Martin Buckland

Details are offered for the following 7 ways to recession-proof you career:

Get personal
Be visible
Be a cheerleader
“Linkedin” to real life
Freelance
Take a pay cut
Reinvent yourself

Easily achievable, positive and effective. Great advice for everyone in today’s economy.

According to a recent survey, Monster is listed as one of the elite in the online employment industry.  Another study to determine where 15,600 respondents found their last job reported that 13.3% were as a result of an ad posted on an Internet job board.  A further study of over 7,000 employees rated surfing online job postings as the number one most popular job search activity and the second most popular job search activity was updating their resume.

Networking is still your most effective job search tool, whether it be through online professional or social sites, or the many organizations that are available for face to face meetings such as ExecuNet or HAPPEN.

Today, it is imperative that you have an online presence!  Hiring professionals are using online networking tools to find you. Can you be found?

Of the top 50 employers in Canada, three have been on the list for the past five years, one for the past seven years, Keg Restaurants Ltd. and one for the past nine years, Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada.

The following are the top five employers:  EllisDon Corporation, London, ON; PCL Constructors Inc. Edmonton, AB; Bennett Jones LLP, Calgary, AB; Edward Jones, Mississauga, ON and CIMA+, Montreal, QC.

Sponsors of this study also include, Queen’s School of Business and study partners, Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations, Workopolis and LA PRESSE.

Although unsettling, to say the least, we are fortunate to have been part of a stable or booming economy for many years.  It is now time to initiate the changes that are necessary in an extremely competitive global marketplace and get through the expected lengthy economic recovery.  The best resources available today are online.  Online resources not only allow you to keep abreast of current affairs, personal and professional networking websites are soon to be the number one tool used by both employees and employers.  You need to stand out, ONLINE!  Research and find information on those industries that are not affected by this global economic downturn.  Search employment sites around the world and consider relocating. Review opportunities available to further your education, improve skills, increase your marketability or begin a second career. Keep on top of new government initiatives that provide funding for further education or job creation projects.  Web sites offer world wide information and it’s free.  If you don’t find what you are looking for, ask us ONLINE!

Randstad also reports close to 80% of jobs are not advertised and 94% of those asked, found their jobs through networking.  Sebastien Girard, regional manager for Randstad says, “We advise our clients to spread the word about their job search to as many people as possible” and he comments on the importance of Facebook as well as other social networks, newspapers, professional association websites, job search sites and job placement agencies.

For valuable tips on effective networking online and off check out Networking and Your Job Search.

Be well – Money and Stress, is a special information series on wellness at home and in the workplace, sponsored by Desjardins Financial Security. Ms Nowski, director of disability claims and management for Desjardins Financial Security, says “Unmanageable stress and unmanaged worry can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health, quality of life and productivity in the workplace, so it is in the best interests of both individuals and organizations to take a proactive approach to managing financial stressors.”

Ongoing stress in the workplace and at home can severely impair our immune systems with the potential to result in long term illness or even death. Although this is a critical issue, there are some simple steps that anyone can take to prevent serious negative effects and help in maintaining a healthy immune system. Make a point of reaching out to others. Decide if you are in need of reaching out for help. Eat healthy and nourishing food. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Get a full night’s sleep and maintain a regular exercise program. If you can’t make it to the gym, go for a walk. Think positive. Take the time to smile and laugh with coworkers. Dr. Kenford Nedd, says, “Happiness in the workplace triggers the release of chemicals that strengthen the immune system…”.

In Japan, 34,000 otherwise healthy men, die every year of stress-related heart attacks. Nutritious meals, regular exercise, sleep, happiness and reaching out can increase your ability to manage stress. You have the choice to take control of your personal life and stay healthy! Your physical and emotional health impacts your family, friends, business and our country. It starts with you! Do you really have a choice?

Increasing sales is one of the few definitive options available to the decision makers of many companies and organizations at a time when so much is beyond their control.  The fluctuating dollar, volatile stock markets and wavering economies of neighbouring countries have resulted in widespread, growing concerns over the viability of many businesses.  An economic crisis, forecasted by some, as the worst since the Great Depression of the 30′s.

Many people are currently in career transition and those who are not could potentially be in the near future.  Statistics show a continuing decline in the length of tenure in all executive positions.  Although it may not seem to be at the time, this transition can be a positive opportunity for your career development.  By acquiring knowledge and a clear understanding of current trends in our market place, recognizing the significance of fulfilling your own needs, focussing on your strengths and following your passion you can set the goals needed to create a path to success.

If you require the professional advice of a career transition coach, professional branding strategist or master resume writer please do not hesitate to contact us.

The proportion of trades employment varied by province, with an increase from 9% in 1987 to 15% in 2007 in Alberta, due to the oil and gas boom.  Whereas Ontario experienced a significant decrease in trades workers from 41% in 1987 to 36% in 2007 coinciding with the decline in the manufacturing industry.  In 1946 Canada’s total employment in manufacturing was 26% and in 2007 it has declined to just 12%!

Studies have shown that 51% of immigrants from 2001 to 2006 arrived with a university degree, far higher than the 20% for the Canadian-born population.  Since educational requirements for the trades are below university level it is not surprising that fewer immigrants are employed in the trades, 17% in 2007 compared to non-trades at 21%.

97% of all workers in the trades have full-time jobs and 97% are men.  The proportion of men in other occupations has seen a decline in the past, from 54% in 1987 to 50% in 2007.

A CBC article, “Who’s your plumber?”, generated some interesting comments, including one from an individual describing the trades as low prestige, labour intensive, dirty work requiring long hours and travel noting that women don’t want that but they should be encouraged to be equal!  It may be significant to note that in a 2006 Census, women accounted for 60% of university graduates.

Any industry reporting steady employment growth, despite the current economic turmoil is welcome news, even if it is a male dominated industry.

Do you have an enticing resume as a skilled trades worker?  Call now for a free resume critique!