Nonkes says that the answer to local labour shortages may be just beyond the horizon.
There are an average of 1000 jobs posted in Huron County every month, a trend that’s consistent, and on the upswing.
That’s according to Mark Nonkes, Local Immigration Partnership Manager with the County of Huron. In an exclusive interview he highlighted that immigrants can provide a valuable opportunity for employers to fill job vacancies in various sectors,
Local companies in the area have been leveraging immigration partnerships as a means to address these labor shortages. The Canadian federal government has announced that around 465,000 new immigrants are expected to arrive in the country each year from 2023 to 2025.
Nonkes also acknowledged the challenges faced in integrating this immigrant workforce into the local community. Limited affordable housing and inadequate public transportation were identified as key barriers.
Nonkes shared an example of a Ukrainian engineer who was hired by a local employer despite restricted language proficiency.
By tapping into the unique skill sets of immigrants, businesses can benefit from a diverse and talented workforce. Overcoming challenges through creative solutions will be crucial in successfully integrating these workers into the community.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
