BC Ferries ’struggles for critical engineering positions have prompted the company to offer a $ 10,000 signing bonus to attract experienced new hires.
The current workforce exceeds 5,400, but Mark Collins, president and CEO of the company, says there has been a challenge to hold senior positions.
“It’s extremely challenging in roles especially with licensed and certified, senior roles,” Collins said. “Very, very difficult because they are globally attractive employees. Hundreds of shipping companies around the world are facing supply chain challenges. Everyone wants these people. “
In November, Victoria Police offered a $ 20,000 signing bonus as an incentive for experienced police officers and received more than 40 applications in just a few weeks.
Collins said the bonus will be paid in full after a year at work.
“I think we continue to be attractive in some of our job categories,” he said. “But there is no doubt that some of our job categories are extremely competitive.”
All companies compete to get workers in one of the tightest labor markets in the country.
According to Statistics Canada in April, unemployment in Toronto was 6.3%, Vancouver at 5.4% and Kelowna at 5.3%.
On the island, Nanaimo has 4.5% unemployment and Victoria’s unemployment rate of 4.4% remains one of the lowest in Canada.
Chad Bryson, president of Verity Construction, points to the Bear Mountain side where his company will build more than 1,000 homes over the next few years.
“126 units are being built. 66 multi-family townhouses and 60 single-family semi-detached houses will be built, “Bryson said.
The construction industry is booming, and so is the demand for workers, according to Bryson.
“Our salaries have risen significantly in the last 12 months. And I think they need it because the costs have gone up, “Bryson said.” And yes, there is demand from many other employees and there is competition. So you have to make sure you keep up with the market. “
At BC Ferries this means offering incentives to attract retired workers for the summer season.
All sectors are constantly seeing the demand for workers.
READ MORE: BC anticipates more than one million jobs open over the next decade: Labor market outlook
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