In addition, Canadian manufacturers have been able to rely on the skills and entrepreneurial talent of new immigrants into the country. Many manufacturers invest heavily in developing and upgrading the skills of their workers. Some have developed specialized skills training programs or institutes that benefit the community at large. And, many companies have made significant improvements in their innovative capabilities, workplace efficiencies, flexibility, and levels of customer satisfaction based on the adoption of more flexible and more collaborative workplace practices.
Generally, manufacturers acknowledge a lack of communication, a lack of coordination, a lack of collaboration, and the need for increasing investments in the preparation and development of workforce capabilities.
With respect to communication, young people and their parents are frequently unaware of the career opportunities that exist in manufacturing. On the other hand, there are not enough secondary schools that guide students into educational or vocational paths that prepare them for manufacturing careers. Colleges and apprenticeship programs are experiencing difficulties in attracting enough students to the trades, technical skills, and business programs they offer. Some secondary schools, and most colleges and universities, have developed educational and skills training programs designed to meet the current requirements of industry. But, manufacturers are frequently unaware of the programs available to them, or of the capabilities of colleges in particular to customize training programs for company needs.
Manufacturers recognize the need for greater coordination among all levels of government, all levels of education, apprenticeship and training programs, and the industry itself. Federal research monies and provincial training and apprenticeship programs must be aligned more effectively to meet the needs of advanced manufacturing and global business management. Multidisciplinary programs that effectively combine design, engineering, and management studies are rare in Canadian universities. It is far rarer to find a program in the post-secondary system that provides a mix of academic studies, technical training, and practical experience in business. Manufacturers cite the need for greater effort on the part of colleges and universities in offering joint programs, coordinating curricula, developing cooperative programs, and recognizing academic credentials. However, they also acknowledge a lack of coordination in aligning education and skills training programs with actual employment opportunities, a need that is especially acute at the local community level – where the workforce resides and job opportunities actually exist. Greater coordination is also needed to provide adequate educational and training programs for aboriginal workers, and to integrate them more effectively into the manufacturing workforce.
Coordination is lacking when it comes to Canada’s immigration system as well. Qualifications for skilled immigrants do not adequately take account of the skills training and experience that is of greatest value to manufacturers. Immigrant approval processes are too slow to respond to immediate skills needs within the industry. And, because neither foreign academic and skills credentials nor foreign work experience are widely recognized in Canada, it is often very difficult to integrate highly qualified immigrants into the workforce.