Help wanted sign
(CBC)

It is a sign of the times. Or maybe we should say "signs" of the "time." Help-wanted signs are everywhere these days. Restaurants, stores, service stations and call centres are all looking for people. And it's just not the service and retail industry. Banks, boat builders and construction companies are all having a tough time finding, and keeping, employees.

Part of the problem is the overheated economy in Western Canada. We've all heard stories about employers in Alberta paying big bucks, and thousands of Nova Scotians are chasing that dream. But that's not the only factor. Nova Scotia's workforce is getting older and there aren't enough young people to fill the jobs being left by the boomers.

In a region used to talking about unemployment, this new reality is forcing governments, educational institutions and employers to rethink how they do business. "We are moving from an economy that had more people than jobs to an economy that has more jobs than people, " says Stuart Gourley, senior executive director of the Department of Education's skills and learning branch, "and it's going to be that way for 10 to 15 years."

It's an issue that could have a dramatic impact on the province. If employers can't find enough people, the economy won't grow. Consumers will have a hard time getting quality help. And if employers have to dramatically raise wages, we'll all pay. It won't be an easy fix.

CBC News at Six's four part series: Help Wanted

Part One: A Sign of the Times
In a province where we're used to talking about unemployment, there is a new problem: finding enough people to fill the jobs. (runs 4:47)

Photo: Subway owner Kirk MacRae

Part Two: A Tale of Three Employers
What do a fish market, a burger joint and a boat builder have in common? The same big headache of getting and keeping employees.
(runs 5:16)

Photo: Right to left: Bill Langdon, Ron Wallace, Charles Brown

Part Three: Taking Action
With major clients like Bombardier and Boeing, Composite Atlantics can't afford a labour shortage. So it's teamed up with the Community College to try to keep the shop floor humming. (runs 4:15)

Photo: Nova Scotia Community College students training on the shop floor of Composite Atlantics.

Part Four: The New Reality
Employers look for new ways to attract and keep workers. (runs 5:08)

Photo: Consultant Tim Brennan

 

Web Bonus: Pension Penalty
Employers say pension rules need to be changed so seniors who want to return to work don't have their benefits clawed back. (runs 3:38)

Photo: Marjorie Peck