Finding the right fit.

AuthorRoss, Ian
PositionNORTH BAY

Contrary to popular belief, there's not a "big rain cloud hanging over North Bay" when it comes to finding a job, according to the Labour Market Group.

Stacie Fiddler, executive director of the North Bay-based workforce planning board, released a six-month snapshot of job vacancies in the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts in late January.

The study began last July to get a better handle on what was occurring on the employment front in the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts.

Part of the impetus stemmed from social media complaints about the lack of opportunity in the region.

The study analyzed which sectors are hiring, what the occupations are, and listed the wages, salaries and terms of employment.

On average, about 390 vacancies were posted each month with some seasonal increases in August. Overall, there were 2,341 job vacancies posted between July and December.

An estimated. 42 per cent offered sales and service positions, with 22 per cent in business, finance and administrative-based fields. Close to 80 per cent offered permanent positions.

During those six months, 78 per cent of the occupational vacancies were in sales and service; business, finance and administration; and for trades, transportation and equipment operators.

Most of the positions posted--68 per cent--needed entry-level personnel, with only six per cent requiring five or more years of experience.

The average annual salary was $48,339 and the average hourly wage was $14.81, which Fiddler said is roughly on par with the rest of Ontario.

The key soft skills in demand are communication, problem-solving, and working well...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT