Factory sector hobbled by image problem

Manufacturing's lagging contribution to Canadian economic growth is due, in part, to an image problem that prevents it from recruiting the skilled employees needed to steer the sector's recovery, the Conference Board of Canada reports.

“The image of the sector, coupled with media reports of job losses in various industries, is discouraging young workers from seeking employment in the sector – even though some industries are expanding,” the Conference Board said in a report this week on key economic and labour force challenges facing the factory sector.

“This reduced recruiting ability will have, over the longer term, a significant negative impact on the ability of companies to grow and will also negatively affect the entire manufacturing sector as it attempts to adapt to the stresses of globalization, technological change and a maturing work force,” the think tank said.