The Four County Labour Market Planning Board hopes to address the skills gap in Huron, Perth, Bruce and Grey Counties by creating a three-year workforce plan.
The board's Gemma Mendez Smith says their 2014 Local Labour Market Plan looks at the changes in area businesses, and employment rates. The labour market plan found that Perth County gained 996 businesses in a year, while Bruce County gained 268. Grey County lost 171 businesses, and Huron County lost 617 businesses.
She says data in their skills gap study should help employers, educators and community partners make informed labour market decisions.
She says recommendations in the studies for each of the counties will serve as guide posts and keep the region on track to building a vibrant and sustainable future.
The board wants to lead initiatives aimed at strengthening workforce skills, identifying the gaps in key skills, and fostering employer engagement in local workforce development.