Backgrounder: Provincial Skills Deficit Looming in 2016

Many Vancouver Island businesses depend on university-educated workers for their future growth and prosperity:

"Our business was founded, nurtured and continues to grow based on innovative, practical and intellectual skills developed by tertiary education. Of 100 employees, more than two thirds hold diploma, bachelors or higher degrees and more than half of these are from BC institutions.

While their scientific understanding is central to our success, their ability to apply that education today and adapt to the changing demands of an evolving business are also critical. Both are directly attributable to higher education.

From many discussions with business colleagues, increased demand for skilled trades, technical and scientific staff on Vancouver Island is inevitable, whether as a function of an ageing workforce or industry growth, and from shipbuilding to high-tech."

JOHN COSGROVE, PH.D., President, AXYS Analytical Services Ltd. Sidney, BC
Contact: jcosgrov@axys.com | 250-655-5800

"Getting an education from UVic in both entrepreneurship and computer science has been foundational in supporting me to launch GenoLogics Life Sciences Software (employing 75 people, 40 in Canada) and ChatterBlock Social Network (employing 25 people, 10 in Canada).

Both Victoria, BC-based companies hire skilled commerce, software engineering, and life sciences university graduates, and I try to hire Canadians and support the technology sector in Victoria.
A local skilled labour shortage is of major concern to me and I support investing in education."

JAMES DEGREEF, CEO, ChatterBlock www.ChatterBlock.com
Contact: james.degreef@chatterblock.com | 250-881-5303