Welcome to Durham Workforce Authority

Current Research & Projects

Labour Market Plan

The Durham Workforce Authority develops an annual labour market planning document that provides new and emerging actions, including a three-year outlook. This just-in-time labour market information addresses both immediate labour market issues and provides data-driven recommendations to address emerging workforce challenges in the Durham Region.

Annual Local Labour Market Plans can be accessed here.

Durham Workforce Survey

The DWA surveys the supply and demand for labour in our Region in alternating years. An employer survey was completed in 2025, and a workforce survey will be conducted in 2026. This survey is designed to gather insights from residents of Durham Region regarding their skills, current employment status, and employment goals. It is a key aspect of understanding the dynamic workforce landscape, and the results will inform future workforce development strategies, educational programs, and employment initiatives based on the identified needs and aspirations of Durham Region residents.

Cluster Mapping Data Walk

This will be a community-focused learning event that brings Durham Workforce Authority’s economic cluster data to life through an interactive, visual format. Designed to support a more integrated approach to economic and workforce development, the event aligns with Invest Durham’s cluster strategy  by connecting industry trends with in-demand occupations. Participants will build a shared understanding of how key sectors are evolving and where workforce demand is growing, while exploring opportunities for coordinated action to support thriving clusters in Durham Region, supporting more informed and inclusive decision-making across the region.

Jobs Report

This report is a comprehensive analysis of employment opportunities in Durham Region that do not require advanced formal education but still offer the key characteristics of a “good job’. It will examine how job quality is defined by workers, employers, and labour market stakeholders, while identifying the barriers and enablers that influence access to these opportunities. It will result in a data-informed, accessible, and action-oriented resource that helps regional partners understand where strong opportunities exist and how they can be strengthened to meet both workforce and employer needs.

Lakeview Hub

 

The Lakeview Hub is dedicated to empowering the community by providing accessible support services that address employment, personal development, and emotional well-being. Knowing that real support means more than just helping with job searches—it’s about helping people thrive in every part of their lives.

Their vision is simple: a Lakeview where everyone has access to the support, services and opportunities they need to grow. At Lakeview Hub, you’ll find a warm, welcoming space where people connect, find encouragement, and feel respected and valued.  We’re building a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and truly cared for.

Visit the Lakeview Hub website to learn more!

 

 

 

NEW! Quarterly and Annual Labour Market Insights Reports

A close-up of a chart displaying labour market insights for Durham, covering data from January to December 2025. The chart includes information on job duration, job types, total active job posts, average posting duration in days, average posted wage for in-demand occupations such as retail salespersons and food counter attendants. It also highlights essential skills such as communication and management. The source is noted at the bottom with a URL link.

 

Our Jobs First Durham system allows the Durham Workforce Authority to extract labour market information directly from jobs posted in the Durham Region.  It scans more than 50 of the top employment websites to extract wage, skill, location and other relevant data, providing reliable and local information on what employers and job seekers need.

Our interactive Labour Market Insights tool enables everyone in our community to understand what’s happening in Durham’s workforce.  This real-time information supports the data-driven decision-making that empowers community stakeholders to continue developing a robust and sustainable local workforce.

To further support the community’s efforts at making data-driven decisions, the DWA has developed a new printer-friendly version of the report that will be released quarterly and annually.  We’ve included some highlights of the most recent month and a link to the most recent quarterly report below.

Check out the most recent quarterly and annual Durham Region Labour Market Insights Reports

 

 

Labour Market Information (LMI) Video Series

 

Here at DWA, we have created a video series all about LMI to inform the community about the importance of LMI and to provide Employment Ontario Service Providers, Economic Development and Chambers of Commerce, Community Partners, Employers, and Job Seekers with access to timely LMI data and analysis.

The 11 videos include, but are not limited to: the eight indicators, the monthly labour force survey data for Oshawa CMA, local custom data that are legacy pieces from the LEPC, and other critical pieces of labour market information in an accessible format.

Click any of the titles below to watch the video, or click here to view the whole playlist!

1. Definition of CMA

2. Key Components of Labour Fore Survey

3. Labour Market Information

4. DWA 101

5. Canadian Business Count

6. Durham Region Key Sectors Overview

7. Durham Region Key Sectors and Employment Levels (1/2)

8. Durham Region Key Sectors and Employment Levels (2/2)

9. Basic Labour Market Indicators Overview

10. Basic Labour Market Indicators (1/2)

11. Basic Labour Market Indicators (2/2)

 

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