Research and Reports
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 Employer Survey
The DWA surveys the supply and demand for labour in our Region in alternating years. A workforce survey was completed in 2024, and an employer survey will be conducted in 2025. This survey is designed to gather insights from Durham Region employers to identify general and industry-specific skill gaps. 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 residents in Durham Region.
Cluster Mapping Report
This report will map the economic clusters of employers via their National Industry Association Code (NAIC) and the in-demand occupations via their National Occupation Code (NOC) to create a framework map to identify what is missing in the cluster, where there are weaknesses and how to engage all partners to support employers in creating thriving clusters in Durham Region.
Small Manufacturing Report
This report explores the role of small-scale manufacturing in fostering economic development and labour market attachment. Small manufacturers, defined by their modest space requirements and workforce typically under fifty employees, have the flexibility to operate in non-traditional manufacturing spaces, such as storefronts. By leveraging innovation, local resources, and niche markets, small manufacturing presents a significant opportunity to enhance economic resilience, support workforce participation, and revitalize communities.
Engaging Youth in Precision Agriculture
With the DWA’s support, Durham Farm Connections and Invest Durham co-hosted a Precision Agriculture Day in May 2024. This event engaged students from the Specialist High Skills Majors programs offered through school boards in the Region to better understand the in-demand occupations in this important agriculture subsector. Students learned about the available education and employment pathways through hands-on participation and presentations.
Precision agriculture uses technology to grow crops efficiently, leveraging data that enables farmers to make informed decisions about how to manage their land. This improves operational productivity, reduces waste, and promotes environmental sustainability.
To learn more, check out:
Blog: Drones in Precision Agriculture
Blog: Precision Agriculture at Algoma Orchards
Clip of Global News Durham’s coverage of the event:
Design by Durham Workforce Authority
Durham Workforce Survey Report
The DWA surveys the supply and demand for labour in our Region in alternating years, with a workforce survey conducted in 2024. The survey was 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 residents in Durham Region.
Pathways to Skilled Trades Report (Click to download)
Developed in partnership with the Literacy Network of Durham Region (LiNDR), this report provides key insights into the region’s skilled trades sector, highlighting the critical role of apprenticeships in driving Durham’s economy and promoting lifelong learning. The report identifies significant skills gaps in priority clusters like Agri-Food and Future Energy and emphasizes the importance of apprenticeships in addressing these gaps. It also explores challenges such as navigating complex apprenticeship pathways and the underutilization of Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs. With practical recommendations for improving collaboration, training, and public awareness, it is a valuable tool for strengthening Durham Region’s workforce and supporting sustainable economic development.
The Lakeview Oshawa: Community & Workforce Development Report (Click to download)
The Lakeview Neighbourhood in Oshawa, with its unique demographic and economic characteristics, faces specific labour market challenges and is recognized as one of five priority neighbourhoods in Oshawa. This report builds on insights from previous reports summarizing feedback from community consultations. It outlines actionable strategies to continue enhancing service delivery, improving employment outcomes, and facilitating greater community engagement and development in the Lakeview neighbourhood.
Persons with Disabilities Report (Click to download)
Youth with multiple barriers, especially those with mental, intellectual and physical disabilities, typically experience high unemployment after exiting the education system, and finding program supports to assist employment readiness can be difficult.
The Ontario Labour Market Partnership (OLMP) grant aims to identify and address the employment challenges faced by youth with disabilities by connecting and collaborating with service providers, support organizations and community members to develop effective solutions. To support this goal, the Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) – mandated to work to improve the availability of labour market information – has initiated research to explore the experiences of youth with disabilities in the Durham Region who have employment aspirations and goals.
This project was a multi-stage initiative with three phases, each focusing on distinct objectives and components. These phases were sequentially conducted, with findings and developments from each phase informing the next. These phases culminated in this comprehensive final report that synthesizes insights, outcomes, and recommendations from the entire project.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Research Strategy Development Report (Click to download)
The pandemic revealed that women, youth, persons with disabilities, newcomers, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQI+ Community and others are at a far greater risk of labour market shocks. As part of this research and a permanent change in research strategy, the DWA has created a research standard that applies an equity lens to all data collection in the future to broaden the understanding of the local labour market.
The Pandemic in Labour Report (Click to download)
Employers throughout the Durham Region have expressed concerns that they cannot recruit or retain labour across all sectors and occupation profiles. This report explores a new approach to LMI, employer engagement and the future of work in Durham Region.