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Barriers to Work: Why Some People Are Still on the Sidelines
Leave a CommentUnemployment by the Numbers
Roughly 22% of survey respondents identified as unemployed, with the majority having been out of work for less than 6 months. However, a significant portion—20%—have been unemployed for over 3 years, suggesting persistent barriers to re-entry.
Top Causes of Unemployment:
- Shortage of work / End of contract or season (28.5%)
- Lack of job fit (skills mismatch)
- Illness or injury
- Returning to school
The construction industry had the highest concentration of recently unemployed individuals.
The Skills Gap is Real
Among those looking to re-enter the workforce, 76% said they need more work experience, and 57% want more hands-on training. Despite many feeling confident in their core skills, there’s a clear demand for practical learning—especially for those targeting roles in business, finance, and middle management.
Out of the Workforce: Who’s Not Looking?
Another 6% of respondents identified as retired, homemakers, or on parental leave. While most retirees have no plans to return, about 42% of homemakers and those on leave expressed interest in part-time or full-time work. Their barriers included time out of the workforce, lack of current credentials, and difficulty accessing jobs in their community.
The key takeaway is people want to work—but many face real barriers. Better access to training, upskilling, and entry-level opportunities will help reduce long-term unemployment and bring more people back into the labour force.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
Durham Region’s Changing Population — What It Means for Our Workforce
2 CommentsDurham Region continues to be one of Ontario’s fastest-growing areas. Between 2016 and 2021, the population increased by over 10% in Clarington and Oshawa alone, with nearly 183,000 people moving into the region over five years. Most new arrivals were 25–44, demonstrating Durham’s growing appeal as a place to live and work.
This influx creates both opportunities and challenges. With more people entering the region, housing, transit, health care, and employment services demand rises. It also means a more dynamic, younger labour pool that employers can tap into—if the right supports and training programs are in place.
However, consideration should be given to who participates in the labour force and under what conditions. For instance, 75.6% of residents with postsecondary credentials are in the workforce, but this drops significantly to 32.7% for those without a diploma or degree. This gap speaks to the need for equitable access to skills training and credential recognition—especially for newcomers and underrepresented groups.
Finally, as the population ages—more than 100,000 Durham residents are 65 or older—retirement rates are expected to rise, impacting sectors like skilled trades and health care. Succession planning, mentorship, and targeted youth training programs will be key to maintaining workforce stability.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
The Future is Studying: Insights from Durham’s Student Workforce
Leave a CommentStudents Are the Future—and the Present
In the 2024 Durham Workforce Survey, 11% of respondents identified as students, a figure that aligns closely with Ontario’s student-to-population ratio of 10.2%. The majority—71%—were full-time students, while 29% studied part-time. These young adults are juggling academics, part-time jobs, and job searches in a highly competitive environment.
What Are They Studying?
Student respondents reported diverse academic interests, but five areas stood out:
- Business, Management, and Public Administration – 24%
- Education – 9%
- Social and Behavioural Sciences and Law – 8%
- Computer Science, Engineering, and Related Technologies – 8%
- Health and Related Fields – 6%
These figures show that students are primarily pursuing studies in business and public service-oriented disciplines, with a strong interest also in STEM and healthcare, aligning with regional workforce needs. This suggests that many students are preparing for roles that could support local workforce needs if they remain in the region.
Working While Studying
Over 30% of students were already employed, primarily in sales and service roles, such as retail, food service, and customer support. This reflects common entry points for young workers but also raises concerns about underemployment. Students with business, science, and health qualifications may be working in jobs that don’t use their skills, potentially delaying meaningful career development.
Career Goals and Employment Preferences
Students were asked what matters most in a job. Their responses show clear differences between full- and part-time learners:
- Full-time students prioritized work-life balance, likely due to time constraints from heavy course loads.
- Part-time students, who may be balancing work and family, ranked competitive pay, professional development, and advancement opportunities highest.
Top reasons students are seeking different jobs:
- Higher pay
- Better hours
- Career advancement
- Professional development
- A change in career direction
Job-Seeking Strategies
A large majority—82% of students—were actively looking for work, and 68.5% of those were seeking part-time employment. Their top job search methods included:
- Job fairs (most popular)
- Online job search engines
- Social media
- Government job banks
- Friends and family networks
These results emphasize the importance of hybrid recruitment strategies that blend online presence with in-person engagement.
What This Means for Employers
Durham Region employers looking to attract and retain young talent should consider offering:
- Part-time, flexible jobs with consistent scheduling
- Mentorship and internship opportunities to build professional experience
- Clear pathways to advancement, even in entry-level roles
- Inclusion in skill-building opportunities like certification or hands-on training
Durham students are engaged, educated, and eager to enter the workforce. They are looking for work now—and for careers that match their education. Creating better entry points and student development opportunities could be key to retaining top talent in the region.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
The State of Incomes in Durham
Leave a CommentHousehold incomes in Durham Region are on the rise. From 2016 to 2021, the average after-tax income jumped by 18.6%, reaching $104,200. Ajax saw the highest increase at over 20%, while Brock was the only municipality to see a decline.
Income levels, however, reveal persistent inequality. Men continue to earn more than women across all age groups, and individuals without a high school diploma are significantly more likely to be unemployed or out of the labour force. For instance:
- Those with a university degree have a 73.2% employment rate.
- Those without a diploma are employed at just 25.4%.
Age also plays a role. People in their prime earning years (35–54) report the highest income levels, while those aged 15–24 earn significantly less and face greater job precarity.
These figures highlight the importance of targeted education and training programs, especially for youth, underrepresented groups, and low-income households. Financial security opens doors to long-term employment, housing stability, and community well-being.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
Job Search in Transition: Understanding Employment Trends in Durham
Leave a CommentA Snapshot of the Working Population
Of the survey respondents, 60% were employed—either full-time, part-time, self-employed, or seasonally. But even among those with jobs, many are actively seeking new opportunities. Part-time and seasonal workers, in particular, are the most eager to switch roles—often in search of full-time hours, better pay, and benefits.
What Matters Most to Workers?
Across all employment statuses, the number one priority is clear: work-life balance. Half of all respondents ranked it as extremely important. Other top factors included:
- Competitive pay
- Benefits
- Professional development opportunities
Interestingly, advancement opportunities ranked lower for most groups—with the exception of self-employed individuals, who see growth potential as a key motivator.
Job Search Tools: Old Meets New
Job seekers are casting wide nets. The most commonly used resources were:
- Online job search engines
- Social media
- Job fairs
- Friends and family
- Government job banks
The takeaway? Traditional job fairs are still relevant, especially for students and the unemployed, but digital platforms dominate for employed respondents.
Durham’s workforce is in flux. Even among the employed, there’s a strong appetite for better jobs. Employers looking to attract or retain talent need to pay attention to what really matters: flexibility, compensation, and opportunity.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
Bridging the Gap: Education and Skills Alignment in Durham Region
Leave a CommentUnlocking Potential Through Education
Durham Region’s workforce is well-educated, more so than the provincial and national averages. Among survey respondents aged 25 to 64, 69.6% have completed post-secondary education, with 67% holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher—a figure well above the Canadian average. This impressive educational attainment reflects the strong presence of local post-secondary institutions, including Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and Trent University, Durham/GTA.
Where Are These Skills Located?
Interestingly, the municipalities with the highest levels of post-secondary attainment among respondents were not the largest urban centres, but Scugog and Uxbridge—two of the region’s smaller communities. In contrast, Clarington showed the lowest share of university-educated respondents, despite being home to parts of the Queen’s Lakeridge Family Medicine Program.
What Are People Studying?
The top fields of study were:
- Business, Management, and Public Administration (26%)
- Education (10%)
- Social Sciences and Law (10%)
- Health-Related Fields (9%)
- Math, Computer, and Info Sciences (6%)
This mix aligns with growing sectors in the local economy—but there’s still a need to ensure these credentials translate into meaningful employment.
Matching Talent to Opportunity
Despite high education levels, many unemployed or underemployed individuals cite a lack of hands-on experience as a barrier to re-entering the workforce. This highlights the importance of experiential learning, apprenticeships, and community-employer partnerships to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Durham Region has a skilled, well-educated population. The challenge isn’t quantity—it’s alignment. Strategic investments in experiential training and stronger links between education and employment will ensure local talent stays local.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
Working in Durham – A Look at Jobs, Skills, and In-Demand Occupations
Leave a CommentDurham Region’s labour market is evolving. From 2016 to 2021, employment grew by 3%, with substantial increases in high-demand areas like:
- Natural and Applied Sciences (+41%)
- Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators (+23%)
- Health Occupations (+25%)
At the same time, employment declined in some sectors, like manufacturing (-6%) and arts and entertainment (-10%). These shifts reflect broader economic trends, including automation, an aging population, and pandemic-era disruptions.
Job posting data from the DWA’s Jobs First Durham tool offers hyper-local insights into the local workforce. In 2024, over 49,000 job postings were analyzed, revealing the top skills employers want:
- Communication (mentioned in 39% of postings)
- Interpersonal skills (37%)
- Management and problem-solving (34%)
Interestingly, digital skills such as Microsoft Office and IT support also ranked high, reflecting the growing importance of tech literacy across all sectors—not just in IT.
As the NOC system evolves (now using a five-digit code), understanding changes in job classification helps job seekers and service providers align training with the needs of today’s market.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
Three Cups of Tea: Building Social Capital
Leave a CommentYears ago, I stumbled upon the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, which was written about building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2010. The concept of three cups of tea struck me and stayed with me. In the book, the author is told by an elder that it takes three cups of tea to build connections. The first cup of tea, you are an acquaintance; the second cup of tea, you are a friend; and the third cup of tea, you are family, a metaphor of social capital. Simply put, social capital is the networks that bring people together.
Making friends and connecting with others has many benefits. When people are connected, they trust, share resources, help, and look out for one another.
Recently, I was speaking to job seekers and asked them about their job search network. In the room, a few people volunteered, connected to the community, took a class, or spoke to new people each day. The process of building social capital after labour disruption can be difficult. But it can also be a time of renewal. Imagine knitting at home. You have a great skill, and it brings your creativity out, but you are alone. Imagine taking that skill and using it to build social capital. A local library and several yarn stores host knit nights where fellow knitters get together. You could join a group to make some friends, and as you get to know others in this group, you build social capital to ask for help in your job search. You can let people outside of your normal networks know that you are job hunting, and they might just help move you closer to that new job.
If you need to expand your networks and build some new social capital, try these strategies:
- Be active in your community. As I mentioned with knitting groups, get involved in groups that have similar interests to you and connect with them.
- Find informal leaders and connectors. In the Lakeview Neighbourhood, there is an active connector who describes himself as ‘king of the hood.’ He has the pulse of Lakeview and can connect people together. Try finding people like that.
- Try some volunteering. While you are job hunting and trying to decide on your next career, exploring and giving back could connect you with people who might help you find a job. Moreover, adding volunteering to your resume makes you stand out, as will the skills you have gained during your experience.
- Challenge yourself to talk to five new people a day. I don’t mean ask them for a job, but look someone in the eye, say hello, and tell them to have a nice day. You will get comfortable speaking to new people, and you might make a new friend.
- Attend a workshop or seminar in person at a community event, community centre, employment service provider or library. You will meet new people there.
Job hunting is hard work. Build a schedule for finding jobs, volunteering, and connecting with people to build that social capital.
About the DWA:
The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. The DWA hosts Jobs First Durham (JFD) a boutique job board with hyper-local information.
The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, please don’t hesitate to contact the DWA.
The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.
Written by: Heather McMillan, Executive Director, Durham Workforce Authority
Heather’s expertise is developing strong local community labour markets and conducting industry research supported by innovative projects. Heather is a Toronto Sector Skills Academy Metcalf Fellow and was recently awarded her Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.
We’re Hiring a Marketing Researcher and a Database Administrator!
Leave a CommentJoin Our Summer Team: Now Hiring a Marketing Researcher and a Database Administrator!
Are you a student or recent graduate looking to gain real-world experience this summer? The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) is hiring for two exciting contract positions through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program! If you’re passionate about marketing, communications, data, or community development, we want to hear from you.
Marketing Researcher Position
Do you have a creative spark and a knack for community engagement? As our Marketing Researcher, you’ll play a key role in helping us connect with local employers and promote the DWA’s new branding, research, tools, and the exciting Lakeview Hub project. This role is perfect for someone who loves writing, creating content in Canva, developing social media strategies, and engaging with the community.
Key responsibilities include:
- Creating marketing materials and campaigns
- Writing and posting blogs and social media content
- Promoting our employer survey and Lakeview Hub services
- Attending community events
- Updating contact lists and partner profiles
If you want to build your portfolio and help make a difference in your community, this role is for you!
Click here to see full position details
Jobs First Durham Database Administrator Position
Are you detail-oriented and enjoy organizing information? As our Jobs First Durham Database Administrator, you’ll help ensure our job board platform is accurate, user-friendly, and up to date. This behind-the-scenes role is essential to maintaining the quality of job postings and labour market data used across the region.
Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and tagging job postings
- Verifying information for employers and job seekers
- Supporting data accuracy for tools like our job map and education listings
- Recommending improvements to tagging systems and categories
This is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in tech, data, or labour market research.
Click here to see full position details
Why Work with Us?
At the Durham Workforce Authority, we’re passionate about connecting people to local opportunities and supporting workforce development across Durham Region. You’ll be part of a small, dynamic team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact.
Who Can Apply?
These positions are funded through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program and are open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents between the ages of 18 and 29.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in one of these roles, email us at admin@durhamwa.ca with your resume and a short note about why you’re interested.
These are full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., contract roles running for 16 weeks beginning May 5, 2025 — perfect for students looking for meaningful summer experience.
🚀 Don’t wait — applications will be reviewed as they come in!
Let’s make this a summer to remember — apply today and help shape the future of Durham’s workforce!
Stars in Our Eyes
Leave a CommentDowntown Oshawa was transformed last week into Gilead for the filming of Testaments, the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. It was exciting to see familiar buildings transformed and to see all the workers supporting the production. The film industry is vital to Durham Region.
Durham Region has unique sites and businesses to support the film and television industry. Parkwood National Historic Site has been used in tv shows like Bomb girls and XMen. Durham has students and backlots as well as downtowns to stand in for real or make-believe locations.
Economic Impact
Films and television shows have been made in Canada for many years, and the country remains a popular choice among foreign producers. In 2018-2019, over 180,000 people worked in Canada’s film, television, and digital media industry, worth $9.32 billion and growing. Much of Canadian film, television, and digital media production happens in Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Employment
The number of productions and the number of people working full-time in the film and television industry is growing, with 44,540 people employed as:
- lighting, make-up, carpenters, set designers, set dressers and wardrobe experts
- production managers and coordinators
- location managers
- craft services
- post-production experts
- accountants
- performers
- drivers
Toronto is the second largest screen-based production centre in North America, there isn’t enough studio space or open land to meet the demands of the busy film and television production sector. Studio space is often booked up to a year ahead, and producers struggle to find filming locations in dense downtown Toronto. The availability of land in Durham Region and its closeness to Toronto makes it a very attractive option for production.
Durham’s charming downtowns, historic buildings, attractive bridges and rustic train stations can be seen in many film and television projects, including:
- Anne with an E
- A Sweet Taste of Love
- Coroner
- Hemlock Grove
- IT and IT Chapter Two
- Polar
- Private Eyes
- Schitt’s Creek
- The West Wing
- Titans
- Welcome to Mooseport
