MONTREAL, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - This year again, an impressive number of positions will be created within the aerospace industry in Quebec, a lavish source of both innovation and collective wealth. The current surge, which began two years ago, is set against a background of steady growth over nearly three decades at a compound annual rate of 7.9%.
In announcing the results of CAMAQ's annual Employment Census and Forecast conducted last fall, the executive director of the Comité sectoriel de main-d'œuvre en aérospatiale, Serge Tremblay, made this comment: "The economic slowdown really seems to be behind us, to the point where some positions requiring specific skills are difficult to fill. We can anticipate ongoing challenges on that score if young talents as well as experienced workers do not join the existing workforce."
The aerospace industry in Quebec is made up of 215 companies operating in 12 of the province's 17 administrative regions, with a heavy concentration of activity within the CMM (Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal). Employment opportunities in 2012 will extend throughout the territory and to most of the industry's sub-sectors.
"The interior and exterior finishing of aircraft is one of the sub-sectors experiencing phenomenal growth, adds Mr. Tremblay. Since 2008, there has been a 48% increase in the number of people employed in this field in Quebec. This is a tribute to the quality of our manpower - clearly one of our strong points, taken into account when companies decide to set up new activities in Quebec." To meet market needs, a training centre for those trades is in the advanced stages of development.
Employment Opportunities
Based on the results of the recent survey, 3,642 positions will need to be filled in 2012. Engineers, machinists, process planners, furniture makers and finishers, assemblers, aircraft maintenance technicians... The opportunities are extremely varied, along with being well rewarded thanks to valuable know-how acquired, here or abroad, at the high school, college or university level.
Fully 95% of the 215 survey respondents expect the coming year to be as good or better than 2011, which was a good year. "Optimism is in the air, says Serge Tremblay, and companies want to continue their expansion. On January 1st 2012, 47,279 people were employed locally in the aerospace industry, after a gain of 3,040 positions in 2011. Hiring was actually higher than anticipated and the vast majority of workers on temporary layoff were recalled. Additional human resources will be needed to ensure the progression envisioned by the industry."
About the CAMAQ
The CAMAQ, a sectorial committee for aerospace manpower, is a non-profit organisation created in 1983. One of its chief mandates is to foster partnerships between members of the aerospace industry in Quebec and support their efforts in the field of workforce adjustment and development. Harmonising training programs with the needs of the industry has been its raison d'être from the start. The initiative is funded by Quebec's Commission des partenaires du marché du travail.
The complete results of the 2011 Employment Census and Forecast are available online (in French) at: www.camaq.org.
Serge Tremblay
Executive Director
514.596.3311, ext. 3314
[email protected]
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