Despite a strong job market, some still have trouble finding work

Finding work continues to be a challenge for some people in Waterloo Region. New World Momentum, a Kitchener-based recruitment agency that helps introduce job seekers to employers, said there has been a big shift in the number of people looking for work recently. In some industries, there are more people looking for jobs than there are positions available, such as retail or restaurant positions.

But this does not apply to jobs that require more training and experience. When it comes to skilled people in technical jobs such as machine builders, structural installers, welders, and electricians, there is no shortage of labor, said the agency's CEO. Although people of different age groups are looking for work, foreign students make up the largest number of these people. According to experts, the significant increase in international students in Waterloo Region, who are often from South Asia and looking for work, may take some time to balance. Statistics Canada figures show that the unemployment rate in Waterloo Region during 2023 has remained relatively constant. In January, the local unemployment rate reached 6 percent. It was between 5.3% and 6.3% during the year and reached 6.1% in November. The statistics for December have not been published yet.

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