Why You Need to Develop Future Skills, Right Now

The job search process is intense, and it can feel like a full-time job itself. Updating your resumé, keeping on top of online job postings, and getting to interviews can be overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start, and how to be the best candidate for your dream job.

Technology is helping to advance nearly all industries, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills are quite valuable. However, you might be surprised to learn that because technology is altering the landscape at such a rapid pace, there are other skills that will be equally valuable in the coming years.

So, before you send out one more resume and cover letter, you might consider highlighting the future skills you already have, and acquiring those you don’t, to protect yourself against automation and digitization.

What Future Skills Will Be in Demand?

In RBC’s Humans Wanted Report, knowledge-driven jobs were identified as being less prone to automation. Jobs that require specialized knowledge, non-repetitive tasks and problem-solving skills will be protected and in high demand as technology evolves industries. Think of all the skills that computers and machines can’t easily perform.

Consider, for instance, the manufacturing industry. Certain jobs that take place on an assembly line could be replaced in the future, because they are repetitive. But other jobs - ones that require more complex tasks or specialized skills and knowledge - will be created. Technicians that repair the assembly lines will be in high demand. Fabricators and machinists that can create intricate components that cannot be easily automated will also be in high demand. Supervisors and operators that monitor the control systems of the manufacturing processes and machines will also become necessary as the technology becomes more advanced.

If you have these specialized skills already, be sure to highlight them in your resume and in interviews, showcasing your ability to solve problems and adapt to changing environments or job requirements. If you don’t have these specialized skills yet, you might consider investing in acquiring them through skills development programs.

Elevate Plus is one such program; it prepares you for a job in manufacturing or food processing in the Bay of Quinte. The Apprenticeship Ontario website provides information on available trade apprenticeships and how to get your training started. Employment Ontario offers a live chat on their website to answer any questions you may have about finding a career, or training for one, in the province.

Many of today’s manufacturing positions are held by the aging baby boomer generation, and companies are starting to prepare for what happens when they retire. There is a current and future need for welders, millwrights, tool and die makers, machinists, manufacturing supervisors and technicians.

Where to Apply Your Future Skills in Ontario

If you haven’t already, you might consider applying for manufacturing jobs in eastern Ontario for two reasons.

There are many stable manufacturing careers available.
Eastern Ontario is an attractive alternative to the larger city centers, with a lower cost of living so that you and your family can live comfortably in a vibrant community.

Eastern Ontario has many manufacturing employment opportunities:

The region currently employs 65,000 people in manufacturing.
It is an exciting career that continues to grow, presenting ever-increasing opportunities for a diverse workforce.
There are many jobs available, and soon to be many more as the current workforce ages, adding to your job security in the industry.

There are many reasons to choose to live and work in eastern Ontario:

You can work close to your home and your family.
You’ll have access to all the stores, services and events that someone in Toronto or Ottawa does.
The added benefit is that you can afford your dream three-bedroom house in a community such as Belleville, Kingston or Brockville.
The region also boasts beautiful lakefront parks and a range of cultural initiatives; perfect for a healthy work-life balance.

Why Eastern Ontario Manufacturing Might Be the Right Fit

Manufacturing could provide you exactly what you are looking for - job security, an interesting and challenging career, and a community to call home.

As you consider what future skills to add to your resume, download this infographic to take a look at what eastern Ontario and the manufacturing sector can offer you and your family, now and into the future.