COMPONENT FOUR – PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL REPORT
PEOPLE REQUIREMENTS & ISSUES Our analysis of this issue is incomplete at this stage, however, we have identified a number of issues related to workforce requirements that will be given further attention and development as we progress towards the final version of this Business Case. These issues include:
There are shortages of experienced and skilled workers in the logging and harvesting industries. This appears to be an outcome from the aging of the workforce. The jobs that will be created in the Bio-Refinery and related or derivative industries are advanced, knowledge-intensive roles. It is not clear that adequately skilled workers are readily available in Eastern Ontario to fill such positions in the short term. This situation could provide an opportunity for introduction of new training programs at the College in Kemptville. As well, it could create a need for recruitment of skilled, educated workers from elsewhere in Canada or internationally. Development of bio-mass plantations will require workers with advanced skills and knowledge in agri-forestry disciplines. It is not clear at this point whether such skilled workers can be found in Eastern Ontario in the near term. Again, this opportunity could indicate a need for new agri-forestry focused training programs at the Kemptville College and / or create a need for recruitment of appropriately qualified people from elsewhere.
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