The perception of job opportunities in Moose Jaw and the reality are rather disconnected.
A labour market overview by Saskatoon consultant Dwight Percy for the Moose Regional Economic Development Authority revealed the differences, he told about 70 people Thursday.
"We're dealing with the perception that Moose Jaw doesn't have a wealth of opportunities," he said.
"You might find that surprising, those of you who are almost always short of people."
Both high school students and SIAST Palliser Campus students like Moose Jaw as a place to live but fear there are no jobs here.
"(High school students said) 'We're not sure there is a long-term career here for us.' Most of the (SIAST) students said they would like to stay in Moose Jaw. Almost none of them believe they can stay here," said Percy.
"That is disturbing."
On the other hand, a group of human resource managers that was consulted, had extremely different views.
"We went around the room and there are dozens of valuable jobs. I find this interesting in what the students see for jobs and these managers see," Percy said.
"As usual we've got a mismatch."
Moose Jaw has advantages in changing the perception, said Percy.
Most people find the city attractive to live and work in. And there is a large number of former residents willing to move back to the province.
The human resource managers shed light on other perceptions of Moose Jaw by job prospects.
Many consider the city a retirement city with few alternate job opportunities.
A person moving here considers the job, amenities in the city and region, possible jobs for spouses and alternative job opportunities.
Why would someone leave a place with 30 job possibilities for one with three, he asked. "It's a hard sell."
Human resource managers said they needed information on other local job opportunities and on the city's amenities and events.
Percy recommends a game plan with another round of talks to come up with a branding plan and a purpose.
He suggested a website listing information about current and future job groups and individual jobs as well as local amenities and events.
The job bank information, amenities and events need to be current and must be communicated to everyone.
Moose Jaw's branding strategy, talking to people before setting up a plan, is unique, he said.
Ron Walter can be reached at 691-1264.
Perception versus reality
Perception versus reality
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Published on
March 7, 2008
- Published on July 10, 2009
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Ron Walter
The perception of job opportunities in Moose Jaw and the reality are rather disconnected.
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Comments
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- Paul
- - September 18, 2009 at 16:57:21
Observer, What is it you exactly do to help Moose Jaw grow and prosper? Do you sit on any committees? Councils? Authorities? Oh wait..all you do is sit at your PC and observe . Credibilty=0
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- MJ Booster
- - September 18, 2009 at 16:32:34
It's the negative comments such as what has been posted here that constantly works against Moose Jaw. Being a former Moose Javian, I have witnessed this negativity first hand and it amazes me that the city has made it this far with all of the negativity that continues to exist there.
It is organizations like REDA that help to draw attention (positively) to Moose Jaw and this recent study is a prime example of what is needed.
I have also followed the MultiPlex debate (debaucle) and as an outsider looking in on this, it leaves me speechless. It is so blatanly obvious that the Civic Centre needs to be replaced - I'm sure all would agree. If all sides involved could direct their energy to collectively making it happen instead of slagging each other, it would have been done by now.
I still consider Moose Jaw to be the best-kept secret in Saskatchewan - I wish you luck as you try and grow amongst all of the adversity that comes from within. -
- tj
- - September 18, 2009 at 16:07:18
Well, I new it wouldn't take long for someone to inject some negative spin on this! keep up your good work! I find it odd that some people wan't to make everything so negative! Ijust don't get it!
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- concerned taxpayer
- - September 18, 2009 at 15:33:59
Careful observer, a dose of reality has a way of shaking people up.
But I think I see your point, with the coffers empty it would be pretty hard to give out tax incentives. -
- observer
- - September 18, 2009 at 15:21:59
All the websites in the world aren`t going to help if you don`t have the tax incentives to draw job providing businesses.
See this for what it really is, REDA drawing attention to itself to justify it`s existence and an increase in funding from the public coffers.
Like another comment that was posted; If you want a vibrant economy you need two things, an abundant resource (minerals, plant products, labor) and tax incentives for businesses to come in and mesh the two, creating those needed jobs.
If you want to destroy an economy, simply allow special interest groups (like REDA, Multiplex Builders, etc., ) to squander public coffers as a resource. -
- Erin
- - September 18, 2009 at 14:41:37
I would love to see the development of the job website discussed. My family and I live in Moose Jaw briefly last year and were forced to leave due to a lack of substantial employment. We would love to move back, but need that steady job first. Online searches produce next to nothing as far as jobs go. If there are a wealth of jobs, where exactly are they being adverstised?
