Perception versus reality

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.