Kirkland Lake is home to a skilled and experienced labour force of over 3,650 people, while the regional labour market is an additional 6,600 persons. The local participation rate is approximately 55%, while the current unemployment rate is steady around 5.5%. Due to the mining industry, KL is home to large number of transient workers that live in town for a set period of time but maintain a permanent residence elsewhere. A 2011 study estimated that the number of transient workers is around 2,500. This is expected to increase once Kirkland Lake Gold commissions its new Number 4 shaft. According to the 2016 census, the median employment income is $50,799. In reality, that number is much higher, given the higher wages available in the mines and related industries.
Popular occupations are in the trades, transport and heavy equipment and natural resources, reflecting the community’s mining and forestry heritage and the higher than average salaries paid in these fields. Public administration, health, education and finance are popular as well, accounting for 41% of the workforce’s distribution and reflecting the community’s position as the administrative and service centre of the north Timiskaming district. Over 50% of the local population has a post-secondary education. College diplomas and trades certification and engineering related studies are the most common.
Resources for Employers
Recruiting new employees is one of the most daunting challenges facing an employer. Luckily, there is information available to help you better understand the local labour market and find the right people.
The Far Northeast Training Board (FNETB) provides detailed information on the local labour marketing characteristics, challenges, and opportunities.This specific survey was designed to collect current information from local employers on Human Resource issues, such as labour turnover, hard-to-fill positions, recruitment difficulties, current and anticipated skill shortages, as well as challenges associated with training and educational requirements.See their publications here to learn more about labour needs in forestry, transportation, mining and more.
Another excellent source of information is the Northern Policy Institute, which conducts independent policy research on northern issues. The NPI has an excellent series of studies on the regional labour market.
Lastly, visit Working in Canada for information on job descriptions, wage rates, skill requirements, training and job opportunities based on different occupations within specific regions in Canada
Assistance in finding workers or providing training is available at the following: