Skills shortages are affecting almost every single industry in the country, but an expert in the field of employee engagement believes there are things companies can do to get ahead of the trends.

Eddie LeMoine was recently in St. John’s as a keynote speaker for the Canadian Exporters and Manufacturers Conference.

LeMoine admits that skills shortages are complex issues, but there are three things that businesses can do to stay ahead.

He says employers should build capacity within their current workforce, and look at ways to integrate technology, such as AI and automation, into their work.

The final point, according to LeMoine, is inclusion.

He says 25 per cent of the available workforce in Canada are immigrants, and the country has a declining population. He says if the country maintains its GDP growth then every new job will need to be filled by someone why doesn’t currently live here, which will be tough because all G7 countries are in the same boat.