Bi-Weekly Newsletter
Volume 4: Issue 2. April 24, 2026 |
|
|
|
|
Leaders in Workforce Development
Hamilton's Labour Market Connection
Labour Market Updates, News & Community Info
|
|
|---|
|
|
The Latest From WPH
Your source of Labour Market Information in Hamilton
|
|
|---|
|
Hamilton’s businesses have spoken — and the data is in.
The 2026 Hamilton Business Survey Report highlights the opportunities and challenges shaping our local economy, based on insights from nearly 600 employers across all sectors.
From rising business costs and recruitment challenges to skill gaps and newcomer talent, this report provides a snapshot of what employers are experiencing today — and what’s needed to support a strong workforce tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
📊 Now Released: Hamilton’s 2025–26 Local Labour Market Plan
Workforce Planning Hamilton’s newest Local Labour Market Plan provides a data-driven look at the trends shaping our local workforce — from employment patterns and industry changes to workforce challenges and opportunities ahead.
This year’s report highlights key insights to help employers, job seekers, educators, and community partners better understand Hamilton’s evolving labour market and make informed decisions for 2026 and beyond.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
đź“Š Now Released: Hamilton International Student Report
Now available in Punjabi, French, Chinese, and Arabic!
This report presents findings from a joint initiative between Workforce Planning Hamilton and the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council (HIPC) to better understand where workforce gaps exist for international students in Hamilton, and why they persist.
The project focuses primarily on international students currently studying in the City, with additional insight from recent international graduates who participated in the research.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Hamilton Community Updates
Find out what's happening in the city!
|
|
|---|
|
A lot of people assume that finishing school means a job will follow.
And while education does improve your chances, it doesn't work quite that simply.
When employers talk about what they're looking for, they usually mention two things: credentials and skills. A credential is the certificate, diploma, or degree you earn when you complete a program.
Skills are what you can actually do: whether that's patient care, electrical work, or managing a project. According to Statistics Canada, nearly two-thirds of Canadian adults now hold a college or university credential, which means credentials alone are no longer rare.
Learn more in our Labour Market Information Series!
|
|
|
|
|
Hamilton's Numbers - March 2026 |
|
|---|
|
đź“Š March 2026 Labour Market Snapshot is here
Hamilton’s unemployment rate decreased to 6.5%, sitting below both the provincial and national averages. While overall employment declined slightly—driven by losses in the private sector—job postings increased by 12%, showing continued demand across key industries.
Top in-demand roles included retail salespersons, registered nurses, and food service workers, with McMaster University leading as the top hiring employer this month.
👉 Explore the full snapshot for more insights on employment trends, job demand, and workforce shifts in Hamilton |
|
|---|
|
Bring Back HOPE – Mental Health Week Event
Join the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hamilton for a special Mental Health Week event,
Bring Back HOPE, featuring Emily O’Brien. Hear an inspiring story of resilience, transformation, and building a business against the odds.
đź“… Friday, May 8
đź“Ť Central Library (Hamilton Room), 55 York Blvd
⏰ 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.This free event is open to the community—register today to reserve your spot!
|
|
|
|
|
Clothing Works from Goodwill |
|
|---|
|
ClothingWorks – Build Confidence for Your Job Search
ClothingWorks, a program by Goodwill Industries, offers free personalized styling sessions and professional clothing to help job seekers feel confident and prepared for employment opportunities. Participants receive one-on-one support, access to new or gently used professional outfits, and guidance for job interviews.
Referrals from community agencies are welcome. The program is located at 225 King William St., Hamilton.
Learn more or refer a job seeker today to help them take the next step toward career success.
|
|
|
|
|
Learning Connections Hamilton |
|
|---|
|
Learning Connections Hamilton – Board Member Recruitment
Learning Connections Hamilton (LCH), formerly the Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA), is seeking volunteers to join its Board of Directors for the June 2026–June 2027 term.
As Hamilton’s adult learning network, LCH provides educational planning services and supports local literacy initiatives, while continuing to build on its new brand and future strategic plan.
LCH is particularly interested in individuals with experience in grant-making or nonprofit fundraising, though all interested applicants are encouraged to apply.
Board members participate in monthly meetings from September to June and play a key role in guiding the organization’s growth and community impact.
Those interested in supporting adult learning in Hamilton are encouraged to apply and be part of LCH’s next chapter. |
|
|
|
|
What's In The News?
Latest updates!
|
|
|---|
|
The World Economic Forum has identified creativity as one of the top skills needed for workforce development in the Future of Jobs Report. From an intervention-based perspective, creativity can be put into action in work with participants through tools such as metaphor, card sorts, drawing, and physical movement.
|
|
|
|
|
Success for my generation meant getting into a good university, earning six figures, and retiring with a pension. So, I built my career based on the millennial playbook. Public service offered stability, so I got a postgraduate degree in public administration. My internship ended and the universe had different plans for me.
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know, you can now request data from Workforce Planning Hamilton using our Data Request form?
Workforce Planning Hamilton’s labour market information can help identify:
- In-demand Industries, Skills & Jobs
- Workforce demographics
- Growing, declining & changing trends
- Job vacancy data
- Labour force supply & demand
- Immigration into the workforce
- Currently hiring skills & positions
- And More!
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
|  |
|
|
|
|
