71% of graduating candidates found a job after completing their studies
Canadian companies prefer graduates when recruiting, but do not consider them operational as soon as they start their job. This is what a recent survey found, conducted by the Bank of Montreal with 500 SMEs across the country.
In 2011, 71% of post-secondary graduates found a job, compared with 62% of secondary school graduates and 40% of those who did not complete their studies. Between 1990 and 2010, the number of hires of higher graduate candidates increased by 2.5 million, while those of secondary graduates and unqualified profiles fell by close to 1.3 million.
Higher and more specialized degrees
In 2012, 70% of Canadian companies plan to recruit candidates with degrees. And 30% of them will prefer profiles that have followed specialized studies. The sectors with the highest demand are those in oil, gas, mining and construction, with 40% of companies seeking candidates with specific training.
Requirements oriented to innovation and competitivity
Why are companies more and more interested in qualified candidates? The growth of the knowledge economy, the development of competitive markets and demographic changes are all elements that explain the new skills and training requirements by companies, according to the Bank of Montreal. In addition, hiring of qualified employees lets Canadian SMEs innovate in products and services and also improve their productivity.
Unmet expectations after employees start their job
However, once on the job, companies surveyed feel that 57% of their new recruits need preliminary training or orientation. And only 26% of them believe that employees bring skills and knowledge when they begin their job.