Labour force
Perhaps Quinte's greatest asset is its labour force combined with the various support programs available through local organizations. Quinte has an abundance of skilled employees who possess a wide range of mechanical, industrial, technical and computer skills.
Graduates of Loyalist College come highly trained in business, natural sciences, computer science, environmental science and engineering.
On-going upgrades and training programs are designed to meet the needs of employers. Loyalist's Training and Development Centre specialize in industrial training with customized courses to develop a wide range of skills. These include mechanical, electrical, fork lift training, PLCs, SPCs, welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, machine shop, health and safety issues, including all compliance training, as well as organizational and personal development skills embracing leadership, supervision, team skills, communication skills, personal effectiveness, ISO 9000, and many more.
Canada has the second lowest manufacturing wages in the G-7. The Quinte region has some of the most competitive wage rates in the country. Labour rates start at $7.00 per hour for unskilled labour and $14.00 per hour and up for skilled labour.
Other highlights of Quinte's labour force include:
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Labour force of 93,000 people
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A noted strong rural work ethic
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Low turnover rates
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Weak union presence
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Competitive wages that are lower than provincial averages
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A large French-speaking bi-lingual population
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Educated population
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Unemployment Rate: 6.4% (as of July 2004)
