Lifesize dinosaur models. Vodka made from milk. The guitar pedal used by Lady Gaga’s guitarist. What do they have in common? All of them were made in eastern Ontario.
Does that list surprise you a bit? When you think of Ottawa and the Valley, you might think of federal government jobs, or high tech. But not only is there a vibrant manufacturing sector in eastern Ontario — it is actually growing!
The 2020 Manufacturing Sector Spotlight, recently published by the Ottawa Employment Hub, shows that the sector gained 440 jobs over the last few years and was one of the busiest sectors for job ads in 2019.
Here are a few other interesting facts from the report:
- With an average job salary of $66,610, manufacturing ranked fifth among Ottawa’s top 16 employment sectors. Note that this statistic count does not include self-employed income.
- Manufacturing jobs could be found among a diverse range of employers, from General Dynamics Missions Systems Canada to the Canadian Bank Note Company.
- Beverage and tobacco manufacturing jobs in the Ottawa area rose 130% over five years, and those budding employers are forecast to continue growing for the next few years.
So, what does this all mean for job seekers?
- If you’re looking for a job, give the manufacturing sector a look. Some manufacturers are finding it difficult to attract the right employees. But, as the salary data shows, there are rewarding opportunities available.
- Manufacturing doesn’t have to mean working in a plant. When you hear manufacturing, your mind might turn to assembly lines or factories. But, as the report shows, you could also think of manufacturing in terms of breweries and bank jobs. There are many different kinds of organizations that manufacture products in eastern Ontario.
- Big? Small? Manufacturing has it all! While nearly 60% of manufacturing employers included between five and 99 employees, the sector in Ottawa also includes major national and international players. Whether you’re looking to be a part of a small, close-knit team, or part of a much larger organization, there are manufacturing jobs for you in Ottawa.
Download the full report here.
The Ottawa Employment Hub regularly publishes sector spotlights looking at employment trends in Ottawa and Ontario. To learn more, visit their website and sign up to receive their newsletter.