Unemployment rate in Kelowna, B.C. improves to 4% in 2023 | 24CA News

Statistics Canada launched its most up-to-date employment numbers and in comparison with the nationwide unemployment fee, British Columbia and the Central Okanagan are in barely higher positions.

With the Central Okanagan being one of many fastest-growing areas within the province, one business appears to be benefitting in relation to hiring staff

“It’s an exciting time especially in Kelowna to be in the trades; it’s booming here. There’s so much construction going on, it’s the right time to be in the trades,” stated John Gilmour, Ultimate Tradesmen Ltd. expert trades recruiter.

According to Statistics Canada, the county’s unemployment fee is now at 5 per cent, simply shy of the record-low 4.9 per cent seen in June and July of final yr.

B.C. went up 0.3 per cent to 4.4, additionally nearing historic lows. In Kelowna, B.C., the unemployment fee in January is at 4 per cent, down 0.2 per cent from the earlier month.

According to Gilmour, Ultimate Tradesmen has seen regular progress over the previous few years, and recruitment hasn’t been a problem. However, what has grow to be a problem is discovering the correct people who find themselves certified for sure positions and staff who’re prepared to work lengthy hours.

“General labour, for example, everyone is qualified to do that stuff. We don’t have a hard time finding those positions and stuff like that,” stated Gilmour.

“More so, it’s tough finding people with particular talents or skilled trades or stuff like that to actually staff sites as well to meet the demands for some of our clients.”

Recruitment has additionally been a hit lately for different companies in Kelowna, together with Kelly O’Bryans. During the pandemic, discovering employees was a battle however this yr, the restaurant has already acquired loads of resumes.

“I think with that COVID money, everyone kind of kept a little bit extra for the summer,” stated Lisa Hegland, flooring supervisor.

“Who wants to start a job in the summer, right when you have that extra money? I think this year it will be a lot more promising.”

Shoe retailer ABco, which opened in downtown Kelowna simply three months in the past, was capable of rent employees with none points.

“A lot of people actually wanted to come work for us as we are pretty new to the whole Bernard Street,” stated Elio Spadavecchia ABco Kelowna inventory supervisor.

“I know that it’s pretty hard with the foot traffic we have right now. In the summer it’s definitely going to become a lot more and more people will come in.”

In the Central Okanagan, the unemployment fee has lowered yr over yr, it dropped from 5.4 per cent in 2021, to 5 per cent in 2022, till reaching 4 per cent this yr.

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