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FITT Communiqué - International Trade Sector Study Pre-Assessment
APRIL 19, 2010
FITT COMMUNIQUÉ – SECTOR STUDY – 01
International Trade Sector Study Pre-Assessment
INTRODUCTION
FITT is undertaking an International Trade Sector Study Pre-Assessment to develop a comprehensive labour market picture of the Canadian international trade sector and to identify gaps in labour market information (LMI). This research project is the preliminary step for an international trade Sector Study that FITT hopes to embark upon in the future.
The principle objective of the Pre-Assessment is to develop a comprehensive labour market picture of the Canadian international trade sector and to identify gaps in labour market information (LMI). While there exists a myriad of research regarding small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and international trade generally, little international trade occupational specific information is available about employers, employment, and employees. This translates to an incomplete picture of occupations and professions affected by international trade, skills, and training within the sector.
BACKGROUND – INTERNATIONAL TRADE LABOUR MARKET
The economic importance of international business within the Canadian economy is evidenced by the fact that over 70% of Canada’s GDP is trade related; 1 in 5 Canadian jobs are directly linked to trade; for every $1 billion in new exports generated, approximately 11,000 new jobs are created; and approximately 46,000 Canadian companies are involved with exporting, with SMEs making up the largest grouping of trade-oriented companies. This environment creates a broader market for individuals with the right combination of international business, cultural and language skills, and knowledge.
International trade affects all sectors of the Canadian economy and by nature affects virtually all goods and services. It is also cross-occupational in that individuals working within the global business environment operate within a wide-range of business functions, such as marketing, sales, legal, financial services, etc. The cross-sectoral and cross-occupational composition of the international trade sector is further complicated by competition from new and emerging markets, increased focus on security in trade, shifting global supply chains, technology advances, environmental compliance issues, changing policy priorities, and an evolving human resource landscape where the shift to knowledge-intensive industries is resulting in increased competition for well-trained talent.
*This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sector Council Program.
While globalization offers expanded markets for Canadian companies, the complexity and intensifying scope and pace of the global business environment demands higher skills and knowledge levels if companies hope to compete. These changes result in an increased need for globally aware and well-trained staff for Canadian companies.
In spite of the economic importance of international trade to the Canadian economy, there is relatively little sector-specific labour market information and research about employers, employment and occupations within the sector; there is no indication or evidence that Canadian businesses, in general, have established occupational standards for their staff working in international trade; and employees working in international trade are generally not identified in labour force statistics and research. At the same time, companies continuously note that hiring competent people for their international trade activities is a challenge.
The Pre-Assessment is designed to provide an analytical overview of existing research, highlight gaps in the current state of knowledge, and ascertain what sectors and occupations of the labour market warrant further study.
NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE
The Sector Study Pre-Assessment project will be lead by a National Steering Committee that will provide overall guidance, insights and advice, and input regarding the conditions that have the greatest impact on the international trade sector in Canada. The Committee will represent a broad spectrum of Canada’s business community individually selected based on their overall expertise and sound understanding of international business, the Canadian and global economy, the business environment, and/or their understanding of the international trade labour market.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SECTOR STUDY PRE-ASSESSMENT
Over the next 12 months FITT will be undertaking the following:
- Benchmark what other countries are doing in terms of international trade labour market development
- Define:
- Canadian stakeholders and their roles in international trade such as: regulatory bodies; federal and provincial governments; agencies; associations; educators; etc.
- What we know and do not know about the HR issues, employers, employees and occupations within the sector
- Describe:
- The international trade sector, its size, and scope (defining the cross-sectoral nature of the sector), including a description of the labour force (number of workers, the occupations, and demographic profile of workers)
- What is meant by an international trade labour market
- The types of employers broken down by large, medium, and small businesses
- The sectors that are involved in international trade and an analysis of the degree to which each sector is involved in international trade as a primary activity, including import versus export
- Review of previous labour market information research that has been conducted and the identification of information gaps
- Summary of gaps in our knowledge for the purpose of determining areas that may require further research
- Current HR initiatives that address HR, management, and workforce development
- Identification of past and ongoing HR research in the sector
- Overview of what is known about employment in the sector
- Overview of the sectors and occupations of the labour force that warrant further research in terms of international trade
- Labour market trends and changing demands
- Emerging strategies to strengthen the sector
A final report will be made available at the completion of the project, April 2011.
OVERVIEW OF SECTOR STUDIES
This project, the Pre-assessment, is the preliminary step in considering whether or not an international trade sector study will take place in the future. Sector Studies are comprehensive, forward looking, cooperative data (primary and secondary) development, gathering and analysis exercises which:
- Develop knowledge and make recommendations about how to resolve priority current and future labour market and human resource issues for a particular sector;
- Create partnerships among key stakeholders that help build a consensus on the issues and solutions, a commitment to take action (post – study) and reveal data gaps that remain and suggest how to fill these gaps in the future;
- A successful sector study process requires good representation from the sector, commitment from stakeholders and leadership by sector champions (around real HR issues that can be changed).
Sub-objective of sector studies:
- To define, understand and anticipate skill requirements and other human resource development and management issues;
- To produce findings that are based on multiple lines of evidence;
- To validate findings with all key stakeholders;
- To develop strategic recommendations;
- To create a representative governance structure for the study to obtain buy-in from key stakeholders to develop an HR strategy including actions to take to implement the strategy.
Further communiqués will be forwarded to FITT Stakeholders throughout the duration of the project. If you have any questions please email us at caroline@fitt.ca
