Region’s growth is outpacing its workforce, new Georgian College report finds

Oct. 13, 2026

New report, From Insight to Impact, outlines how Georgian is helping build, power and strengthen communities across Ontario

Georgian College’s new From Insight to Impact report finds that the communities it serves across central and southwestern Ontario are growing rapidly, but its workforce isn’t keeping pace. The report highlights how Georgian is helping address the challenges faced by employers and communities through education, applied research and industry partnerships, with a focus on health care, housing, infrastructure and energy resources. 

The report launched at An Evening with the President on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Georgian’s Barrie Campus. Georgian College President and CEO Kevin Weaver joined a discussion moderated by: Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce; Eric Chassard, President and CEO, Bruce Power; Sylvia Biffis, Director of Sales, Nottawasaga Resort & Conference Centre; and Dara Marcoccia, Vice President, People Experience and Chief Human Resources Officer, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.

Workforce needs ‘coordinated action’

The report examines demographic trends, labour-market forecasts, housing and infrastructure needs, health-care workforce demands, energy sector expansion, and emerging technologies shaping the future of Ontario. It highlights the need for coordinated action to prepare the workforce for these changes.

Across Ontario, nearly 947,000 college-educated workers will be needed over the next decade, underscoring the importance of colleges in preparing the province’s future workforce.

“Georgian is proud to play a vital role in preparing the workforce Ontario and our economy need,” says Kevin Weaver, President and CEO of Georgian College. “Through work-integrated learning, applied research and exceptional partnerships, we help students unlock their potential and give employers access to highly adaptable talent. The regions we serve are stronger because our graduates are out there transforming industries and making a unique mark in their communities.”  

Among the report’s findings:

• Georgian’s service area has experienced some of Ontario’s fastest population growth over the past decade, including a 26.1 per cent increase in Simcoe County, where a further 14 per cent growth is projected by 2031. The working-age population is projected to increase roughly 47,000 people while the rise in retired-aged residents is 60,000+ people.
• Between 2025 and 2031, the number of occupations in our region that will require a college education is projected to grow by nearly 13,000, exceeding growth in demand for university-educated workers by 4,290. 
• Health-care occupations, including nursing, nurse aides and patient service associates, are among the fastest-growing professions in the region. 
• Significant skilled trades shortages are anticipated as Ontario works to meet ambitious housing, infrastructure and energy development goals, with one in six job openings projected to be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2034.
• AI investments are helping businesses, students and educators prepare for the technology’s growing role in the workplace. Regional job postings seeking AI skills increased by 521 per cent between March 2025 and April 2026, yet human skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving and adaptability continue to rank among the most sought-after competencies in the regional labour market. 

The future of work demands more than technical expertise; it requires adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration and a commitment to lifelong learning. That’s why partnerships between business, education and government are so important. By working together to understand emerging workforce needs and prepare people for the opportunities ahead, we can build a stronger talent pipeline, support employers and create an economy where more Ontarians thrive.

– Daniel Tisch, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Georgian invests in ‘major opportunities’ to address workforce needs

The report also highlights major opportunities tied to large-scale projects such as nuclear energy expansion, transmission infrastructure development, health-care investments and residential construction. Together, these initiatives are expected to drive sustained demand for skilled workers across a wide range of sectors. 

To help address those needs, Georgian continues to invest in program innovation, applied research, industry partnerships and facilities, including the expansion of its Centre for Skilled Trades, the recent launch of its Centre of Industrial Simulation and Prototyping, and participation in the Canadian Nuclear Association.

“At Bruce Power, we see firsthand the value of partnerships in building a highly skilled, future-ready workforce and continuing to innovate our industry,” says Eric Chassard, President and CEO, Bruce Power. “By investing in talent and working together to understand the needs of a changing economy, we can create opportunities for people to build bright futures while ultimately strengthening our communities.”

The report calls for coordinated action among employers, government, Georgian College and community partners to navigate economic and technological change and build a prosperous future for the region.