CME releases second annual Keep Calm and Keep Training workforce report

May 1, 2025, Ottawa — Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) released their Keep Calm and Keep Training annual workforce report for the second year, drawing from the input of over 100 manufacturers, educators and regional workforce stakeholders.

The report highlights the impact of the tariffs put in place by the United States on Ontario’s manufacturing workforce.

According to the report, the workforce was flat in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a large segment deeply integrated with the U.S. market.

The uncertain trade environment has already impacted a significant proportion of manufacturers, with 40 per cent postponing investment projects, 28 per cent freezing hiring and 28 per cent seeking alternative markets.

Consultations uncovered persistent issues in training workers needed to operate the next generation of advanced manufacturing technologies, with challenges persisting to fill positions for in-demand trades like millwrights and electricians.

In addition, Ontario colleges and universities have been forced to cut critical programs due to the sharp reduction in international student numbers and the associated revenue shortfall, the CME reported in a press statement.

This comes as projections indicate the sector will face an average of 22,500 retirements annually through 2033.

“Crises come and go, but our sector endures,” declared Dennis Darby, president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, in a media release. “Our manufacturing sector has gone through world wars, economic crashes, and even a global pandemic. But here we are now, more modern, more innovative and even more ready to face global headwinds than ever before.”

CME consultations revealed several areas of regional economic strength, and many ideas for resilience, which are outlined in the report. Some examples include:

• Support workforce development in businesses – by improving incentives for employers to offer on-the-job training opportunities, addressing obstacles causing apprentices and students to abandon the sector.
• Properly resource education programs aligned with the needs of manufacturers.
• Use Ontario’s diversity as a competitive advantage – attracting more under-represented women, indigenous people and immigrants with in-demand skills.