The Eastern Ontario Training Commission’s Employer One 2025 survey reveals a marked shortage of skilled trades workers in Cornwall, SDG and Prescott-Russell. The skilled trades are the most difficult to fill, ahead of entry-level positions, customer service and administration.
For 2026, 42% of employers plan to hire, especially in manufacturing, construction and automotive trades. The main barriers to recruitment are a lack of qualified candidates, salary expectations, and work ethic.