VANCOUVER — There are dozens of Canadian industries scrambling for skilled labor these days — arguably none more than trucking and transportation out west.

One transportation association has gone on the offensive by taking head hunting to the World Wide Web.

The Western Transportation Advisory Council (WESTAC) has launched TransportationCareers.ca, a new job board for the transportation sector.

Finding transport workers and drivers is tough these days,
especially west of Brandon. A new careers website can help.

“The growth of our primary industries across Western Canada will make us the key Gateway between Asia and North America,” said Eldon Lautermilch, Saskatchewan minister of highways and transportation and WESTAC chair. “As a result, the transportation industry will need to recruit and train tens of thousands of workers in the next few years to handle this increase in traffic volume.”

TransportationCareers.ca is designed to help both job seekers and employers in the transportation and logistics industry. Spanning all transport modes, education, and skill levels, visitors can post a job, browse careers, search or build resumes, and find qualified staff. Registration is always free for job seekers and employers can advertise jobs at no charge until May 15th.

Reducing skills shortages is a top priority for the transportation industry as over 40 percent of its employees are over 45 years and older, says WESTAC President Ruth Sol.

“The jobs available are not just those traditionally associated with transportation,” said Sol. “We are seeing increased demand for jobs that require more technical and specialized skills.”

WESTAC is an association of major transportation organizations represented by senior business, labor and government decision-makers.