• Français
Future Skills Center logo
Français
Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research
Research

Bridging the skills gap within small and medium-sized enterprises in Quebec: An analytical and empirical analysis

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Quebec’s and Canada’s economy. However, Quebec and Canadian organizations have long lamented the shortage of labour and skills and the lack of access to skilled workers as one of the most critical issues impacting their competitiveness and ability to grow. 

In recent years, businesses have faced major challenges, particularly in terms of technological, economic and environmental transformations, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have had, or will have, a substantial impact on organizational systems, work organization, and skill needs. Macro-level factors such as technological innovations, changes in the global division of labour, changes in business organization, demographic shifts, and changes in consumption patterns, among others, are redefining the labour market and creating new challenges for businesses (OECD, 2017). These challenges and changing trends have created the need for new or different skill sets in all organizations.  

The impact of these broader trends is already felt by businesses in Quebec. The overarching objective of this project is to understand skills gaps and needs in Quebec businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We assess the level of preparedness of SMEs in Quebec for the post-pandemic years by examining their transformation strategies, skill priorities, training plans, and willingness to tap into a more diverse workforce. 

Man wearing polo working. Image has a green gradient at the bottom.

Key findings

This paper and its findings and recommendations are based on an analysis of the 331 employer representatives from Quebec who responded to the survey. The firms surveyed operate in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing (16%), professional, scientific, and technical services (12%), and retail trade (9%). Of the firms surveyed,

33%

have fewer than 10 employees (micro-enterprises)

42%

 have 10–100 employees (small enterprises)

15%

have 100–500 employees (medium-sized enterprises)

Related Content

Research

AI-PowerED: Will AI Change Postsecondary Teaching and Learning?

  • December 2024
  • The Conference Board of Canada
What are the perceived impacts of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on postsecondary teaching and learning? In this research, we discuss the findings of our interviews…
1 Related Reports
Research

From Campus to Careerexternal link icon

  • December 2024
  • The Conference Board of Canada
This research examines labour market outcomes of international college students studying in Canada. How do employment outcomes of international students differ from those born in Canada? What challenges do international college students face finding meaningful work? How can colleges improve support for these students?
Research

Hidden Struggles: Situating Neurodiversity in Post-Secondary Educationexternal link icon

  • December 2024
  • The Conference Board of Canada
In this research, we look at the challenges neurodiversity poses for both post-secondary institutions and neurodiverse students. This study will be the first in Canada to explore how different types of institute approach inclusion for neurodiverse students.
View all Research