Unemployment in the Pembina Valley hovers around 5 percent, according to latest statistics.

That's slightly lower than the provincial average of 5.2 percent for April and well below the national average of 5.7 percent.

"Manufacturing is doing well and our exports, even to the U.S. were up last year and there is demand all over the world for the products that are being made in the Pembina Valley," according to Blaine Pedersen, Minister of Growth, Enterprise, and Trade.

Pedersen points out, however, the rapid creation of jobs in the region has posed a challenge for companies when it comes to finding enough workers to fill those jobs.

"Especially when it comes to finding skilled people, whether they're welders, painters, lathe operators, and so on. That continues to be a challenge, not just for the Pembina Valley, but for all of Manitoba. Whenever you talk to people in the manufacturing industry, they say its all about finding that qualified help."

That challenge, according to Pedersen, relates back to the province's education review which is currently underway.

"Is our school system working in tandem with the industry that requires those types of skills. Not just for students coming out of high school, but also directing people into the right job markets where there is demand."

Pedersen adds his department, which deals directly with manufacturers, is working very closely with Manitoba Education in trying to improve the skills of today's workforce.

The provincial nominee program has worked well in filling some of those employment gaps by bringing workers from foreign countries, but in reality, Manitoba has to do a better job in providing the training and skills to the people who already live here.

In response to the demands of industry, Manitoba's post-secondary institutions have stepped up to address this issue, according to Pedersen.

"Red River College, Assiniboine Community College and United College of the North have all been expanding their programs and students are beginning to see that there are really good careers in these trades. That thought process has really changed in the last few years."

As we come up to graduation season, Pedersen says all graduates should be really excited about the job opportunities and possibilities available to them in Manitoba.