Skilled Talent

Barrie's talent is youthful and bold. They are innovative and entrepreneurial – and they're ready to connect with your business today. The City works with regional partners to encourage young people to enter technology-related fields and skilled trades. This ensures our companies have the expertise they need to succeed today and in the future.

People who live and work in Barrie are loyal to their community. They value the unique quality of life in Barrie and want to stay put.

When you locate or grow your organization in a place where people want to live, your business becomes more appealing to the high-quality employees you want to attract. Plus, Barrie’s growth in specific sectors has created a large local pool of highly skilled, specialized workers.

Talent Pipeline Advantages

Barrie's talent is innovative and bold and ready to connect with your business today. Explore the extensive network of higher education facilities that drive our local workforce:

Workforce Advantages

Public, private, French or post-secondary, Barrie has all of your education needs covered, ensuring our companies have the expertise they need to succeed today and in the future.

Barrie’s workforce is powered by a pipeline of skilled, job-ready graduates from Georgian College and Lakehead University, institutions recognized for combining academic excellence with real-world experience. Through hands-on learning, co-op placements, applied research, and industry partnerships, students develop the technical skills and problem-solving mindset today’s employers rely on.

Local companies benefit from direct access to this growing pool of talent—from advanced manufacturing technologists and health professionals to software developers, business leaders, and trades specialists. By collaborating with Barrie’s post-secondary partners, businesses can help shape programs, drive innovation and recruit the next generation of skilled professionals ready to drive growth. Learn more about Georgian College and Lakehead University.