Nonprofit employers in the London region continue to face
severe human resources challenges and fewer signs of recovery than area businesses. In new
data published on May 31, 2023, nonprofits report greater difficulty than business employers in finding,
hiring and, especially, retaining qualified workers, continuing conditions that likely affect
equity-denied groups that make up much of the nonprofit workforce

The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board is proud to foster a platform that encourages open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.

We are thrilled to announce our new initiative: guest blogs from passionate professionals who are eager to share their insights, experiences, and solutions related to workforce issues specific to their industries. Contact us to learn more about how your organization can become a guest blogger.

Explore the Exciting Career Opportunities in the Self Storage Industry

This article was provided by Storwell Self Storage

The rapid growth of the self-storage industry in the last 50 to 60 years is not completely surprising. Consumer culture has grown tremendously in the last several decades and people inevitably need extra storage space to store all of the items that they buy. When discussing why self-storage units are rented, industry experts often refer to the 4Ds of life (death, divorce, downsizing, and dislocation). During these key moments of transition in a person’s life, self-storage becomes a necessity. The need for additional storage is universal, which makes self-storage one of the most secure industries in the world, often thriving even during times of economic struggle.

Self-storage industry trends

According to the Self Storage Association, there are around 59,500 self-storage facilities worldwide. In the United States alone, there are around 2.3 billion square feet of rentable storage space. Self-storage development continues to build momentum in Canada, with a large number of newly constructed self-storage facilities in Mississauga, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, and other high-population urban centers.  

The self-storage industry in Ontario specifically has experienced significant growth over the past few years. In 2023, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) found that there were 37.3 million square feet of self-storage in Ontario, which grew by 9% in the last three years with 4.2 million square feet added. Some of the key reasons that contributed to the growth of the self-storage industry in the last several years appear to be people downsizing, clearing space to allow for more work-from-home options, and smaller living spaces in urban centers. As more people move into cities, the demand for storage solutions increases. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has led to an increase in demand for storage space among businesses.

The different job opportunities in the self-storage industry

With the number of self-storage facilities continuing to grow, there are plenty of job opportunities available for those looking for self-storage jobs. There is a common misconception that the types of career opportunities available in the self-storage industry are limited to general labour jobs- this could not be further from the truth. Self-storage is a multi-faceted industry that features job opportunities from a wide array of different disciplines.

• Leasing Administrator: Leasing administrators are responsible for responding to employee or guest requests and ensuring overall customer satisfaction. One of the most important things that a leasing administrator must do is understands the storage services provided by the company and communicate them effectively to customers. The leasing administrator must also have a thorough knowledge of all storage facility rules and procedures.
• Accounting Specialist: Accounting specialists are responsible for managing the financial aspects of the storage facility, including managing accounts receivable and accounts payable, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Accounting specialists must have knowledge of accounting principles and be able to work independently.
• Sales Executive: Sales executives are responsible for securing potential clients, developing best practices for sales and customer services, and working closely with management to design a strategy to onboard large accounts. Sales executives must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. It is also very important that sales executives be able to work in a team setting in order to implement sales strategy.  
• Maintenance Technician: Maintenance technicians are responsible for maintaining the facility and performing repairs as needed. Maintenance technicians must have knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, as well as the ability to troubleshoot problems and make repairs. As self-storage facilities incorporate more and more advanced technologies into their designs, the role of maintenance technicians has become incredibly important.
• Marketing Specialist: Marketing specialists are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote the storage facility. Marketing specialists must have excellent communication and marketing skills, as well as the ability to work in a team environment.
• Security Officer: Security officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the storage facility and its customers. Security officers must have knowledge of security procedures and protocols, as well as the ability to handle emergency situations.
• IT Specialist: IT specialist jobs in the self-storage industry are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of technology infrastructure and systems within storage facilities. As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in business operations, IT specialists are responsible for managing and supporting various aspects of information technology within self-storage companies.

Conclusion

These are just a handful of the many positions available in the self-storage industry. The self-storage industry offers numerous career opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in customer service, sales, marketing, or maintenance, the self-storage industry has something for everyone. Many of the positions available in the self-storage industry support remote work options such as IT positions, software developers, and marketing roles. As the industry continues to grow and expand across Canada, there will be more and more job openings in this exciting field.

Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 1059 is excited to be hosting its first-ever Trades Awareness Day on Saturday, May 27th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.!

Learn about the well-paid, meaningful and in-demand career paths within unionized construction work! Tour their state-of-the-art Training Centre, speak to certified training instructors, try your hand at a construction exercise, and learn what a career with LiUNA looks like.

The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (EMOWPDB) in partnership with the Employment Sector Council (ESC) and Culture Services – City of London has developed two NEW dashboards on our Local Jobs Hub.

We have partnered with the Employment Sector Council to bring you the Gig Jobs Dashboard. You can now tailor your job search to Gig Jobs opportunities if you are interested in independent work.

Click here to learn more: https://workforcedevelopment.ca/gig-jobs-dashboard/

In November 2021, London was honoured to be recognized as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music. In response to this declaration, we have introduced our Music, Arts and Culture Jobs dashboard in collaboration with Culture Services – City of London. Here, you can explore all of the opportunities available in the London Economic Region.

Click here to learn more: https://workforcedevelopment.ca/music-arts-culture…/

The EMO Workforce Planning and Development Board is excited to announce a partnership with Invest in Middlesex and Community Futures Middlesex – The Business Help Centre under the Middlesex Workforce Development Partnership to launch a Middlesex County youth student business plan and pitch competition!

All applicants must complete an online business plan and submit a video pitch.

For the contest entry form, full contest guidelines and eligibility requirements see here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WGF3K2Q

Promechanical Truck Repairs Inc. is looking for an Apprentice Diesel Mechanic OR Fully-Licensed Diesel Mechanic. Know anyone who could be the right fit? 

In partnership with Enbridge, Build a Dream is hosting an upcoming virtual event.

Explore Employment @Enbridge, is geared towards female students, recent graduates and job seekers who are interested in learning more about the different employment opportunities offered at Enbridge.

Enbridge Gas is Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission, and distribution company based in Ontario. They are passionate about diverse perspectives, celebrating our differences, fostering belonging and championing fairness, and equity in the workplace. This is why they are such a closer partner of Build a Dream and why they have chosen to host an event dedicated specifically to employing more women!

Click here to register: https://www.webuildadream.com/event/explore-employment-enbridge/

Please have a look at our latest report: A Research Report in the Acceptance of Micro-credentials Among London Employers – we would love to hear your feedback! 

Kindly consider taking THIS one-minute, one-question survey afterward!

Community Employment Services – Fanshawe College is hosting an Information Session with HR representatives from the City of London on their hiring process and how to apply to positions within the city.

Click the link to register: https://tinyurl.com/53p2p27y