Steady growth keeps skilled trades in demand

WINNIPEG, June 24 /CNW Telbec/ - A new forecast says employment in Manitoba's construction industry will reach record high levels, and skilled tradespeople will be in demand for at least the next eight years. The Construction Sector Council (CSC) report says the recession did not reduce the demand for workers by much, and that steady growth and an aging workforce will limit the available supply from 2010 to 2018.

"Clearly, there will not be enough new entrants to replace retirements and mortality let alone finding workers for new construction projects," says John Schubert, Chair of the Manitoba Construction Sector Council. "So we are very focused on recruitment and will be increasing our efforts to promote the industry to new entrants, and to invest in apprenticeship. We are also looking at new labour sources from other industries and provinces, and from immigration."

The CSC compiles Construction Looking Forward reports for each province following consultations with industry leaders as well as governments and educational institutions. They outline labour supply and demand in the provincial industry, and include a ranking system for some 30 trades.

Manitoba is in the middle of a strong construction cycle. Major mining, hydro electric, transmission and other engineering projects will keep construction employment strong throughout the outlook scenario.

Across the forecast period, employment will rise by 6,200 jobs between 2010 and 2018. In addition, there are replacement requirements from 5,300 retirements, and the loss of 900 workers due to the natural mortality rate.

"We aren't seeing the volatility that we've seen in previous cycles," adds David Martin, President of the Manitoba Building Trades. "The data are showing regular, but steady growth. With proper workforce planning, that is quite manageable," he says, noting that "the forecast allows us to get ahead of the curve and be prepared."

The CSC compiles reports for each province following consultations with industry leaders, as well as governments and educational institutions. The national and regional scenario-based forecasts are released annually and are available online at: www.csc-ca.org. In addition, all scenario based forecast data is available at www.constructionforecasts.ca .

The Construction Sector Council is Canada's most reliable source for labour market forecasting and commentary. The CSC is a national industry organization funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program. The CSC is committed to maintaining and developing a highly skilled workforce - one that will support the future needs of the construction industry in Canada.

For further information: Taras Luchak, Manitoba Construction Sector Council, [phone]; Rosemary Sparks, Construction Sector Council, [phone]