Manitoba’s Construction Sector Remains Strong | BuildForce Canada

Manitoba’s Construction Sector Remains Strong


Over 10,000 skilled trades’ workers will be needed

Winnipeg – Construction employment in Manitoba is on the rise and will keep growing despite the economic downturn, according to the Construction Sector Council’s (CSC’s) latest forecast.

“This is one sector that’s helping to build Manitoba out of the recession,” said George Gritziotis, Executive Director of the Construction Sector Council. “And there’s no letting up. Over ten thousand skilled trades’ workers are needed here over the next 9 years.”

“Construction companies remain in a hiring mode which reflects the positive outlook for the industry,” said John Schubert, President of the Winnipeg Construction Association. “There are terrific career opportunities for Manitoban’s who want to enter the skilled trades.”

Highlights of the Construction Sector Council’s annual report “Construction Looking Forward” for Manitoba show the combination of government stimulus and planned projects, including airport redevelopment, mine upgrades and pipeline conversion, will boost employment in many skilled trades by more than 5% between now and 2011.

“And those figures will keep going up,” said Michael Moore, President of the Manitoba Homebuilders Association. “Housing expansion between 2011 and 2017 is expected to boost employment in key trades by more than 25%. That’s quite a trend.”

The forecast shows an estimated 5,400 construction workers will retire between 2009 and 2017. This is in addition to the 5,300 skilled workers needed to keep up with demand. Rising construction activity will be driven by strong residential investment, and major hydro, mining and pipeline projects.

“The take home message is plan now,” said Dave Martin, Executive Director of the Manitoba Building and Construction Trades Council. “If we step up apprenticeship and recruitment programs, we’re confident more young people will realize there’s a great future in the skilled trades. This is where the jobs are.”

The Construction Sector Council is Canada’s most reliable source for labour market forecasting and commentary. The CSC is a national organization committed to supporting the future needs of Canada’s construction industry through a highly skilled workforce.

The CSC’s “Construction Looking Forward” national and regional forecasts provide governments, colleges, labour and industry with accurate information on labour supply and demand to ensure Canada’s construction industry remains a leading sector in Canada’s economy.

Manitoba’s Construction Looking Forward Scenario 2009-2010 is available along with all forecast scenario data at www.constructionforecasts.ca

For Further Information Contact:

Rosemary Sparks
Construction Sector Council
(416) 271-2633

Scott Brownrigg
Sussex Strategy Group
(416) 277-8847