Manitoba – Skilled trades workers are in demand in Manitoba, especially during the next few years, as major hydroelectric and transmission projects drive job growth, according to the latest forecast released today by BuildForce Canada.
“The biggest challenge for industry will be ensuring qualified workers are available, as projects ramp up this year and next,” said Rosemary Sparks, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada. “During peak periods, industry may need to step up recruitment efforts to attract skilled tradespeople from outside the province.”
BuildForce Canada’s 2015-2024 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward forecast shows construction employment in Manitoba is expected to increase by 3,700 news jobs, a 9 percent increase during the outlook period. Demand will be strongest over the next two years, as hiring peaks for many specialized trades in 2016 and 2017, followed by more moderate employment gains over the long term. Job growth is driven by large-scale power generation and transmission projects. Engineering construction is expected to peak in 2016, commercial and industrial building rises steadily over the forecast period, while growth resumes this year in the province’s housing sector.
BuildForce Canada’s forecast also shows:
- New housing creates record employment levels for virtually all trades and occupations in 2019 before housing starts decline. Renovation and maintenance work grows steadily.
- As many as 9,100 skilled workers are needed to replace retiring baby boomers over the next 10 years.
“With up to 22 percent of the province’s construction workforce retiring over the next decade, training and recruiting is a top priority for local employers,” added Sparks. “For anyone considering a career in construction, there is no better time.”
BuildForce Canada is a national industry-led organization that represents all sectors of Canada’s construction industry. Its mandate is to provide accurate and timely labour market data and analysis, as well as programs and initiatives to help manage workforce requirements and build the capacity and the capability of Canada’s construction and maintenance workforce. Visit: www.constructionforecasts.ca
For further information, contact: Rosemary Sparks, Executive Director, BuildForce Canada, sparks@buildforce.ca or (905)-852-9186
Funded by the Government of Canada