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Research

Building Tomorrow: Strengthening the Skilled Trades Workforce in Construction

The skilled trades sector faces a growing labour crisis. Our previous research found that in 2024, 10,000 skilled trades positions remained unfilled above typical vacancy levels. This level of excess vacancies reflects persistent challenges in recruiting qualified workers and places the skilled trades among the hardest-hit sectors facing labour shortages.

To better understand labour challenges in the construction industry, we interviewed industry representatives and post secondary education leaders who are directly involved in training and hiring skilled trades workers. These conversations allowed us to examine the specific barriers employers and educators face in preparing current and future workers with the skills the sector requires.

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Key insights

Showcasing the dynamic nature of careers in construction is essential to attracting new talent to the sector. Opportunities to work across different stages of a project’s lifecycle and to advance into leadership roles make these careers highly engaging and rewarding.

One-third of post secondary leaders and almost half of industry stakeholders report that provincially mandated trades training lags behind industry needs.

As tools and systems become increasingly advanced, particularly along the shift to a low-carbon economy, workers need a strong academic skill set and a solid knowledge foundation that will enable them to continuously learn and adapt.

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Have questions about our work? Do you need access to a report in English or French? Please contact communications@fsc-ccf.ca.