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Source: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/north-bay-home-construction-held-up-by-labor-shortage/

Ontario’s ongoing skilled trades labour shortage is creating challenges for industries, businesses, and communities across the province. The problem has become so critical that it’s impacting everything from major infrastructure projects to everyday home renovations.

The result for prospective tradespeople: The demand for skilled workers is only expected to grow in the coming years. That will almost certainly result in more career opportunities and better wages for individuals who choose to start careers in construction, plumbing, manufacturing, electrical, and more.

But how did we get here? What caused such a critical labour shortage in Ontario’s skilled trades?

Why is There a Skilled Trades Labour Shortage?

The labour shortage in Ontario's skilled trades isn't a new phenomenon – in fact, we’ve reported on it before on College Trades.

But in the past year or two it’s gotten worse, for a few reasons:

1. The retirement of the baby boomer generation (or people born between 1946-1964) is leaving a significant gap in the workforce, with fewer young people entering the trades to replace them.
2. Due to a long-running push for people to attend university instead of college, there just aren’t enough trained tradespeople. This bias towards university, combined with myths about the nature of skilled trades jobs (e.g., they’re ‘dirtier’ or lower paying), has meant many current tradespeople can’t keep up with demand for their services.
3. We’re still feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, many trades projects were put on hold, and now, as the economy rebounds, there’s a surge in demand for skilled workers. However, the trades workforce hasn’t recovered at the same pace, resulting in a widening gap between the supply and demand of skilled tradespeople.

In short, the retirement of existing tradespeople – coupled with years of people dismissing college in favour of university and the impact of a multi-year pandemic that made in-person training harder to access – has intensified an already problematic labour shortage in the trades.

The Impact on Ontario

The shortage of skilled trades workers in Ontario is having a direct impact on our province’s economy. According to BuildForce Canada, Ontario will need to recruit over 100,000 workers in the construction industry alone by 2030 to replace retiring workers and keep up with demand. This shortage is not limited to construction, but spans a wide range of trades, including electricians, plumbers, welders, and mechanics.

Without a greater supply of skilled workers, businesses face delays and increased costs, making it harder for them to compete. Infrastructure projects that are critical to economic growth could be postponed or scaled back, affecting everything from transportation networks (i.e., the building of new roads or railways) to new housing developments. This, in turn, could slow down economic growth, impacting the quality of life for all Ontarians.

Why Choose a Career in the Skilled Trades?

Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining: The current labour shortage presents a unique opportunity for individuals considering a career in the skilled trades.

Here are some compelling reasons to pursue a trade today:

1. Job Security: With a growing shortage of skilled workers, tradespeople enjoy job security and stability. Many trades offer competitive salaries that often exceed those of many traditional professions.
2. Career Flexibility: Skilled trades offer diverse career paths that include opportunities to enter management roles. Whether you want to be your own boss or work for a large company, the trades provide the flexibility to choose your own way.
3. Life Skills: Tradespeople acquire hands-on skills that are always in demand. Whether you're building homes, installing electrical systems, or repairing machinery, the work you do is essential and meaningful. And becoming a tradesperson means you can also work on your own home, potentially saving you thousands.
4. Community Contributions: Skilled tradespeople play a vital role in building and maintaining communities. By pursuing a trade, you become an integral part of Ontario's growth and development, helping to shape the province's future.

Conclusion

Addressing the trades labour shortage is an opportunity to help people access rewarding and stable careers while building a more resilient economy.

Whether you’re a young person thinking about your future, a worker considering a career change, or a businessperson looking to hire, the skilled trades offer an exciting and promising path forward. Visit our program search to learn more about how you can start your journey in the skilled trades today.