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A Perspective from Surepoint Group
Canada is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, with many sectors, particularly Canada’s energy and construction industries, struggling to find qualified workers to fill job openings. “This shortage is having a significant impact on the Canadian economy, and it is likely to worsen in the coming years”, says Martin Socha of Surepoint Group of Calgary, Alberta. “But these shortages also mean there are significant opportunities for young people and for those wanting a career with long term stability”.
There are several reasons for the skilled trades shortage in Canada.
1. Demographic Shift
One of the main reasons for the skilled trades shortage in Canada is the demographic shift that has been occurring in recent years. Many skilled tradespeople are reaching retirement age, and there are not enough younger workers to fill the gap. According to a report by BuildForce Canada, over the next decade, Canada will need to recruit 309,000 new workers to replace retirees and meet new demand.
2. Low Participation Rates Among Younger Workers
Another factor contributing to the skilled trades shortage is low participation rates among younger workers. Many young Canadians are not choosing to pursue careers in the skilled trades, opting instead for university degrees or other career paths. This is partly due to a perception that skilled trades jobs are low-paying and require physical labor, which may not be appealing to some young people. There is also a lack of awareness among high school students about the opportunities available in the skilled trades.
3. Lack of Training Opportunities
Even among young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the skilled trades, there is often a lack of training opportunities. Many training programs require apprenticeships, which can be difficult to obtain. There is also a lack of funding for training programs, particularly in rural areas where skilled trades jobs are in high demand.
4. Lack of Recognition
Despite the importance of skilled trades jobs to the Canadian economy, there is often a lack of recognition for the value of this work. Skilled tradespeople may not be compensated as well as other workers with similar levels of education and experience, and their work may not be viewed as highly skilled. This can make it less attractive for young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
5. Immigration Challenges
Canada has a large pool of highly skilled immigrants, many of whom are not able to work in their chosen fields due to a lack of recognition for their foreign credentials. This means that there is a pool of skilled workers who are unable to fill the available jobs in the skilled trades. Efforts are being made to recognize foreign credentials and streamline the process for immigrants to obtain Canadian certification.
6. Limited Access to Equipment and Technology
Smaller businesses in the skilled trades may face challenges in accessing the latest equipment and technology. This can make it difficult for them to compete with larger businesses and attract skilled workers. There is a need for increased investment in equipment and technology to ensure that businesses of all sizes have the resources they need to succeed.
7. Industry Downturns
When industries such as oil and gas experience downturns, it can lead to a decline in the number of available skilled trades jobs. This can make it more difficult to attract new workers to the industry, particularly if they are uncertain about job security. Efforts are being made to diversify the Canadian economy and reduce its dependence on industries that are prone to boom-and-bust cycles.
Efforts are being made at the government, industry, company and individual levels to address the skilled trades shortage, including increased investment in training programs, increased recognition for skilled trades jobs, and efforts to streamline the process for recognizing foreign credentials. By addressing these factors, it is hoped that Canada can ensure that there are enough skilled tradespeople to meet the demand and support the Canadian economy.
Companies like Surepoint Group have recognized this problem for a while and are working on ways to educate people that there are plenty of great career opportunities in the trades. “Most people today don’t realize how much we rely on tradespeople until they need them,” adds Martin Socha .
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