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Construction Looking Forward:

Labour Requirements from 2007 to 2015 for Manitoba

Manitoba's building boom is poised to get even bigger. Construction Sector Council's Construction Looking Forward: Labour Requirements from 2007 to 2015 for Manitoba reports that the province is on the brink of a 10-year increase in construction activity.

According to the CSC report, Manitoba will need at least 15 per cent more buidling-trades workers by 2010 compared to 2006, due to the scope of construction projects and the number of workers that will retire between 2006 and 2015. The report states that "overall construction labour force needs to be at least double the increase in the provincial labour force growth." Without the workers, the shortage could cause project deferrals, delays and cost over-runs.

One possible solution to the rising labour demand is allowing in-migration and workers with temporary status into the province to fill some of the vacancies created by major projects including the Manitoba Floodway, and Hydro power plants.

Increasing the number of apprentices going through the apprenticeship system is also top priority. The report indicates that the number of new registered apprentices in Manitoba grew by almost 1,000 in 2006. To meet the specialty skill demand, apprentices and journeypeople are needed in key areas where a high supply of workers are expected to retire. These trades include bricklayers, concrete finishers, construction managers, contractors and supervisiors, crane operators, glaziers, heavy equipment operators, heavy duty equipment mechanics, insulators, ironworkers, tilesetters, truck drivers and welders. While 9,000 skilled workers are expected to retire this year, the report states that this number will rise to 12,000 by 2015.

Despite the province's unprecedented construction volume, Alberta and British Columbia will continue to draw labourers to the west. Bringing these workers back from other province will be a struggle, as all construction sectors and many provinces will share in the recruiting challenge.

Click here for the full Construction Looking Forward: Labour Requirements from 2007 to 2015 for Manitoba report in pdf.

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Gold Seal Update: July 2007

• One sign that the Canadian construction industry has global reach is the increasing number of Gold Seal applications from managers with foreign experience and foreign academic credentials. (In fact, program staff receive queries from around the world about the possibility of certification before coming to Canada, as a way to ‘jump start’ a career here.) Once verified, these qualifications are acceptable in all disciplines except Construction Safety Coordinator, where direct experience with provincial regulations is a must.
• A recent meeting between Gold Seal staff and representatives of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) produced extremely positive results. CFCSA reps were intensively involved in the development of the Gold Seal Construction Safety Coordinator designation. There was unanimous support for established safety credentials such as Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) – at the same time both sides recognized the value of Gold Seal as a national safety designation focused exclusively on the construction sector. Gold Seal staff will meet with members of the CRSP Board, as that group has started receiving applications from safety managers with the new Gold Seal certification.
• At the last Canadian Construction Association meeting the Board of Directors approved a new guideline for owners, entitled “Standard Practices for Reference to Gold Seal Certification as a Condition of Contract.” CCA Chair Raymond Brunet noted that “This is a very positive step forward for the construction industry. We’re seeing reference to Gold Seal in an increasing number of contracts, and we need to promote a fair and balanced approach from owners.” The document provides guidelines around advance notification, phase-in period, location and role of the Gold Seal certified manager and minimum contract values. The document can be found on the Gold Seal website at www.goldsealcertification.com.
• More and more construction associations across Canada are recognizing that Gold Seal certification and its related training and education are a valuable member service. Professional development is becoming one of the keys to successful contracting - and one of the primary concerns of associations. Gold Seal staff are available to assist – call the Canadian Construction Association at 613-236-9455.
• Full details on Gold Seal, as well as application forms and guidelines, can be found at www.goldsealcertification.com.

  For more information on Gold Seal in Manitoba, contact Kelly Pochuk at 775-8664 x 2225 or kpochuk@wpgca.com.

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School Presentations - Share Your Experiences!

As part of our Explore Your Future in Skilled Trades / Trade Up! Campaign, Winnipeg Construction Association is offering enticing and informative class presentations on Careers in Manitoba Construction. In a short 30-60 minute presentation we'll give junior high and/or high school students an overview of the various skilled trades and career opportunities in Manitoba construction and provide a list of post-secondary education and apprenticeship programs.

We'd also like to have a young skilled tradesperson speak about their experiences in Manitoba's construction workforce. If you or one of your co-workers or employees would be willing to share your experiences and knowledge at an upcoming school presentation, please contact Twila Driedger, Communications Coordinator at 775-8664 x 2242 or tdriedger@wpgca.com. Your participation is appreciated!

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Email: wca@wpgca.com

 

Visit our full website at www.wpgca.com

Winnipeg Construction Association is located at

290 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB  R3G 2A7

(204)775-8664

Copyright of Winnipeg Construction Association © 2007. 

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