The Winnipeg Construction Association has been working to address the issue of a shortage of tradespeople in the industry by hosting the Manitoba Construction Career Expo. The expo saw over 1,300 high school students attend, with many expressing their interest in pursuing a career in the trades. Students cited reasons such as enjoying working with their hands, not wanting to be stuck at a desk all day, and the lucrative pay associated with red seal trades as motivations for considering a career in the trades.
For students like Hailey Hiebert, the expo provided an opportunity to learn more about the different trades and solidify their career aspirations. Hiebert stated that she has always known she wants to work in the trades, and the expo helped her gain more information to make an informed decision about her future career path. Other students, such as third-year automotive apprentice Drayke Gray, mentioned the importance of continuing to learn and staying abreast of new technologies in the industry. Gray expressed his desire to pursue master tech training and specialize in working on electric vehicles.
Despite initiatives like the trade expo sparking interest in the trades among young people, industry professionals like Maks Doerksen, a structural welder and ironworker with nearly a decade of experience, note that challenges persist. Doerksen highlighted the discrepancy between the number of apprentices entering the trades and the rate at which experienced tradespeople are retiring. He expressed concerns about the declining interest among young people to pursue careers in the trades, emphasizing the need for more apprentices and workers to fill the gaps left by retiring journeymen.
The shortage of tradespeople in the industry is a pressing concern that requires attention and action to ensure that there are enough skilled workers to meet the demands of various construction projects. The aging workforce, coupled with a lack of interest among younger individuals in pursuing careers in the trades, poses a significant challenge for the industry. Initiatives like the Manitoba Construction Career Expo play a crucial role in attracting new talent to the trades and exposing students to the diverse career opportunities available in the field.
Efforts to promote careers in the trades must be sustained and expanded to address the current shortage of skilled workers. Encouraging young people to consider the trades as a viable and rewarding career path, providing them with opportunities to explore different trades, and offering mentorship and support throughout their apprenticeships are essential steps in bridging the gap between retiring tradespeople and new entrants to the industry. By investing in the next generation of tradespeople and fostering a culture of learning and growth within the industry, stakeholders can work towards ensuring a sustainable and robust workforce for the future.
