The Construction industry and most associated trades with union jobs have undergone a transformation because of the pandemic which led to lockdowns and business interruptions. The trend is now headed in the other direction with building construction already in recovery. Demand in fact seems to be exceeding supply as labour shortages are increasing. Many tradespeople have retired or will be doing so within the next five years, and the industry is changing with union job workers now needing new skills to get with the times.
Let’s explore some of those industry trends and the impact on union jobs moving forward.
Trendlines for Construction Related Union Jobs
- Labor shortages: Skilled tradespeople are in demand with 700,000 skilled tradespeople expected to retire by 2028, according to a RBC report. The challenge is that there are not enough tradespeople replenishing these lost jobs.
- Perceptions: Due to long held perceptions that union jobs in the trade sector are for those who are uneducated and require long grinding physical hours without the reward, apprenticeship programs are not keeping pace. The reality is that trade jobs pay well with the median income for these types of jobs ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 or more.
- Upskilling: Upskilling is required for tradespeople. One quarter of Canada’s four million tradespeople will need to boost their skill literacy to meet industry requirements.
- Costs: Construction material costs have increased because of supply chain issues. Companies need to look at more cost-effective measures to deliver competitive services, including investing in technology.
- Technology and new tools: Construction software has changed the way tradespeople do business. Now tradespeople can access project information, call up diagnostics and report on asset needs, or update service calls in real time. Wearable sensors and AI are empowering tradespeople with building design and worker safety.
- Underrepresentation of diverse groups: Minorities who make up 20% of the population occupy less than 9% of trades sector jobs. The lack of representation also extends to women, and even Federal Skilled Trade Programs are not drawing enough new skilled workers.
Union Jobs Spell Opportunity
Joining the union is an opportunity especially with the rebounding construction industry. It’s a different sector now and the demand is high especially due to labour shortage. That means reward and compensation can exceed current standards, especially if you are skilled and embrace the new technologies that trades are now successfully using.
To learn more union jobs in Ontario, contact us today.
