June 17, 2009

Employment strong for Saskatchewan trades: CSC

REGINA

Construction trades are in high demand in Saskatchewan where industrial, civil engineering and institutional projects are accelerating the province’s skilled trades’ force toward record employment levels, the Construction Sector Council (CSC) announced at the recent Saskatchewan Construction Labour Market Symposium.

“Record investment in this province is leading to record employment in the construction industry,” said George Gritziotis, executive director of the Construction Sector Council. “This is one of the few sectors where we can say, ‘what recession?’ ”

Highlights of the Construction Sector Council’s annual edition of “Construction Looking Forward” for Saskatchewan shows employment in 33 trades and occupations tracked by the CSC will increase by more than 7% each year in 2009 and 2010. About 26,000 people are employed in the province’s construction trades.

“We’re seeing unprecedented growth and opportunity in Saskatchewan’s construction sector this year compared to other provinces and industries,” said Michael Fougere, President of the Saskatchewan Construction Association.

“Just how much growth and opportunity depends on when government infrastructure and private projects get rolling.”

Regional representatives recently attended a symposium to discuss labour market trends and how Saskatchewan can best meet demands for a skilled construction labour force.

“Right now we’re in a great position,” said Terry Parker, business manager of the Saskatchewan Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council.

“A combination of good timing and aggressive recruiting is helping us fill jobs with workers leaving projects that are wrapping up in other provinces.”

The demand for construction trades is being driven by both residential and non-residential investment including mining and manufacturing projects either planned or underway. As a result, more than 4,300 new skilled trades’ workers will be needed to meet peak demand in 2014. Another 4,400 are required to replace retiring Baby Boomers over the next decade.

“With the right planning, and strong focus on training and recruiting, Saskatchewan should have a new generation of trades people, supervisors, and managers ready when needed,” said Sid Matthews, president of the Construction Labour Relations Association of Saskatchewan. “That’s our goal.”

The Construction Sector Council describes itself as “Canada’s most reliable source for labour market forecasting and commentary.”

The CSC is a national organization committed to supporting the future needs of Canada’s construction industry through a highly skilled workforce.

The CSC’s “Construction Looking Forward” national and regional forecasts provide governments, colleges, labour and industry with information on labour supply and demand.

DCN News Services

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