Facing a serious lack of skilled trades labour, CEO of Industry Training Authority Kevin Evans points to a “training culture” as B.C.’s solution.
The Cariboo labour market outlook from 2010 – 2020, according to the Industry Training Authority, predicts a void of 3,210 skilled trades workers.
“That explains why people are both excited and nervous,” Evans said.
Breaking down industry requirements, Evans said of the 3,210 forestry is hit the hardest with 2,093, with mining at 910, the oil and gas industry with 66, oil and gas support workers sits at 399 with construction facing a shortage of 672.
“So where do we get them from?” Evans says is the big question facing industry executives.
This is where the training culture comes in. Evans said B.C. needs to take advantage of training locals, locally.
“We need to build a highly trained community,” he added.
Evans pointed to trade facility expansions such as the College of New Caledonia’s recently completed Phase II, and highlighted the importance of apprenticeship training.
“There’s a lot of room for upward growth,” he said.
“So now we have to talk about how we engage employers.”
Evans added there’s a strong business case for potential employers to hire apprentices and he hoped to discuss the benefits with industry representatives during the two-day Natural Resource forum this week in Prince George. Evans said there’s a lot of enthusiasm as well as concern over the future of trades.
“People are optimistic good times lie ahead,” he said.
Evans pointed to current northern projects amounting to $3 billion in construction activity with a proposed $62 billion, $34 billion of which is of high-likelihood.
“We have the opportunity here to build a legacy,” he said.
“A legacy of skilled a workforce, employment and providing the opportunity for our children to stay.”