Construction | Some 17,000 workers per year are needed and “it’s going to intensify”

In its most recent forecasts, the Quebec Construction Commission estimates the need for workers in this industry at 17,000 per year. This is an increase of 1,000 workers since last year.

Its estimate is based on construction projects announced through December 2023, also taking into account the aging workforce, number of graduates, workforce turnover rate, etc.

“Overall, career prospects in the construction industry are excellent; activity on construction sites will remain significant, the current availability of workers is low and more marked aging is also affecting some professions,” summarizes the CCQ in its 2024-2028 Outlook for the industry.

Demand is therefore not slowing down. And it particularly affects three regions: Greater Montreal, Quebec and Mauricie, Audrey Murray, president and CEO of the Commission de la construction du Québec, said in an interview.

Five trades are particularly in demand, Ms. Murray points out: carpenter, electrician, laborer, pipe fitter and excavator operator.

It therefore proposes four strategies to respond to this sustained demand: first retain workers who are already in the industry, then increase the number of holders of a Professional Studies Diploma (DEP), support the shortened training courses already announced and take advantage of the measures provided for in the new law relating in particular to task sharing and labor mobility.

We must also continue recruiting in categories of workers who are still under-represented in this industry, such as women, cultural communities and members of the First Nations.

Among other things, it is banking on greater interregional mobility of workers, provided for in its new law, which should make it possible to better meet the needs in remote regions.

And it is also banking on the sharing of tasks between certain professions, also provided for in its new law, in order to increase productivity in the industry.

This law also provides for greater recognition of experience acquired in an industry other than construction, but related.

Not only is demand strong, but “we are convinced that it will intensify in the coming years”, with projects affecting schools, hospitals, roads, not to mention the battery sector and the energy sector, recalled the Minister Boulet.