IIt is hard to imagine a comparable time in our past that is similar to what we are living with today. Covid, Ukraine war, rampant inflation, divisive politics and climate events have created a high degree of uncertainty across the globe. Closer to home, two of our bigger issues are inflation and labour shortages. Surging oil prices have filled provincial coffers but have also contributed to the high rate of inflation. While the provincial government has temporarily cut gas prices at the pump, our Federal government has increased the carbon tax to further fuel inflation!
Attracting new workers to blue collar trades in Alberta has been an issue for many years. During my 6 years on the Alberta Apprenticeship Board, attracting new workers to the Trades was of utmost importance and continues to be today. There are several provincial organizations that continue that work. The Alberta government has committed new funds to enhance these efforts.
The MBSE trade has always been challenged with attracting a competent, well trained workforce. If we look to our neigbours to the south, the majority of Metal Building Erectors in the southern half of the US are Spanish speaking. The US metal building industry has tapped into a large pool of available labour.
What are the solutions to our labour shortages in Alberta? There is no one single answer. For starters, all of those in the construction industry have to recognize that labour is a critical part of construction. If you are a general contractor, do you support erectors who routinely hire, indenture and train apprentices? If you are an erector, are you ensuring your apprentices are well trained and attend apprenticeship training? Do you make an effort to keep apprentices working when the work slows down? The industry, including all stakeholders, need to recognize and support all initiatives to attract new workers.
AMBA is always looking for new ways to support MBSE recruitment and offers generous bursaries for apprentices attending technical training. If you have an idea, bring it forward. It is an Industry problem and the solutions need to come from industry!
Regards- Roger Geisinger
Executive Director