Introduction

British Columbia's housing crisis is growing increasingly urgent, with a significant gap between the construction of new homes and the province's rapidly expanding population. To solve this problem, a skilled and capable workforce is essential, but the shortage of skilled tradespeople poses a significant challenge. Expanding provincial trades education and increasing funding is key to ensuring BC can meet its housing goals.

The Problem: Skilled Trades Shortage and Insufficient Productivity

Growing Housing Needs in BC

The gap between housing construction and population growth in BC continues to widen. Although new home construction has been strong in recent years, the time required for permitting and construction is slowing progress. The BC Government's Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing and Transit-Oriented Development zoning reforms are expected to generate up to 293,000 new housing units in the next decade. However, achieving these targets requires addressing several barriers, including the shortage of skilled tradespeople.

Major Barriers to Meeting Housing Goals

A major factor holding back construction efforts is the shortage of skilled tradespeople in the construction sector. This problem is exacerbated by an aging workforce, with approximately 55,000 construction workers expected to retire in the next decade. To meet the housing goals by 2035, BC may need an additional 130,000 workers in the construction industry. However, insufficient productivity, combined with the challenges of certification requirements and a retiring workforce, adds to the urgency of addressing this skills gap.

Lack of Funding and Investment in Trades Education

One of the key reasons behind this shortage is the lack of funding for Skilled Trades BC. Despite increased costs from inflation, construction materials, and cost of living, funding has not increased in over a decade. As other provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia continue to increase investment in their skilled trades sectors, BC risks falling behind, with skilled tradespeople leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. Furthermore, public secondary and post-secondary institutions are unable to expand their training programs to meet growing demand, leading to long waitlists and underprepared graduates.

Consequences of Underinvestment

Without adequate funding, tradespeople are increasingly leaving the province in search of better opportunities. This, in turn, results in a lack of qualified workers to meet BC's construction needs. Public institutions are unable to offer the necessary number of training seats, leading to underprepared graduates and an escalating shortage of skilled tradespeople. These shortages ultimately hamper the ability to build desperately needed housing supply in BC.

Recommendations for Addressing the Shortage

Review and Support Trades Training in Schools

To bridge the skills gap, the BC government must start by reviewing trades training programs across secondary schools to identify gaps in training and support. Early exposure to trades education, combined with increased support for trades programs in schools, can help foster interest and build a pipeline of talent from an early age.

Increase Funding for Trades Programs and Institutions

The province needs to increase funding for Skilled Trades BC, particularly for youth programming. Expanding capital grants for trades training institutions—including secondary and post-secondary schools—can ensure that students have access to up-to-date equipment and facilities that prepare them for the evolving demands of the construction industry.

Expand Scholarships and Incentivization Programs

Offering more scholarships and incentive programs for trades education will help attract new graduates and individuals considering a career change. Increasing the number of scholarships, bursaries, and financial incentives will make trades training more accessible, encouraging more people to join the construction workforce.

Long-Term Funding and Flexibility for Skilled Trades BC

The BC government should immediately increase funding for Skilled Trades BC on a long-term basis, with adjustments to account for inflation and the cost of living. Expanding the number of training seats will help meet the demand brought on by population growth. Moreover, increased flexibility in training programs, especially for those in remote communities and underrepresented groups, can help bring in a more diverse and capable workforce to meet construction needs.

Conclusion

Addressing the shortage of skilled tradespeople is crucial if BC hopes to solve its growing housing crisis. Expanding trades education, investing in training programs, and increasing funding for scholarships are all critical steps in building a capable workforce. With sufficient government support, BC can retain and grow its skilled trades sector, ultimately ensuring that the province can meet its housing needs and provide affordable homes for all its residents.

Call to Action

The time for action is now. Share this post to raise awareness about the need for expanded trades funding in BC and support policies that aim to grow and strengthen our construction workforce. Together, we can help ensure a future where everyone in BC has access to a safe and affordable place to call home.