A shortage of housing and skilled trades is expected to continue for years
BRITISH COLUMBIA – Offering fair wages, and opportunities for advancement and training are major magnets that construction companies can use to attract employees to their firms.
British Columbia has known for years that a shortage of skilled trades workers was on its way, and it has arrived – along with a growing construction industry. Growing companies have been putting their best foot forward to get the brightest and best to join their teams, and the result is recognizable strong opportunities for a healthy economic future for new recruits to the industry.
Casey Edge, Executive Director of the Victoria Residential Builders Association, says “Companies look for apprentices with a strong work-ethic, flexibility, willingness to learn, and commitment. The company should also have strong foundational values. Housing shortages are ongoing and demand is expected to be strong for many years.
“Now more than ever, housing is a top priority for Canadians. A shortage of housing and skilled trades is expected to continue for years.”
Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association, says he is confident that the Vancouver Island construction industry is well-positioned for continued success.
“While we face challenges and certain headwinds —including political uncertainty, rising costs, continued labour shortages, immigration challenges, and regulatory complexities—the opportunities for investment and growth are equally strong,” he states. “I’m optimistic about the future of our construction industry. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, a dire need for housing, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, there’s tremendous potential for innovation and career opportunities.”
By joining a company that supports apprenticeship training, an apprentice can gain hands-on experience while earning a competitive wage from day one.
“They’ll work alongside seasoned professionals in a supportive environment, learning practical skills and building a clear path to career growth. The apprentice would be part of a team that values their success, fosters work-life balance, and helps them contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference.”
Kulmala says the ideal apprentice brings enthusiasm, reliability and a strong willingness to learn to the job.
“Companies are looking for individuals who are motivated, team-oriented, and ready to embrace the challenges and commitment for on-the-job training,” he adds. “Certainly also having a passion for the trades and a good work ethic go a long way in setting an apprentice up for success.”
Patrick Brandreth is Vice President of IWCD, which has been in business for 38 years and operates out of two offices on Vancouver Island, in Victoria and their headquarters in Nanaimo. He says working at their company will expose workers to various types of construction, whether concrete tilt on light industrial or automotive projects, or the many different aspects of carpentry within one of their multi-residential projects.
“We invest in our employees for the long term through industry training, courses and most importantly mentorship from within,” he notes. “We prefer to grow our employees internally through the systems that have made us successful therefore when we hire, we hire with purpose and for the long term.
“The dream is always to find that perfect hire with many years of experience, is organized, who has a good attitude, fits your company culture and who easily adapts to your internal processes,” he adds. “For IWCD, a candidate who is organized, with a keen attitude and great work ethic sets the stage for success, and the rest can be learned through the right mentorship. Whether it be in the field or in the office, we put a huge emphasis on mentorship and believe it is the key to growth.”
Cameron Archer, Director of Sales & Marketing for Orion Construction, which builds projects across the province, including throughout the lower mainland, in Langford and Colwood on Vancouver Island, and Kamloops and Kelowna in the Thompson Okanagan.
“At Orion Construction, we offer prospective employees the unique opportunity to become a part of a company that prioritizes growth, mentorship, and innovation as a part of our foundation,” Archer says. “Our 98% retention rate speaks volumes about our commitment to our people, and we take pride in fostering careers that are as rewarding as they are fulfilling.
“We cultivate a culture of growth, where nurturing talent from within is at the core of our ethos. With structured career paths and transparent promotion practices, our team has a clear view of how to progress within Orion’s organizational structure. This commitment to internal development is evidenced by the fact that 20% of our employees received promotions this year, and all of our mid-level managers have risen through the ranks internally.”
Orion offers annual tuition subsidies of up to $5,000 for continuing education and certifications.
Looking forward, Brandreth of IWCD states while there has been some pull-back in the construction industry, he sees that as being somewhat necessary.
“We believe this pullback was necessary and will be healthy for the industry in the long run,” he observes. “We are excited for the future growth of Vancouver Island and we believe our company is well positioned to take advantage of that growth both up and down Island.”
Archer is also bullish on the industry’s future in the province.
“The construction industry in B.C. is undergoing significant transformation, driven by emerging technologies, evolving workforce dynamics, and a renewed emphasis on community-focused design,” he points out, adding Orion is on the list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. “We are proud to be at the forefront of these changes.”
Orion is committed to leveraging technology to enhance their design-build processes, which is, again, attractive to prospective employees.
“One of the most impactful trends shaping the industry is technology-driven design and construction” Archers says. “Tools like Building Information Modelling, artificial intelligence, and robotics are no longer optional; they’re essential for creating adaptable, efficient, and sustainable spaces. These advancements not only minimize waste but also pave the way for innovative, employee-focused, and community-oriented buildings.”
Business Examiner Staff
