FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Nearly 1 in 4 of all Job Vacancies in Calgary are in Construction Trades and Management Jobs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 23, 2024
Nearly 1 in 4 of all Job Vacancies in Calgary are in Construction Trades and Management Jobs
Calgary Construction Association Concerned About Critical Labour Shortage in Calgary’s Construction Industry
Calgary, AB – The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) is providing further context on the critical issue of job vacancies in Calgary’s construction industry. According to data analyzed by Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade, there were 7,560 construction trades and management job vacancies in the Calgary economic region in Q3 2023, representing a staggering one-quarter of all job vacancies (30,500) in the city.
The data, compiled by Statistics Canada and analyzed by Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade, underscores a critical challenge faced by the construction industry, which plays a pivotal role in fueling economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation within Calgary.
“The construction industry is the backbone of Calgary’s development, and the current job vacancies present a significant impediment to the projects that drive our city forward,” said Bill Black, President and COO of the Calgary Construction Association.
The shortage spans a spectrum of positions, including skilled trades, project management, and various specialized roles crucial to construction projects of all sizes.
“This shortage not only impacts the pace of ongoing projects but also poses a potential threat to the timely construction of new infrastructure on the horizon. It’s a multifaceted challenge that requires immediate attention and collaborative solutions,” said Black. “What happens when you struggle to find the workers needed to build the housing and civic infrastructure required for a growing City? Costs increase, projects are delayed, and affordability tanks.”
The Calgary Construction Association is calling on stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and industry partners, to work together in addressing the root causes of the labour shortage.
“Addressing this labour shortage is not just the responsibility of the construction industry. It requires a coordinated effort from government stakeholders, the K-12 education system, post-secondary institutions, industry and broader society to ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future,” stated Black.
The CCA remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration to find effective, long-term solutions that will strengthen Calgary’s construction industry and support constructing the Calgary of the future.
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For further information, please contact:
Frano Cavar
Director of Public Affairs and External Relations
Calgary Construction Association
(403) 389- 1998
About Calgary Construction Association: Formed in 1944, the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) is a professional association of over 850 member companies throughout the Calgary region. Through our partnerships with the residential and commercial construction industry, we represent over 100,000 Calgarians employed in the industry and their families. As an advocate for the construction industry, our mission is to help our members thrive now and into the future.
- Data Source: Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0356-02 Job vacancies and average offered hourly wage by occupation (minor group), quarterly, unadjusted for seasonality
Given data availability and quality, job vacancy statistics were examined for the following 2016 National Occupational Classification codes in the Calgary Economic Region:
- Managers in construction and facility operation and maintenance [NOC 071]
- Industrial, electrical and construction trades [NOC 72]
- Maintenance and equipment operation trades [NOC 73]
- Other installers, repairers and servicers and material handlers [NOC 74]
- Heavy equipment operators [NOC 752]
- Construction trades helpers and labourers [NOC 7611]
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