High demand for skilled workers

Construction employment continues to be a significant economic driver in the Lower Mainland Southwest region, with the number of industry jobs reaching a record high in September.

According to Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s analysis of Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada, approximately 134,500 persons were working in the region in September 2008, up to 3.9 per cent over August and up 13.4 per cent year-to-date over 2007.

“This month’s construction employment numbers reflect the high level of current construction activity and reinforce the sector’s significant contribution to employment in the region,” say Keith Sashaw, Vancouver Regional Construction Association president.

“It is likely that we have reached a peak in construction employment given that many of the projects underway now were started earlier in the year. It will take some time for the decreases in building permit activity to play out on the ground.”

“We anticipate that the strong growth phase is behind the industry ,” says Sashaw. “Nonetheless, the industry continues to operate at a high level.”

Sashaw advises that potential changes in the industry do not mitigate the demand for skilled workers.

“With the Construction Sector Council estimating more than 25,000 BC construction Workers will retire before 2016, there is no doubt there will continue to be strong and diverse career opportunities in the construction industry across the province.”

Metro Vancouver’s construction employment gains continued with 12.8 per cent growth year-to-date, an increase of 11,700 persons in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 2007.

Abbotsford construction employment rose 10.6 per cent (1,000 persons) during the same period.

Construction highlights from the September 2008 Labour Force Survey include:

·         In the Lower Mainland-Southwest region, employment increased 13.4 per cent (15,000 persons) in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period last year, employment rose 3.9 per cent (5,000 persons) in September 2008 over August 2008.

·         Metro Vancouver’s employment increased 12.8 per cent (11,700 persons) in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period last year; employment rose 4.2 per cent (4,400 persons) in September compared with August.

·         Abbotsford CMA’s employment increased 10.6 percent (1,000 persons) in the first nine months of 2008 compared to the same period last year; employment rose 1.7 per cent (200 persons) in September 2008 over August 2008.

·         In BC, construction employment in the first nine months of 2008 increased 13.9 per cent (27,000 persons) compared to the same period last year; employment in September 2008 rose 3.6 per cent (8,100 persons) compared to August 2008.

·         Canada’s year-to-date employment was up 9.2 per cent (102,700) persons); employment in September 2008 rose 1.2 per cent (14,400 persons) compared to August 2008.

 ~ Courtesy of the Real Estate Review Saturday November 1, 2008