The shortage of skilled trades workers in Canada has been a pressing issue in recent years. It is due to several factors such as an aging workforce and a lack of young people entering the trades. 20% population in Canada is over 65 years and as seasoned trades workers retire, there are not enough workers to replace them. This creates a certain gap in the labor market and employers needs it resolution in less time.
From construction and manufacturing to healthcare and technology, there are many industries that are affected by lack of skilled workers in Canada in recent years.
Current Skilled Trades Shortage in Canada
The Royal Bank of Canada predicts that Canada’s workforce will see a 10,000-worker deficit in 56 nationally recognized Red Seal trades over the next five years.
Canada needs more skilled tradespeople. The lack is having a significant impact on the Canadian economy.
The shortage is particularly acute in the energy and construction industries. The construction industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, including Carpenters, Electricians and Plumbers.
The shortage is being caused by:
- Record-high job vacancies in sectors like manufacturing
- The number of Canadians nearing retirement outnumbering young people entering the working world
- The aging workforce in the construction sector
- The declining number of young workers entering the construction trades
Category-based Express Entry Draws Introduced in 2023
In 2023, Canada’s Express Entry system made a big change. They started using “category-based draws” to pick people for immigration. This helps them focus on certain job areas that need more workers. One area they’re really looking at is skilled trades.
This is all part of the plan by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to fill job gaps in Canada. They have six main categories: healthcare, science, tech (like computers and stuff), engineering, driving and delivery (transport), skilled trades (like carpenters and electricians), and farming and food (agriculture).
The Canadian government wants to bring in more people with skills in these areas to help fill job openings and make the workforce stronger.
List of Targeted Trades Occupations for 2023:
- NOC 73200 – Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers
- NOC 72406 – Elevator Constructors and Mechanics
- NOC 72405 – Machine Fitters
- NOC 72402 – Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics
- NOC 72400 – Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
- NOC 72310 – Carpenters NOC 72300 – Plumbers
- NOC 72200 – Electricians (except Industrial and Power System)
- NOC 72106 – Welders and Related Machine Operators
- NOC 72014 – Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers
ESDC’s Projection of 256,000 Bringing Workers to Fill the Gap
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has highlighted a significant demand for skilled trades across the entire country. These jobs are not only fulfilling but also have a crucial role in communities all over Canada. According to ESDC’s estimates, the demand for skilled trades is so high that there will be a need for over 256,000 new apprentices in the next five years.
Additionally, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum predicts that Canada will require more than 122,000 new journeypersons to ensure that certification standards are met for Red Seal trades between 2022 and 2026. The Red Seal program establishes the benchmarks and exams for various trades. It sets a national standard for tradespeople who successfully pass the Red Seal exam.
What are the Opportunities for Potential Skilled Workers in Canada?
Canada offers great opportunities for potential skilled workers. These opportunities are driven by the federal government’s commitment to welcoming immigrants who can fill gaps in the country’s skilled labor market. Notably, Ahmed Hussen, a former Canadian Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion talked about the immense employment prospects available for immigrants in the trades industry.
These developments underscore the potential for aspiring Canadian immigrants with experience in trades to make successful careers in the country. Skilled trades workers from various trades can create their Express Entry profiles. This will open the door to potential invitation to permanent residency. This is a great time to make yourself available to part of the Canada’s growing workforce.
If you have any questions regarding Canada immigration, feel free to text or call IJS Immigration at 905-904-7373.
