A new survey by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C. finds that 86% of contractors in BC are either expecting the requests for work to increase, or to remain the same for 2018. These numbers have been progressively increasing each year since 2014, with 2018 having the highest percentage. Considering the boom in BC housing, this is understandable. The trend does not seem to be stopping as BC continues to grow at a dramatic pace.
However, the report also finds that skilled workers are becoming harder and harder to find. In conjunction with low unemployment rates, BC is facing a large shortage in trades workers. According to the report, 75% of employers are saying there are not enough qualified workers in the trades they require. This is up from 59% in 2017.
Specifically, pipefitters, concrete finishers, truck drivers, and labourers shortages have worsened the most in the past year. Across the BC region, carpenters and labourers are highest in demand.
It’s becoming a tricky situation for employers, as the supply is not quite meeting the demand for work. Employers will have to become more strategic with their staffing solutions as competition amongst employers for top talent will increase further. One strategy that many organizations are finding to be successful is by diversifying and mixing internal hiring with some outsourcing help from temporary employment agencies. Having access to a flexible pool of workers seeking temporary work can help organizations with their workforce needs during this complex time.
Contact Trades Labour Corporation today for access to our wide range of temporary workers to help you out with your business.