b'climate change target of net-zero by 2050the baby boomer generations retirementresidential and non-residential buildings. to be $2 trillion over the next 30 years.on the sectors labour force. So, while the mechanical sector has been That would mean Canada would need toWhile the mechanical sector has donerelatively successful to date in meeting its spend more than $60 billion annually towell to meet current and future workforcelabour force needs, there is no guarantee cut emissions to 75 per cent of currentneeds in the face of normal demand, itthat this trend will remain as competition levels. The electrification of Canadasmay be challenged by the need to keepfor younger skilled workers increases in transportation infrastructure is an obviouspace with those projects that are tied tothe economy. In light of these pressures, area of need, as is the retrofitting ofCanadas climate change goals. the industry will need to remain aggressive existing public and private buildingsin its efforts to recruit and retain top throughout the country. As a result,If the RBC reports estimates are accurate,talent to ensure it maintains the labour workforce demands are likely to be highestCanadians will need to invest anotherforce flexibility required to adequatelyand access to the qualified skilled labour$5.4 billion annually over the nextrespond to construction demands most challengedin the renovation and30 years to meet net-zero targets forthroughout the decades to come.maintenance market.Such a seismic change in investment patterns, coupled with the advent of new climate-friendly technologies, will require training and the addition of new skills to the existing workforce. With approximately 22 per cent of the currentPLUMBERS &construction labour force expected to retire over the next decade, the challenge to ensure the construction industry canPIPEFITTERS UNIONkeep pace with demands has never PLUMBERS &been greater.PIPEFITTERS UNIONBuildForce Canada estimates thatLocal 488Local 488the construction skilled trades labourPLUMBERS &force will grow by just under 50,000 workers by 2030. Over the same period,PIPEFITTERS UNIONapproximately 260,000 workers are expected to retire. This means the industry will need to recruit, train andLocal 488retain nearly 310,000 new workers by the end of the decadeand that is only to keep pace with existing, known demands. Additional investment demands such as those referenced in the RBC report areCommitted to Quality,not factored into this analysis. Should governments become more aggressive inCommitted to Quality,their efforts to achieve Canadas 2050Safety & Educationclimate goals, the number of individuals required to keep pace with these demandsSafety & Educationwill increase dramatically.Committed to Quality,Although the industry is expected toPhone: (780) 452-7080 Fax: (780) 452-1291recruit approximately 230,000 workersSafety & Educationthrough traditional sources, based on16214 - 118th Avenue, Edmonton, Albertacurrently known demands, retirement and recruitment levels, it could find itself shortPhone: (780) 452-7080 Fax: (780) 452-1291nearly 80,000 workers by the end of the Phone: (780) 452-7080 Edmonton, Albertadecade. That gap will need to be closed by16214 - 118th Avenue, Fax: (780) 452-1291recruiting new workers through enhanced career promotion, by drawing in workers16214 - 118th Avenue, Edmonton, Albertafrom other industries with similar skillsets and by enhancing recruitment of newBusiness Manager - Rod McKayimmigrants to the country.Mechanical Sector Could Face Climate Change DemandsThe good news is the mechanical sector is in better shape than most. The sectors efforts to develop the next-generation workforce is bearing fruit. The average ageBusiness Manager - Rod McKayBusiness Manager - Rod McKayof the mechanical workforce is younger than that of the overall industry. That fact should help to lessen the overall impact of 2021 NATIONAL BULLETIN29'