b'employers are taking advantage of these opportunities to expand the workforce and develop the next generation THESE ARE FUTURE-PROOF CAREERS. WITH THE of workers. Connecting with Recruits EMERGENCE OF AI, TRADESPEOPLE WILL REMAIN Upticks in talent engagement are beingIRREPLACEABLE, AND WE NEED TO MOVE BACK TO A attributed to actions within the private and public sectors. For one, FerreiraPLACE WHERE WE RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF MASTER emphasized the collective efforts by the industry to promote the trades andBUILDERS AND ARTISANS.challenge stereotypes: Government programs at both federal andKEN LANCASTLEprovincial levels have worked to address stereotypes and promote careers in the trades. As a result, were seeing more interest among young people in apprenticeships within the constructionThe book follows a young girl turning anindividuals, accounting for overindustry, reflecting the effectiveness ofold shed into a clubhouse, showcasing the26 per cent of overall employment in these promotion programs. trades to young women and girls in a wayCanadas construction industry. This Support programs have also played a rolethat allows them to see themselves in these in helping employers take on apprenticesroles, Lancastle explained. drives home the sectors importance to and guide them through their first year,Despite these efforts, breaking downthe industrys viability and the breadth of with the hope of retaining them in thestereotypes remains an ongoing challenge.available opportunities.industry through to certification asHowever, Lancastle is optimistic. TheseThankfully, with sustained efforts journeypersons. However, the challengeare future-proof careers, he said. With remains daunting, particularly as thethe emergence of AI, tradespeople willto engage younger talent, attract mechanical contracting sector competesremain irreplaceable, and we need to moveskilled immigrants and connect with with industries that often have higherback to a place where we recognize theunderrepresented groups, the industry is public profiles. value of master builders and artisans.Competition is incredibly tight, FerreiraKeeping the Pressure Up laying the foundation to address its labour admitted. Many competing industriesThe mechanical contracting sectorgaps and build a moreare seen as more glamorous, whichemploys approximately 400,000resilient workforce.perpetuates the perception issue weve been battling for years.Recent immigration strategies have also brought more skilled talent to the industrys recruitment office. For instance, the federal governments targeted construction-specific initiatives have led to a slight increase in individuals entering the industry through permanent immigration. BuildForce data shows this figure has risen from 1.5 per cent to three per cent in the first six months of 2024.Ferreira noted that provinces are prioritizing skilled trades in their immigration efforts. The shift in government mindset towards targeting immigrants with existing trade skills, rather than retraining individuals from unrelated fields, is starting to pay off. Preliminary numbers indicate an increase in skilled tradespeople entering Canada, which is long overdue but very welcome.Connecting with Underrepresented GroupsTo mitigate future shortages of qualified skilled trades professionals, MCAC and its members are proactively reaching out to underrepresented groups, including new Canadians and women, to introduce them to careers in the field. Initiatives like Susies Shed, MCACs first childrens book, exemplify creative approaches to breaking stereotypes.NATIONAL BULLETIN | Issue 2, 2024/25 19'