2018: Labour Market Outlook

WorkBC has released the 2018 edition of British Columbia’s Labour Market Outlook

The report provides up-to-date information on the types of jobs and skills that will be in demand in B.C. between now and 2028. Below are some of the highlights and trends impacting the construction industry.

An emerging theme from the Outlook is the expectation for education and skills training, as well as automation, to help balance the currently forecasted surplus of job openings.

*Does not include LNG Canada pending final invesment decision

General:

• 903,000 job opening between now and 2028, almost on par with 2017’s LMO at 917,000
• 68% of workers due to leave the workforce (predominantly due to retirements)
• 50% of openings will be filled by first time entrants
• Unemployment continues to trend downwards, forecasting to be below 4.9% by 2028

Construction Industry:

• Total current construction jobs in British Columbia: 251,707 (StatsCanada)
• Construction has fallen to #10 overall in job openings by industry groups (#7 in the 2017 LMO)
• Construction still sits high in total overall replacement jobs forecast at #3: 54,500
• Job expansion projections however are contracting: -5,800 forecast between now and 2028

Construction Occupations:

• Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators are in the top 5 occupational groups for projected job openings
• Construction Senior Manager positions are forecast to grow to 3,900 openings through 2028. An increase from 3,500 in the 2017 LMO.
  • This position has the highest wage potential within its occupational category (High demand positions in management requiring a combination of education and work experience) at $90.77/hour (a 12% increase from the 2017 LMO)

Construction Changes to the High Demand Occupations List:

• No new occupations have been added to this year’s report
• Contractors, Supervisors and Heavy Equipment Operators are one of 5 occupations removed from the High Demand List this year