The B.C. construction industry is busy and need more skilled workers. According to the annual BC Construction Association (BCCA) Industry Survey, the industry is experiencing a 79 per cent increase in the value of current projects from five years ago, and a 17 per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels, even as labour shortages continue, and cost of goods are at all-time highs.

Despite an increase in project spending to $134B and a sustained increase in the number of construction companies in B.C. (now at 26,262), the number of employees in the industry has dropped across all trend milestones: a 2 per cent decrease year-over-year, a 9 per cent decrease compared to pre-pandemic (2019) levels, and a 5 per cent decrease against the five-year marker.  The average company size has decreased 7 per cent over the last five years to an average of 6.53 workers.  Approximately 90 per cent of companies in the industry employ less than 20 workers.

While COVID-19 is no longer a top issue of concern, lack of prompt payment, workforce shortages, and eroding public sector procurement standards are keeping stress levels high.

“Construction is an essential and highly dynamic industry that is affected by events next door and around the world” says Chris Atchison, BCCA president. “Whether its pandemic, floods, fires, war, supply chain, or government policy, our industry adapts to reflect those challenges.  With the unprecedented commitment of tax dollars to infrastructure spending and a boom in large private projects, employers are looking for leadership from government on two major issues that will improve industry conditions for all contractors and workers regardless of labour affiliation: prompt payment legislation and mandatory public sector procurement best practices.”

Visit BCCA for the full survey results.