The construction industry in British Columbia is at a crossroads. While demand for new infrastructure and development remains strong, the workforce that powers this sector is under immense pressure. Skilled labour shortages, an aging workforce, and shifting technological demands are reshaping the industry landscape. At Berto Contractors, we see these challenges firsthand, but we also recognize the opportunities they present. Addressing these workforce issues with proactive solutions will be critical to sustaining growth and ensuring a thriving construction sector in the years ahead.
The Growing Labour Shortage
The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) 2025 Wage and Benefits Survey highlights a stark reality: 72% of BC contractors are struggling to find skilled tradespeople. This shortage is not just a minor inconvenience, it’s leading to project slowdowns, increased costs, and, in some cases, the inability to take on new work. The effects ripple across the industry, including delayed housing developments and stalled infrastructure projects that impact the broader economy. Higher labour costs are driving up project bids, making it harder for developers to stay competitive, while smaller firms are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the workforce needed to keep their businesses afloat.
Compounding the issue is an aging workforce. According to the BC Construction Association’s (BCCA) Fall 2024 Stat Pack, over 20% of BC’s construction workers are over 55, signaling a wave of retirements in the coming years that will further strain an already stretched labour pool. As experienced tradespeople leave the industry, they take decades of knowledge and expertise with them, leaving a significant skills gap that younger workers must fill. However, with fewer apprentices entering the trades, the pace of workforce replenishment is not keeping up with demand. This demographic shift presents a pressing challenge: without a steady pipeline of trained professionals, the industry risks losing critical institutional knowledge, further exacerbating project delays and cost overruns.
Challenges Beyond Labour
Labour shortages are not the only hurdle facing the construction industry. The ICBA survey identified additional pressing concerns among contractors:
- Declining profit margins (40%)
- Difficulty securing new projects (35%)
- Permitting and approval delays (31%)
- Payment delays (31%)
- Regulatory burdens (30%)
- Employee retention (30%)
Despite these challenges, there is optimism. Nearly 50% of contractors anticipate increased work volumes in 2025, with projected industry growth of 19%. As ICBA President and CEO Chris Gardner put it, “Our industry continues to deliver, despite worker shortages, regulatory burdens, and project delays. But B.C.’s construction sector could contribute so much more if government policies enabled us to thrive. Instead, contractors and businesses get more red tape, higher taxes, and a seemingly never-ending stream of anti-business rhetoric that have many saying it’s never been harder to start and build a business in B.C. than it is today.” This directly exacerbates workforce challenges. Contractors can’t hire more workers or commit to training new apprentices if projects remain in limbo. Additionally, smaller firms, which are already grappling with labour shortages, find it even harder to stay competitive when navigating bureaucratic hurdles. Streamlining regulatory processes and reducing unnecessary administrative barriers would not only improve project efficiency but also help attract and retain skilled labour by fostering a more predictable and sustainable business environment.
Shifting Skill Demands and the Role of Technology
Beyond traditional labour shortages, there is a growing need for skilled workers who can adapt to an increasingly digital construction landscape. The demand for professionals with expertise in cloud computing, software development, and data analytics is rising sharply. In the U.S., cloud computing skills have increased in demand by 15% since 2019, while software development skills have grown by 13%. Similarly, mathematical and data modeling skills have seen an 11% uptick. While these are U.S. statistics, they reflect a global trend that is just as relevant in Canada, where technological advancements in construction are reshaping job requirements.
The Role of Women in Construction
A key opportunity for strengthening the construction workforce lies in improving gender diversity. Currently, 243,000 people rely on BC’s construction industry for their paycheck, with 167,300 working in skilled trades. While the number of women in construction has grown—9,536 women now work in the trades, a 15% increase over the past five years—they still represent only 5.7% of the workforce.
The potential for recruiting more women into construction is significant. While women make up 50% of the general population, they remain underrepresented in construction and the trades sector. Retention also remains an issue with many women leaving the industry within a few years. For example, carpentry sees a staggering 70.8% attrition rate among female apprentices within their first two years.
Supporting women in construction isn’t just about increasing numbers—it’s about fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable industry. At Berto Contractors, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower women to build lasting careers in the trades. That’s why we proudly attended the 2025 LEAP Women in Construction conference, an event dedicated to breaking barriers, advancing leadership, and equipping women with the tools to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. LEAP brought together industry experts to discuss strategies for recruitment, mentorship, and long-term retention, all of which are crucial to strengthening the future of construction. The construction industry must continue to challenge outdated perceptions and support women in developing the skills and confidence they need to thrive. In an industry where women are often the minority, the incredible women of Berto prove that skill and determination can lead to success where every you go. We’re proud to have strong, hardworking women on our team, pushing for excellence every day.
Looking Ahead
The construction industry in BC faces undeniable challenges, but there is a path forward. Addressing labour shortages requires a coordinated effort from industry leaders, government policymakers, and educational institutions. Expanding apprenticeship programs, improving recruitment efforts, and offering better incentives for young workers to enter the trades are critical first steps. Additionally, investing in upskilling initiatives will help workers adapt to the growing role of technology in construction, ensuring that the industry remains competitive in an evolving market.
Building a more diverse workforce will also be key to long-term stability. Encouraging women to pursue careers in the trades and implementing targeted retention strategies can help close the labour gap while fostering a more inclusive job site culture. As we’ve seen through the success of LEAP and the increasing number of women entering the trades, change is possible, but it requires sustained effort and commitment. At Berto Contractors, we are dedicated to being part of the solution. Whether through workforce development, embracing new technologies, or championing diversity, we remain focused on building a stronger, more resilient construction industry. The road ahead will require adaptability, collaboration, and investment, but with the right strategies in place, BC’s construction sector can continue to grow and thrive for years to come.
