b'INDUSTRY PROMOTION & DEVELOPMENTaverage (22.9 per cent), but higherrecovery. But realizing this opportunityskilled trades and construction careers. than their overall representation inwill require more than just momentum.Whether through partnerships with the provinces broader labour force aThe province must adopt new andIndigenous communities, expanded decade ago. In Winnipeg, immigrantsinnovative approaches to workforceoutreach to immigrant-serving represent 23.2 per cent of constructiondevelopmentones that activelyorganizations or improved mentorship workersa strong sign of urbanexpand recruitment efforts to includeand retention programs for women workforce integration. women, Indigenous people andentering the trades, success will depend Youth participation (ages 15 to 24) standsnewcomers to Canada. on the sectors ability to reflect the at 13.3 per cent across the province,With nearly 20,000 workers needed bydiversity of the communities it serves.surpassing the national average of2034, the industry must move beyondThe foundation for Manitobas 11.9 per cent. However, Winnipeg lagstraditional hiring pipelines and createconstruction future is being laid todaybehind the provincial average at justinclusive, accessible pathways into theand building it will take all hands. 9.7 per cent. As demographic pressures mount, attracting and retaining young workers will be essential to sustaining the construction labour force.BUILDING THE WORKFORCEOF THE FUTUREThe scale of Manitobas projected construction demands, combined with its demographic trends, underscore the urgency of proactive workforce development strategies. While the province is well positioned demographically, the labour market gap created by retirements and growing investment will require innovative recruitment and training initiatives.Improved apprenticeship registration trends offer one bright spot. In 2023, Manitoba saw a 21-per-cent increase in new registrations across its 17 largest trade programsa sign that efforts to attract younger workers may be taking hold. Still, completions remain below historical averages, emphasizing the need for ongoing support to guide apprentices through certification.Recruitment efforts must continue to focus on creating welcoming and supportive pathways into the industryparticularly for women, Indigenous people and newcomers to Canada. These groups increasingly represent a larger proportion of the provinces labour force, and in the face of aging demographics, the construction industry must remain focused on recruitment, training and retaining these crucial workers. Supportive pathways into the industry for underrepresented groups can help Manitoba build not just the infrastructure it needs, but a stronger, more inclusive workforce.CONCLUSIONManitobas construction sector is on track for a decade of opportunity, shaped by large-scale public investments and steady residential Issue 2 | Summer Edition | 2025 BUILD MANITOBA 27'