Filling the skilled trades gap: Putting PA students on the path to success
Finding skilled tradesmen continues to be a problem for businesses across Saskatchewan. A recent report from the Conference Board of Canada forecasted a tight labour market in the province. In Prince Albert the situation is the same – more jobs than qualified people.
On one hand, a high level of job creation indicates a fast growing economy. However, “It definitely means that some companies may actually have to slow down or not take on as many projects because they don’t have the labour to match,” said Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce CEO Merle Lacert.
The Prince Albert Construction Association (PACA) has noticed the same thing. “Companies are usually cautious in the amount of work they’ll pursue because they know they may not be able to get people,” said PACA chairman David Thorpe. He added that a lot of projects in the province end up behind schedule because of a lack of manpower.
With so much money and productivity at stake, hiring standards are more relaxed than they used to be.