The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) wants Manitoba to reinstate a 2:1 apprenticeship ratio, starting with non-compulsory trades, to encourage businesses to hire more apprentices.
“The recent implementation of the 1:1 apprenticeship ratio for trades in Manitoba is a significant step backward for the province,” the WCA states in a pre-budget submission. “This policy limits opportunities for young Manitobans to enter the skilled trades, reduces the pool of future tradespeople and risks driving workers to other provinces that offer better opportunities.
“At a time when Manitoba faces critical workforce shortages in construction and other skilled trades, the 1:1 ratio creates unnecessary barriers to workforce development and economic growth.”
The WCA says the province should begin with non-compulsory trades but permit regular reviews for exceptions for specific trades when it is proven that available journeypersons are in surplus or in short supply.
The submission notes the development of a journeyperson takes several years, and more replacement candidates are needed to offset attribution, non-completion and relocation to backfill positions.
Regulations that came into effect recently restored the ratio to one apprentice for every journeyperson, down from the 2:1 ratio that had been in effect.
The province and the building trades maintain the change will increase safety and proper oversight for apprentices, but WCA president Ron Hambley maintains it will only restrict access to apprenticeship programs and deny many young people the opportunity to learn a trade.
In its submission, the WCA maintains the 2:1 ratio provides a more balanced approach, maximizing training opportunities while remaining economically viable for employers and restoring the ratio would make it more feasible for businesses to take on apprentices.
“Reinstating the 2:1 apprenticeship ratio is essential to maintaining Manitoba’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining talent.”
The WCA is also asking the province to establish a clear, well-defined, three-year plan for construction of schools, hospitals and long-term care facilities to meet the needs of a growing population.
In 2022, the previous provincial government announced nine new schools to be built under a P3 approach but due to a change in government in 2023, the projects remain unconfirmed, leaving contractors and communities in limbo.
With investment in vertical construction higher than normal, creating increased demand on the industry, public infrastructure projects will need to compete for the attention of contractors, so a well-charted forecast of public projects is needed.
“By providing employers with greater certainty about future projects, such a plan would enable them to better anticipate and plan for their manpower needs,” the WCA states. “This stability would foster a stronger commitment to workers, encouraging employers to invest in training, hiring and retaining skilled labour. In contrast, the absence of long-range plans often leaves employers hesitant to expand their workforce, fearing they may need to lay off new hires.”
A multi-year plan would address the challenge and help to build and sustain Manitoba’s skilled labour workforce, the WCA states.
Additionally, the WCA wants the province to provide start-up funding to establish a Prompt Payment Adjudication Body.
“Passage of prompt payment legislation in Manitoba was a significant step forward,” the WCA says in its submission. “However, to ensure its success, we need the infrastructure to support it.”
The adjudication body would be operated by the industry, the WCA states, and it would be tasked with providing a fair and efficient process for resolving disputes.
“By supporting this initiative, the government will send a strong signal that Manitoba is committed to fair business practices and economic stability. A more detailed proposal outlining exact requirements is currently being developed with our partners in the construction industry.”
The WCA is also requesting the province prioritize quality of life when considering its infrastructure budget planning as schools, hospitals and long-term care facilities are critical to communities.
Meanwhile, the industry is recommending funding support be provided for an Unlocking the Toolkit event hosted by Manitoba Women in Construction that provides 90 female students in Grades 5 and 6 an opportunity to explore careers in the construction trades and technology.
The association is also suggesting the province once again provide $15,000 for a WCA career expo that brings together 2,000 high school students to experience the trades firsthand.
“Construction plays a foundational role in Manitoba’s prosperity, employing thousands and contributing seven per cent to the provincial GDP,” the WCA states. “By addressing these priorities – strategic investments, regulatory efficiency, and workforce development – we can not only strengthen our industry but also enhance Manitoba’s economic resilience and community well-being.”
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