TORONTO – Canada is grappling with a significant shortage of skilled trade workers, with over a million expected to be needed in the next decade, according to a CBC News report broadcast Thursday.

Robotics and the Future of Construction

Experts are exploring the use of technology, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to address the labour gap. Stephen Bates, a professor of architecture, stated that adopting technology is crucial to increasing efficiency and lowering construction costs. CBC News showcased a prototype robot, dubbed “Warthog,” designed to lift and place construction panels, potentially speeding up the building process. Austin Barrett, a student working on the project, suggested the robot could perform the work of two to three people.

Encouraging Youth Involvement

The report highlighted the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program as a key initiative to attract young people to the trades. Victor Chen, a 17-year-old student in the program, expressed his strong commitment to a future career in the trades, stating, “100% this is the program, this is where I belong.”

Increasing Female Representation

Efforts are also underway to increase the representation of women in the skilled trades, where they currently make up only 5% of the workforce. Katerina Maietta of the Toronto Catholic District School Board noted a shift in attitudes, with more young women applying to co-op programs. One student pursuing carpentry cited a desire for a career less susceptible to automation by AI. Angela Norman, a trainer in the trades, acknowledged past challenges faced by women in the industry, recalling instances where she was initially mistaken for a secretary, but noted improvements in the field.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

Maietta explained that school systems historically steered students towards university, often overlooking the benefits of skilled trades. She has spent six years working to change this perception. The CBC News broadcast also included segments on rising food prices due to the Middle East conflict, and concerns about immigration and asylum seekers in Canada, but the primary focus remained on the skilled trades shortage.