Chad Desruisseaux’s Post

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Division Manager at Randstad

How's the start of 2024 going in the western Canada trades world? Insert "puppy sitting in fire saying this is fine" meme. I'm taking my analysis of the current skilled trades talent landscape in Alberta and British Columbia from 2024 year-to-date online job ads, posted across major websites. Heavy Duty Mechanics and Heavy Equipment Technicians (On and Off Road) still dominate the western landscape as the hardest trade to find staff for. I've seen the average wage expectations for these roles remain steady since Q3 2023, with fully ticketed Journeyman and Red Seals still remaining the highest paid per hour of all the trades (especially if the company requires a CVIP). Alberta dominates with 64% of the 1227 job postings, leaving British Columbia with 36%. Alberta's stronghold on the job ads is predominantly attached to mining and pipeline operations and expansions. Electricians: Despite 1,363 job postings, the regional breakdown (47% Alberta, 53% BC) obscures the intricate nature of demand. Many of the posted electrician roles cater to construction contracts, and electricians can run concurrent projects in a single quarter, complicating traditional talent metrics. Welders: The oil and gas sector in Alberta propels the demand, of the 894 job ads posted 61% came from Alberta, alongside an additional 457 pipefitter and gasfitter roles. These are mostly coming from Alberta's oil + gas sector where welder searches are now ramping up due to modification and fabrication yard work loads starting. Millwrights: 638 jobs ad's posted (43% in Alberta and 57% in British Columbia). During the same period last year there was 1,201 job ads posted. Machinists: This was the one the surprised me the most. Year to date there were 282 machinist job ads posted - this is by-far the lowest I've seen in the first 15 weeks of a year ( 595 in the first 15 weeks of 2023, and 460 in 2022). While I know we're not yet in the full swing of oil + gas season, I'm wondering if companies have finally become staffed up, with 50% of the companies no longer looking for millwrights and machinists? Or, is everything getting outsourced to contractors or overseas? As we navigate into Q2 2024, technical workforce management becomes increasingly intricate. If you're hiring a tradesperson and you're in a bit of a tight spot: reach out to me. I have ideas and tips to try that don't always start with the words "increase your wages" ... That does help though seriously Stay informed, stay agile, and harness the technical talent potential in Alberta and British Columbia's dynamic skilled trades markets. #TechnicalInsights #WorkforceManagement #TalentAcquisition #SkilledTrades #Alberta #BritishColumbia

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