The shortage of skilled labour in construction is a pressing concern to the industry and to the economic well-being of Alberta and Canada as a whole. Ongoing challenges include attracting the younger demographic to trades, and the aging demographic in construction may be missing the skills needed to keep pace with the increase of technology in traditional industries. Indeed, satisfying a community benefit quota with untrained but eligible workers is setting yourself up for failure. Now more than ever the industry must come together to enroll and train the next generation for the benefit of all. In this session, topics of discussion will include:

• Strategies to encourage youths to enroll in trades
• Making space for women and Indigenous construction workers
• Updating company policies and corporate culture to foster diversity, equity and inclusion