Buildforce Canada says with major construction projects on the horizon, the local industry is expected to grow considerably, but it’s concerned that existing labour shortages will only get worse.

The provincial budget included mention of a number of major construction projects including a replacement for St. Clare’s hospital, a sport, recreation and rehabilitation dome, and a new high school for Paradise to name just a few.

Add to that a renewed emphasis on residential construction.

The report says the anticipated start of work on the Bay du Nord project in 2028 will increase activity to the end of the forecast period.

The concern, according to the report, is that an aging workforce could represent a significant challenge. An estimated 5,900 workers, or 28 per cent of the current labour force, is expected to retire by 2033. Some 4,000 workers aged 30 or younger, are expected to be recruited over that same period of time. The BuildForce report says unless recruitment increases, then the industry could face a deficit of 2,400 workers by 2033.