“Are You Ready?” Series

Posted September 27, 2023

There's an old saying that "change is in the wind".

Newfoundland and Labrador is gearing up for this major change as several companies are preparing to build wind to hydrogen generation projects, including EverWind on the Burin Peninsula, Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation in Botwood, Project Nujio'qonik (World Energy GH2) along the Codroy Valley and Port au Port Peninsula areas, Toqlukuti'k Wind and Hydrogen Limited (ABO) along the Avalon Isthmus area, and Pattern Energy.

Once completed, these wind farms will provide green and low carbon energy to produce hydrogen and sold to markets focusing on their "Net Zero Carbon" strategy.

According to Newfoundland and Labrador's Energy Minister, Andrew Parsons, almost 11,700 skilled tradespeople will be needed at its peak employment to meet growing construction demands.

While none of these major wind to hydrogen generation projects have received Newfoundland and Labrador Government approval to start construction yet, many public and private career colleges are now preparing new students for hydrogen careers.

Academy Canada's Academic Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Lovelady, states that tradespeople will in demand in both wind to hydrogen based projects as well as construction.

Furthermore, as the demand for small and large scale projects from housing to hydrogen increases, and existing tradespeople are now approaching retirement age, new tradespeople will be in greater need than ever before.

Our pre-employment construction oriented skilled trades training programs such as Carpenter, Construction/Industrial Electrician, Insulator (Heat and Frost), Plumber, Roofer, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, and Welding will prepare you for tomorrow's in demand careers.

Are you ready.

Source: CBC Newfoundland and Labrador "With eyes on an emerging wind hydrogen industry, N.L. trade schools gear up to train the workforce" - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/trade-school-wind-hydrogen-1.6976619 .

Posted September 25, 2023

According to the Carpenters Millwrights College's "Training Director", Shawn Skinner, the skilled trades demand is very high across Newfoundland and Labrador, not just due to the labour shortage, but also high average age of existing tradespeople.

In fact, the average age of existing unionized skilled tradespeople across Newfoundland and Labrador is in the mid 50s, which will make the labour shortage worse as they approach retirement age.

Public and private colleges trades programs are also experiencing huge demand.

Some skilled trades pre-employment programs, notably Carpentry and Industrial Mechanic, also have long enrollment wait lists.

Not only does Newfoundland and Labrador face a high demand for Industrial Mechanics and Carpenters, but also Scaffolders, Welders, and Millwrights

With Newfoundland and Labrador facing a double whammy of skilled trades people and high average ages of existing workers, coupled with growing demands for housing, institutional, mining, and natural resource extraction projects, demand for new tradespeople will get higher and higher.

Start your career in an "in demand" field with our Carpentry, Construction/Industrial Electrician, Insulator, Plumber, Roofer, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Welder pre-employment programs at Academy Canada.

Are you ready?

Source: VOCM "Aging Workforce Compounds Labour Shortage in Skilled Trades" - https://vocm.com/2023/09/25/219838/

Posted September 19, 2023

Canada's rising population levels and failure to meet housing demands over the last several decades has lead to a housing shortage.

The housing crisis is not just limited to Canada's major population centres like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Southern Ontario, Southern Quebec, and Prince Edward Island.

Its also happening in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Even in a province with a traditionally high unemployment rate like Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to face a housing crisis as their economy is expected to grow, population levels increase, and greater housing demand.

This rising demand will be felt throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, not just the Greater St. John's and Happy Valley - Goose Bay areas, but also the province's major communities like Stephenville, Corner Brook, Deer Lake, Grand Falls - Windsor, Gander, Clarenville, Marystown, Bay Roberts, Carbonear, and St. Anthony.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Newfoundland and Labrador will need at least 60,000 new homes by 2030 to meet growing housing demands.

We are talking at least 10,000 new homes per year between 2024 and 2029.

To meet the growing demands, not only does the private sector and government need to come together to look for solutions, municipalities need to red tape and make approval processes much easier, and banks need to lower interest rates, but they also need one critical piece of the puzzle, more construction sector tradespeople.

In other words, more Carpenters, Construction/Industrial Electricians, Insulators, Plumbers, Steamfitter/Pipefitters, and Welders will be needed to help Newfoundland and Labrador meet its housing demand targets.

If you want to be a part of Canada's solution to the housing crisis, think about pursuing a rewarding skilled trades career in the home construction industry.

Are you ready?

Source: CBC Newfoundland and Labrador "Unless N.L. picks up the pace — and a hammer or two — province will be short 60,000 homes by 2030: report" - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/chmc-nl-housing-shortfalls-1.6970302.

Posted August 31, 2023

Canada is now facing a national housing crisis. Newfoundland and Labrador is no exception.

Over the next 10 years, Canada will need to build at 5.8 million new housing units to meet the demand.

However, meeting this demand to solve Canada's housing crisis will not be easy.

According to Alexis Foster from the Canadian Home Builders Association, Newfoundland and Labrador chapter, she states that amajor obstacle contractors and trades have been facing is a lack of skilled workers.

She also said that this shortage is resulting in 50% fewer housing starts between January and July 2023 than the same period in 2022.

At the same time, Alexis states that Canada will need at least 5.8 million new housing units over the next ten years to meet growing demands.

Since the average housing production is 2.3 million units over the same 10 year period, meeting that growing demand at a time of skilled tradespeople shortage will be a big challenge.

With Canada facing a combination of a housing and skilled tradespeople shortage, consider these questions.

Do you want a career where your skills will always be in demand?

Do you want to be part of solution to Canada's housing crisis?

If you answered "yes" to both questions, pursue a skilled trades to start your path to an amazing career in the Home Construction Industry.

Are you ready?

Source: CBC Newfoundland and Labrador "N.L. builders' association says problems need fixing so industry can help tackle housing crisis" - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/home-construction-nl-support-housing-crisis-1.6952041

Posted July 17, 2023

Canada's overall population levels are booming rapidly, and so are the needs for construction workers to meet the growing demands.

According to the Labourers' International Union of North America, also known as LiUNA, tens of thousands of construction jobs remain unfilled across Canada, including over 20,000 open positions in Ontario alone.

The open positions in such sectors as residential and high-rise construction include labourers, bricklayers, cement finishers and people doing trim and tile work.

Victoria Mancinelli, the public relations director for LiUNA in Central and Eastern Canada, states that the shortage is in just one union alone.

Over the next ten years, as more baby boomers and early born Generation-Xers retire, the shortage of construction workers needed to meet growing housing demands will only get worse.

British Columbia expects over 38,000 veteran tradespeople to retire by 2032.

Ontario is expecting over 80,000 veteran tradespeople to retire at the same time period, which comes at a time when over 1.5 million homes, and apartment and condominium units needs to be built to meet growing demands.

The Atlantic Provinces will also face a construction worker shortage in the next 5-10 years.

In fact, New Brunswick expects 1/3 of their existing tradespeople to retire by 2028, which potentially has serious consequences for a small province experiencing a growth spurt.

Same is true in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

To meet growing housing demands along with a looming shortage of skilled tradespeople, Canada's construction industry not only has to rely on traditional means to recruit new tradespeople into the system, but also rely on non traditional means, including getting women and indigenous youth involved.

With mass retirements and shortage of skilled tradespeople in the construction industry, and growing demands to build new homes, apartments, and condos to address Canada's housing shortage, the future looks bright.

Be a part of Canada's construction industry, and train for skilled trades careers.

Are you ready?

Source: CBC News "Construction labour crunch leaves Canada in need of boosting ranks of home builders" - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-construction-labour-challenges-housing-1.6906587

Posted June 8, 2023

While several companies have submitted proposals to build wind farms to be used to manufacture hydrogen using renewable energy in Newfoundland and Labrador, one big question remains.

It's not technology or economics.

It's not the cost of building these wind farms and hydrogen manufacturing plants.

It's who will help build these things once the Newfoundland and Labrador Government approves these projects to go ahead.

According to Everwind Fuels' Vice President, Sam Imbeault, each wind farm and renewable hydrogen project will need between 2,000 and 5,000 construction jobs. Their massive project proposal on the Burin Peninsula will require as many as 5,000 tradespeople during its construction stage if its approved. That 1/3 of all tradespeople in Newfoundland and Labrador alone.

Other major green hydrogen projects will need at least 2,500 construction jobs, notably the World Energy GH2 plan in the Stephenville and Port au Port Peninsula areas, and Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (EVREC) proposal for the Exploits Valley region.

These projects will be needed to meet a growing demand for hydrogen made with renewable energy, transition the world away from fossil fuels, leading to greener future for everyone.

In addition to the proposed green hydrogen projects, these companies will also have to compete with Marathon Gold's Valentine Lake project which will require 400 construction and production jobs, and possibly the Bay du Nord project if it gets approved from Equinor.

With Newfoundland and Labrador about to experience green energy construction project booms competing with traditional natural resource based counterparts, such as Valentine Lake for gold or Bay du Nord for oil, tradespeople are going to be in demand.

Are you ready for to be a part of the green revolution?

Source: CBC Newfoundland and Labrador - "If N.L. approves multiple hydrogen projects, will there be enough workers to build them?", https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/green-hydrogen-labour-demands-trades-nl-1.6868012

Posted March 13, 2023

According to Moneywise, over 250,000 new apprentices will be needed to meet growing construction demands over the next time years.

Find out more at https://moneywise.ca/managing-money/how-to-earn-money/career-in-the-trades.

Are you ready?

Posted February 3, 2023

Over 256,000 new apprentices are needed over the next five years to meet demand in Canada.

According to Employment and Social Development Canada, the top in-demand trades for Atlantic Canada include Carpenters, Cooks, Hairstylists, Heavy Equipment Technicians and Operators, Industrial Electricians, and Welders.

Learn more about our training programs in these areas below:

Become a Carpenter: https://www.academycanada.com/faculty-of-construction-trades-and-mining/carpenter/

Become a Cook: https://www.academycanada.com/faculty-of-construction-trades-and-mining/cook/

Become a Hairstylist: hhttps://www.academycanada.com/faculty-of-health-and-personal-care/hairstylist/

Become a Construction/Industrial Electrician: https://www.academycanada.com/faculty-of-construction-trades-and-mining/construction-industrial-electrician/

Become a Welder: https://www.academycanada.com/faculty-of-construction-trades-and-mining/welder/
Learn more: https://www.academycanada.com

Are you ready!!!

Posted January 11, 2023

According to Dr. Maggie Brown Bury, veterinary clinics across Newfoundland and Labrador are encountering some of the same labour shortages other industries are facing, limiting access to vet care in some areas, and affecting affordability for veterinary services.

She says vets and veterinary staff are encountering high levels of burnout and stress due to high demand combined with shortages in specialized staff.

These shortages can make it difficult for pet owners to get veterinary care when they need it for their "fur babies". It also has an impact on providing affordable services.

Due to the chronic labour shortage in the veterinary medicine sector, Dr. Brown Bury encourages more people to pursue careers in that field as Veterinarians, Administrative Staff, or Technical Support.

Even if you don't have high marks to get accepted for Veterinary School, you can still train for rewarding careers while helping our furry friends at the same time.

Academy Canada's "Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist" program prepares students for a career in the animal care field.

Students receive hands-on training that will enable them to assist the Veterinarian in day-to-day clinical procedures that may include: anesthesia monitoring, preparing for surgeries, surgery assisting, administering medications, taking X-Rays, and counseling clients on training methods.

This program also prepares students to effectively perform administrative and reception duties.

With a high demand for Veterinary Assistant/Receptionists, are you ready?

Source: VOCM - "Labour Shortages Affecting Local Vet Clinics", https://vocm.com/2023/01/10/labour-shortages-affecting-local-vet-clinics/.

Posted October 19, 2022

October is "National Careers In Construction Month" which celebrates and recognizes the contributions from educators, students, and employees to promote the construction industry!

According to Pennecon, the construction industry aims to increase awareness and promote careers, to encourage an even more diverse group of individuals to consider construction related careers.

Did you know that many of Newfoundland and Labrador's public and private post secondary institutions, including Academy Canada, offers construction oriented training programs?

Academy Canada are proud to have Pennecon as a work term host and graduate employer for our skilled trades programs! Thank you for your long-term support of our students and graduate.

Are you ready?

Source: Pennecon's Facebook Page:

Posted August 31, 2022

According to the Canadian Construction Association website's article entitled "Economic update: Industry sounds alarm over construction job vacancy rates", the labour demands for non residential construction workers are growing as the number of new construction projects are booming.

Current number of construction related job vacancies stands 84,585 positions and economic value of building permits are at least $3.9 billion.

Over the next five years, Canada's construction industry will need at least 113,100 new workers, mostly as a result of growing demand for non-residential and industrial projects, with 77,600 needed to make up for the number of employees about to retire.

Also compounding the shortage of construction workers are fierce competition for talent.

With the construction industry about to face a large shortage of workers, and demand for non residential and industrial projects booming, pursuing a skilled trade will lead to greater long term job security down the road.

For more information, you can find the Canadian Construction Association's article entitled "Economic update: Industry sounds alarm over construction job vacancy rates" at https://www.cca-acc.com/plus/economic-update-industry-sounds-alarm-over-construction-job-vacancy-rates/.

Are you ready?

Posted July 6, 2022

Construction/Industrial Electrician graduate and Apprentice Electrician at NL Hydro's Bay d'Espoir location, Amber Hickman, is featured on NL Hydro website's "Get To Know" segment.

According to Amber, her father inspired her to follow his footsteps to pursue a career as an Electrician.

As an Apprentice Electrician at the Bay d'Espoir Hydroelectric Generation Station, Amber is responsible for keeping the lights on, ensure things run smoothly, conduct preventive maintenance, and investigate and trouble shoot any issues that arise to keep electricity going as soon as possible.

Since the Bay d'Espoir Hydroelectric Generation Station supplies a majority of the Island of Newfoundland's electricity, Amber's role as an Electrician at this power plant is critical to keeping the lights on and the province's economy going.

For Amber, being a female in a male dominated trade inspires other girls and women to take up skilled trades as a career choice along with the many opportunities it has to offer.

Amber's experience as an Apprentice Electrician shows that anyone can be a skilled tradesperson.

Are you ready?

Source: NL Hydro "Get to Know Amber Hickman, Apprentice Electrician", https://nlhydro.com/good-to-know/get-to-know-amber-hickman-apprentice-electrician/

Posted May 31, 2022

After two years of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the West White Rose Oil Project is about to restart along the Placentia and Marystown areas.

The West White Rose Oil Project involves constructing a massive Gravity Based Structure that will be delivered to the West White Rose oil fields once its completed.

Over 250 permanent jobs, and over 1,500 construction related jobs are expected to be create.

Once this project is completed, West White Rose will create hundreds of additional jobs, as well as generate additional tax revenue and royalties for Newfoundland and Labrador's economy.

As West White Rose requires huge demand for skilled trades employees, are you ready?

Source: CBC Newfoundland and Labrador "Cenovus restarting West White Rose oil project, stalled under COVID-19 pandemic" https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/cenovus-west-white-rose-restart-1.6471846.

Posted May 31, 2022

Over the next six years, Canada will be facing a shortage of at least 700,000 skilled trades workers.

There is especially a greater demand for Welders, Industrial Mechanics, Bricklayers, Boilermakers, Cooks, and Hairstylists.

To help address the looming shortage, the Government of Canada has committed $247 million to create at least 25,000 apprenticeship positions with a focus on small and medium sized businesses.

Companies hiring individuals from equity seeking groups including women, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, and visible minorities will be eligible to receive up to double their grant money.

With 700,000 skilled trades workers set to retire across Canada by 2028, and 75,000 apprentices needed to be hired per year to fill this shortage, demand for skilled tradespeople and apprentices are expected to be very high.

Are you ready?

Source: CTV News "Ottawa announces $247 million to create 25,000 apprenticeship positions across Canada" - https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/ottawa-announces-247-million-to-create-25-000-apprenticeship-positions-across-canada-1.5924530

Posted May 24, 2022

While this post is not related to skilled trades, some government organizations are facing a labour shortage in the near future.

For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) are now facing a shortage of Fisheries Officers and other staffers, which can do potential harm to Canada's Fishing industry.

To address this shortage, DFO are now Fisheries Officers and other employees.

Right now, DFO are recruiting at least 20 employees in Newfoundland and Labrador.

DFO are also recruiting staff members in other province.

For Academy Canada's Law Enforcement Foundations and Criminology students and graduates, check out these opportunities and much more.

Are you ready?

Source: Saltwire "About 20 DFO jobs available in Newfoundland and Labrador" - https://www.saltwire.com/newfoundland-labrador/business/local-business/about-20-dfo-jobs-available-in-newfoundland-and-labrador-100735400/.

Posted April 5, 2022
The "Bay du Nord" project is an oil and gas exploration and extraction project planned along Newfoundland's Jeanne d'Arc Basin and Flemish Pass areas.

While many industrialized and developing countries are gradually transitioning to a greener and "Net Zero" economy, low carbon fossil fuels will still be in demand as we adjust to a "Low Carbon Footprint World".

Because most of "Bay du Nord" project's oil is light crude with thickness ranging from maple syrup to water, Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to produce oil with lower carbon footprint, create employment, and meet our demands for petroleum products while we transition to a greener world.

According to Equinor, the "Bay du Nord" project will generate $3.5 billion in additional tax revenue for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, create 11,000 per years of employment, and will extract a total of 300 million barrels of low carbon crude oil if the project is approved.

Since the "Bay du Nord" project has potential to create thousands of skilled trades and indirect jobs, are you ready?

For more information about the "Bay du Nord" project, visit the Equinor website's "Bay du Nord" project page at https://www.equinor.com/en/where-we-are/canada-bay-du-nord.html.