The industry benefits from the market’s high-rise development, largely considered to be the continent's most active
Amid rising construction costs, careers in the construction industry are proving to be highly fulfilling for many Ontarians.
A new 50-part video series commissioned by a coalition that includes the Residential Construction Council of Ontario is offering a glimpse of a shining future in the industry – particularly because the next few years will be characterized by ever-growing demand for high-rises and infrastructure.
“We need to get the message out that there are thousands of well-paid, rewarding jobs that will be available for young Ontarians in the coming decade,” RESCON president Richard Lyall said of the series, which can be viewed at jobtalksconstruction(dot)ca.
Research by BuildForce has found that over the next 10 years or so, the industry will need more than 103,900 skilled professionals to answer demand in every construction sector.
“Our profiles feature young people who embrace construction for its highly satisfying careers and enjoy the challenges of problem-solving on the spot. I think our coalition has done an excellent job of conveying a new image of working in construction: a future of possibilities that are bright, exciting, secure and fulfilling,” Job Talks executive director Jon Callegher added.
Indeed, the city is now considered the most active high-rise development hub in North America, according to data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. As of early January 2020, Toronto has 31 skyscrapers under construction, as well as 59 proposed.
This will be on top of the 67 high-rises at least 150 metres tall already existent in the city. The figure considerably outstrips second-placer Chicago, which has 126 skyscrapers and another 19 under construction or proposed.
