Manitoba’s Apprenticeship Ratio Reduction: A Setback for Growth and Diversity
This Op-Ed appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press on August 22 – you can see that version here.
by Darryl Harrison
Manitoba’s construction industry is at a crossroads as the provincial government considers changing the apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio from the current 2:1 to 1:1. This proposed shift would significantly reduce apprenticeship opportunities in the province, posing risks to economic growth and efforts to increase diversity within the industry.
Manitoba, along with the rest of Canada, is already facing a construction worker shortage. The province needs an additional 3,000 workers over the next five years to keep pace with the expected housing boom, increased immigration and replacing an aging workforce. Buildforce Canada estimates that 700,000 skilled tradepersons will retire by 2028 across Canada.
The apprenticeship model relies heavily on on-the-job training, where apprentices learn under the guidance of experienced journeypersons. A 2:1 ratio allows a journeyperson to mentor two apprentices, creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment. This not only empowers apprentices but also fosters a safer, more inclusive workplace by balancing the power dynamics between journeypersons and apprentices.
The proposed ratio change also raises concerns for rural and northern areas, where journeypersons are less readily available. A 1:1 ratio would further limit opportunities for apprentices in these regions, exacerbating geographic disparities in workforce development.
This change will also put us out of sync with most of the rest of the country. British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan all have at least a 2:1 ratio. As do the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Newfoundland, PEI and Nova Scotia.
Moving to a 1:1 ratio will almost certainly impact the cost-competitiveness of construction projects. Compulsory trades require either a journeyperson or an apprentice to perform the work. Reducing the ratio will force companies to hire more journeypersons, even when apprentices could competently handle the tasks, driving up labour costs and affecting the overall competitiveness of Manitoba’s construction industry.
The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) has obtained legal confirmation that current construction based on standardized construction contracts will face cost increases due to the proposed ratio changes. This is a concerning development for an industry already grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty. Estimates suggest that the ratio change could add 1 to 2% to the cost of large construction projects, burdening both businesses and consumers.
For instance, the City of Winnipeg’s largest construction project, the North End Water Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC), could see its costs rise by $30 million due to the ratio change. As we know, the City’s current financial position does not put it in a place to easily absorb these const increases.
Manitoba’s construction industry is currently striving to attract more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The proposed ratio change threatens these efforts by reducing opportunities for underrepresented groups to enter and thrive in the sector. Construction jobs are fulfilling and well-paying, and limiting access to these careers is a step backward for inclusivity and progress.
Prior to 2021 when Manitoba adopted a 2:1 ratio, the 1:1 ratio posed significant administrative challenges for the Apprenticeship Department. The department received over 100 applications per year for ratio adjustments, a process that was time-consuming but necessary to accommodate individuals seeking to enter the industry. After the ratio changed to 2:1, these applications dropped to just 10 per year, demonstrating the current system’s efficiency in getting people into the workforce.
The consequences of reverting to a 1:1 ratio could be immediate and detrimental—fewer apprentices in the system, reduced support for apprentices on job sites and higher costs for construction projects – including existing government-funded healthcare projects. Fewer apprentices today means fewer journeypersons tomorrow, creating a workforce bottleneck that will stifle industry growth and economic development.
The Provincial Government is currently seeking feedback on the proposed changes. All Manitobans who envision a province that provides fulfilling career opportunities and encourages economic development should provide feedback before the August 29 deadline. Click here to provide feedback on the ratio change.
Let’s ensure that Manitoba remains a place where young people can find opportunities, grow their skills, and contribute to our economy.
Darryl Harrison is the Director and Stakeholder Engagement at the Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA). WCA is a construction industry association that represents Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional construction contractors that employ the women and men that build Manitoba.