NEWS RELEASE: Industry data shows drop in Apprentices after 1:1 Ratio Change
Construction associations call for immediate reversal to 2:1 ratio
WINNIPEG, October 28, 2025 – Manitoba’s construction industry is calling on the provincial government to immediately reverse the apprenticeship ratio change introduced in October 2024, after new government data shows a clear decline in apprenticeship participation.
According to Apprenticeship Manitoba’s published statistics, new apprentice registrations fell from 3,128 in 2023-24 to 2,730 in 2024-25, while active apprentices dropped from 11,878 to 11,628. These declines mark the first measurable downturn since the pandemic and coincide directly with the government’s decision to impose a 1:1 journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio.
“The numbers don’t lie — this policy is reducing opportunity for Manitobans who want to work in the skilled trades,” said Ron Hambley, president of the Winnipeg Construction Association. “Employers are being forced to turn away apprentices at a time when our industry desperately needs to grow the workforce.”
“There’s no evidence that the 2:1 ratio compromised safety or training quality,” said Shawn Wood, president of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba. “But there’s clear evidence now that the 1:1 ratio is limiting opportunity. It’s time to correct course.”
The associations noted that Manitoba and Canada are entering a period of historic investment in housing, health care and defence infrastructure — projects that will depend on attracting and retaining skilled tradespeople. “We need to be pulling more people into the trades, not pushing them away,” said Hambley.
The associations note that Manitoba’s construction industry is already facing a shortage of nearly 3,000 skilled workers, according to BuildForce Canada, and that most provinces have more flexible apprenticeship ratios.
In a joint letter to Minister Jamie Moses, the industry coalition urged the government to reinstate the 2:1 ratio, calling it a “proven, balanced model that supports both safety and opportunity.”
“We support this government’s commitment to building the workforce of the future,” said Hambley. “But this decision is holding that workforce back.”
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Media Contacts:
Darryl Harrison, Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy, WCA
darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca, 204-775-8664 ext: 2249
Shawn Wood, Executive Director, CARM
carmed@carm.ca, 204-571-0041
The Winnipeg Construction Association is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing commercial contractors and suppliers throughout Manitoba. We currently have over 750 member firms, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers.
Construction Association of Rural Manitoba is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing commercial contractors and suppliers throughout Manitoba. We currently have 200 member companies, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers.