The construction industry in Alberta is expected to face even more job losses in coming years according to a recent BuildForce Canada report that was published last week. The report showed that oilsands construction labor demand is expected to drop by an additional 28% by the year 2020. At the root of the additional job losses is the decline in oil prices and a global market that seems saturated right now. The report spells out that “The oil price decline is driving employment lower across all construction sectors.” BuildForce Canada Executive Director Rosemary Sparks explained “Alberta has been through construction cycles before, but nothing this complex. That’s why it’s crucial for industry to stay focused on recruiting young people and attracting and keeping those skilled trades that are, or will be in the most demand. Shifting demographics and market conditions require a construction workforce with the flexibility to move with the times and the jobs. The reality is that in many provinces, the local workforce may not be enough to counter rising retirements and fill the jobs, especially when major projects gear up.”

On top of the job losses the construction industry in Alberta has seen in the last few years the added jobs which will be lost add up to a significant impact on the oilsands economy. Some positions in the industry are still strong in spite of the decreasing oil prices though. Maintenance is still needed by energy industry companies and projects regardless of what the economy is doing. This may be good news foe skilled workers, a category which includes welders, pipe fitters, and boiler makers. These workers will still be needed to sustain the current levels of production, to provide routine maintenance and plant upkeep duties, and to handle certain aspects of plant shut downs.