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Quebec Construction Workers Call for Increased Vocational Training in the SectorIn an October 21 press release, FTQ-Construction, the construction wing of the Quebec Federation of Labour, notes that the Legault government, in its inaugural speech of the National Assembly session, spoke in favour of improving vocational training for construction workers. "We sincerely hope that the government will really make a difference so as to better support the development of vocational training and accessibility to programs dedicated to construction trades and occupations." The press release indicates that the construction industry needs 12,000 DVS (Diploma of Vocational Studies) holders annually for all trades and occupations across all regions of Quebec for the 2021-2024 period. "We are far from reaching these needs! The shortage of qualified workers is very worrying in many trades, occupations and regions of Quebec," writes Éric Boisjoly, general manager of the FTQ-Construction. The press release emphasizes that the lack of places in Vocational Training Centres (VTC) to meet the need for graduates in certain construction trades and the lack of enrollment and accessibility in many regions hinder the training of a future generation of workers. It also indicates that the competence of the workforce is an important factor for the retention of workers on construction sites. "The Quebec government, as the largest contractor, must not let the situation deteriorate. In this sense, we invite it to vigorously support vocational training for construction trades and occupations and to plan public works in order to stabilize the demand for labour and construction costs throughout the regions. [...] Job training and skills development are important retention factors and are key to ensuring economic recovery and good productivity in addition to addressing unemployment and industry dropouts." Construction workers have long pointed out, the press release reiterates, that worksite apprenticeship and upgrading must complement the skills learned in vocational training. After pointing out that vocational training centres are no longer able to keep up with the quantity and quality of training needed, the press release concludes by calling on the government to support vocational training by improving accessibility throughout Quebec, increasing budgets for material resources (materials, trainers, premises) and providing dedicated budgets for the development of more vocational training for trades in more locations.
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