Skilled Trades Demand Supply Forecasting

Demand Supply Programs

We’re building on the sample dashboards you see on this page.

The demand / supply forecasting tool is currently being developed through pilot projects in the organized construction sector. These pilots are part of the learning and implementation process that will determine procedures for data collection and confidentiality, as well as design of dashboard and reports.

Online, real-time reporting tools will be rolled out later this year to organized construction sector users who are early adopters and have agreed to participate in pilots that will further refine the functionality of this tool. We'll be offering user guides and ‘train-the-trainer’ programs to help partner organizations adopt this tool into their work and planning.

To learn more, please contact us for a demonstration and information on getting started.

The Organized Construction Sector is developing the Skilled Trades Demand Supply Forecasting Tool

The Skilled Trades Demand Supply Forecasting Tool analyzes and forecasts owner/contractor demand, at the project level, and compares that demand with the projected supply of unionized skilled trades.

This rolling, quarterly forecast helps Ontario’s organized construction sector avoid short term stresses in skilled trades supply, which can delay projects and add to cost.

Unions and employers use project-specific insights to see the labour market risks early and develop proactive responses. This can include owners scheduling work to avoid drawing on the same pool of labour at the same time, as well as unions using labour mobility to meet peaks in demand for certain trades.

Demand-side data from employers and owners can also inform decisions on apprenticeship spaces and other training programs so that intakes reflect actual and upcoming project needs in Ontario’s organized construction sector and in heavy industry maintenance.

How does it work?

Who will see the analysis?

How is the initiative financed?

For owners, this means...

For contractors, this means...

For Trades and the Hiring Hall, this means…

How does it work?

Demand side: Owners and contractors share project timing and trades labour needs on a quarterly and annual basis. This data is supplemented by a major projects inventory maintained by BuildForce Canada and forecasts for labour demand in other construction market sectors, such as the residential condos or the industrial sector.

Supply side: Union locals provide member-specific information on skills, certifications, age, and other relevant characteristics.

Output: The analysis produced includes a rolling forecast of union skilled trade demand and supply in Ontario’s major construction project sector, including comparisons of expected tradesperson retirements with regional major projects. Products would include client-focused skilled trade demand/supply forecasts. Participating construction owners and contractors will receive reports that indicate whether and when they may encounter a skilled labour supply risk, based on project timing.

Who will see the analysis?

All data will be held in confidence. It will not be shared. TDAs/Building Trade Locals will receive a customized and confidential report every quarter. They will be provided with a customized web portal, and presentations of the analysis if requested.

How is the initiative financed?

This initiative is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development through a transfer payment agreement with the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. Access to the portal and custom reports will be free of cost to participating training delivery agents and union locals.

For contractors, this means...

Contractor employer associations can assure their member companies that an adequate pool of skilled labour is available when they bid on sub-contracts on capital projects

A view of the contractor dashboard highlighting the ability to drill down into annual, quarterly and monthly views.

A view of the contractor dashboard highlighting the ability to navigate using tabs.

A view of the contractor dashboard highlighting the ability to use filters to narrow down results.

A view of the contractor dashboard highlighting the ability to narrow down the supply by filtering various criteria.

An overview view of the contractor dashboard.

A view of the contractor dashboard comparing the performance of various regions.

A view of the contractor dashboard comparing the performance of different trades.

For owners, this means...

Owners recognize that labour market risk impacts the ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Skilled Trades Demand Supply Forecasting provides a reliable, timely web-based tracking system with a secure interface.

A view of the owner dashboard highlighting the ability to navigate using tabs.

A view of the owner dashboard highlighting the ability to use filters to narrow down results.

A view of the owner dashboard highlighting the ability to drill down into annual, quarterly and monthly views.

A view of the owner dashboard highlighting the ability to narrow down the supply by filtering various criteria.

An overview view of the owner dashboard.

A view of the owner dashboard comparing the performance of different projects.

A view of the owner dashboard comparing the performance of various regions.

A view of the owner dashboard comparing the performance of different trades.

For Trades and the Hiring Hall, this means...

Union locals will have reliable, secure, and safe web-based system that helps maintain a supply of experienced workers ready to respond to owner/contractor needs. Analytics can prompt actions to facilitate worker mobility towards areas of the province where certain skills are in demand. Data provides an “early warning system” so that unions can target, develop and deliver training programs in sufficient time to supply the skilled trade workers needed for major public investments.