The Construction Labor Shortage

The residential construction industry doesn’t just have a labor shortage—it has a perception problem, an education gap, and a cultural challenge that’s been building for decades. While demand for skilled trades remains strong, fewer young people are choosing construction as a career. This has serious consequences, which is evident on job sites across North America.

I spoke with several of my builder associates, Brice Bernskoetter from Bernskoetter Construction, Mac Frame, from Frame Custom Homes and Andrei Sosonovski, from Sosna Inc. in a recent podcast and here’s what they are saying about the construction labor shortage. Let me break it down for you.

 

A Labor Shortage Years in the Making

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Unfortunately, this struggle has been brewing for a long time. The lack of young people entering the trades isn’t new. Governments and organizations such as WorldSkills, SkillsUSA, and Skills Canada have spent years promoting skilled trades as viable and rewarding careers. Yet the numbers still don’t add up. As experienced tradespeople retire, there simply aren’t enough new workers coming in behind them.

How did this happen?

 

 

The Trades Disappeared from the Classroom

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One of the biggest reasons is exposure—or the lack of it – and I’ve been talking about this for years. Many schools have eliminated hands-on programs like carpentry, electrical, welding, and sheet metal from their curriculum. Students are often guided toward college, university, and office-based careers, while schools rarely show them that working with their hands can be just as rewarding. I’m not saying that a career in the skilled trades is the only pathway. It’s not. But it’s really sad that so many students don’t get the opportunity to find out just how diverse the skilled trade options are.

When young people aren’t introduced to the trades early, construction doesn’t even make the list of career options they consider.

 

RELATED: SHORTAGE OF SKILLED TRADES: WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

 

Parental Pressure and Outdated Narratives

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Ironically, some of the strongest discouragement comes from within the industry itself. Many seasoned tradespeople urge their children to “do something easier.” Many skilled trades professions are hard work and hard on the body. I know my body aches from years of physical wear—bad backs, sore knees, long days. The advice comes from a place of care, but it also reinforces the idea that construction is something to escape from, not aspire to.

This narrative ignores how much the industry has evolved and how essential skilled trades are to society. And there are over 140 different skilled trade professions. The options are vast and diverse.

 

Fewer Entrants, Stronger Commitment

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Here’s the flip side: while fewer people are entering the trades, those who do often have a genuine passion for the work. These are the people who need to build something, who take pride in creating with their hands, and who don’t see themselves thriving in an office or a cubicle.

Many in the industry believe this has led to a higher caliber of tradesperson. The builders I spoke with agree. They are finding new talent who are deeply invested in quality, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. They aren’t there by accident; they’re there by choice. I meet many young people who are so passionate about their trade. They love it and are great ambassadors for the trades.

 

An Industry Without Clear Direction

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Residential construction remains largely unregulated in many areas. This can be confusing and discouraging for newcomers. So, without clear standards, structured mentorship, or consistent expectations, young tradespeople are often left to figure things out on their own. This lack of direction makes it harder to attract and retain new talent who are looking for stability, growth, and professionalism.

 

 

Culture Matters More Than Ever

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Today’s workforce has options. Young people aren’t just choosing a job—they’re choosing a culture. Construction companies can no longer rely on the idea that workers should simply be grateful to have a paycheck. To attract the next generation, businesses need to create environments where people feel valued, supported, and proud of the work they do.

When employees believe their work matters, they stay—and they bring others with them.

Reframing the Trades for the Future

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The skilled trades are not a fallback option. They are essential, creative, and deeply meaningful careers that build the places we live, work, and raise our families. Solving the labour crisis in residential construction starts with changing how we talk about the trades, how we teach them, and how we welcome the next generation into the industry.

The future of housing depends on the people willing and able to build it. The challenge now is making sure the next generation sees construction not as a last resort—but as a career worth choosing.

 

LINK TO THE FULL PODCAST HERE

 

About the Builders:

Brice Bernskoetter: President – Jefferson City, Missouri | 2nd Generation Builder

Brice Bernskoetter, a University of Missouri alumnus with a BSBA in Finance and Real Estate, brings his expertise to Bernskoetter Construction as a licensed real estate broker and Realtor. A seasoned builder of luxury and custom homes, Brice has guided the company to earn Holmes Approved Builder certification and has served as President of the Home Builders Association of Central Missouri. A U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Inherent Resolve, Brice combines leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to quality in every project his team undertakes.

 

Mac Frame: Operations Manager – Kelowna, B.C. | 2nd Generation Builder

Mac Frame joined Frame Custom Homes full-time in 2021 and now serves as Operations Manager. As a second-generation builder, he continues the family legacy of creating custom homes in the Okanagan Valley that combine comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor-outdoor living. Known for creative design, superior craftsmanship, and attention to detail, Frame Custom Homes builds some of the region’s most prestigious estate homes while ensuring every family home reflects the same commitment to quality.

 

Andrei Sosnovski: President – Toronto/GTA, Ontario

Andrei Sosnovski, with 26 years of experience, leads Sosna Inc., a trusted home renovation company in the Greater Toronto Area. Known for full-service remodels—including kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home projects—Andrei and his team focus on quality, clear communication, and professionalism, earning client trust through timely, on-budget projects and spotless worksites. Sosna Inc. is a RenoMark certified contractor, reflecting Andrei’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction in every project.

 

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