Rising Skills: A Toolbox Talk on Social and Emotional Skills in the Construction Trades

The Canadian construction trades workforce is changing. To replace those who retire, the sector will need to recruit under-represented groups—young people, Indigenous people, women, and skilled immigrants—leading to a more diverse workforce. But if diversity and inclusion are to thrive in the workplace, the sector will need to focus attention on the social and emotional skills that tradespeople need to work in more diverse teams and to advance health and safety. We spoke to 75 stakeholders across Canada about the emerging skills that tradespeople will need, particularly in the Red Seal trades. Participants highlighted patience and communication skills to facilitate learning in a multi-generational workforce; and critical thinking and problem-solving to advance health and safety. In addition, Indigenous apprentices in northern and remote regions still face several unique barriers that need to be addressed.