Employers in the construction sector need to find new ways to talk to millennials if they are going to solve a looming skilled trades shortage says a new government report.

“Young people have different attitudes towards life and work than the generations before them,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “The construction sector, along with others, needs to adjust to those changing attitudes to attract and retain talent.”

Among the key findings of new research conducted by the Ministry is that young people prioritize independence and want to feel confident they have some control over their lives.

McNaughton said construction health and safety programs offer employers an opportunity to address those values.

“Through health and safety, employers have an opportunity to show young workers they care,” said Minister McNaughton. “If we empower young people to be able to speak up on issues of safety, if we provide them with the right mentorship and we give them all the tools, including new technology, this will go a long way towards meeting their needs.”

Approximately one in two young workers in the construction field feels safe at their current workplace, new data shows. Roughly the same proportion of young workers believe safety is more important than speed or profit.

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