by VRBA | Feb 4, 2026 | Blog, Education & Training, news
A recent Labour Force Survey revealed the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 is 13.3%, about double the 6.8% for Canada’s overall labour force. Meanwhile, skilled trades shortages continue to grow as baby boomers retire. Labour market studies predict 83,000 job... read more
by VRBA | Jun 24, 2025 | Blog, Education & Training, Housing data, news
CMHC says up to 4.8 million new homes will be needed over the next decade to achieve affordability. This translates into 430,000 to 480,000 new homes annually. Currently, 245,000 starts per year are projected. CMHC reports the increased numbers are possible if Canada... read more
by VRBA | Mar 18, 2025 | Blog, Education & Training, news
The importance of education and training in today’s residential construction industry can’t be overstated. Ongoing changes to the building code, materials and processes require contractors achieve an educational standard and annual Continuing Professional Development... read more
by VRBA | Feb 14, 2023 | Blog, Education & Training, news
The skilled trades shortage is again in the news. BC’s new labour market outlook predicts 83,000 job openings in the skilled trades by 2032. Vancouver Island-Coast region is expected to have the highest rate of employment growth during that time. Shortages continue... read more
by VRBA | Jul 12, 2022 | Blog, Education & Training, Housing data, news
The skilled trades shortage is again in the news, driving up costs and even causing contractors to turn down some projects. The challenge continues growing as baby boomers retire and demand for new housing increases. One response has been government and industry... read more
by VRBA | Jan 20, 2020 | Building Code, Education & Training
Codes Canada has announced a public review on changes to National Building Code including seismic & energy efficiency from Jan 13 to March 13. This is the public review that VRBA has suggested municipalities wait for, which includes a prescriptive option for... read more
