Articles tagged with "Workforce"

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reports that Canada must double its home construction efforts, building 430,000 to 480,000 homes annually until 2035, to restore housing affordability. Major cities like Montreal and Toronto face significant housing gaps, with Toronto needing a 70% increase in homebuilding over the next decade. The national strategy requires a modernized workforce, more private investment, fewer regulations, and advancements in construction technology to achieve these goals.

A KPMG report shows that Canada's construction industry is increasingly investing in technology to improve productivity and address labor shortages. The sector is adopting digital tools such as AI, robotics, and BIM to boost efficiency and meet growing demands. However, economic challenges and procurement practices that emphasize cost over innovation remain obstacles. Sector leaders urge for policy reforms to facilitate this technological transition and address supply chain issues.

JetZero, a startup in the aerospace industry, is planning to build a $4.7 billion factory in North Carolina. This facility aims to produce more fuel-efficient and spacious aircraft, creating 14,500 new jobs. The endeavor is part of the company's strategy to advance aviation technology and sustainability.

As the construction industry undergoes digital transformation, maintaining good cyber hygiene is becoming increasingly important. An industry expert highlights the need for cybersecurity training and insurance to protect against potential cyber threats. This involves equipping construction firms with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle sensitive data securely.

Fleet managers are increasingly using AI, specifically Geotab's Generative AI assistant, to gain insights into driver safety and performance. The most used prompts focus on identifying safe drivers and tracking safety improvements rather than penalizing poor performance. A majority of drivers support the use of technology to enhance driving performance, and over 1,500 companies now use this AI solution. This approach reflects a shift towards a supportive and coaching mindset in fleet management.

Gilbane has launched a new procurement division aimed at equipment sourcing. Suzanne Bennett, a former executive from Turner Construction, has been appointed to lead this new subsidiary. This move is part of Gilbane's strategy to enhance its equipment acquisition capabilities.

Chad Prinkey, a construction consultant, emphasizes that a career in construction can be gratifying instead of being seen as something to be endured. He suggests that achieving more than just a work-life balance can make the construction field a rewarding profession. The article implies that fostering a positive approach and work culture might play a significant role in this transformation.

The deadline for nominations for On-Site Magazine's '40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction' has been extended to June 23, 2025. The event, co-hosted with SitePartners, aims to recognize young leaders in construction across Canada, particularly those in infrastructure, ICI, high-rise residential, and mixed-use segments. The selected honorees will be featured in the September 2025 issue of the magazine, and nominations are open to professionals under 40 years old residing in Canada. Self-nominations are allowed, provided there are supporting references.

German Bionic has launched a new exoskeleton enhanced with artificial intelligence, designed specifically to ensure worker safety. This wearable technology uses digital twins and AI to provide real-time monitoring and coaching for users. The integration aims to improve workplace safety and efficiency by offering supportive feedback to workers.

CIMA+, a consulting engineering firm, has appointed four leaders to key positions across Canada. Kelly Frensch and Matt Woodbeck have been promoted to executive directors and water business leaders, while Mathieu Lemay has been named VP of energy and resources. Cian Murphy, focused on infrastructure, has been promoted to senior vice-president of major projects. These appointments took effect on June 1st.

Amazon has pledged $20 billion for the development of data centers and workforce training initiatives in Pennsylvania. The investment will primarily fund the construction and operation of two new campuses located in Luzerne and Bucks counties. This initiative is part of Amazon's continued expansion and investment efforts within the technology sector.

The article discusses how contractors are effectively addressing the skills gap in the construction industry through more intelligent training methods. Innovative training programs are being implemented to enhance the workforce's capabilities, ensuring that they are better equipped to meet the industry's current demands. These strategies involve adopting new technologies and methodologies to improve skill levels among workers.