At the recent Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) Spring Regional Event in Hamilton this May, discussion amongst industry leaders included the challenge we are all facing regarding skilled labour shortages, and more importantly, how we solve it.
The message was simple: We are the solution.
For years, workforce shortages in the wood manufacturing sector have been discussed as an ongoing issue. Shops across the country continue to struggle to find and retain skilled workers, while demand for high-quality wood products remains strong. The reality is, this is no longer a future concern, it is impacting production, growth, and long-term sustainability today.
Traditionally, our industry has relied on academic pathways such as college programs and apprenticeships to bring new workers into the field. While these remain critical, they are no longer enough on their own to meet the growing demand. The workforce landscape has shifted, and so too must our approach.
Today, there are multiple pathways into the wood manufacturing sector. These include short-term, hands-on training programs like the Wood Manufacturing Council’s Wood Employee Readiness Curriculum (WERC), as well as opportunities for career changers, newcomers to Canada, youth exploring skilled trades, and individuals from underrepresented groups seeking meaningful employment.
The talent is out there, but the connection between that talent and our industry is where the gap exists.
Through our work at the Wood Manufacturing Council, we consistently hear that individuals are interested in careers in wood manufacturing but are often unaware of the opportunities available or unsure how to access them. At the same time, employers are eager to hire but may not always know how to engage with training programs or non-traditional candidates.
This is where industry plays a critical role.
If we are going to build a sustainable workforce, employers must be active participants in the solution. This means partnering with organizations like the Wood Manufacturing Council to support workforce development initiatives and strengthen the pathways into our sector. When we call on industry to help promote our programs, we need that support. When we are trying to find meaningful work for trained participants, we need companies ready to consider those candidates. When we are looking for training space to deliver programs such as WERC, access to shop floors and facilities makes a meaningful difference. And when participants are ready for job placements, we need employers who are open to providing those opportunities. These are not large asks individually, but collectively, they are what make workforce development successful.
Equally important is a willingness to rethink how we hire. Hiring for potential, rather than only for direct experience, opens the door to a broader and more diverse talent pool. Creating inclusive workplaces that support retention, through mentorship, onboarding and a positive workplace culture, is just as critical as recruitment itself.
The wood manufacturing sector has always been built on innovation, craftsmanship, and resilience. Addressing our workforce challenges is simply the next evolution of that mindset.
The solution will not come from one program, one organization, or one pathway alone. It will come from industry stepping forward, working together, and investing in the future of its workforce.
The pathways exist. The talent is out there. Now it’s up to us, as an industry, to meet it.
