The Trades Are in Trouble and So Is Our Standard

We’re living through a shortage that’s slowly crippling the industry, and it’s not just a lack of trades. It’s a lack of quality trades. If we don’t act now, we’re going to find ourselves behind the eight ball.

I’ve watched it unfold as we’ve shifted from standard residential work into the high-end architectural space. The difference in expectations is huge, but the pool of available, capable trades hasn’t caught up. In fact, it’s shrinking.

There are more people asking for more money while offering less. Rates are climbing, but quality is dropping. And that mismatch is killing momentum on site and motivation in the team.

Quantity and Quality

It’s not one or the other. We’re short on both. Take bricklayers and concretors. These are often seen as “lower” trades, but in architectural builds, they’re make-or-break. And finding ones who can deliver to that level? Rare.

What makes a great trade in my eyes is simple.

They’re passionate. They love what they do and it shows.

They understand and push for quality. They know their trade and bring smart, well-thought-out ideas to the table.

They communicate. Openly, honestly, and without drama.

This shortage is more than a labour gap. It’s a cultural one.

The Culture Shift

We’re seeing a change in how young people approach work. The rise of tech, side hustles, and a shortcut mentality is changing what work ethic looks like. A lot of young apprentices just don’t have the patience for hard, physical work anymore. It’s not their fault. It’s the world they’ve grown up in.

Multiple jobs, quick wins, and fast exits are the norm now. And it’s showing. Many can’t or won’t see their apprenticeship through. Others finish and jump out on their own way too early. In truth, it takes ten years to really know your craft. That’s a decade of showing up, learning, refining, failing, and pushing. That’s where pride is built.

Builders Wear the Consequences

The hard truth is when a trade gets it wrong, the builder wears it. The client doesn’t remember the subbie’s name. They remember yours. Your brand takes the hit.