Scott White, president and CEO of Western Electrical Management Ltd., said companywide the firm has brought on about 100 new electricians this year, including 80 in Calgary. Western Electric also has branches in Edmonton and Regina. This brings the company’s complement up to about 325, with about 260 in Alberta’s largest centre.
White said he is encouraged by the current workforce outlook but noted there are still issues, including finding apprentices. He pointed to high salaries as a big reason for people to get into the trades, with apprentices starting at more than $19 per hour, a subsidized education and an hourly wage of almost $40 per hour, plus benefits, and overtime once schooling is complete.