OCS Talks is our podcast series, hosted by CEO Brian Barron, that brings together industry leaders, experts, and changemakers from Ontario’s unionized ICI construction sector.
Through thoughtful conversations, we explore the issues shaping our industry from workforce development and innovation to health and safety and economic trends. Tune in for insights, perspectives, and stories that matter to the future of construction.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch and listen on YouTube.
Episode 12
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Conversation with Skills Ontario’s CEO
Today’s conversation is all about the future of skilled trades and how we inspire the next generation to be part of it. With rapid advancement in technology, we don’t know what jobs will exist and be created but there is no doubt that today’s job market is evolving. What we do know is what we will and do need people in the skilled trades, we need innovative ways to attract the right talent early on and show them what a rewarding career in the trades looks like.
Guest:
Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario
Episode 11
2026 Contractor Outlook Survey: Confidence Meets Caution
This episode focuses on the 2026 Contractor Outlook Survey. Each year, the survey provides a real-time snapshot of what contractors are experiencing, what’s driving confidence, what risks are emerging, and how the industry is responding to ongoing economic and policy pressures.
This year’s results paint an interesting picture. On one hand, contractors remain busy; on the other, there’s a clear sense of caution about what lies ahead. In this episode of OCS Talks, Katherine Jacobs joins Brian to unpack the findings of the 2026 Contractor Outlook Survey and what they signal for the year ahead.
Guest:
Katherine Jacobs, Director of Research, Ontario Construction Secretariat