Jobs were the hot topic at the latest Gordie Howe International Bridge public information meeting.
Workforce Windsor-Essex presented its new Bridge Jobs Guide at McKenzie Hall in Sandwich Town Tuesday night.
As the $5.7-billion project ramps up, Project Coordinator Corey Shenken says the necessary workforce is beginning to take shape. Shenken says the 2,500 job estimate was already established and the guide takes that one step further.
"Now, not only do we have the projected construction occupations related to the Gordie Howe International Bridge, but we also have jobs and occupations for the operation and maintenance phase. As well as induced spin-off jobs that are expected to be created in the community," says Shenken. "1,091 actual occupations that should be needed on top of the 2,500 original estimate."
The report also says there are 151 different job positions.
The guide will provide everything jobseekers will need in one spot, according to Shenken.
"We are actually going to post full career profiles onto our website with full descriptions of each job, the expected median wage, which a lot of people are interested in and other information you might not be able to find on a job posting just found online," says Shenken.
A second meeting will be held at the same location Wednesday at 3pm
The bridge is expected to be open to traffic by the end of 2024 — Shenken says job seekers can begin sending resumes now in the hopes of snagging a spot when construction begins.