While the latest census data finds the average age is dropping in Saskatchewan, we also know that a large number of those young people are aboriginal.

In the 2006 census, Statistics Canada said by 2017, Aboriginal people could make up 30 per cent of all people in Saskatchewan in their twenties.

A number of those young aboriginal people are moving to fill in a gap – one that has been chronic in Saskatchewan’s booming construction industry. Because of retirement and competition, the Construction Sector Council expects the workforce to decline next year even as work is expected to peak.

Young Robert Hurley is putting down hardwood. He's the first generation in his family to become part of this industry.

He's part a class with the Regina Trades and Skills Centre, an organization that connects young people with entry level trade positions.

Forty-three per cent of their successful students are aboriginal.