The Canadian construction industry is actively seeking workers to address its growing demand for skilled tradespeople. With numerous construction job vacancies across the country and a significant shortage of skilled labor, Canada is turning to newcomers to help fill this gap. Currently, newcomers represent 16% of the construction workforce in Canada. To help you build a successful career in construction, it’s essential to understand job requirements, credential assessments, construction salaries, and access to free pre-arrival services. Discover everything you need to know about construction jobs in Canada and start your journey.

Depending on the occupation, criteria for construction jobs in Canada can differ greatly. Approximately 20% of the more than 400 skilled trades in the nation are regulated. In order to protect everyone’s health and safety, some crafts and construction jobs call for a license or certificate of certification. You must get a license from the relevant regulatory agency if your trade is regulated in the province or territory where you plan to relocate.

Professional licensing standards must also be followed by engineers and architects working in the construction industry. It’s important to look into the license requirements for professions like IT, finance, or human resources if you’re thinking about switching careers to the construction sector. You can more successfully negotiate your way into the construction industry if you are aware of these prerequisites.

Ways to Immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Trades Construction Professional 

Here are some key points on how to immigrate to Canada as a skilled trades construction professional:

  • Express Entry System: Consider applying through the Express Entry system, specifically the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), designed for skilled workers in trades.
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Explore various Provincial Nominee Programs that allow provinces to nominate individuals based on their labor market needs, including construction professionals.
  • Credential Assessment: Obtain a credential assessment from a recognized organization to verify that your skills and qualifications meet Canadian standards.
  • Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test, such as the IELTS or CELPIP, as it’s a crucial requirement for immigration.
  • Work Experience: Accumulate relevant work experience in your trade, as this is essential for meeting immigration requirements and enhancing your employability in Canada.
  • Job Offer: Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a work permit and permanent residency.
  • Networking: Build connections within the Canadian construction industry through online platforms and local associations to increase job opportunities.
  • Pre-Arrival Services: Take advantage of free pre-arrival services that offer guidance on job searching, credential recognition, and settlement support.
  • Apply for a Work Permit: If you receive a job offer, apply for a work permit, which allows you to work in Canada while you complete the immigration process.
  • Permanent Residency Application: Once settled, you can apply for permanent residency through various pathways, depending on your experience and qualifications.

Expectations for Starting a Construction Career in Canada 

To properly position yourself for work that matches your talents and expertise, it is essential to comprehend the job criteria prior to your arrival in Canada. Additionally, as labor market circumstances can vary across the nation, knowing where work prospects are can be crucial.

There are over 400 certified professions and skilled trades to choose from, making it difficult to know where to begin. Pre-arrival services might offer insightful advice. Free pre-arrival services are provided by BCCA-Integrating Newcomers (BCCA-IN) to those wishing to work in construction in Canada. Thanks to their knowledge of the construction sector, they can help you connect with employers and construction associations across Canada, work with the relevant credentialing authorities, and build local relationships.

Job Prospects for Skilled Trades and Construction Roles in Canada

The large number of current projects and a shrinking workforce are the main causes of Canada’s severe labor shortage in the construction sector. Employers are looking to replace retiring workers as the Canadian workforce ages, increasing the country’s reliance on foreign labor to satisfy demand. Since the construction industry offers a variety of fulfilling career choices, this is a chance for beginners.

The construction sector is committed to advancing diversity and equality by aggressively hiring women, Indigenous Peoples, and recent immigrants in order to meet the expanding labor demands. With BuildForce Canada projecting that the industry would need 309,000 additional workers over the next ten years (2021–2030) to replace the 259,100 workers anticipated to retire, or 22% of the current workforce, the demand for skilled crafts is predicted to stay robust. Skilled craftsmen are especially needed in provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.

What Types of Construction Positions Can You Find in Canada? 

Tradespeople, certified professionals, and people in a variety of business roles can all find rewarding employment possibilities in Canada’s construction sector. You can have a fulfilling career if you have experience in particular fields.

Tradespeople, laborers, carpenters, concrete finishers, crane operators, electricians, heavy equipment mechanics, pipefitters, and welders are just a few of the many jobs available in the skilled crafts sector. Each of these positions is essential to the success of the construction sector and plays a significant role in the process.

People can work as technicians, technologists, accountants, architects, estimators, surveyors, engineers, and project managers in the licensed technical professions. These positions are crucial for efficiently managing and carrying out construction projects since they call for certain training and qualifications.

Additionally, there are a number of business-related strategic jobs in the construction industry. Jobs like supply chain managers, operations personnel, IT specialists, sales and marketing specialists, financial officers, business consultants, human resources specialists, and logistics coordinators all help construction organizations run smoothly. These positions work together to make Canada’s construction sector vibrant and dynamic.

Understanding Construction Worker Salaries in Canada

The pay for construction jobs in Canada can vary greatly depending on a number of criteria, including trade, location, experience, and specialist abilities. It’s critical to take into account the local and provincial labor market circumstances unique to your industry. Construction earnings typically vary from $15 to $35 per hour, with an average of about $21 per hour. The greatest annual earnings can be approximately $72,800, while the average for a typical 40-hour work week is about $43,680. Keep in mind that these numbers mostly represent wages for construction workers; more specialized construction specialists could make significantly more.

Researching the most in-demand trades in Canada as well as the abilities, permits, and certifications needed to perform your specialty will help you better comprehend the pay landscape. Expected wages, which can vary by province and location, are better illustrated by the national averages for several trades in 2022. For example, carpenters make between $19.00 and $40.51 per hour, while boilermakers make between $30.46 and $49.06 per hour. Similar wage variety is seen in other trades, such as industrial electricians and crane operators, highlighting the significance of comprehending local market conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, newcomers to Canada can find rewarding construction jobs by understanding the industry’s requirements and opportunities. By researching in-demand trades, obtaining necessary certifications, and leveraging available resources, you can successfully build a fulfilling career in Canada’s thriving construction sector. Embrace the journey and start your path today.