Finding a decent job isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have a degree, the right experience, or if you are new to Canada. But did you know that a construction job is one of the most accessible and best-paying jobs in Canada?
Whether you are an immigrant in Canada Canadian-born, construction jobs are a great way to make a living.
After all, construction is an essential part of Canada’s infrastructure and economy, so there are many jobs you can apply for.
Wondering if the construction industry is a good fit for your situation? We break down four different types of construction jobs. Maybe one of them is right for you.
Types Of Construction Jobs
While construction can involve manual labour, you may still need specific certifications to qualify for certain jobs. Luckily, construction is a relatively versatile industry too, so there are plenty of different jobs you can get with the right training under your belt, including:
Construction Labourer
Also known as a construction worker, a general labourer typically performs physical jobs on the construction site. You may have to complete various tasks, like preparing and cleaning the site, transporting heavy materials, and removing any obstacles or safety hazards. Your duties depend on the project but you must be in good physical condition.
Equipment Operator
As an equipment operator, you may be responsible for controlling a range of machinery to help develop a construction project, such as excavators, bulldozers, forklifts, and other heavy appliances or vehicles. To qualify for this job, you’ll normally need a special license for each type of machine, as well as the knowledge required to operate it safely.
Safety Manager
The safety manager develops and implements all the safety rules and procedures for employees on a worksite. Their tasks include inspecting the site daily for hazards and performing regular audits to comply with any government-mandated regulations. They may also give safety training, track incident occurrence, and investigate injury reports.
Brick Mason
Brick masons use concrete and other building materials to create structures out of brick, including houses, offices, walls, and sidewalks. They lay out the bricks and use binding agents to secure them together so they can build, repair, or maintain various structures. As such, you’ll have to understand construction blueprints to become a brick mason.
How Much Can You Make As A Construction Worker in Canada?
In Canada, construction worker wages vary based on your job position and province or territory of residence. For instance, in Nunavut, where the minimum wage is high, you can make up to $20.00/hour on the low end and up to $37.00/hour on the high end. However, in Manitoba, you may only earn $14.15 to $32.00 an hour in construction.
According to talent.com, the national average salary for a Canadian construction worker is $41,925 a year. Here are the average annual salaries for the jobs above:
- Construction Labourer = $43,998
- Equipment Operator = $71,472
- Safety Manager = $106,596
- Brick Mason = $64,573
In Alberta, there’s often a demand for labour-skill jobs. There you can make at minimum $15 per hour. That’s about $31,200 a year if you work 40 hours for 52 weeks.
What Do You Need To Get A Construction Job in Canada?
If you want to get a construction job near you, you may need different kinds of technical skills, training, and experience according to the position you’d like to fill and the projects you’re interested in. Building, paving, and digging all require you to be comfortable with manual labour and you must always perform optimally to avoid injuries or other problems.
Types Of Construction Skills
Here are just a few of the skills that you might need to find a construction job in Canada:
Physical Strength
Being physically fit is an absolute must if you want to be a construction worker. You have to be strong enough to dig, carry heavy materials, operate machinery, and perform other physically demanding tasks for hours on end. You should also be comfortable with heights to climb ladders and structures.
Communication
Efficient communication is another essential skill, particularly for people in management positions. You should have a good rapport with your co-workers to prevent lack of productivity, missed deadlines and, in the case of construction, safety issues. Listening and speaking well are both key for this.
Coordination
Typically, construction companies are also looking for candidates with good coordination, not just hand-eye but mental too. You must be able to act competently under pressure and coordinate any crew, supplies, or equipment to meet all your deadlines and achieve any goals of the project you’re working on.
Technical Knowledge
Understanding machines, equipment, and building plans is another key skill on any construction site. While there are construction jobs you can get with less technical knowledge, you’ll have a better chance at landing one if you’re proficient in things like masonry, plumbing, welding, roofing, and framing.
Ability To Use Tools
With that technical knowledge, you should know how to safely handle any equipment you may be assigned to onsite. Experience with simpler tools like drills, tile cutters, crowbars, and hammers is great, but you may also need to operate larger machines like cranes, bulldozers, and jackhammers.
Technology Savvy
The construction industry doesn’t just rely on physical tools and equipment anymore. Many companies now use more advanced technology to optimize and implement projects. So, understanding tech like virtual reality, 3D printing, and machine learning may help you find a construction job these days.
Reading And Math
Although construction involves manual labour, you must still know how to read blueprints, interpret code specifications, calculate adjustments, and measure angles. Companies prefer candidates who solve problems easily and excel in subjects like algebra, geometry, math, and customer instructions.
Tips On How To Qualify For A Construction Job in Canada
As you can see, you might need a lot of different skills and knowledge to find a good construction job near you. Don’t worry, because you can achieve those things by working hard and staying positive. Here are a few simple tips to get you started.
Check Your Credit Score
Some jobs, including construction, may require credit checks by potential employers. Doing this can tell them how long you’ve been in Canada and if you’ve had serious financial problems in the past, like bankruptcies, legal judgments against you, and other delinquencies. Any of these issues can actually lower your chances of getting hired.
So, before you apply for a construction job near you, make sure to take these steps:
- Check Your Credit Score – There are plenty of free online credit score platforms in Canada, like Compare Hub. You can also order your credit score for a small fee from either of Canada’s main credit bureaus; Equifax and/or TransUnion.
- Improve Your Score If It’s Bad – If your score is within the 300 to 600 range, it may mean you’ve missed multiple debt payments or you’ve only just established a Canadian credit history. Either way, it’s best to improve it with these next steps.
- Check Your Credit Report For Mistakes – All Canadians are entitled to one free copy of their credit report per year. Order yours from both bureaus and look for errors that can negatively affect your score, like incorrect personal information.
- Build Your Credit History – There are several major ways to build credit, like making timely debt payments and keeping your credit utilization ratio low (ideally 30% or less). Responsible use of a credit card or small loan can help you do this.
Take Training Classes
In Canada, the construction industry is constantly evolving to incorporate new methods and technology. So, if you want a construction job, you must evolve to meet industry demands. Most companies won’t hire you unless you have a high school education and undergo lots of training, which you can get by taking classes and attending conferences.
If you are an immigrant. permanent resident, or a naturalized Canadian, you can get certified training. If you meet certain eligibility criteria, you can get a low-interest loan to pay for your books and testing. You can take out a personal loan or you can get a Windmill Microlending loan.
Learn New Skills
When it comes to Canada’s construction industry, skills and knowledge are now just as important as being physically fit. Construction companies are implementing faster and more efficient ways to complete projects, so it’s important to develop your competencies by talking to industry experts, learning the latest trends, and doing plenty of research.
Where Can I Find Construction A Job Near Me?
Luckily, there are a lot of online sites where you can find construction jobs in your area. Here are a few to consider.
- The Government of Canada’s Job Bank gives you information about the career prospects of the industry by role. It also lets you filter job offers according to city and province.
- Construction JobSite.ca offers jobs at every level.
- Provincial construction job boards like Construction Ontario and Constructionjobcentre.ca in British Columbia can help you narrow your search.
- Labour unions like Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) and Canada’s Building Trades Union (CBTU) offer great insights. In fact, CBTU can help match you to an apprenticeship program.
- Online job sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, Talent.com and others often have Canadian construction job listings.
The Final Word About Getting A Construction Job In Canada
Then a construction job might be perfect for you, as long as you’re physically fit, smart, and able to work well with your peers. Contact the employment resources in your area to learn about construction jobs near you, along with any training or skills you need to qualify. For more ways to find a good job today, check out the Loans Canada blog too.
