all about construction jobs

If you enjoy physical work indoors or outdoors and enjoy the reward of standing back to admire something you built, you might want to pursue a construction career.

In construction jobs, you may be employed by a contractor that is helping build a large government or privately funded project. You could be working on road or bridge construction, residential or commercial buildings, or for a utility provider, such as a power plant. A construction career provides the opportunity to learn while you earn from skilled tradespeople and coworkers.

what construction jobs entail

Construction jobs, can be either full or part time, and may occasionally call for overtime when a tight deadline looms. Shifts can vary greatly. For instance, in road construction, you might only work on weekends or at night. Some construction jobs only last for the summer. Daytime hours usually require an early start. Construction workers typically report to a foreman, general contractor, building owner, or project manager.

average construction salaries

Construction worker salaries in Canada start at about $18 per hour (approximately $37,500 a year). When you start a construction career, you might work only a few months on a project of short duration. More experienced or unionized construction workers who work full time can earn excellent wages and benefits with a salary of $60,000+ a year.

With more than 50 skilled trades required in construction, experienced construction workers are in demand. Workers with skilled trade experience, like plumbers or electricians, can make a higher than average salary.

your day to day tasks

As a construction worker, your tasks depending on the project you're working on. You will take direction and follow plans using materials and tools to accomplish your tasks. As you see the final result taking shape, your tasks will move toward finishing, quality control checks and cleaning up. You may be involved in:

• preparing the work site
• unloading trucks, removing hazards
• applying safety rules and building codes
• setting up scaffolding
• digging or breaking pavement
• measuring, cutting, fitting, pouring
• installing building materials
• using manual or power tools like hammers, saws, drills, and jackhammers
• sealing, painting or finishing surfaces
• sweeping and cleaning the job site

where you can work

Although residential construction in the hot Toronto and Vancouver markets is cooling, permits for non-residential buildings are anticipated to increase. Engineering and construction projects are also expected to increase in the energy and transportation sectors with new subway extensions in Toronto, a new bridge in Windsor and airport upgrades in Calgary and Vancouver.

Many billion-dollar projects are in progress or about to start across Canada, from hydroelectric construction in British Columbia to an energy transmission projects in Nova Scotia.

what you bring to the table

As a construction worker, you must be physically fit and ready to work in any environment. If you want to maintain your physique, there is probably no better way than working hard on a construction site! Construction workers will also need:

• physical strength, endurance, balance and coordination
• to lift heavy objects, climb ladders and stand for long periods
• to tolerate harsh environments such as heat, cold, dust and dirt
• to work at heights or in cramped spaces
• desire to learn and take direction with a positive attitude
• to read instructions and use tools

training and certifications

The education needed to be a construction worker depends on the type of position you are searching for. General construction labourers usually do not need a specific level of education. However, if you want to be an apprentice in a skilled trade, you will need a high school diploma or equivalency. For journeymen or skilled construction worker jobs, you will need your up-to-date trade certification or license and union affiliation.

where your career is headed

When you start a construction career, you will work hard to learn every aspect of your job, including processes and safety rules. If you start as an apprentice in a skilled trade you could make 30 to 50 percent of what a fully licensed tradesperson earns.
As you gain knowledge and experience over several years, perhaps becoming certified or licensed, you could advance to the position of foreman, supervisor or project manager. As you reflect back on your construction career, you will likely feel a sense of satisfaction knowing you have been part of Canada’s development, helping people, communities, businesses and industry.