explore your career in engineering

The construction sector offers a wide range of job opportunities across various industries and disciplines. Here are some examples of the types of jobs that are available in the construction sector:

Construction managers: Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, including planning, budgeting, and supervision of workers and subcontractors.

• Architects: Architects design buildings and other structures, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
• Engineers: Engineers design and oversee the construction of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and tunnels, as well as buildings and other structures.
• Project managers: Project managers oversee all aspects of a construction project, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of workers and subcontractors.
• Electricians: Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in buildings, homes, and other structures.
• Plumbers: Plumbers install and maintain plumbing systems, including pipes, fixtures, and water heaters.
• Heavy equipment operators: Heavy equipment operators use machinery, such as excavators and bulldozers, to move earth and materials at construction sites.
• Welders: Welders join metal parts together using heat and specialized equipment to build and repair metal structures.

Overall, the construction sector offers a wide variety of job opportunities, from hands-on trades to management and engineering positions.

The education or training required for a career in construction can vary depending on the specific job and the employer's requirements.

Many construction jobs, such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, require completing a trade or vocational school program. These programs provide hands-on training and teach the skills and techniques needed to perform the job.

• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and can last several years. This is a common path for those seeking to become electricians, plumbers, or other skilled tradespeople.
• Bachelor's degree: Some construction jobs, such as construction managers or civil engineers, may require a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field.
• Certification: Some construction jobs, such as welding or heavy equipment operation, require certification to ensure workers have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job safely and effectively.
• Safety training: All workers in the construction industry are required to undergo safety training to ensure that they can work safely on construction sites.

Overall, the education or training required for a career in construction depends on the job you want to pursue. It's important to research the specific requirements for the job and industry you are interested in to determine the necessary education and training.

Job prospects in the construction industry can vary depending on location, type of construction work, and economic conditions.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry is expected to grow at a rate of 5% from 2019 to 2029. Job prospects in this field are greatly influenced by region. In some cases, the demand for construction workers may be higher due to population growth. On the other hand, demand may be weaker due to economic conditions.

The construction industry is currently facing a shortage of skilled workers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians. Technology and automation are also affecting this sector. Advances in technology, such as 3D printing and modular construction, can change the nature of construction work and the skills required. Skilled workers in these technologies may have an advantage in the labor market.

Overall, the outlook for employment in the construction industry is generally positive, with continued growth projected and strong demand for skilled workers. However, employment opportunities may vary depending on location, economic conditions, and industry changes.

Construction jobs can vary widely in pay, depending on the specific job, level of experience, and location. Here are some examples of average salaries for common construction jobs in Canada. Please refer to the year's salary guide for the most current data by location. 

• Electrician: between $56,000 and $97,000 per year 
• Architect: between $69,000 and $120,000 per year 
• Heavy equipment operator: between $56,000 and $97,000 per year 
• Welder: between $43,000 between $82,000 per year 
• Project manager: between $85,000 and $140,000 per year 

It is important to note that these are average salaries only and may vary depending on employer, location and level of experience. Workers may also receive additional compensation, such as overtime or bonuses, which may increase their overall earnings.

The construction industry offers a variety of career advancement opportunities for workers who are willing to gain experience, learn new skills, and take on additional responsibilities. Here are some examples:

• Supervisory positions: Construction workers who demonstrate strong leadership skills and a solid understanding of construction processes may be promoted to supervisory positions, such as a foreman, superintendent, or project manager.
• Specialization: Some construction workers may choose to specialize in a specific area of construction, such as electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC systems. By gaining specialized knowledge and experience, workers can become highly skilled and sought-after in their field.
• Management positions: Experienced construction professionals may pursue management positions, such as construction manager, operations manager, or general manager. These positions require a combination of technical knowledge and business management skills.
• Entrepreneurship: Some construction workers may choose to start their own businesses, such as a general contracting firm, specialized subcontractor, or construction management company. This can offer the opportunity to build a successful business and work on a variety of construction projects.
• Education and training: Workers who are interested in teaching or training others may pursue careers in construction education, such as a vocational school instructor or training coordinator.

Overall, the construction industry offers many opportunities for career advancement, with a variety of paths to choose from depending on a worker's interests and skills.

The energy sector offers a wide variety of jobs across a range of industries and disciplines. Here are some examples of the types of jobs that are available in the energy sector: 

• Engineers: Engineers are involved in the design, development, and implementation of energy production and distribution systems. They may work on projects related to oil and gas exploration, renewable energy, or electric power generation and transmission. 
• Technicians: Technicians play a critical role in the energy sector by maintaining and repairing energy infrastructure and equipment. This includes jobs such as wind turbine technicians, electrical power-line installers and repairers, and nuclear power reactor operators. 
• Scientists: Scientists in the energy sector work on research and development projects related to energy production, storage, and transmission. This may include areas such as geology, physics, chemistry, and environmental science. 
• Sales and marketing: Sales and marketing professionals in the energy sector are responsible for promoting and selling energy products and services to customers. This may include jobs such as account managers, marketing specialists, and business development managers. 
• Operations and management: Operations and management jobs in the energy sector include roles such as plant managers, project managers, and supply chain managers. These professionals are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of energy facilities and ensuring that they run efficiently and safely. 
• Renewable energy: Jobs in the renewable energy sector include positions related to solar and wind power generation, energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure. These jobs may include installers, engineers, project managers, and researchers. 

Overall, the energy sector offers a diverse range of career opportunities across a variety of industries and disciplines.

The salaries for energy sector jobs can vary widely depending on the specific job, industry, location, experience, and education level. However, many jobs in the energy sector pay competitive salaries due to the technical expertise and specialized skills required.

For example, he median annual wage for petroleum engineers, who are involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas, was $137,720. The median annual wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers, who install and maintain the electrical grid infrastructure, was $73,380. The median annual wage for wind turbine service technicians, who install, maintain, and repair wind turbines, was $56,230.

Renewable energy jobs, such as solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians, are also growing in demand and often pay competitive salaries. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, as of 2021, the median annual wage for solar panel installers was $46,470, while the median annual wage for wind turbine service technicians was $56,230.

It's important to note that salaries for energy sector jobs can vary widely depending on factors such as location, company size, and job responsibilities. Additionally, some energy sector jobs may offer additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.

Some of the most popular engineering jobs in the energy sector are listed below. Click on jobs that interest you to find out about each job and what entails.

• pipeline engineer
• project engineer
• procurement
• cost engineer
• engineering manager
• construction manager
• planner / scheduler
• health and safety roles
• automation roles
• commisionning roles
• supply chain roles

The energy industry is a broad sector that encompasses all aspects of the production, distribution, and consumption of energy. This includes the extraction, processing, and transportation of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal, as well as the development and deployment of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

The energy industry is a crucial component of the global economy, as energy is required to power homes, businesses, and industries around the world. The industry is also closely tied to environmental and social issues, as the production and consumption of energy can have significant impacts on the environment and human health. 

The energy industry is made up of a range of companies and organizations, including oil and gas companies, electric utilities, renewable energy developers, and energy technology firms. These organizations work together to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to meet the needs of consumers and businesses.

The outlook for jobs in the energy sector in the coming years is expected to be mixed, as the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions and global energy demands. Some areas of the energy sector are expected to experience significant growth, while others may see a decline in job opportunities. 

One area that is expected to see growth is the renewable energy sector, as countries around the world work to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix. This is likely to create new job opportunities in areas such as solar and wind power generation, energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure. 

At the same time, the oil and gas industry is expected to continue to face challenges as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources. This may lead to a decline in job opportunities in some areas of the industry, although there will likely still be demand for skilled workers in areas such as exploration, production, and refining. 

Overall, the outlook for jobs in the energy sector will depend on a range of factors, including global energy demand, technological innovation, and government policies and regulations. However, there is likely to be a continued need for skilled workers in a variety of areas, making the energy sector an important source of employment for many years to come.

The education and training requirements for a career in the energy sector can vary widely depending on the specific job and industry. Some entry-level positions may require only a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may require a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field.

In general, technical positions in the energy sector, such as engineers, technicians, and scientists, typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, geology, or a related field. Some positions may also require a master's or Ph.D. degree.

For jobs in the renewable energy sector, such as solar panel installers or wind turbine technicians, a high school diploma or equivalent may be sufficient for entry-level positions, although completing a training program or certification course may be required.

Many companies in the energy sector also offer on-the-job training programs, apprenticeships, and internships to help employees gain the skills and experience needed for career advancement.

In addition to formal education and training, successful candidates in the energy sector should possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as a solid understanding of industry-specific regulations, safety protocols, and technological advancements. Continuing education and professional development are also important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices.