542 jobs found for Construction

all about construction jobs

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

Every construction job is different. You could be working in or outdoors, in a building or underground, on a highway Construction jobs vary by season, project and industry. You might only work on weekends or at night. Some construction jobs only last for the summer. Most full-time construction jobs, require 40 hours of work a week. Entry-level construction workers report to a foreman, general contractor, building owner, or project manager.

average construction salaries

A construction worker salary in Canada starts at an average of 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 the construction industry, experienced construction workers are in demand. Workers with skilled trade experience, like plumbers or electricians, can make a higher than average salary. It is not uncommon to find plumbers, for example, making more than $100,000 a year.

your day to day tasks

As a construction worker, you may be assigned a variety of tasks. As work begins, there is preparation and planning. During the project, you will take direction and follow plans. As the final result takes shape, your tasks will move toward finishing, quality control checks, and cleaning. You may be involved in:

• preparing the work site, unloading trucks, removing hazards
• following safety rules and codes
• setting up scaffolding, breaking pavement, removing debris
• measuring, cutting, fitting, pouring or installing building materials
• using tools such as hammers, saws, drills, 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 now cooling, permits for non-residential buildings are anticipated to increase over the next few years. 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

It goes without saying that, as a construction worker, you must be physically fit. If you want to maintain your physique, there is no better way than working on a construction site. As a construction worker, you will also need:

• physical strength, endurance, balance and coordination
• ability to lift heavy objects, climb ladders and stand for long periods
• ability to tolerate harsh environments such as heat, cold, dust and dirt
• willingness to work at heights or in cramped spaces
• desire to learn and take direction with a positive attitude
• ability to read instructions, use tools and measure materials
• training and certifications
• The education needed to be a construction worker depends on the type of position you are searching for. General 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 at least a high school graduation diploma. 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

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.