The city needs 20,000 workers annually over the next 10 years to meet labour market demand.
While a record number of projects have been started in the Quebec construction industry this year, an acute shortage of workers is projected in the next 10 years.
A report prepared by the Quebec Construction Association (Association de la construction du Québec, ACQ) states that over the next 10 years, the Quebec construction industry will need about 20,000 workers a year to complete all planned urban projects. The report identified 30 occupations for which demand is especially high.
This year, the industry is in short supply of about 25,000 workers. The Association says that the industry is operating at full capacity and “a significant technological shift” has served as one of the main factors that caused this sharp shortage of workers. Over the next few weeks, representatives of the Association will travel around the province in search of a solution to this problem. The organization advocates access to education in the regions and better training for beginners in related industries.
What if you can have one of these occupations in demand? Montreal is a city of opportunity. And having a lot of work can be the key to your long and successful career. All construction jobs are also paid much better than, for instance, the work of a barista.
Here are the 7 most important positions that need to be filled in the Quebec construction industry. The link to a complete list of jobs provided by the ACQ can be found at the end of this article.
General Labourers
Average hourly wage: C$16,5
Hourly wage for experienced workers: C$24.6
Being the main work unit, you will perform all kinds of tasks. You will be required to have an extensive general knowledge of building codes and the ability to do handwork. Depending on the company, you may get various benefits, including medical and dental insurance.
Lift Mechanics
Average hourly wage: C$40.7
Hourly wage for experienced workers: C$59.3
Note how many apartment buildings appear on the outskirts of the city. Obviously, those who can afford luxury condominiums do not want to go up 37 flights of stairs to get to the apartment. So seriously think about a lift mechanic’s career. Montreal has nowhere to go but up.
Electricians
Average hourly wage: C$27.7
Hourly wage for experienced workers: C$40.4
This is one of the best paying jobs. Sure, you will need to work hard at first, but pretty soon you will join the legions of homebuyers in Laval.
Heavy Equipment Operators
Average hourly wage: C$25.2
Hourly wage for experienced workers: C$35.6
Have you ever watched “How It’s Made” and “Mega Machines” on the Discovery channel and admired the sheer amount of construction equipment? Think about how much interest was aroused in you by a picture of a massive chopper quickly grinding down stones into dust. Now imagine that you are sitting in the driver’s seat. If you don’t like giant mega machines, small excavators are great too.
Crane Operators
Average hourly wage: C$24.5
Hourly wage for experienced workers: C$35.5
Do not be afraid of heights! As one of the most important occupations in the modern construction industry, crane operators are in high demand, and anyone with these skills will definitely find a job in Montreal.
Welders
Average hourly wage: C$17.9
Hourly wage for experienced workers: C$25.9
This work is similar to that of a blacksmith, but instead of forging swords, you help forge the foundation of a building, bridge, road or something else. Welders are a key component of any large-scale construction project, so strike the iron while it is hot.
Painters
Average hourly wage: C$16.8
Hourly wage for experienced workers: C$25.6
If heavy loads, heights, electricity, and massive machines arouse little interest in you, take a brush in your hands and get to work. Painters are just as important for the success of building an apartment as any other job on a construction site.
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If none of these occupations interests you, do not worry: Montreal needs workers in at least 23 more occupations. To see the full list, visit the official website of the Quebec Construction Association (French only).