Listed below are the top trades in demand for British Columbia.These are not the only positions available.
Remember: Support occupations are available too! From retail and sales personnel, office administrators, lawyers, accountants to security guards, truck drivers and more. Find out how your skills fit in the BC construction sector.
Carpenters
Carpentry is the making and repairing of structures made of wood and other materials - that may be its most simplistic description. Carpenters are required for the construction of every building you see. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the type of work required. For example, carpenters can work with concrete to build formwork or focus on the framing of a home if they're working in Residential. For those looking to learn more about a carpenter's responsibilities, key facts are available here.
Are you an experienced carpenter? Then you'll be looking for more information concerning certification challenging and additional training options. We would recommend browsing here.
Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
Also known by some as a jack-of-all-trades, the millwright and industrial mechanic is responsible for a variety of duties. For example, a millwright in BC could be responsible for the repairs, service and maintenance of a ski gondola. This can require a range of skills including welding and electrical knowledge. For those looking to learn more about millwrights, key facts are available here.
If you have experience in this trade and you're looking to transfer your skills to the Canadian construction industry, you can learn more about the certificate challenging process along with additional training options here.
Welders
Welders work to fuse two metals together - the metals, methods and tools can vary depending on the job. From ships to cars and infrastructure, welders are necessary to many kinds of projects. There's more to discover about the welder trade, and you can get the facts here.
For those with welding experience, learn more about challenging your certificate in Canada and additional training options here.
Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers
Helpers and Labourers are essential to the construction worksite. The responsibilities will depend on the project and needs of the team and company. Some general responsibilities could include: loading, unloading and transporting construction materials; mixing, pouring and spreading materials; cleaning up the worksite; removing rubble and other debris; erecting and dismantling concrete forms and more.
You can learn more about this position here.
Transport Truck and Trailer Mechanics
A Transport Truck and Trailer Mechanic fixes the problem: diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical and electronic failures on commercial trucks, buses or trailers is part of the gig. The Transport Truck and Trailer Mechanic performs general and preventive maintenance services while staying up to date with all makes of on highway commercial vehicles. Get to know more about the Transport Truck and Trailer Mechanic here.
Have the experience with trucks? Learn more about challenging your certificate in Canada and additional training options here.
Steamfitters and Pipefitters
A Steamfitter or Pipefitter installs and repairs pipes in manufacturing plants as well as construction. This may sound simplistic, but the act of laying out, assembling and installing piping systems can be a complex and rewarding process. Whether that system is transferring various fluids, solids or gases, steamfitters and pipefitters make sure those elements are moving smoothly. Get the Steamfitter and Pipefitter facts here.
If you have experience with this trade, you'll want to learn more about challenging your certificate and more about Canadian training options here.
Sheet Metal Workers
What do roofing, siding, heating vents, kitchen counters and vehicle parts have in common? Perhaps there's more than one answer, but we know one specific commonality: sheet metal workers had a hand in the construction of all those structures. Developing patterns, measuring, fitting and joining metal parts for these structures is part of the Sheet Metal Worker's responsibilities. Sheet metal is flexible, durable and lightweight making it the perfect material for a variety of everyday things and the perfect material for creative, interesting projects. Learn more about the basics of this trade here.
Have experience working with sheet metal? Challenging your certificate or looking into additional training options here could be beneficial for you.
Heavy-Duty Equipment and Technicians/Mechanics
For many construction sites and transportation facilities, there's a fleet of heavy-duty equipment (graders, loaders, cranes, shovels, tractors, trucks, buses, forklifts and more) that require the attention and care of a Heavy-Duty Equipment and Technician/Mechanic. There's problems to fix and puzzles to solve, but the nature of the work means an operational, running machine at the end of the day. Read through the position facts here.
Have experience repairing and working with heavy-duty equipment? Learn more about challenging your certificate in Canada and additional training options available to you hhere.
Industrial Electricians
There's more to it than the flip of a switch. Not to be confused with the Construction Electrician, it may be easy to guess the Industrial Electrician's responsibilities: installing and maintaining the electrical devices and components found in industrial settings. What's not as easy is understanding the knowledge and education involved in securing the Industrial Electrician certification. Typically you'll find an Industrial Electrician employed by factories, plants, mines or shipyards. There are quick facts about this trade available here.
Do you have electrician experience? Learn more about challenging your certificate in Canada and additional training options here.
Structural Metal and Platework Fabricators and Fitters​
Some strive for perfect work, a Structural Metal and Platework Fabricator and Fitter achieves precision. They must be exact and accurate when repairing and assembling products made of steel and other metals. Projects could vary from bridge development, tanks, decks, fire escapes, elevator shafts and more. The projects can vary but a Structural Metal and Platework Fabricator and Fitter's eye for precision is always sharp. Additional details for this trade are available here.
Have experience with this line of work? Learning more about Canadian credentials and challenging your certificate may be useful. Browse that information here.
Gas Fitters
There's gas powering more than you think. From homes to commercial buildings, the Gas Fitter trade is in demand. The Gas Fitter, on a basic level, is responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining propane and natural gas regulated products. How they do that is another story. You can get the Gas Fitter fact sheet here.
If you're more familiar with this trade and have experience, you can learn more about challenging your certificate and additional training options here.
Get in touch with us
If you have questions or need more information, please email newcomers@bccassn.com.
If you're looking to apply to the BCCA-IN program, please click below to fill out the Application form.