Construction Industry in British Columbia, Canada
The construction industry comprises companies that build, maintain, and renovate structures, as well as companies that subdivide and develop land.
This industry’s businesses or individuals may operate independently or as subcontractors. They may be in charge of huge projects from beginning to end, or they may focus on a specific stage of one.
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The construction industry in British Columbia employs a sizable, mostly male workforce.
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The construction industry contributes significantly to provincial economic growth.
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The Mainland / Southwest, Vancouver Island / Coast, and Thompson-Okanagan regions account for the majority of careers in this industry.
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Salaries for the majority of construction workers are comparable to the provincial salary average.
The average construction workers’ salary in Canada is $39,000 per year or $20 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $33,150 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $48,750 per year.
The industry includes both residential (housing) and non-residential construction.
Construction workers are in high demand in the following industries:
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Transportation systems
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Renewable electricity generation and transmission projects
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LNG terminals
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Pipelines
Industry expansion will boost the labor force by more than 18,600 people between 2021 and 2030, a 10% increase over 2020. With an estimated 41,000 workers retiring, or 22% of the present workforce, industry must also address the need to replace an aging workforce. The construction industry will need to hire over 59,650 workers over the next decade to meet retirement and expansion demands. Up to 35,150 new entrants under the age of 30 may be available locally to meet this need, but a large fraction of the remaining demand may have to be sourced from other industries or provinces.
Occupational Titles in the Construction Industry
The construction industry encompasses a wide range of jobs. Each profession has its own set of experience and education requirements. While most occupations require new employees, some are in higher demand than others.
These are among the top fifteen construction trades with expected job vacancies in BC during the next ten years
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Carpenters
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Construction trades helpers & labourers
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Painters & decorators (except interior decorators)
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Construction electricians
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Construction millwrights
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Plumbers
Other job titles required by the British Columbia construction industry include:
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Construction projects manager
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Supervisor of civil engineering workshop
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Contractor (responsible for concrete quality)
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Building electrical engineer
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Civil Engineer
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Architect
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Industrial Engineer / Industrial Manager
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Safety Officer (HSE)
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Surveyor / Cartographer
* The salary of the above-mentioned specialized jobs is between $ 50,000 and $ 85,000 per year.
According to the British Columbia Construction Association’s (BCCA) annual survey, construction employs over 220,000 people in the province. The fact that the province is leading the way in terms of construction spending increase is good news. Owing to private development and ongoing mega-projects, the construction industry accounts for over 9% of BC’s GDP, with active construction projects worth $120 billion and proposed projects worth $221 billion.
