I’ve been in construction for nearly twenty years. I worked my way from a labourer to a carpenter’s apprentice to a self-employed business owner. I have direct experience in looking for work and hiring employees in the construction field and understand the best and most practical methods for finding work in the building industry.
In this article, I want to share my thoughts and experience on how to get into construction work, shedding light on what skills and knowledge sets will help you land your first job, the types of activities you will engage in with an entry-level position, and the methods my employees and I used to find employment (many years ago for me) in construction.
Skill for the Job
You do not need prior site experience to get a job in construction. When hiring labourers for my crew, I often preferred hiring someone without prior construction experience because it allowed me to train them on my company’s processes and practices without having to untrain someone of bad habits or other routines that didn’t work for my company.
That said, some qualities are necessary for successful placement in a construction company:
Tool knowledge and general aptitude – Having a general understanding of and comfortability with hand and power tools is an asset, although not completely necessary; I had little experience with tools when I started my first job as a labourer for a stucco company in Ottawa.
Desire to learn – More significant than the point above is a desire to learn a trade and hands-on skills. This characteristic is necessary for construction work as it provides the basis for becoming an effective and skilled employee.
Physical fitness – A general level of fitness is necessary. Working in construction requires that you are on your feet for most of the day and often involves lifting heavy items above your head.
Understanding of basic math – Understanding fractions, addition and subtraction is essential. While you may be rusty with on-the-fly math, it is something you can learn quickly. When I started, thinking in fractions was not part of my standard thought process, but over time, it became second nature.
Bonus – Prior completion of a construction course or other form of schooling is a great asset. While it doesn’t provide on-the-job experience, taking classes gives you a better understanding of tools and building practices and is desirable for employers.
What You’ll Do as a Construction Greenhorn
When starting in construction, you will most likely take on what I term “job site maintenance”: unloading and moving materials, building and dismantling scaffolds, setting up ladders, providing support to skilled workers by assisting with tasks (being an extra set of hands) and keeping the site clean and organized. While they may seem like nominal tasks, they are essential duties that allow the skilled workers to remain efficient, translating into project progress. Once you demonstrate proficiency in the primary responsibilities, managers and other team leaders will assign more complex and skilled tasks.
How to Find a Job in Construction
Ask Around
The first place to start should be in your immediate network. Ask friends, family, acquaintances and neighbours if they have completed any recent renovations or know of anyone currently employed in construction. Having a reference within a company, even if your contact is also in an entry-level position, is beneficial. When hiring for my company, my first step was asking my current employees if they knew anyone interested in construction or needing employment.
Cold Calling and Door-Knocking
Years ago, I landed my first two construction jobs by cold calling. In both cases, I was a university student and found that many companies relied on summer students to fulfill peak season demand. I researched construction companies in the area where I was living, compiled a list of names and numbers and then started calling. It didn’t take long to land an entry-level position.
Alternatively, you can take a boots-on-the-ground approach and drop in on worksites to ask supervisors if they are hiring. I’ve never done this nor hired anyone taking this approach, but I’ve had job hunters occasionally drop in on my sites.
Employment Sites
As my company grew and being a one-person show no longer cut it, I turned to online job posting sites to find employees. Websites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter and Monster are good places to look if you want to get into construction work, as many businesses post job openings there. However, competition is heavy, so it’s crucial to differentiate yourself by providing a cover letter, relevant experience and some way of conveying your personality.
Job Placement and Recruiting Agencies
While I never used these to find work or employees, they are an option. Be aware that some agencies require you to pay a fee to use them, so for entry-level positions in construction, it’s best to use a commission-based service. In this case, the agency will place you into a position in exchange for a percentage of your hourly rate or salary.
New to Canada and Thinking About Construction?
If you’re new to Canada and considering a career in construction, it’s a great way to build skills and establish a stable job. Programs like the Alberta PNP can help skilled immigrants get a foothold in sectors like construction that have labour shortages.
Still, even those starting at entry-level positions can find opportunities to grow. By showing a willingness to learn, gaining basic certifications like WHMIS and understanding site safety, you can set yourself up for success in this rewarding industry.Read more on this topic in Looking for Carpenter Jobs in Canada? Read This Guide
