Starting in Construction in Quebec (Guide for Newcomers)

The construction sector in Quebec offers great prospects: high salaries (up to $48/h), full benefits, and above all, a massive demand for labour.

More than 16,000 new workers are needed each year until 2029. But to access these opportunities, you need to understand the rules of the game – particularly those of the CCQ (Commission de la construction du Québec).

Here are the key steps to quickly integrate into this sector, whether you want to become a labourer, carpenter-joiner, or electrician.

To move from information to action, explore the construction jobs in Quebec open to candidates starting in the industry.

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1. Have the right administrative documents

First and foremost, you must have the right to work in Canada. Two options:

• Permanent residence

• Valid work permit

If you are outside the country, a job offer from a CCQ employer for 150 hours (max 3 months) can support your work permit application.

Upon arrival, you must obtain your Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada:
👉 Get your SIN

Without a SIN and legal status, no other steps will be possible.

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2. Have your experience recognized

If you have already worked in construction in your country, you can request an assessment of your skills from the CCQ. Provide:

• Diplomas

• Work certificates

The CCQ may allow you to skip certain steps, for example, directly accessing the qualification exam without retaking an entire DEP. For the French, the France-Quebec agreement also facilitates entry into certain trades.

If you have no experience or if your skills are not recognized, you will need to follow the standard training (see step 3).

Contact the CCQ as soon as possible for personalized advice: https://www.ccq.org

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3. Complete the necessary training

✅ Mandatory training for everyone: ASP Construction course (health and safety)

• Duration: 30 hours

• Average cost: $200 to $300

• Result: ASP card required to enter a construction site

  Info: https://asp-construction.org

Trade training (if you aim for a specialized trade)

• Electrician: DEP in electricity (1800h ≈ 18 months)

• Carpenter-joiner: DEP in carpentry-joinery (1350h ≈ 12 months)

These DEPs are offered in vocational training centres throughout Quebec. After the DEP, you become an apprentice and start working.

If you start as a labourer

• No diploma required

• ASP course sufficient to apply for a CCQ card (see step 4)

• It is the shortest path to enter construction sites

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4. Obtain your competency card (CCQ certificate)

Without a card, no work on commercial sites. Here are the types:

• CCO: labourer

• CCA: trade apprentice

• CCC: journeyman (final level)

You will need to:

• Fill out the CCQ form

• Choose a union (FTQ, CSN, etc.)

• Provide:

  • SIN

  • ASP card

  • Proof of training (DEP if necessary)

  • Letter from an employer guaranteeing 150 hours of work

All the info here: Certificate application – CCQ

Once approved, your card will be sent to you. It is also possible to obtain a temporary work permit during processing.

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5. How long does it take?

➤ Labourer

• ASP course + employer + card: a few weeks to 3 months

• No technical training

• Quick access, but depends on the opening of the "pool"

➤ Carpenter-joiner

• DEP (12 months) + 6000 hours of apprenticeship (~3 years) + exam

• Total: about 4 years

• You are paid as soon as the DEP is completed

➤ Electrician

• DEP (18 months) + 8000 hours of apprenticeship (~4 years) + exam

• Total: about 5-6 years

• Paid as soon as the DEP is completed, increasing salary at each level

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6. Gross hourly wage (CCQ 2025)

Trade	Journeyman wage
Labourer	~$38/h
Carpenter-joiner	~$48/h
Electrician	~$48/h

👉 Full grid here: CCQ wage grid

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7. Where to find help and offers?

• CCQ: info on trades, procedures, pools, registration form
  https://www.ccq.org

• Emploi Québec: job offers and training
  https://www.quebecemploi.gouv.qc.ca

• ACQ (Association de la construction du Québec): info on employers and integration
  https://www.acq.org

• ConstruMD.com: create your profile, receive offers with 150-hour promise, apply with one click
  https://www.construmd.com/en

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In summary

1. Obtain SIN and legal status

2. Have your skills recognized if possible

3. Complete the ASP course (and a DEP if necessary)

4. Find an employer with a 150-hour guarantee

5. Apply for your card at the CCQ

The path is clear. With motivation and a few well-directed steps, you can quickly start a stable, well-paid, and unionized career in Quebec construction.

Welcome to Quebec's construction sites!