Trades and Occupations in Construction in Quebec: Everything You Need to Know

After comparing trades and occupations, the next step is to check the currently available construction jobs.

The construction sector in Quebec offers a multitude of job opportunities, ranging from regulated trades to occupations accessible without specific training.

If you are looking to enter this industry, understanding the different types of positions and access conditions is essential.

Construction Trades and Occupations

Construction Trades

In Quebec, there are 25 recognized trades by regulation. These professions often require a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) and an apprenticeship period.

According to data from the official website of the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) (source), here is the list of construction trades with their employment outlook until 2027.

Updated: May 20, 2025 (New CCQ salary after 8% increase - Commercial & Institutional Sector)

Trades	Employment Outlook	Labour Availability and Status	Hourly Rates	Training
Surveyor	Very good	Slight employment decline, moderate availability. Notable turnover.	$37.43 to $44.20	1800-hour DVS
Blaster-driller	Good	Slight employment decline, moderate availability. Notable turnover.	$35.18 to $42.97	900-hour DVS
Bricklayer-mason	Excellent	Slight employment decline, low availability. Notable turnover.	$28.36 to $47.26	900-hour DVS
Insulator	Excellent	Slight employment decline, low availability. Notable turnover.	$29.02 to $48.37	900-hour DVS
Tiler	Excellent	Stable employment, low availability. Notable turnover.	$28.67 to $47.78	690-hour DVS
Carpenter-joiner	Very good	Slight employment decline, low availability. Notable turnover.	$28.66 to $47.77	1350-hour DVS
Boilermaker	Good	Slight employment decline, good availability. Notable turnover. Aging workforce.	$29.02 to $48.37	1290-hour DVS
Cement finisher	Very good	Slight employment decline, low availability. Notable turnover.	$32.40 to $46.29	900-hour DVS
Roofer	Excellent	Slight employment decline, very low availability. High turnover.	$34.13 to $48.76	630-hour DVS
Electrician	Very good	Stable employment, notable availability. Notable turnover.	$24.19 to $48.37	1800-hour DVS
Electrician - security systems	Excellent	Stable employment, notable availability. Notable turnover.	$23.45 to $39.09	1485-hour DVS
Sheet metal worker	Excellent	Slight employment decline, low availability.	$29.02 to $48.37	1605-hour DVS
Ironworker	Very good	Slight employment decline, low availability. Notable turnover.	$41.54 to $48.87	735-hour DVS
Refrigeration mechanic	Very good	Stable employment, low availability. Notable turnover.	$24.19 to $48.37	1800-hour DVS
Crane operator	Very good	Slight employment decline, moderate availability. Aging workforce.	$33.86 to $48.37	870-hour DVS
Construction mechanic	Good	Stable employment, very low availability. Notable turnover.	$29.02 to $48.37	1800-hour DVS
Heavy equipment mechanic	Good	Slight employment decline, moderate availability. Notable turnover. Aging workforce.	$27.97 to $46.61	1800-hour DVS
Fire protection mechanic	Very good	Stable employment, low availability. Notable turnover.	$24.19 to $48.37	900-hour DVS
Elevator mechanic	Excellent	Stable employment, very low availability. Notable turnover.	$27.00 to $54.00	1800-hour DVS
Assembler-fitter	Excellent	Slight employment decline, notable availability. Notable turnover.	$29.32 to $48.87	1230-hour DVS
Glazier-mechanic	Excellent	Stable employment, very low availability. Notable turnover.	$28.37 to $47.29	1350-hour DVS
Excavator operator	Good	Slight employment decline, very low availability. Aging workforce.	$39.12 to $49.06	1095-hour DVS
Heavy equipment operator	Excellent	Slight employment decline, low availability. Aging workforce.	$36.82 to $45.93	1095-hour DVS
Painter	Excellent	Slight employment decline, low availability. High turnover. Aging workforce.	$27.08 to $45.13	900-hour DVS
Plasterer	Excellent	Slight employment decline, low availability. Notable turnover.	$27.61 to $46.01	810-hour DVS
Floor covering installer	Excellent	Stable employment, moderate availability. Notable turnover. Aging workforce.	$28.04 to $46.73	900-hour DVS
Interior systems installer	Excellent	Stable employment, low availability. Notable turnover.	$28.66 to $47.77	735-hour DVS
Welder	Good	Slight employment decline, moderate availability. Notable turnover.	$29.32 to $45.14	1800-hour DVS
Pipe welder	Good	Slight employment decline, moderate availability. Notable turnover. Aging workforce.	$33.86 to $48.37	600-hour ASP
Pipefitter	Excellent	Slight employment increase, notable availability. Notable turnover.	$24.19 to $48.37	1680-hour DVS

Occupations and Specialized Occupations

In addition to trades, there are about 30 occupations in the construction industry, including 6 recognized specialized occupations. Unlike trades, some occupations do not require specific training, although certifications may be necessary for certain specific tasks.

The 6 specialized occupations are:

• Construction Mechanic
• Mobile Crane Operator
• Security Systems Installer
• Reinforcing Steel Erector
• Concrete Pump Operator
• Structural Steel Erector

How to Access the Construction Industry?

General Admission Requirements

To work on a construction site in Quebec, you must meet certain conditions:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Provide your residential address
• Present an official identification document
• Have completed and passed the Construction Safety and Health Course (30 hours)
• Pay the CCQ registration fees ($100)
• Fill out the registration form to designate the union association of your choice

Different Access Paths

There are several ways to enter the construction industry:

1. Through training: A DEP in a construction trade is often required.
2. Through recognition of prior learning: Workers with experience in a related field can have their skills recognized.
3. Through the workforce pool: A worker can register in a CCQ workforce pool to be called upon when needs arise in their sector.

Why Choose a Career in Construction?

The construction sector offers:

• Excellent salaries: Many trades offer competitive salaries.
• High demand: With numerous projects underway in Quebec, job prospects are favorable.
• Opportunities for advancement: A worker can climb the ranks to supervisory or management positions.
• A dynamic environment: Construction jobs allow you to work outdoors and see tangible projects take shape.

Conclusion

Whether you want to become a carpenter-joiner, electrician, or heavy equipment operator, the construction field in Quebec offers numerous career opportunities. With proper training and adherence to access requirements, you can quickly integrate into this growing industry.

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