Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 6,350
Construction trades helpers and labourers:
People in these jobs work for construction companies, contractors and surface mine and quarry operators. They work in industrial settings, including pipelines, utilities, hydroelectric dams, roadways, bridges, tunnels, shipyards, mining and railways. For the most part, people in these jobs work outside in a range of weather conditions. Some work may take place indoors. Depending on the project, individuals may need to work 10 to 12 hours a day. Some schedules have up to 14 consecutive days of work with seven days off. Or, 21 days of consecutive work and 10 days off. Sometimes the work takes place in remote areas. This means that construction trades helpers and labourers may have to leave their families for periods of time. Construction trades helpers and labourers need to be physically fit since they regularly lift heavy items. Working on job sites means that people may have to work with or near hazardous items and use equipment, instruments, machinery or power/hand tools. The work is often noisy and has strong smells.
Source: 2016 Census
A lot of health and safety training is provided on the job. Other requirements include:
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 35 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. You’ll also find the skill strength needed, letting you know how capable you must be in that skill.
Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Industry sources say that new technologies and opportunities to learn is important for individuals in this job. On larger projects, drug and alcohol use is strictly monitored and zero tolerance for violations applies. Most workers on large sites will need to pass drug and alcohol tests to be considered for employment.
Career paths
Continued education, training and apprenticeship programs can lead to more senior positions. Keeping up with new technology and equipment assists individuals who want to move into other positions on a job site.
Additional resources