NOC 75110: Construction trades helpers and labourers

The employment outlook will be Very good for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Housing shortages and investments in new and affordable housing are expected to sustain demand for these positions over the forecast period. As interest rates continue to fall, residential investment should strengthen resulting in increased housing starts in the province over the next few years.

Population growth has been, and continues to be, a key economic driver supporting residential building activity in the province. However, the federal reduction in immigration targets has led to a marked decline in international arrivals. This slowdown in population growth over the forecast period should help alleviate some pressure on the Island’s housing market.

The prospect for employment in this occupation is favorable as there continues to be a shortage of workers and unfilled vacancies in the province. This occupation falls under the provincial Occupations in Demand immigration stream, which is a program designed to help employers fill vacant positions that they are unable to fill locally. This is a physically demanding entry-level position, with low job requirements and a relatively young workforce. Construction trade helpers and labourers with broad training, experience and the ability to perform multiple job functions will have better prospects in this occupation. As construction is affected by weather conditions, workers willing to work extra hours during peak summer seasons may have a greater likelihood of attaining employment and better job security.

Project locations can vary and some labourers may be expected to work at different job sites throughout the week. Employment prospects depend upon the level of construction activity in the province. If any large capital projects are announced, employment opportunities generally improve. Opportunities in other provinces may also impact on the available pool of construction labourers in the province.

This is a large occupational group in P.E.I. with a large employer base. As with most large occupations, there will be frequent job openings due to normal turnover and workers changing jobs. This occupation is also an excellent source of summer and part-time employment for students.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 900 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 87%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 16% for all occupations

32% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 68% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 34 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

9% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 85% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 15% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 30% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 49% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 8% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

Due to the high level of activity in the construction industry, demand for unskilled labourer positions is currently strong. Some contractors have experienced difficulties with recruitment and retention. The need for construction labourers has led to some competition among employers, so candidates may have a variety of options at different wage levels. Possession of a vehicle is a common requirement for this occupation and may be a barrier to some jobseekers.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 4,750 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 82%

Support activities for transportation (NAICS 488): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 18% for all occupations

37% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 63% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

8% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 94% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 6% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 27% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 44% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Demand for this occupation is driven by major infrastructure projects and institutional, commercial, and residential construction.

Sustained demand for this occupation is expected, as most employment is in the construction sector.

Strong growth in residential construction and a modest growth in renovations and non-residential construction over the forecast period will enhance employment prospects for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 4,050 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 83%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 85% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 15% compared to 19% for all occupations

35% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 65% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

15% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 93% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 7% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 25% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 50% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Nunavut over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of a new air terminal in Rankin Inlet by 2026 and the Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre in Iqaluit in 2027 are expected to generate employment in this occupation.

The Government of Nunavut's proposed $3.3 billion project to connect Manitoba Hydro's power grid to five western Nunavut communities and a gold mine, if built, would also lead to new construction jobs in the territory.

Nunavut has a shortage of skilled tradespeople to complete major public and private construction projects, leading to contractors routinely bringing in workers from southern Canada.

Local training for this occupation is available at Nunavut Arctic College.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Nunavut:

Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 75%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 8%

Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 93% compared to 87% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 7% compared to 13% for all occupations

43% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 34 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 64% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Housing shortages (particularly in urban centres) and investments in new and affordable housing are expected to sustain demand for these positions over the forecast period. Significant infrastructure investments will also drive demand.

Many employers require Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification.

This work is physically demanding and involves handling heavy loads as well as significant bending, crouching and kneeling.

Candidates should have access to transportation as they may be required to travel to job sites.

Experience and certifications may be required for some employers.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 3,050 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 80%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 91% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 9% compared to 16% for all occupations

28% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 71% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 33 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

5% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 93% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 7% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 25% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 47% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

The majority work in the construction industry, with a significant share in residential building construction

A smaller number work in manufacturing, such as in cement and concrete product operations

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Construction activity is expected to be favourable across Ontario:

Large infrastructure investments

Steady demand and investments in new housing

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

There are four voluntary skilled trades associated with this occupation in Ontario, namely, Concrete Pump Operator, Construction Craft Worker, Native Residential Construction Worker, and Hazardous Materials Worker

.

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

There may be more work during the spring and summer months because of greater construction activity.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Ontario:

Approximately 54,900 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 86%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations

44% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

16% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 26% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 46% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Labour shortages are expected in the construction trades for the forecast period.

Provincial infrastructure spending for the upgrade and construction of schools and highways will support employment opportunities in non-residential construction for the forecast period.

New housing starts in Alberta are expected to remain strong due to a growing population driving demand.

Renovation investment is expected to steadily increase to maintain older housing and allow homeowners to age in place.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Alberta:

Approximately 19,850 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 83%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 86% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 14% compared to 20% for all occupations

36% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 64% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 35 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

15% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 91% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 9% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 26% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 8% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

This occupation will benefit from major public and private construction projects scheduled in Northwest Territories over the forecast period.

For example, the planned construction of the $1.65 billion Mackenzie Valley Highway, connecting Wrigley to Norman Wells, is expected to generate employment in this occupation when construction begins in 2027 or 2028. Ongoing work at the $4 billion Giant Mine remediation site may also lead to construction employment.

Training for this occupation is available locally at Aurora College.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 75%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 8%

Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 81% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 19% compared to 12% for all occupations

44% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 56% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 34 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 95% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 5% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 47% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 39% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Limited for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities may vary depending on the time of the year.

This is a physically demanding entry-level position, with low job requirements and a relatively young workforce. Construction trade helpers and labourers with broad training, experience, and the ability to perform multiple job functions will have better prospects in this occupation. As construction is affected by weather conditions, workers willing to work extra hours during peak summer seasons may have a greater likelihood of attaining employment and better job security. Project locations can vary, and some labourers may be expected to work at different job sites throughout the week.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 1,600 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 78%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 17% for all occupations

16% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 84% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 25 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 89% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 11% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 34% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 27% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Demand for this occupation is driven by major infrastructure projects and institutional, commercial, and residential construction.

Key trends in this occupation include robots to handle repetitive or dangerous tasks, 3D printing to build components, and wearable sensors to monitor worker health and safety.

This occupation tends to have high employee turnover.

Jobs are concentrated in the South Central, North Central and Southeast regions.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Manitoba:

Approximately 5,650 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 88%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 88% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 12% compared to 19% for all occupations

42% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 57% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

12% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 94% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 6% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 33% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 47% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

British Columbia has faced slower demand and delays in new construction starts as shortages of skilled workers and rising wages continue to drive up construction costs.

In residential construction, slower housing starts will impact growth in construction jobs.

Renovation investment is expected to steadily increase to maintain older housing and allow homeowners to age in place.

Employment in this occupation is primarily in the non-residential construction sector.

Non-residential sector growth is variable over the forecast period, with a peak in 2027 due to major engineering and ICI (industrial, commercial, institutional) projects.

The education, transportation (for example public transit and highways), utilities (for example power lines), high tech (for example AI data centres), mining, oil and gas (for example pipelines and LNG terminals) sectors have major infrastructure investments planned.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in British Columbia:

Approximately 19,750 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 81%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 83% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 17% compared to 22% for all occupations

46% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 54% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

17% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 88% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 12% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 22% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 48% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Very limited for construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 75110) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about construction trades helpers and labourers in Quebec:

Approximately 25,250 people work in this occupation.

Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:

Construction (NAICS 23): 81%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 18% for all occupations

36% of construction trades helpers and labourers work all year, while 64% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

10% of construction trades helpers and labourers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 93% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 7% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 32% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 26% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 32% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations