The construction sector is one of the pillars of the economy, offering a multitude of career opportunities, whether for newcomers or those already employed looking to advance. Whether you want to enter this field, climb the ranks, or transition into another trade within the building industry, this article will guide you through the best strategies to progress effectively.

We will cover the various entry paths, essential skills to acquire, necessary certifications, and specializations that can help you maximize your potential.

Construction is a dynamic sector that offers:

• A wide range of trades (masonry, carpentry, electricity, plumbing, facade installation, project management, drafting, etc.).
• A high demand for labor with strong job prospects.
• Opportunities for rapid advancement based on your skills and motivation.
• Competitive salaries depending on your specialization and experience.
• High job satisfaction from seeing the tangible results of your work.

If you are a beginner or looking to transition into construction, here are the steps to follow:

Construction is accessible with or without a diploma, but certain training programs can accelerate your entry and advancement:

Professional Diplomas:

• DEP (Diploma of Vocational Studies) in construction or building – Ideal for learning the basics.
• DEC (Diploma of College Studies) in civil engineering or architecture – For more technical and management positions.
• Bachelor’s in Engineering or Project Management – For those aiming for roles as engineers or project managers.

Specific Certifications:

• ASP Construction Card: Mandatory training to work on construction sites in Quebec.
• Specialized Certifications (waterproofing, electricity, plumbing, facades).

Nothing replaces hands-on experience! Many workers start as laborers and gradually progress.

Entering the Construction Industry Through Labor Pool Openings

In Quebec’s construction industry, access to certain trades can be facilitated when labor pools open. This term refers to periods when a shortage of qualified workers in a specific field leads the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) to allow new workers to enter without prior training.
When a labor pool opens, a worker can start on a site with a guaranteed number of work hours offered by an employer. This guarantee, determined by the CCQ (to be confirmed based on the trade), allows the worker to accumulate the necessary experience to obtain an apprentice card. This mechanism addresses employers’ urgent labor needs while offering individuals an opportunity to enter the field without immediately undergoing long and costly training.

However, it’s essential to note that this entry point remains regulated. The employer must provide a certain number of guaranteed hours, and these hours must be approved by the CCQ for the worker to progress in their certification journey. Once the apprentice card is obtained, the worker must undergo training and accumulate practice hours to advance to journeyman status. This process ensures that, despite labor pool openings, quality and competence in the industry remain priorities.

A laborer is a site worker responsible for general and support tasks, such as transporting materials, preparing surfaces, cleaning work areas, and assisting specialized workers. This position often serves as an entry point into the construction field, allowing for on-the-job learning and progression into more specialized trades.
Tip: Apply for entry-level positions (mason’s assistant, apprentice carpenter, beginner installer, etc.) to gain practical experience and build your skills.

💡 Tip: Apply for entry-level positions (mason’s assistant, apprentice carpenter, beginner installer, etc.) to gain practical experience and build your skills.

• Large construction companies are constantly hiring (Vinci, Pomerleau, EBC, etc.).
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also offer great learning opportunities. Vitralum is currently hiring!
• Unions and worker associations can help you find assignments on construction sites.
• Specialized job platforms (Jobboom, Indeed, CCQ) are excellent tools for finding your first job.

• Become a Team Leader: With a few years of experience and good team management skills, you can move up to a team leader or foreman position.
• Specialize: Some technical trades (facade installation, precast concrete, formwork, etc.) are in higher demand and better paid.
• Train in Management: A DEP or training in site management can open doors to supervisory or managerial roles.

• Working with reputable companies can offer advancement opportunities.
• Join professional associations (e.g., Association de la construction du Québec – ACQ).
• Maintain good relationships with colleagues and supervisors, as recommendations play a key role in advancement.

• CCQ (Commission de la construction du Québec): Some certifications allow you to move into specialized, higher-paying positions.
• Project Management Training (PMP, Lean Construction, BIM): Useful for becoming a project manager.

If you are already in the industry but want to specialize or transition to another trade, here’s how to proceed:

💡 Example: If you are a carpenter and want to become a facade installer, research the necessary skills and available training.

• Training in insulation and waterproofing if moving into facades.
• Formwork training if transitioning into masonry.
• Electrical courses if you want to become a building electrician.

• Ask to shadow a professional for a few weeks.
• Learn on the job to see if it suits you before investing in full training.

Working in Tandem means closely collaborating with another person on a task or project, combining skills and efforts to improve efficiency and safety. On a construction site, this helps manage heavy loads, optimize coordination between different trades, and enhance vigilance, especially for high-altitude or technical work. It’s also an excellent way to learn new skills!

When thinking about the construction industry, images of site workers like carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other specialized trades often come to mind. However, behind every erected building is a team of office professionals whose role is just as crucial to project success. Project managers, technical coordinators, and drafters play a fundamental role in orchestrating, planning, and designing the various stages of construction. Without their expertise, sites simply couldn’t progress efficiently and safely.

The Project Manager: The Construction Conductor
The project manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising an entire construction project. Their role is to ensure the project meets deadlines, stays within budget, and adheres to quality standards. They must coordinate on-site teams, manage suppliers, monitor work progress, and solve problems that may arise.

In addition to managing human and material resources, the project manager must have a solid understanding of construction’s technical aspects. They work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure plans are followed and the project progresses as planned. Their ability to anticipate challenges, manage risks, and communicate effectively with all stakeholders is essential to the project’s success.

The Technical Coordinator: The Link Between Office and Site
The technical coordinator acts as a bridge between office teams and those on-site. Their main mission is to ensure that plans and technical specifications are well understood and correctly applied on the construction site. They often intervene to solve technical issues, adapt plans according to unforeseen circumstances, and ensure work compliance with current regulations.

This position requires sharp technical skills, strong analytical abilities, and excellent communication. The technical coordinator must be able to explain complex concepts to site teams while reporting needs or issues to project managers. They play a key role in ensuring smooth transitions between design and execution, making sure deadlines and budgets are met without compromising quality.

The Drafter: Designing to Build
The drafter, also known as a drafting technician, is responsible for creating the technical plans necessary for construction. Using specialized software like AutoCAD or Revit, they transform architects’ and engineers’ ideas into precise, detailed plans for on-site teams to use. These plans include structural, electrical, mechanical, and architectural details that must be flawlessly accurate.

The drafter’s role doesn’t stop at just creating plans. They must also ensure these plans meet construction standards, building codes, and client requirements. They work closely with engineers, architects, and technical coordinators to integrate necessary modifications and adjustments throughout the project. The drafter’s ability to anticipate technical constraints and propose practical solutions is essential to avoid costly mistakes on-site.

The Interdependence Between Office and Site Trades
While these roles aren’t directly on the construction site, they are at the heart of the building process. Without rigorous planning, effective coordination, and precise plans, projects risk delays, cost overruns, or major technical errors. Project managers, technical coordinators, and drafters work in synergy to ensure each project phase runs smoothly.

Moreover, these roles require specific skills that evolve with technology. For example, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become an indispensable tool for drafters and technical coordinators, offering better visualization and management of complex projects. Project managers, meanwhile, must master project management software and stay up-to-date on new site management methods.

Facade installation is a technical specialization essential for the energy performance and aesthetics of modern buildings.

• Installing facade systems (metal, glass, stone, composite).
• Ensuring waterproofing and thermal insulation.
• Working at heights with specialized equipment (lifts, scaffolding).
• Collaborating with architects and engineers to follow plans.

• Take building envelope training (DEP or private certification).
• Work as an apprentice alongside an experienced installer.
• Obtain certification in working at heights and site safety.

• Apprentice Installer → Journeyman Technician → Foreman → Project Manager in Building Envelopes.
• Specialize in advanced materials (ventilated facades, curtain walls, composite panels).

Let’s recap! The construction sector in Quebec offers a multitude of career, experience, and professional development opportunities. Whether you are a beginner looking to enter the field or a professional aiming to advance, the opportunities are vast.

To maximize your progress, it’s essential to get trained and obtain necessary certifications, gain on-site experience, and build a strong network.

By enhancing your skills and specializing, you’ll become a sought-after expert in your field. Moreover, if you wish to change direction, construction offers many opportunities for transitioning into specialized or management roles. It’s a sector that values perseverance and continuous learning, opening the door to limitless growth for those who are motivated and determined!