Discovering Construction Trades

The construction sector is constantly evolving in Québec. The many economic challenges require a skilled workforce to build the Québec of tomorrow.

Working in construction means actively contributing to major projects that support Québec’s economic development. Workers collaborate on significant construction sites that improve the lives of Quebecers, while benefiting from competitive salaries and attractive working conditions.

Benefits of construction trades

Construction trades create a sense of pride in a stimulating field while contributing to tangible projects. Working in construction means actively helping to build tomorrow’s infrastructures. Here are some advantages of the field:

• Good job prospects
• Development of a wide range of skills
• Stimulating and varied tasks
• Great diversity of projects
• Competitive salaries and benefits

If you are a woman, a First Nations person or Inuit or a person representative of the diversity of Québec society, there are measures in the construction industry to make construction sites more inclusive.

If you are a woman, you can explore non-traditional trades because they offer good job prospects and challenging tasks. Visit the Exploring Trades and Occupations page to discover the options available to you.

If you are a First Nations person or Inuit, you can view the employment assistance services available to you in your integration process. These services are offered in collaboration with Indigenous organizations in several regions of Québec.

Knowing yourself to choose your trade

Construction is a field that values a wide range of skills. Whether you are hands-on, creative, or analytical, there is a trade for you.

To find out if construction is a sector that suits you, complete the Bien se connaître questionnaire (in French only) to know your dominant personality traits. This tool will help you towards the construction training programs that are right for you.

To explore career options, you can select one of the in-demand trades or occupations below to learn about the tasks, salaries, required training and job prospects.

Other construction trades are also in demand: 

If you are currently enrolled in a construction training program or have already completed training leading to one of these trades, you can view available job postings on the Québec Emploi government website by using the Activity area filter that applies to you.

By visiting the AdmissionFP website, you will find all the information you need to submit an application for admission. Once on the site, you can enter the name of the trade or the name of the program you are interested in in the search bar. You will then be able to view the educational institutions that offer the training.

Apply for admission

Types of training to enter the labour market

There are several pathways to enter the construction labour market.

Vocational and technical training

Completing a training program and obtaining a diploma is a great way to build a career in construction.

You can learn more about the support and study programs available to vocational training students.

The programs offered in vocational training centres allow you to acquire the skills needed to work in a construction trade.

Work-study program

The Work-study program (In French only) gives you the opportunity to put the skills you have acquired during training into practice through on-site internships. These practical experiences help you better understand the realities of the labour market. To find out if a program is offered as part of the Work-study program, visit the Programs and Training page and search for the program you are interested in.

Recognition of prior learning and acquired competencies

You can have the competencies you acquired outside of school recognized by applying for the recognition of prior learning.

It is also possible to have your relevant work experience recognized so that you can go directly to the provincial qualification examination. Find out how to have your training and work experience recognized by the Commission de la construction du Québec.

This process also helps you find a new job and advance your career.

If you need help with your career guidance or reorientation process, several organizations specializing in employability (in French only) and career counsellors can provide support to guide you toward the right training programs and employers. You can also get assistance with your process at a Services Québec office near you.