10 High Demand Skilled Trades Jobs in Canada – Part 2

In Part 2 of our series on high-demand skilled trades jobs in Canada, we continue to explore careers that are essential to the nation’s economic growth and infrastructure development. In this part, we will cover heavy equipment operators, industrial mechanics, steamfitters, bricklayers, and sheet metal workers. These roles offer competitive salaries, job security, and the opportunity to contribute significantly to various industries.

Heavy Equipment Operators

Hourly Salary Range

Heavy equipment operators in Canada can expect to earn between $22 and $38 per hour. The salary varies based on experience, the complexity of the projects they work on, and the region.

Job Description

Heavy Equipment Operators are vital to the success of construction projects. They operate large machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, and cranes. These operators are responsible for preparing sites, moving materials, and ensuring that the heavy machinery is maintained and operates safely. Their skills are crucial in everything from road construction to major infrastructure projects like bridges and dams.

Number of Job Openings

There are currently about 4,000 job openings for Heavy Equipment operators across Canada. This number is indicative of the ongoing large-scale construction projects and the continuous development of infrastructure.

Future Outlook in Expanding Infrastructure Projects

The demand for skilled heavy equipment operators is expected to remain high as Canada continues to expand its infrastructure. With significant investments in transportation networks, urban development, and resource extraction industries, the need for experienced operators who can manage complex machinery is crucial. This trend suggests a stable and growing field for those interested in a dynamic and physically engaging career in skilled trades jobs.

Industrial Mechanics

Hourly Salary Range

Industrial mechanics in Canada typically earn between $30 and $50 per hour. This range reflects the high level of skill and technical knowledge required in this trade, as well as regional variations and the complexity of the machinery involved.

Job Description

Industrial Mechanics, also known as Millwrights, are pivotal in the manufacturing sector. They specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. This includes tasks such as assembling machinery, performing routine diagnostics, and troubleshooting systems to minimize downtime and ensure efficient operations.

Number of Job Openings

Currently, there are approximately 3,500 job openings for Industrial Mechanics across Canada. This demand is primarily driven by the manufacturing sector’s need for continuous maintenance and optimization of machinery to ensure operational efficiency.

Future Outlook in the Manufacturing Sector

The outlook for Industrial Mechanics remains robust as the manufacturing sector continues to evolve with technological advancements. The integration of automation and smart technologies into manufacturing processes is likely to increase the demand for skilled mechanics who can manage complex machinery and contribute to technological upgrades. This trend underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in this field, offering a dynamic and prosperous career path for those skilled in industrial mechanics.

Steamfitters

Hourly Salary Range

Steamfitters in Canada typically earn between $35 and $50 per hour. This range reflects the specialized skills required to handle high-pressure systems and the varying demands of different industrial sectors.

Job Description

Steamfitters are specialized tradespeople who install, repair, and maintain high-pressure piping systems. These systems are critical in numerous industrial settings, including power plants, chemical plants, and refineries. Steamfitters must read blueprints and understand complex systems to ensure that all installations and repairs meet safety standards and operational requirements.

Number of Job Openings

There are currently about 2,500 job openings for steamfitters across Canada. This number is expected to grow as industrial sectors continue to expand and upgrade their facilities.

Future Outlook for Industrial Growth

The demand for steamfitters is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. As industries such as energy, manufacturing, and chemical processing continue to grow and invest in new technologies, the need for skilled steamfitters to handle high-pressure systems will become even more critical. This trend offers a promising career path with opportunities for both professional growth and financial stability.

Bricklayers

Hourly Salary Range

Bricklayers in Canada typically earn between $30 and $50 per hour. This range is influenced by factors such as the level of experience, the complexity of the projects, and the region in which they work.

Job Description

Bricklayers are skilled tradespeople who lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other masonry materials to construct or repair walls, arches, chimneys, and other structures. Their expertise is crucial in both new construction and restoration projects, ensuring the durability and aesthetic quality of the structures.

Number of Job Openings

Currently, there are approximately 3,000 job openings for bricklayers across Canada. This number reflects the steady demand for masonry work in both residential and commercial construction.

Future Outlook in Construction and Restoration Projects

The outlook for bricklayers remains positive, with consistent demand in the construction industry. As urban development continues and older buildings require restoration, the need for skilled bricklayers is expected to remain stable. This trend provides a robust career path for those interested in skilled trade jobs that combine craftsmanship with physical activity and artistic expression.

Sheet Metal Workers

Hourly Salary Range

Sheet metal workers in Canada typically earn between $25 and $40 per hour. The complexity of the tasks, the worker’s experience, and the location of employment all have an impact on this range.

Job Description

Sheet metal workers are crucial in a variety of industries where metal parts are required. They fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products. From HVAC systems to aircraft and beyond, these skilled professionals work with precision to cut, shape, and mold metal to meet specific design specifications.

Number of Job Openings

There are currently about 3,200 job openings for sheet metal workers across Canada. This number is indicative of the ongoing need for metal components in various sectors, including construction, automotive, and aerospace.

Future Outlook in Various Industrial Applications

The demand for sheet metal workers is expected to remain strong. With advancements in technology and the continuous need for specialized metal components in various industries, the role of sheet metal workers is becoming increasingly important. This trend suggests a stable and potentially lucrative career path for those skilled in metal fabrication and installation.

The skilled trades jobs highlighted in Part 2, including heavy equipment operators, industrial mechanics, steamfitters, bricklayers, and sheet metal workers, are crucial to Canada’s continued economic growth and development. These careers offer stability, competitive wages, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in various industries. Whether you are already in the field or considering a career in skilled trades, these jobs offer promising prospects for the future.

Continue Reading in Part 1

How to Immigrate to Canada for Skilled Trades Workers

If you are in one of the above skilled trades and considering immigration to Canada, there are several pathways you can take. Canada actively seeks skilled trades workers to fill labor shortages across the country, and there are specific immigration programs designed to facilitate this.

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways for skilled trades workers to immigrate to Canada. Within Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is tailored for individuals in skilled trades. To be eligible, you must:

• Have a job offer in Canada for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
• Meet the required language levels in English or French.
• Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply.
• Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Many Canadian provinces and territories have Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that are tailored for skilled trades workers. These programs allow provinces to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Some PNPs have specific streams for skilled trades workers. For example:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Ontario has a Skilled Trades Stream for skilled workers in eligible trades who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): British Columbia has a Skills Immigration – Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category for workers in skilled trades.
• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Alberta offers various streams for skilled trades workers through its Alberta Opportunity Stream.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada hire qualified candidates for jobs that they haven’t been able to fill locally. This program is available in four provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Skilled trades workers who receive a job offer from an employer in one of these provinces may be eligible to immigrate through this program.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community-driven program that aims to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating communities. Skilled trades workers with a job offer in one of these communities may qualify for this program.

At Altec Global, we are dedicated to helping individuals achieve their Canadian immigration dreams, no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem. If you need immigration assistance, we encourage you to contact our team for a personalized assessment.