Description
Construction trades helpers and labourers assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring activities at construction sites, in quarries and in surface mines. They are employed by construction companies, trade and labour contractors, and surface mine and quarry operators.
Job Titles
- Asphalt spreader
- Bricklayer helper
- Carpenter helper
- Concrete mixer helper
- Concrete paving labourer
- Construction helper
- Construction labourer
- Demolition worker
- Driller helper – surface mining
- Drywall sander
- Excavation labourer
- Flagperson
- Glazier helper
- Pipeline mandrel operator
- Plumber helper
- Roofer helper
Main Duties
- Load and unload construction materials, and move materials to work areas
- Erect and dismantle concrete forms, scaffolding, ramps, catwalks, shoring and barricades required at construction sites
- Mix, pour and spread materials such as concrete and asphalt
- Assist tradespersons such as carpenters, bricklayers, cement finishers, roofers and glaziers in construction activities
- Assist heavy equipment operators to secure special attachments to equipment, signal operators to guide them in moving equipment and provide assistance in other activities
- Assist in aligning pipes and perform related activities during oil and gas pipeline construction
- Assist in drilling and blasting rock at construction sites
- Assist miners in excavating and in setting up and operating various drills and other surface mining machinery
- Level earth to fine grade specifications using rake and shovel
- Assist in demolishing buildings using prying bars and other tools, and sort, clean and pile salvaged materials
- Remove rubble and other debris at construction sites using rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and other equipment
- Operate pneumatic hammers, vibrators and tampers as directed
- Tend or feed machines or equipment used in construction such as mixers, compressors and pumps
- Clean up chemical spills and other contaminants, and remove asbestos and other hazardous materials
- Oil and grease hoists and similar equipment
- Direct traffic at or near construction sites
- Perform other activities at construction sites, as directed.
Workplaces
- Construction companies
- Surface mine and quarry operators
- Trade and labour contractors
Skills
- Management of Material Resources
- Operation and Control
- Preventative Maintenance
- Quality Control Testing
- Coordinating
Abilities
- Dynamic Strength
- Static Strength
- Trunk Strength
- Body Flexibility
- Explosive Strength
Personal Attributes
- Collaboration
- Active Learning
- Adaptability
- Concern for Others
- Independence
Similar Occupations
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be very good for Construction trades helpers and labourers (75110) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
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 800 people work in this occupation.
- Construction trades helpers and labourers mainly work in the following sectors:
- Construction (NAICS 23): 82%
- Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482, 483, 486, 487, 493): 7%
- 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 occupation
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $16.00 | $17.50 | $23.46 |
| Canada | $16.00 | $23.00 | $35.00 |
Training
| TRAINING PROGRAM | INSTITUTION | CREDENTIAL |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry | Holland College | Certificate |
| Heritage Retrofit Carpentry | Holland College | Certificate |