Contractors and Supervisors in the Carpentry Trades (NOC 7204)

If you are interested in working as a Contractor or Supervisor in the Carpentry Trades in Canada, you will be pleased to know that the job outlook for your occupation in Canada is extremely positive.

You can use this overview of the Canadian employment prospects in your field to start planning your immigration and settlement in Canada.

Why your employment prospects in Canada are excellent:

• This occupation is often employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, maintenance departments of industrial establishments, and custom furniture and fixture manufacturing or repair companies.
• The strength of the construction industry usually has a direct impact on the employment outlook for this occupation.
• About 25% of workers in carpentry trades are 55 years of age or older, as a result many will be retiring in the coming years leaving more jobs to fill in this occupation.
• Population growth over the next decade will cause some growth in the construction industry. In addition, energy conservation will also stimulate demand for buildings that are more energy efficient (especially in the industrial sector) creating more job opportunities for carpentry contractors and supervisors.
• The areas with the largest population increases will also provide excellent job opportunities for this occupation.
• Many in this occupation are self employed contractors.

Some areas of Canada where your occupation is in demand:

While there is a shortage of contractors and supervisors in carpentry trades across Canada, the following cities and provinces listed below have a particularly high demand for this occupation.

British Columbia:

• Employment prospects are considered to be above average or good in B.C.
• The majority (53%) of this occupation work in the Lower Mainland/Southwest, and 20% working on Vancouver Island.
• Employment in 2010 is approximately 2,830. The number of new jobs to be created over the period 2010-2015 is 570, while the estimated number of jobs created due to retirement is 540 over the same period.
• Projected shortages on Vancouver Island due to the construction boom and as workers in this occupation retire.

Saskatchewan:

• Employment prospects for this occupation are good.
• A recent survey indicated a shortage of skilled workers in the residential construction industry, mainly in the carpentry trades.

Manitoba:

• Employment outlook is considered to be good for this occupation.
• Majority are employed in the construction industry.
• Major infrastructure projects like the Wuskwatim hydro-electric project will create some jobs over the next five years.
• Housing renewal, particularly in Northern Manitoba and First Nations communities should create employment.

Nova Scotia:

Annapolis Valley (Kings, Annapolis & West Hants)

• Local industry contacts suggest that finding enough workers to meet demand is challenging with some local contractors regularly turning business away due to a shortage of qualified workers.
• Most agree with provincial and national reports on the impending shortage of skilled construction tradespersons and labourers.
• Recently, there has also been out migration of skilled trades people to western Canada for periods of time to work, which greatly affects the supply of labour in the local area.

New Brunswick:

Moncton, Shediac, Sackville, Richibucto

• Employment prospects are considered to be good in these regions of New Brunswick.
• Employers indicated difficulty recruiting for available positions.
• Potential employers include: Acadia Concrete Forms Ltd., Acadian Construction, APEX Industries, Callaghan Contracting Ltd, Newco Construction Ltd., Waite's Garage Ltd., and Al-Pack Enterprises Ltd.

Nova Scotia:

South Shore (Lunenburg & Queens Counties)

• Employments prospects in this local region are considered to be fair.
• The number of people employed in this occupation is significantly above average, compared to all occupations in the local area. As a result, there will be additional demand based solely on this high level of employment, with more people moving to other jobs, retiring or quitting.

Duties for Contractors and Supervisors in the Carpentry Trades

This group includes carpentry and cabinetmaking trade contractors who own and operate their own businesses. This group also includes supervisors who supervise and co-ordinate the activities of workers classified in the following unit groups: Carpenters (7271) and Cabinetmakers (7272). They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, maintenance departments of industrial establishments, and custom furniture and fixture manufacturing or repair companies.

Description of Main Duties:

• Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of carpenters who construct, renovate and maintain structures of wood and other building materials and build and install interior finishing in residential, commercial and industrial buildings; and of cabinetmakers who construct and repair custom wooden cabinets, furniture, fixtures and related products
• Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments
• Requisition materials and supplies
• Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
• Train or arrange for training of workers
• Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
• Ensure standards for safe working conditions are observed
• Prepare schedules and other reports
• May manage the operations of own company
• May also supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.

Example job titles for Contractors and Supervisors in the Carpentry Trades:

Find out about salary ranges for Contractors and Supervisors in the Carpentry Trades in different Canadian cities with our Canada Salary Calculator.

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