How to become a construction trades helper or labourer
Official title: Construction trades helpers and labourers
Also called: Sider helper, Roofer helper, Glazier helper, Mason's helper, Plumber helper, Quarry labourer, Sheather helper, Carpenter helper, Insulator helper, Plasterer helper, Bricklayer helper, Ironworker helper
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
Some experience as a general construction labourer may be required for construction trade helpers. Some pipeline workers, such as stabbers, mandrel operators and pre-heater tenders, usually require one season of experience in oil and gas pipeline construction. Flagmen/women may require a traffic control certificate. Riggers and slingers may require a rigging certificate. On-the-job training may be provided.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $48,750 a year The middle half earn $40,950 to $64,350.
- About 143,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 161,400 are projected by 2033. (+12.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a construction trades helper or labourer?
Some experience as a general construction labourer may be required for construction trade helpers. Some pipeline workers, such as stabbers, mandrel operators and pre-heater tenders, usually require one season of experience in oil and gas pipeline construction. Flagmen/women may require a traffic control certificate. Riggers and slingers may require a rigging certificate. On-the-job training may be provided.
How much does a construction trades helper or labourer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $48,750 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $40,950 to $64,350.
Is a construction trades helper or labourer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2033, from about 143,200 to about 161,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a construction trades helper or labourer?
Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03