About the HomeBuilders Initiative
Wondering about the organization behind the Homebuilders Initiative? We are the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association of BC and we want to encourage you to check out the vast array of careers in the trades in this province. Have more questions? We’ve got answers below.
We’re here to help you get into a successful career in residential homebuilding. With training, resources and programs, we’re your go-to for the information and support you need to get everything a career in homebuilding has to offer.
Homebuilding is a career that truly matters. It can give you financial stability and success, and a pathway to owning your own business. Plus, when you’re building homes, you’re building real value for others and for the community.
Anyone who wants a successful and stable career that is building real value for their community. If you’re a skilled tradesperson, you’re an especially perfect fit to step into a career in homebuilding. But whatever your experience or expertise, we’re here to support you.
The two main misconceptions about a career in homebuilding are that it’s a second choice, or fall back, career and that the working environment is unprofessional. Like any profession, there are challenges but we’re working hard to change these perceptions. Homebuilding is a valuable career that is often lucrative, and working environments are professional and increasingly inclusive.
There are many opportunities in homebuilding for people with different skilled trades backgrounds. There’s carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, heavy equipment operators and many more. If you’re interested in any aspect of homebuilding, with or without a background in the skilled trades, we can help you get on track for a rewarding and lucrative career.
About the Skilled Trades
Looking for a rewarding career with great Considering a career in the skilled trades in BC? Already working and pondering a new career path within the industry? You’re in the right place. The Homebuilders Initiative is a resource for you and there are many tools here to help. If you have questions, we may have the answers below.
You’re in the right place! The skilled trades in BC is a robust industry with many different career paths. Determine what your area of interest is, such as drawing designs, building, or organizing a team. Read some articles in the Tricks of the Trade section, and you will be able to narrow down a list of potential careers.
Anyone! The industry is very diverse and is filled with professionals who want flexibility to live the life they want with financial success. Tradespeople are usually good communicators and collaborators and they are willing to work hard and smart.
The demand for skilled workers in homebuilding is growing every year and so are the salaries!
If you visit our Career Profiles, you’ll see we’ve included a salary range for each one. The data is compiled from our partners at the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) who survey employers in the construction industry each year about the wages and benefits they offer.
We’ve also sourced some of our data from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. It provides information on wages, outlook, education and skills needed for thousands of jobs, including homebuilding careers.
Currently, there are over 100 trades to choose from in BC and the demand is increasing. Right now, there are only 4,227 apprentices who identify as women, which is 10% of the total, and there are only 3,490 Indigenous apprentices, which is 9% of the total. With an anticipated 85,000 skilled worker job openings by 2033 in the province, there is room for everyone who is interested in challenging and rewarding careers in the trades.
In 2023/24, there were 10,000 youth ages 16-26 participating in the skilled trades training and apprenticeships. With an anticipated 85,000 skilled worker job openings by 2033, there is a high demand for young people to enter the trades in BC. On-the-job training covers 80% and the rest is in class, which allows young workers to jump in and learn and earn a great salary right out of high school.
Starting your career in the trades presents an opportunity to build your own business. By starting in the industry with supportive, on-the-job training or an apprenticeship, you can learn the many facets of the trade, as well as how to run a successful business. Pursuing your passions while achieving financial freedom and independence is a benefit to being a tradesperson, and at the same time, you get to be an important part of building a better future in BC.
Insights
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HOMEBUILDING
The skilled trades are your key to a lucrative career in residential construction. Check out what’s happening in the industry.
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