In Atlantic Canada, the construction industry is growing in parallel with the arrival of new Canadians. Capital expenditures in the construction sectors are positive, and, at Halifax now has the highest residential project investments in the country.
Although, the construction industry is regulated provincially, most trades are recognized from one province to another, and, internationally through trade qualifiers.
With the exception of Newfoundland, increased spending and an aging population has led to significant skill shortages. In Nova Scotia for example, the construction trades anticipate 8100 retirements and only 5000 new entrants. The scenario is similar in New Brunswick where 7,400 retirements are expected and only 5000 are scheduled to fill those positions.
(For more information on labour market data per province please consult www.constructionforecasts.ca)
Fortunately, construction businesses in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are eligible to take in new immigrants through the temporary foreign worker program, provincial nomination programs, in addition to, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project.
Also, if a person does not already have a recognized trade, there is the option of attending college in Canada, or, enrolling in an apprenticeship program.
Overall, the construction industry provides an astonishing 50 career options. See https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/careers/career-finder
While most trade colleges have one or two- year programs, apprenticeship programs, are only 20% in class and 80% on the job training.
For the purpose of immigration, it is important to note that each trade is assigned a national occupation code (NOC). Job descriptions and salaries are linked to NOC’s according to provincial and regional areas. Immigration programs are also dependent on skill qualifications and whether the job description matches a NOC 0, A, B, C. or D.
For persons wanting to immigrate, it is important to note, that the construction industry provides viable and rewarding career paths, with little investment, and many options leading to permanent residency.
For useful links to apprenticeship consult with the different provinces.
New Brunswick: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-secondary_education_training_and_labour/Skills/content/ApprenticeshipAndTrades/AboutApprenticeship.html
Nova Scotia: https://www.nsapprenticeship.ca/
Newfoundland: https://www.gov.nl.ca/aesl/app/faqs/
Prince Edward Island: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-lifelong-learning/designated-trades-pei
The benefits of a Canadian degree are numerous: Credentials are easily recognized by employers, the demand for your skills are high, you are allowed to work while studying, and, studying in Canada provides a pathway towards Canadian permanent residency. Atlantic colleges offer trades in one or two year programs. As a foreign student, you are now allowed to work part time during sessions and full-time during breaks and holidays. Programs which are 8 months or longer are eligible for post graduate work permits of equal duration. Post-Graduate work permits are open work permits which allow you the freedom to chose your employer, and, can also lead to numerous permanent residency options both through provincial and federal programs.
Here are some colleges offering construction related trades. International tuition rates and the cost of living varies a lot from city to city, however, the Atlantic Canadian Colleges have some of the most affordable tuition rates in the country.
Holland College: http://www.hollandcollege.com/
Nova Scotia Community College: https://www.nscc.ca/learning_programs/programs-by-area-of-interest/building-and-manufacturing-programs.asp
New Brunswick Community College: https://nbcc.ca/programs-courses/full-time-programs
College of the North Atlantic: https://www.cna.nl.ca/