The ICI sector needs skilled workers in roles such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, construction managers, HVAC technicians, designers, engineers, and more—making construction a great field for lifelong careers.
Why Choose Construction?
The construction industry in Ontario offers stable, rewarding, and well‑paid careers with opportunities across disciplines—from skilled trades and project management to engineering, design, and technology. In the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) sector, demand for talented professionals continues to grow as communities expand and infrastructure evolves.
Why Construction Is a Smart Career Choice
High Demand Across Trades and Professions
Competitive Wages and Benefits
Wages in construction continue to outperform many other industries in Ontario, reflecting the high value of skilled expertise and the essential nature of the work.
Growing Opportunities for Youth and New Entrants
Construction offers a variety of entry points, from apprenticeships and co‑op placements to professional degrees, making it accessible for both young people and career changers.
Hourly Wages in Ontario
| Job | Low | High |
| Construction Estimator | $38.46 | $61.54 |
| Construction Electrician | $34.00 | $50.50 |
| Concrete Mason | $35.70 | $45.59 |
| Construction Painter | $25.00 | $34.80 |
| Construction Plumber | $32.50 | $50.38 |
| Construction Carpenter | $32.00 | $48.00 |
| Construction Millwright | $35.59 | $48.50 |
| Window Installer | $25.00 | $40.00 |
| Welder | $28.00 | $41.28 |
Construction offers a wide range of rewarding career paths, each with its own skills, responsibilities, and earning potential. The hourly wages listed here represent just a few examples of common roles within the industry. For more information on additional construction careers, job opportunities, and detailed wage insights, visit the link below to explore a full range of occupations available across Ontario.
Source: Job Bank Canada www.jobbank.gc.ca
Women in Construction: Breaking Barriers
The construction industry is actively seeking to expand representation among women and under‑represented groups. Although women currently make up about 13.1% of the construction workforce in Ontario. This share is increasing as more women enter apprenticeships and careers in the sector.
GVCA supports initiatives that help remove barriers, promote inclusion, and celebrate women in construction through mentorship, career development, and community outreach.
Women bring valuable perspectives, leadership, and innovation to roles from on‑site trades to executive and technical positions, strengthening the industry for the future.
Source: Ontario Construction Secretariat www.iciconstruction.com
Inspiring the Next Generation: Legacy Builders
GVCA is proud to sponsor the Legacy Builders Construction Careers Association, a non‑profit dedicated to introducing young people to the wide array of careers in construction—from trades to engineering, project management, architecture, and more.
Legacy Builders engages students with:
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Hands‑on classroom workshops and activities
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Interactive construction simulations
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Career insights and real‑world experiences
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Curriculum‑aligned career planning resources
These programs help youth see construction as a viable, exciting, and rewarding career path—not just a fallback option.
Build a Career That Builds Ontario
Whether you’re:
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Just finishing school,
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Returning to work,
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Looking to switch careers,
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Or seeking steady, well‑paid employment...
Construction careers offer long‑term growth, good wages, and meaningful work that shapes communities and supports Ontario’s future.