To ease labor shortages on construction sites, Quebec is launching an offensive to train 4,000 to 5,000 construction workers by the summer. We learned that an accelerated course is being offered, costing an average of $25 per hour, to attract aspiring workers The newspaper.
After the beneficiaries during the pandemic, it is now the turn of construction workers, who benefit from a quick and paid route into the job market.
The urgent need for new schools, housing, daycare centers, retirement homes and roads is forcing the Legault government to resort to extraordinary recruitment measures.
According to our information, accelerated training lasting four to six months for five construction trades will begin in January. There is a significant shortage of carpenters, excavator operators, heavy equipment operators, plumbers and refrigeration workers in Quebec. But be careful, interested parties have to decide and register by December 15th, they say.
The Prime Minister will announce the details at a press conference today. He will be accompanied on the occasion by ministers Bernard Drainville, Jean Boulet and Kateri Champagne Jourdain.
Like the PABs
At the CAQ back-to-school caucus in early September, François Legault made no secret of his intention to take inspiration from the PAB to massively direct workers into the construction industry.
The Prime Minister said he wanted quick results on construction sites and a cohort ready for the next summer season.
During the pandemic, accelerated training, which aimed to train 10,000 agents, paid $21 an hour.
The course for aspiring workers is paid an average of $25 per hour or $750 per week. This corresponds to the salary of an apprentice entering the construction industry. This time we hope to train between 4,000 and 5,000 workers.
Completion scholarships
In order not to neglect the current programs leading to the Professional Studies Diploma (DEP) in the five target construction trades, completion scholarships of between US$9,000 and US$15,000 are offered for trainees who start their training in November, December or January . according to a government source.
And in order not to jeopardize other critical sectors such as the pipefitter and electrician professions, Quebec needs to increase the intake capacity for DEPs pursuing these specialties. There is currently a waiting list for access to these two vocational training courses.
This recruitment drive comes in addition to the construction industry reform led by Labor Minister Jean Boulet. The latter wants to put an end to canning and allow certain tasks to be shared among around fifteen construction trades in order to reduce delays and cut costs.
Four accelerated training courses leading to a Certificate of Professional Studies (AEP).
- Carpenter-joiner
- Excavator operators and heavy equipment operators
- Tinsmith
- Refrigeration technician
Length of time: from 4 to 6 months, from January
compensation: average $25 per hour or $750 per week
Four professional study diplomas (DEP), which entitle you to a completion scholarship
- Carpenter-joiner
- Excavator operators and heavy equipment operators
- Tinsmith
- Refrigeration technician
Length of time: up to 18 months, starting in November, December or January
Completion scholarship: $9,000 to $15,000
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