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People in roadbuilding and heavy construction work on all kinds of different projects. Just a few examples include:
- Construction of municipal roads, sidewalks, water and sewer lines in new areas of a community, or repairing and replacing infrastructure in existing communities.
- Construction of new highways, bridges, and overpasses, or widening and repairing existing highways.
- Construction of transportation systems, such as airport runways, bus lanes, and even subway systems.
- Work to support large projects, such as mines, hydroelectric plants and shopping malls.
And there is so much more! |
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Careers in roadbuilding and heavy construction are as varied as the kind of projects that you work on. Some of the types of jobs that you will find include:
- Superintendents, site foremen, company managers
- Heavy equipment operators, mechanics, drivers
- Labourers, asphalt crews, traffic signalers, pavers, concrete pourers
- Engineers, surveyors, estimators, planning designers
- Office managers, accountants, heavy equipment dealers, bonding and insurance agents
You can find our more about careers in construction from these websites: Trade Up!; Careers in Construction and Manitoba Job Futures.
The roadbuilding and heavy construction industry is filled with people who are highly trained, dedicated professionals who are committed to building Canada’s infrastructure and communities. Without them, our roads, water systems, sewers, and transportation systems would fall apart. They are leaders within their communities and successful business people who have not only done well financially, but who contribute on a daily basis to the success of their communities and their country. |
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| As demand for people with heavy construction skills has gone up, people in the roadbuilding and heavy construction field have seen pay increases well above the national average.
What you will get paid depends on a lot of things – where you live, years of experience, and the type of job you’re doing. The average earnings for a heavy equipment operator in Manitoba is $38,800 and goes to a high of $62,400. As you move into management, that figure can go much higher. |
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Like most types of careers, all kinds of people work in roadbuilding and heavy construction. In general, you will likely posses some of the following traits:
- Like to work with big machines and heavy equipment;
- Enjoy working outdoors, or having the option of working in an office setting;
- Can work as part of a close-knit team;
- Like the idea of seasonal work;
- Can problem solve and like a challenge;
- Have an appreciation for the environment, and want to work to preserve environmental habitats;
- Like to make good money!
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| There has never been a better time to join the roadbuilding and heavy construction industry. There is an unprecedented demand for people with skills in heavy construction. Plus, with thousands of people set to retire in the coming years, the future of the roadbuilding and heavy construction sector is looking good for the newest generation of workers. |
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| There are a number of ways to enter the industry, from taking construction-related courses to apprenticeships to learning on the job. People working as apprentices or labourers can earn while they learn!
Generally, new entrants require at least a Grade ten education, along with basic math and communication skills. For some jobs, like engineer or estimator, more formal education is required. For other jobs, such as an equipment mechanic, working as a three or four year apprentice is the best way to enter the industry.
Our Workforce program offers training to become certified as a skilled labourer or heavy equipment operator. You can visit Trade Up! – Trade Schools in Manitoba for a full listing of schools and colleges that provide training in construction-related careers. Visit Apprenticeship Manitoba to learn more about apprenticeships. |
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| The best way to get more information about careers in roadbuilding and heavy construction is to talk to someone who works in the sector. Don’t know anyone in roadbuilding or heavy construction? Contact us!
We’d be happy to put you in touch with a roadbuilder and/or heavy construction professional. |
