Migrating To Canada As A Millwright
Canada is facing a severe labor shortage in many skilled trades, including construction millwrights and industrial mechanics. According to Job Bank, over the next nine years, the country will need an additional 1,900 workers in these fields to meet the growing demand. This shortage presents a valuable opportunity for internationally-trained professionals to immigrate and work in Canada, especially through the country’s Express Entry system, which has been expanded to target specific occupations, including these trades.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship immigration pathway for skilled workers. It includes programs like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Previously, Express Entry only conducted draws based on immigration categories. However, recent changes allow for occupation-specific draws, helping address labor shortages in critical industries like healthcare, technology, trades, and agriculture. This development significantly benefits foreign nationals with expertise as construction millwrights or industrial mechanics.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced these changes in May 2023, emphasizing that the goal is to make the immigration system more responsive to the needs of the Canadian labor market. By prioritizing candidates in targeted occupations, the government hopes to fill positions in industries that are struggling the most with shortages. Fraser noted that employers across the country have been vocal about the difficulty in finding skilled workers, and the occupation-targeted draws will help businesses grow and succeed by bringing in the talent they need. In addition to supporting the economy, these changes also aim to boost the number of French-speaking immigrants, particularly in communities outside Quebec.
Job Bank, Canada’s federal job-search website, projects that from 2022 to 2031, there will be 35,900 new job openings for construction millwrights and industrial mechanics due to both expansion and replacement demand. However, only 34,000 new job seekers will be available, which means labor shortages in these roles will persist. While the shortages were initially expected to be temporary, they are now predicted to become more structural, lasting throughout the decade. As a result, millwrights and industrial mechanics will continue to be in high demand across the country.
The job outlook for construction millwrights and industrial mechanics is especially promising in four provinces: Saskatchewan, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In these regions, the job prospects are forecasted to be "good" over the next three years. In other provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, job prospects remain "moderate." Regardless of the province, however, the demand for these trades is clear, and foreign workers can expect to find many opportunities across the country.
To qualify for an occupation-targeted Express Entry draw, foreign nationals must have at least six months of continuous work experience, either in Canada or abroad, in the past three years. This experience can be gained through work permits for temporary foreign workers or as international students on student visas. Those who meet the requirements can use their experience to secure permanent residency in Canada.
As of July 2023, there were 635 job postings for construction millwrights and industrial mechanics on Job Bank, many of which were in Ontario and Quebec. In Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, there were 229 job openings, while Quebec had 192. Other provinces, like British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan, also had significant numbers of job postings, indicating a nationwide demand for these skilled trades.
In terms of wages, construction millwrights and industrial mechanics can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $32. However, wages can range from $20 to $45.50 per hour, depending on the province and the employer. Based on a standard 37.5-hour work week, the top annual income for these trades can reach up to $88,725. This makes these positions not only in demand but also financially rewarding for those who pursue them.
In summary, the demand for construction millwrights and industrial mechanics in Canada continues to grow, driven by labor shortages that are projected to last for many years. With new opportunities available through Canada’s Express Entry system, foreign workers in these trades have a clear pathway to permanent residency and a chance to build a successful career in a country eager for their skills.