Today, the CCQ unveils the vocational prospects in the construction industry for the period 2026–30. The report confirms a clear trend: the industry will continue to grow and workforce needs will remain high in coming years. Over this period, workforce needs are assessed at 17,000 employees on average per year, and the need for a new generation of workers will remain strong for all trades and occupations. 

To access the press release, please click here: Communique---Perspectives---Mai-2026.pdf. 

Here are the report’s highlights: 

For the period 2026–30, workforce needs are assessed at 17,000 employees on average per year, and the need for a new generation of workers will remain strong for all trades and occupations. 

The forecast for hours worked covering work subject to the Act Respecting Labour Relations, Vocational Training and Workforce Management in the Construction Industry was revised in April 2026 and establishes an average of 220 million hours for each of the next four years, compared to 211 million hours last year. To reach this goal, the industry will have to employ on average more than 200,000 workers annually up to 2030, resulting from the strong future needs on construction sites.

In 2025, the industry welcomed 17,800 new workers, compensating for this growth and for departures linked, notably, to demographic ageing. A total of about 202,000 workers accumulated 216.0 million hours worked, an increase of 3%.

Although Québec is facing an uncertain global context, marked by powerful trade tensions, the construction industry continues to stand out as a key economic sector in many regions.

The industry is facing a major challenge: the availability of qualified workers is limited, growth is strong, and some trades are particularly affected by the ageing workforce. Ensuring that a new generation of workers joins the industry is essential across all trades. 

Job prospects are particularly favourable for many trades: insulators, tile setters, carpenter-joiners, roofers, cement finishers, electricians, tinsmiths, security systems installers, erector mechanics (glaziers), fire-protection mechanics, pipe fitters, heavy equipment operators, painters, plasters, resilient flooring layers, and interior systems installers.

A special event to reveal the report!

The CCQ organized an event, which took place this morning, to mark the publication of the report Perspectives professionnelles dans l’industrie de la construction 2026-2030. In attendance were the leaders of the Québec construction industry and different partners.

The event, with more than 140 participants, offered enriching conversations on subjects around the capacity of the construction industry to respond to the order book, improving productivity and adopting innovations, and the importance of having a sufficient number of skilled workers. 

The CCQ would like to thank Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for Canadian Relations, as well as the members of the panel for their presence and for the devotion that they have shown in their respective organizations. It is in this spirit of collaboration that Québec can build more and better.