Phil Gaudreau - Eastern Ontario College Consortium / Consortium des collèges de l'Est de l'Ontario

Author: Phil Gaudreau

How Ottawa’s construction sector is building its way to the top

Posted on by Phil Gaudreau
2020 Ottawa's construction sector spotlight
The Ottawa Employment Hub creates annual reports looking at Ottawa’s 16 key employment sectors.

On your next walk around your neighbourhood, count how many bulldozers, cranes and construction signs you see. Or, next time you take a drive around the city, stop and look at how many buildings are being built, or how much road work is being done. That joke about Ottawa only having two seasons — winter and construction — probably doesn’t seem like a joke these days.

The 2020 Construction Sector Spotlight, recently published by the Ottawa Employment Hub, shows that the sector gained 2,581 jobs from 2014 to 2019.

Here are some more key facts about Ottawa’s construction scene that might interest you:

  1. There are 7,258 construction businesses in Ottawa. Together, they represent the fourth largest employment sector in the city.

  2. With an average annual salary of $63,845, construction is ranked seventh among Ottawa’s top 16 sectors. Note that this number does not include self-employed income.

  3. The most common occupation in the Ottawa construction industry, with 10,035 jobs, is a building and equipment operator. Those employed in these roles install or service equipment that forms part of a building mechanical system. Fifteen hundred of those jobs, which fall under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 2382, were created between 2014 and 2019.

So, what does this mean for job seekers?

  • There were 32,847 construction jobs in Ottawa last year, a number that continues to increase yearly. When you see cranes and bulldozers, think jobs and growth.

  • Think small. The vast majority of construction businesses in Ottawa employ under 100 people. While jobs are plentiful, the sector generally did not post many job ads — just 476 last year. You may need help finding those firms that are hiring. See the full report for some help in finding the companies that have open jobs.

  • Think big. Working in the Ottawa construction industry could mean working on home building projects, major city priorities like the film production hub, renovations on federal landmarks like the Parliament buildings or important road and bridge work, among many exciting opportunities.

To download the full report, visit the Ottawa Employment Hub website.

Already working in construction? Looking to take your career to the next level? Check out our course options in project management or facility management.

The Ottawa Employment Hub regularly publishes sector spotlights looking for employment trends in Ottawa. To learn more, visit their website and sign up to receive their newsletter.

Three key takeaways from the Ottawa 2020 Manufacturing Sector Spotlight

Posted on by Phil Gaudreau
2020 Ottawa's Manufacturing sector spotlight

Lifesize dinosaur models. Vodka made from milk. The guitar pedal used by Lady Gaga’s guitarist. What do they have in common? All of them were made in eastern Ontario.

Does that list surprise you a bit? When you think of Ottawa and the Valley, you might think of federal government jobs, or high tech. But not only is there a vibrant manufacturing sector in eastern Ontario — it is actually growing!

The 2020 Manufacturing Sector Spotlight, recently published by the Ottawa Employment Hub, shows that the sector gained 440 jobs over the last few years and was one of the busiest sectors for job ads in 2019.

Here are a few other interesting facts from the report:

  1. With an average job salary of $66,610, manufacturing ranked fifth among Ottawa’s top 16 employment sectors. Note that this statistic count does not include self-employed income.
  2. Manufacturing jobs could be found among a diverse range of employers, from General Dynamics Missions Systems Canada to the Canadian Bank Note Company.
  3. Beverage and tobacco manufacturing jobs in the Ottawa area rose 130% over five years, and those budding employers are forecast to continue growing for the next few years.

So, what does this all mean for job seekers?

  • If you’re looking for a job, give the manufacturing sector a look. Some manufacturers are finding it difficult to attract the right employees. But, as the salary data shows, there are rewarding opportunities available.
  • Manufacturing doesn’t have to mean working in a plant. When you hear manufacturing, your mind might turn to assembly lines or factories. But, as the report shows, you could also think of manufacturing in terms of breweries and bank jobs. There are many different kinds of organizations that manufacture products in eastern Ontario.
  • Big? Small? Manufacturing has it all! While nearly 60% of manufacturing employers included between five and 99 employees, the sector in Ottawa also includes major national and international players. Whether you’re looking to be a part of a small, close-knit team, or part of a much larger organization, there are manufacturing jobs for you in Ottawa.

Download the full report here.

The Ottawa Employment Hub regularly publishes sector spotlights looking at employment trends in Ottawa and Ontario. To learn more, visit their website and sign up to receive their newsletter.