Over the next several months, Quebec will host introductory camps for construction trades in several regions. The goal is to encourage people to enter the trades or pivot their careers to enter the construction industry.

The construction camps were kicked off by Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Employment, and Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour. They were accompanied by President Éric Fraser and CEO Audrey Murray from the Commission de la construction du Quebec. 

These camps are specifically aimed at attracting people from marginalized and underrepresented communities, such as Indigenous peoples and women. Additionally, they aim to welcome new school graduates or those looking for a career change. The camps will provide a free educational introduction to the skilled trades, including bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, shovel operation, and electrician work. This free entry will offer a single-day practical experience to help people understand what’s involved in the trades. 

According to the Commission de la construction du Quebec, the industry needs an average of 17,000 tradespeople annually to run effectively. These training camps stem from a strategy from the Association de la construction, an industry employers’ association specializing in commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors. The association has received $1.3 million from the Quebec government to fund the camps. 

The regions where the construction camps will operate include Sept-Îles, Pessamit, Jonquière, and Gatineau in October and Trois-Rivières, Quebec City, Anjou, and Longueuil in November. Laval will follow, with Montreal and Sherbrooke running camps in February 2025.

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