Job prospects Metal Framer - Carpentry in the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour surplus for Carpenters in the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region. There were more workers available than job openings in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be limited for Carpenters (NOC 72310) in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation primarily depends on activity in the construction industry, particularly in residential construction and the institutional and commercial sectors.

After the sharp drop in the number of housing starts in 2022 and 2023, residential construction should gradually resume in line with falling interest rates. The housing demand, which is already very high, has intensified recently due to the population growth from permanent and temporary immigration. In the short term, the increase in housing starts will essentially come from rental units considering the strong demand throughout Quebec for this segment and the measures implemented by governments and municipalities to fast track project delivery. However, the pace of recovery may be slower due to the uncertainty surrounding the residual effects of the economic slowdown.

With a high level of activity in recent years, in the institutional sector, there are still many projects thanks to public investments in infrastructure, especially in health and education. Budgetary constraints could, however, slow down the start of some projects. The commercial sector continues to be disadvantaged by the uncertain pace of the economic recovery. Changes in consumer habits and high vacancy rates in office buildings are also affecting the sector.

Here are some key facts about Carpenters in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region:

• Approximately 1,250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 93%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology