Rebuilding the Workforce: The Strategic Advantage of Filipino Recruitment for Canadian Construction
Canada’s booming construction industry is hungry for skilled workers. From mega-infrastructure projects to surging residential builds, hiring construction workers such as welders, engineers, and other tradespeople show no signs of slowing down.
This demand is acute because of a wave of retirements. In Ontario alone, the construction worker shortage reached a staggering 72,000 in 2023. Construction has seen the most job losses, followed by public administration, information, culture, recreation, and transportation/warehousing.
The answer? Look beyond borders through international construction recruitment. The Philippines offers a wealth of talent, and this blog will explore why Filipino workers are a strategic advantage for Canadian construction companies. We’ll provide a roadmap to find top talent through reliable agencies for jobs in Canada.
The Advantages of Filipino Workers for Canadian Construction
• English proficiency
Many Filipinos boast excellent English fluency, thanks to a strong education system that emphasizes English language skills. This eliminates language barriers, fostering seamless communication and collaboration on Canadian worksites.
• Adaptability
Filipino workers are renowned for their adaptability. They readily embrace new technologies, work styles, and safety protocols, ensuring a smooth transition into Canadian construction environments.
• Resilience
The Filipino spirit is known for its resilience. Filipino workers show a “can-do” attitude and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. This translates to problem-solving skills and a dedication to overcoming obstacles to complete projects on time.
• Resourcefulness
Similar to resilience, Filipinos make it a point to do everything they can to finish the task at hand. They excel at finding solutions with limited resources, demonstrating ingenuity, and a focus on getting the job done efficiently.
• Professionalism
Filipino workers take immense pride in their work. They’re known for their professionalism, dedication to quality standards, and commitment to safety regulations, making them valuable assets to any construction team.
Welders are in high demand in Canada’s construction, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing industries. The retirement of the blue-collar workforce has created shortages in skilled trades, making welders essential for various projects.
• Engineers
Canada’s residential sector is expected to rebound and grow between 2025 and 2029 because of a resurgence in new housing construction and a strong demand for renovation activity. The non-residential sector also projects to remain robust throughout the forecast period, driven by a high volume of large-scale projects across various regions.
These trends suggest a sustained need for skilled workers like engineers to design, plan, and execute construction projects. Engineering expertise will be needed in planned transit projects in Ontario and British Columbia, and utility projects in several provinces.
Fortunately, the Philippines is abundant with welders and engineers who can help companies like yours finish construction projects and contribute to Canada’s overall infrastructures.
Navigating the Recruitment Process from the Philippines
As part of Canada’s Indo–Pacific Strategy, the country has established efforts to simplify international recruitment for companies.
For one, the Canadian government implements CAN Work Philippines, a program to help employers hire workers from the Philippines more efficiently. It allows them to speed up work permit processing and arrange group appointments for medical exams and biometrics for potential employees. It’s open to employers hiring around 50 or more workers, especially in sectors like health care, construction, and agri-food.
The Canadian government also opened a new application processing center in Manila in 2023 to handle the considerable number of visa applications globally. It’ll also enhance client service and contribute to Canada’s goal of increasing immigration levels in the future.
Role of Philippine Government Agencies
When recruiting for the construction industry, coordinate and comply with two main government agencies in the Philippines that protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs):
• Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
Formerly called the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the DMW is the primary government agency that regulates the deployment of Filipino workers abroad. They ensure the legal and ethical treatment of OFWs throughout the recruitment process, including setting standards for contracts, fees, and worker welfare.
• Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is an agency of the Philippine Government under the Office of the President tasked to promote and uphold the interests, rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos and strengthen their ties with the Motherland.
Comparing Recruitment Options
You may wonder: should you get a local recruitment agency for construction jobs, or one based in the Philippines? Many factors come into play when choosing a recruitment partner. Here are some that you should consider:
Local recruitment
Philippine-based recruitment
Cost-effectiveness
Higher salaries and recruitment fees
Lower due to favorable exchange rates and lower wage expectations
Skill Availability
Limited pool, especially for in-demand trades
Potentially higher because of a larger pool of skilled workers
Training Levels
High because of access to local education and training programs
Training often aligns with Canadian standards, potentially minimizing additional training
Speed of Deployment
Faster for readily available candidates, but can be slow to find specific skills
May require additional time for immigration processing, but faster once qualified candidates are identified
Build a Bright Future with a Filipino Workforce
Canada’s construction boom demands a skilled workforce. Filipino workers, renowned for their work ethic and resilience, offer a solution. Their dedication ensures projects are completed to a high standard, on time, and on budget.
However, navigating international recruitment requires expertise. Partnering with a reputable Philippine recruitment agency is crucial. Staffhouse stands ready to guide you through the entire process. From identifying top talent to ensuring a smooth transition for your Filipino hires, we provide a comprehensive solution.
Explore our proven record in connecting Canadian construction firms with exceptional Filipino engineering and construction professionals. Our extensive network and recruitment experience mean we can match you with the best candidates for your needs. Whether you require engineers, project managers, or skilled laborers, we have access to a wide range of professionals ready to contribute to your projects. Discover more about our current job opportunities to see how we can help your business thrive.
Contact us today and build your competitive edge with Filipino talent!
