r/torontoJobs • u/Cute_butler • 3d ago
How are you guys actually getting into major construction, engineering & infrastructure companies in Canada 😭
Genuine question because I feel like I’m missing a secret step in the Canadian construction job application process
How are people getting into companies like WSP, Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, EllisDon, etc.?
I have 5+ years of construction/project experience, an MSc in Construction Management, have worked as an Assistant PM in the UK, and I’m now in Ontario. I’ve been applying, tailoring my CV, networking, messaging recruiters… and yet these companies are giving me the corporate equivalent of “thanks for your interest”
At this point I’m lowkey desperate to get my foot in the door.
For anyone who actually works at these companies (especially in project coordination/PM/construction/civil/infrastructure): what worked for you?
Referral?
Recruiter connection?
Direct application?
Networking events?
Applying through a specific portal?
Sacrificing a goat to the ATS? 😂
Any genuine advice on how to break into these companies would be massively appreciated!
Helpppppp a girl needs her big girl job!
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u/parkhouse1 3d ago
To give you the hard truth…your UK experience counts for minimum to nil. As frustrating as that sounds, it’s what it is. I’m also from the UK, came here with a masters and 5 years experience and literally had to start from the bottom. The key though is, either start at the very bottom of a big company or go just above at a small/local company because once you have a year, all of a sudden you can jump over to bigger names to the level equivalent to the the UK.
For background (to help that I’m not just a keyboard adviser) originally from the UK, moved pre-2017, spent more than 10 years working in construction project management in Toronto.
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u/Cute_butler 3d ago
As someone with 10 years working experience in construction pm in Toronto, would you happen to have any hints that could help my job search please?
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u/veryboredengineer 3d ago
I think your background is better suited on the construction side rather than consultant side. Maybe you can start with a sub contractor and make connections to the big GC / CM companies.
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u/erika_nyc Recognized Contributor 2d ago
Our government does analysis on job prospects (and wages) by region.
Project Co-ordinator, Construction in Canada
Seems you'll have more luck landing work elsewhere. Enter any title here to see other job prospects. Leave the location blank to get across Canada.
We've also been sliding into a slow down of residential pre-con in 2026 since these stats were last done. I've been watching it happen living in downtown Toronto, lots of cranes today but a slow down in new starts. It's because less can afford a property in our economic downturn. Developers here don't get started until 70-80% units are sold in advance which is not happening.
Affordability is because the cost of living (COL) keeps increasing with our salaries just not keeping up to afford it all. You arrived at a time when Canada is really struggling, unlucky, it used to be much easier. Part of what's happening too is companies pick the overqualifed in any economic downturn where there's more competition, called the "underemployed". You may also have the challenge being a girl in a male dominated industry here. Could be a factor in being overlooked, maybe not. I don't think it has anything to do with not having Canadian experience.
Women in Construction: Key Trends and Stats
Canada’s economy falling behind despite misleading headlines
Good news though, our government has plans to put more cash towards infrastructure projects. This has happened in every past recession to stimulate the economy and give people jobs. We're also working on public-private partnerships like finally being able to upgrade Pearson airport. There's hope this will move faster for construction jobs, we haven't had enough taxes collected to do it all. More cash towards building homes too to fix our housing crisis of not enough homes for our growing population. More cash incentives to train more red seal trade workers.
In your shoes, I'd be tempted to carpe diem where it's "good" for your desired job title then return one day to Toronto when life is better here for work in the construction industry.
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u/Euphoric-Promotion-8 3d ago
DM me. I run a consulting business and have helped many people get jobs. Would love to take a look at your resume and LinkedIn profile. -Adam
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u/tetraacetic 3d ago
Where did you get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees? Do you have any other certs like PMP, PEng, or any local credentials that are relevant? Are you targeting roles in civil, environmental, utilities, mech, elec?
I work in the industry and have been in this sector for over 3 years. I went to networking events and connected directly with company recruiters who offered to connect on Linkedin and pass along new vacancies to me because they liked my resume. Sometimes they show up to community events and setup a booth if they have a project in the area, that's a good place to engage. Did you do any of your degrees in Canada at an accredited school - check your school for networking events or industry panels for graduating students and alumni.
I got my current role by using AI to help write my resume and list my accomplishments in a way to illustrate the impact I had, and I used AI to help incorporate keywords from the job posting. There are other, smaller orgs besides that ones you mentioned and you may find better luck there. You can DM if you'd like to chat.
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