Engineering still strong, lower-skilled industrial labour not picking up, although logistic support jobs are gaining steam
Job posting analysis
Write to: Minh Dang mdang@staffingjournal.ca
Canada’s blue-collar job market continues to show sharp contrasts, with highly skilled roles thriving while lower-qualification jobs struggle to regain their footing.
Civil engineering remains a standout. Postings are hovering roughly 40% above pre-pandemic levels, reflecting ongoing investment in infrastructure, urban development, and public works. Industrial engineering is also on an upward trajectory, climbing steadily to sit 10% above pre-pandemic levels, a sign of renewed confidence in manufacturing efficiency and process optimization.
Construction tells a more cautious story. After months of strong demand, job postings have slowed recently, though they remain above pre-pandemic levels. The deceleration likely mirrors the cooling in residential building activity seen in housing starts data, even as demand for major projects keeps hiring needs afloat.
In contrast, lower-qualification roles in production and manufacturing are far below pre-pandemic benchmarks, weighed down by global trade frictions and the impact of tariffs on Canadian factories. This weakness points to ongoing pressures in sectors exposed to cost increases and shifting supply chains.
One bright spot is logistics support, which has grown steadily in recent weeks, now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The rebound in warehousing, shipping, and supply chain coordination is consistent with recent indicators from PMIs and the Labour Force Survey, both of which suggest resilience in Canada’s trade and distribution sectors though confirmation will come with upcoming data releases.
The result is a polarized landscape: demand for skilled engineers and logistical roles is strong, while traditional production jobs remain under strain. For workers and staffing firms, the message is clear; opportunity lies increasingly in specialized and resilient niches, while the broader manufacturing base continues to face headwinds.