Job prospects Apprentice Carpenter in New Brunswick

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as an "apprentice carpenter" in New Brunswick or across Canada.

Job opportunities in New Brunswick

These outlooks were updated on November 29, 2023.

Good

The employment outlook will be good for Carpenters (NOC 72310) in New Brunswick for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

The demand for these skilled workers tends to fluctuate seasonally, with employment needs strongest during the summer months when residential construction typically peaks.
Strong housing and non-residential construction are driving current demand.
Opportunities are greatest for carpenters who are up to date on new and emerging technologies. For instance, workers will need to be able to read computer generated blueprints and be familiar with the latest tools and building codes. In addition, candidates should have access to transportation as they may be required to travel to job sites. Employment opportunities in other provinces may affect the available pool of carpenters in the province. Because many experienced and skilled carpenters return to seasonal jobs with the same employers each year, those with entry-level skills may encounter competition for available employment opportunities.
Self-employment in this field is common. Those interested in establishing their own business may wish to explore investment opportunities in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about Carpenters in New Brunswick:

Approximately 2,900 people work in this occupation.
Carpenters mainly work in the following sectors:
- Construction (NAICS 23): 84%
The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 92% compared to 84% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations
41% of carpenters work all year, while 59% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
25% of carpenters are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
- Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: 19% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 30% compared to 30% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 32% compared to 12% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 17% compared to 23% for all occupations
- bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 16% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

Explore job prospects in New Brunswick by economic region.

Location	Job prospects
Campbellton–Miramichi Region	Good
Edmundston–Woodstock Region	Good
Fredericton–Oromocto	Good
Moncton–Richibucto Region	Good
Saint John–St. Stephen Region	Good