Six Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career as a General Labourer

General labour is one of the most underrated, unglamorous and often overlooked career fields. The very phrase ‘general labour’ evokes images of blue-collar workers toiling away in an assembly line or lugging sacks of potatoes around a warehouse. These jobs are typically seen as grunt work that anyone with minimal education can do. But general labour jobs are much more than that – they’re not just about manual labour. 

General labour careers involve a wide range of tasks in many industries. A career in general labour may not be glamorous, but it has its perks because you can expect to have professional growth opportunities, a high demand for these services, and fair wages considering the level of education needed for this job field. Here are six reasons why you should consider a career as a general laborer in Richmond: 

General Labour Requires a Wide Variety of Skills

People often think that general labourers are only skilled at manual labour, but in truth, general labourers are skilled in numerous fields. General labour workers need to be able to lift and carry heavy items, follow safety protocols to avoid injury, and be able to remain focused and alert in potentially dangerous work environments. General labour workers also need excellent communication skills and the ability to work well with a team. General labourers are often given many tasks or responsibilities, which requires a certain level of multitasking and the ability to switch gears and focus on different tasks as they come up. General labourers may also be asked to use various tools or equipment, such as shovels, hand tools, chain saws, and even welding equipment. In some cases, general labourers will be required to operate heavy machinery like cranes, forklifts, or backhoes. The ability to read blueprints, diagrams, and schematics is also a very important skill for general labourers.

General Labour is in High Demand

If you’re worried that a career in general labour will be too saturated, fear not. General labour positions are in high demand all across Canada. There is a constant need for general labourers in businesses, construction, manufacturing, and even agriculture. General labourers are needed to assemble, transport, or break down raw materials and products. General labour positions may also include transportation of finished goods, packaging or storing materials, or operating heavy machinery. General labourers are the foundation of many industries and businesses, so there is a constant need for their services. If you’re worried that a career in general labour will be too saturated, fear not. General labour positions are in high demand all across Canada. There is a constant need for general labourers in businesses, construction, manufacturing, and even agriculture. General labourers are needed to assemble, transport, or break down raw materials and products. General labour positions may also include transportation of finished goods, packaging or storing materials, or operating heavy machinery. General labourers are the foundation of many industries and businesses, so there is a constant need for their services.

Good Wages for Those With Little Education

General labour careers offer good wages for those with little education. While salaries will vary from field to field, the average annual salary for general labourers in Canada is $37,000. Keep in mind that this figure is for those with minimal education, such as high school graduates. General labour workers with an apprenticeship certification or a post-secondary education will earn much more than the average wage. Although general labourers typically earn a lower wage than engineers or architects, they still earn a good wage and are able to provide for their families. Many general labour positions also come with full-time, full-benefits, and vacation time. General labourers with years of experience may also be eligible for a pension plan.

Career Advancement Opportunities

While a career as a general labour doesn’t offer the same advancement opportunities as an engineer or architect, it still offers opportunities to advance. General labourers can take on supervisory roles, become a business owner, or obtain an apprenticeship certification and become an experienced person. With the right amount of time and experience, general labourers could become a foreman or supervisor of a work crew. Some general labourers may also be eligible to obtain a commercial driver's license and drive a company truck to transport goods or raw materials. General labourers are also currently in high demand in Canada and will likely continue to be as construction ramps up and businesses need more goods transported. If you choose to stay in general labour, there’s a good chance you’ll find a job quickly and have job security. Many businesses rely on general labourers to keep the assembly line running or raw materials moving efficiently.

General Labour is an Entry Point for Many Careers

General labor is often the entry point for many careers. While some may argue that general labour is a dead end career, the truth is that many people use this field as a stepping stone to something better. Trade workers are the main example of how people enter the general labor field and then move up to different careers. People who have an interest in engineering but don’t have the academic qualifications to become an engineer often begin their careers as a general labourer and then move up to an engineering position. Other fields that use general labourers as entry points include architecture, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. If you’re interested in these fields but don’t have the academic qualifications to enter these careers, general labour is an excellent place to start.

General Labor Tends to Be Very Safe

General labor is a relatively safe field to work in. While there are exceptions to every rule, most general labourers work in safe environments with minimal risk of injury. General labourers who work in construction and operate heavy machinery may be at risk of injury, but many general labourers work indoors. General labourers may be responsible for moving parts of a factory or assembling a product. General labourers who work in a warehouse may be lifting boxes and moving items, but there is minimal risk of injury. General labourers who work outdoors may be at risk of being hurt by toxic chemicals, but the majority of general labourers work in a safe environment and are unlikely to be injured. General labourers who work indoors are unlikely to be harmed by toxic chemicals because they are not likely to be around them.

Conclusion

General labor is one of the most underrated, unglamorous, and often overlooked career fields. The very phrase ‘general labor’ evokes images of blue-collar workers toiling away in an assembly line or lugging sacks of potatoes around a warehouse. These jobs are typically seen as grunt work that anyone with minimal education can do. But general labor jobs are much more than that – they’re not just about manual labour. General labor careers involve a wide range of tasks in many industries. A career in general labor may not be glamorous, but it has its perks because you can expect to have professional growth opportunities, a high demand for these services, and fair wages considering the level of education needed for this job field.