How to Hire a Drywaller in Canada?
Are you looking for a skilled and experienced drywaller to join your team? Hiring a qualified drywaller is crucial to ensure the quality and durability of your walls. However, finding the right drywaller can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Hookjobs’ recruiters and headhunters attempt to find the most professional drywallers for your organization.
In this article, we will provide you with our step-by-step guide on hiring a drywaller in Canada, so you can feel confident in your choice and achieve the desired results.
How we Assist you in Hiring a Drywaller in Canada?
When hiring a drywaller for your business, it is essential to ensure that they have the necessary experience and qualifications to handle tasks quite skillfully.
We offer expert guidance and support for hiring a drywaller in Canada. Our goal is to simplify the recruitment process and help businesses find the best drywaller for their needs.
Hookjobs take the following steps to find and hire the top drywalling talents in Canada, as illustrated in the flowchart.
1.Understanding your Drywalling Business
We create an inception report to better understand your drywalling business and identify the most qualified candidate for the job. Before hiring a drywaller, we need to determine the scope of your project. This will help us narrow down the search to drywallers who specialize in the type of work you require.
The specific details and focus of the report may vary depending on the needs and goals of your business.
Here are some main points we consider while writing an initial inception report for hiring a drywaller:
- The specific requirements of the job: We collect data on the type of drywall work needed, the size of the project, and the expected timeframe for completion.
- The working conditions of the job: We need to determine the location and hours of work and any special accommodations that may be necessary.
- Your company culture and values: We also need to gather information about your company culture and precise needs as well as any specific skills or traits that would benefit a drywalling candidate to possess in roder to fit in with the team.
- The qualifications and experience necessary for the position: We also consider the necessary certifications or licenses that may be required. If you need your future drywaller to hold specific certifications, we consider them during the hiring process.
- The compensation and benefits package: We also need to consider the perks being offered and any opportunities for advancement or professional development for the drywalling candidate.
2.Job Posting
After preparing the initial inception report, it is crucial to advertise your job vacancy to draw in competent drywallers for your organization. A well-written and informative job post can attract a higher quality of drywalling candidates and make the hiring process smoother and more efficient.
At Hookjobs, we produce tailored job ads utilizing various social media platforms and networks to locate the most capable drywalling applicants for your business. But what specific details do we include in a drywalling job post?
When creating a job post for hiring a drywalling candidate, we include several key components:
- Job title: We choose a clear and concise job title that accurately reflects your hiring position, such as “Experienced Drywaller” or “Drywall Installer.”
- Job description: Based on our initial inception report, we provide a detailed overview of the job responsibilities, including tasks such as installing drywall, taping, and sanding. We are also clear about the level of experience required, any specific certifications or licenses needed, and the physical demands of the job.
- Qualifications: We clearly state the qualifications necessary for the position, such as relevant work experience or education. This helps us attract suitable drywalling candidates and ensures that only qualified applicants apply.
- Salary and benefits: We also include a salary range and information about benefits which can help us attract more qualified drywalling candidates and show that your company values its employees.
- Contact information: We finally provide clear instructions for how to apply for the position and whom to contact with any questions. This includes an email address, phone number, or online application portal.
3.Resume Screening
To quickly and efficiently narrow down the pool of drywalling candidates and identify the most appropriate ones for further consideration, our recruiters at Hookjobs thoroughly review the resumes submitted by drywalling applicants.
First and foremost, our recruiters at Hookjobs try to ensure that the potential drywalling candidates have the relevant certifications or licenses for drywall installation. By so doing, we ensure that the candidates possess the credentials to perform the job legally and safely.
In Canada, several certifications may be required or preferred for a drywaller, depending on the province or territory. Some examples include:
- Interprovincial Red Seal: This national certification demonstrates your drywalling candidates’ competence. It is recognized in all provinces and territories.
- Provincial Certificate of Qualification: This is a provincial or territorial certification that confirms your drywallers’ proficiency. Requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
- Health and Safety Certifications: Certain health and safety certifications may be required depending on the job site and the specific tasks involved. For example, the drywallers may need certifications in first aid, fall protection, or WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).
- Manufacturer Certifications: Some drywall manufacturers offer certification programs demonstrating workers’ proficiency in installing their products.
Here is a table summarizing some of the certifications and requirements for drywalling in different provinces in Canada:
Province | Certification/License |
British Columbia | |
Alberta | |
Saskatchewan | |
Manitoba | |
Ontario | |
Quebec | |
New Brunswick | |
Nova Scotia | |
Prince Edward Island | |
Newfoundland and Labrador | |
Yukon | |
Northwest Territories | |
Nunavut |
After certificate checking, we take into account some other points, including:
- We ensure that the drywalling candidate has a proven track record of working in the drywalling industry and has hands-on experience with installation, repair, or finishing tasks.
Our recruiters ensure that the drywalling candidate has received formal education or training in the field of drywalling, which can help them understand the technical aspects of the job better. It can also show a willingness to learn and improve their skills.
We also make sure that the drywaller complies with local building codes and safety regulations, which will guarantee the safety of the occupants of the building.
- We also need the potential candidates to be familiar with various types of drywall materials and their properties to choose the appropriate material for a specific job. This is because different drywall materials have different properties and are suited for various applications.
- We ensure the candidates have experience using various tools and equipment, such as saws, drills, and hammers, to perform drywall installation and finishing tasks efficiently.
- As drywall installation requires a high level of accuracy and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and flawless finish, we make sure the drywalling applicants have these qualities to deliver high-quality work.
- Since drywall installation can be physically demanding and requires the candidate to work in multiple conditions such as confined spaces, high or low temperatures, and noisy environments, we make sure drywallers are physically fit and able to work in these conditions.
We need to ensure the potential candidates have good communication skills to interact effectively with team members and clients, understand their requirements, and provide updates on the project’s progress.
- We verify that drywalling applicants can accurately read and interpret blueprints or schematics, allowing them to understand the project’s layout and dimensions with precision.
4.Job Interview
After resume screening, we schedule interviews with the top candidates to gather more information on their skills, experience, and fit for the role.
By creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere during our interviews, we seek to put the potential candidates at ease and make them feel comfortable. This can help them to open up and be more forthcoming with their responses, which can provide our recruiters with a better understanding of the drywaller’s personality, work style, and qualifications.
Here are a few typical questions that we usually ask when hiring drywallers:
- What is your experience with drywall installation, repair, or finishing?
- What drywalling techniques are you familiar with?
- Are you familiar with local building codes and safety regulations related to drywall installation?
- What types of drywall materials have you worked with, and what are their properties?
- What tools and equipment have you used in drywall installation and finishing?
- How do you ensure precision and attention to detail in your work?
- Are you able to work in various conditions, including physically demanding tasks?
- Can you describe a time when you had to problem-solve or troubleshoot during a drywall installation project?
- How do you communicate and work effectively with team members and clients?
- Do you possess any relevant certifications or licenses required for the job or by local regulations?
5.Checking References
When hiring a drywaller, we need to check their references to ensure they have the skills and experience to do the job effectively. We can also get some valuable information about their characteristics and soft skills while working, such as their ability to interact effectively with customers.
Here are some steps we take to check references:
- Asking for a list of references: We ask the drywalling candidate for a list of references we can contact. These should be from previous clients or employers who can speak to the drywaller’s quality of work and professionalism.
- Contacting the references: We reach out to the references provided by the drywaller and inquire about their experience working with the drywaller, including their level of expertise, work quality, and ability to meet deadlines. We also ask about their personality traits and communication and customer service skills. This allows us to assess the candidate’s ability to interact effectively with customers, handle challenging situations, and exhibit positive personality traits, such as reliability and professionalism.
- Checking online reviews: We look for online reviews of the drywaller’s work. To do so, we check different sites and platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook to see what previous customers say about their experience working with the drywaller.
- Verifying their credentials: We check that the drywalling applicant has the necessary credentials to perform the work you need them to do. We also verify the certificates’ authenticity and credibility.
- Considering their reputation: We research what others in the industry say about the drywaller’s reputation. We check with industry associations or other professionals in the field to see if they have any recommendations or warnings about the drywaller.
6.Assessing the Drywalling Candidates
After checking references, we evaluate their skills in real-world scenarios. To gauge their drywalling proficiency, we administer written or practical assessments.
During the technical evaluation, we assess various areas such as:
- Drywall installation: We ask the drywalling applicants to install drywall, including measuring and cutting the material, securing it to the framing, and finishing the joints.
- Repair work: We ask the candidates to repair damaged drywall, including patching holes and fixing cracks.
- Knowledge of materials: We also ask the drywallers to identify different types of drywall and their properties, including fire-resistant and moisture-resistant materials.
- Safety: We must ensure that the drywalling applicants are fully aware of the safety and hygiene protocols. That is why candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of safety regulations and procedures related to drywall installation, such as the proper use of tools and protective equipment.
7.Training the Drywallers
Once the evaluation process is complete, we may offer special hands-on training to those candidates who have passed our evaluation exams. This helps the candidates receive more practical training for your given business.
Below are some instances of how we equip your prospective drywallers by preparing them for the job:
- On-the-job training: Trainees can work alongside experienced drywallers to learn novel techniques and best practices for installation, repair, and finishing.
- Hands-on practice: Trainees can practice drywall installation and finishing under supervision to practice the specific requirements of your business.
- Specialized training: If needed, trainees can receive specialized training in areas such as mould remediation, fireproofing, and soundproofing.
- Teaching customer service skills: Drywallers may be professional in their trade but need more customer service skills. As Drywallers interact with clients, it is paramount that they have good customer service skills. Our training includes instruction on interacting with clients, managing their expectations, and addressing any concerns they may have.
8.Drawing up a Contract
After completing the training sessions, the chosen drywalling candidates will be fully equipped to start working and can proceed to sign a contract.
We understand the importance of legally sound agreements, and as such, we work closely with our legal advisors to help you draft a comprehensive and fair contract for your drywalling staff.
Drawing up a contract with drywalling candidates in Canada involves several essential steps:
- Clearly defining the scope of work: We start by clearly defining the job position and responsibilities to the drywalling candidates, such as the expected work hours, pay rate, and job duties.
- Specifying terms of employment and payment: We specify the terms of employment, such as the start date, duration of employment, and any conditions that must be met to renew or extend the contract. We also specify the hourly rate, payment schedule, and any other payment-related details.
- Including clauses as to confidentiality and non-disclosure: By including such clauses, we attempt to protect your company’s intellectual property and any sensitive information related to the business.
- Including clauses related to liability and insurance: We clearly define the responsible party in the event of accidents or damages that may occur during the project.
- Specifying termination terms: We establish conditions under which you or your drywaller can terminate the contract and any applicable notice periods.
- Including any other relevant clauses: Depending on the specific circumstances, we may also include other clauses, such as those related to intellectual property ownership, dispute resolution, or non-compete agreements.
Labour Laws and Regulations for a Drywalling Business in Canada
As an employer in the drywalling industry in Canada, it is essential to be aware of the relevant labour laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues. Here are some key areas to consider:
- Employment Standards: You must be fully aware of the regulations as to the labour standards in Canada, including regulations on minimum wage, overtime pay, hours of work, vacation time, and other employment conditions. Each province or territory has its own employment standards legislation that sets out the minimum requirements for these areas.
- Health and Safety: You must provide a safe workplace for your employees and comply with federal and provincial regulations. This includes providing drywalling training and protective equipment, ensuring that drywallers are aware of potential hazards, and implementing safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Workers’ Compensation: You must have workers’ compensation coverage for your employees, which benefits workers injured on the job or developing an occupational illness. The specific requirements and coverage vary by province.
- Employment Insurance: You must deduct employment insurance (EI) premiums from your employee’s paychecks and remit them to the federal government. Drywallers who are laid off or have their hours reduced may be eligible for EI benefits.
- Human Rights: You must comply with federal and provincial human rights legislation, which prohibits discrimination based on specific characteristics, such as race, gender, age, and disability. You must ensure that their hiring and employment practices do not discriminate against any protected groups.
- Unionization: Employees have the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. You must respect your employees’ rights to join a union and must negotiate in good faith with the union if one is established.
What is the Average Wage for Hiring a Drywaller in Canada?
The average wage for hiring a drywaller in Canada can vary depending on location, level of experience, and the company or contractor they work for. However, the average hourly wage for a drywaller in Canada is around CAD $25-30 per hour. This can translate to an annual salary of approximately CAD $50,000 to $60,000.
It’s also important to note that wages can vary significantly based on factors such as the size and complexity of the job, as well as the level of experience and skill required. Additionally, unionized drywallers may earn higher wages and benefits than non-unionized workers.
Here is a table showing the average hourly wage for drywallers in different provinces of Canada based on available data:
Community/Area | Low ($/hour) | Median ($/hour) | High ($/hour) |
Alberta | 19.00 | 27.00 | 35.00 |
British Columbia | 18.50 | 27.00 | 35.00 |
Manitoba | 17.00 | 25.00 | 31.25 |
New Brunswick | 17.00 | 25.00 | 28.87 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 19.76 | 25.00 | 34.00 |
Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Nova Scotia | 17.00 | 27.00 | 34.72 |
Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Ontario | 20.00 | 33.86 | 43.23 |
Prince Edward Island | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Quebec | 23.50 | 35.80 | 40.78 |
Saskatchewan | 17.00 | 25.00 | 30.35 |
Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Different Types of Drywallers that we Hire
Choosing the right type of drywaller for your business is crucial to ensuring that your needs are met efficiently and effectively.
Here are some common types of drywallers that you may need to hire, depending on the specific needs of your company:
- Residential drywallers: These professionals specialize in installing drywall in homes and other residential buildings. They are skilled at measuring, cutting, and hanging drywall sheets on walls and ceilings, and they may also be responsible for finishing the joints and seams between the sheets.
- Commercial drywallers: Commercial drywallers work on larger projects, such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, and other commercial properties. They have experience working with heavy-duty drywall sheets and may also be responsible for installing fire-resistant and soundproofing drywall.
- Tapers: Tapers are responsible for finishing the seams and joints between drywall sheets to create a smooth, even surface. They apply joint compound, tape, and other materials to cover the seams and create a seamless finish that can be painted or wallpapered.
- Ceiling installers: Ceiling installers specialize in installing drywall on ceilings, which can be more challenging than installing it on walls due to the weight and size of the sheets.
- Textured drywall specialists: Some drywallers specialize in creating unique textures and finishes on drywall surfaces, such as popcorn, orange peel, or knockdown. They use specialized tools and techniques to create these textures, which can be used for aesthetic or functional purposes.
- Fireproofing and soundproofing specialists: Some drywallers specialize in installing drywall sheets that are specially designed for fireproofing or soundproofing purposes. They have specialized knowledge and training in these areas and may be required for specific types of projects.
FAQs
Q1: How many hours do drywallers work in Canada?
A: Drywallers in Canada typically work full-time hours of 35 to 40 hours per week or more but may also work overtime or irregular hours as needed for specific projects.
Q2: How do I ensure the drywaller I hire is reliable?
Check the drywaller’s references and ask for examples of their previous work by contacting their previous managers or supervisors or checking online reviews.
Q3: How many drywallers are required for a typical project in Canada?
One or two drywallers may be sufficient for most residential or small commercial projects. In contrast, multiple drywallers may be required to complete the work within the specified timeline in larger or more complex projects.
Q4: Can I hire a foreign drywaller in my company in Canada?
A: Yes, you can hire a foreign drywaller in your company in Canada through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process to demonstrate that there is a need for the foreign worker and that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position.
Q5: What is the typical timeline for a drywall project?
A: The timeline for a drywall project can vary depending on the scope of the work and the availability of the drywaller. Discussing the timeline and deadlines with the drywaller before hiring them is essential.