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Working in Construction Jobs
Working in construction jobs can be a rewarding career for many people. People enjoy seeing the results of their labour, having the opportunity to learn new skills and the ability to work with their hands. Construction can provide an excellent income and job security. It’s common for people to be hired in construction despite a criminal record. Some reasons for this include:
- Lack of skilled workers
- Labour shortage
- Physically demanding elements of the job
- Government investment in infrastructure
- Projects aren’t always in major centres and companies need people willing to travel to the worksite
Meanwhile, people with criminal records can benefit because these types of jobs offer on-the-job training, opportunity for advancement, good income, and the possibility of becoming your own boss once you have developed the necessary skills.
Do Construction Jobs Require Record Checks?
Although many positions in construction don’t require record checks, there are some situations where you might need one.
Working on government contracts:
The biggest investors in new infrastructure are federal, provincial and municipal governments. Companies bid aggressively on these types of projects. Most of these types of projects require criminal record checks from everyone who will be working on them. Even if you are already employed by a company, you can be asked to get a background check down the road if a project requires it.
Working with heavy machinery:
If you have ever been charged with DUI, impaired driving or drug possession, companies may question your trustworthiness when it comes to positions that have a strong safety component. You may also need a driver’s abstract and a clean record to drive the company truck.
What Can You Do If You Have a Criminal Record?
If you have a criminal record, you should apply for a Record Suspension. Even if you don’t need a record check for your current position, it could come up. Common situations include:
- Changing jobs
- Apprenticeship training programs
- New contracts
- Business licences
Keep your opportunities open by keeping your record clean and getting a Record Suspension as soon as you are eligible. A Record Suspension seals your criminal record, so that you can pass a background check. You can apply after:
- Five years for a summary conviction
- Ten years for an indictable conviction
If you want to check your eligibility or learn more about the process, contact AllCleared for a free consultation at 1-866-972-7366.
