Vancouver is still in the midst of a property bubble, although construction activity has slowed significantly in recent years. Craigslist and local newspapers are the best places to find work but be careful as many employers tend to abuse employment laws (especially when employing new workers from abroad).

Tips:

• Get a letter from your employer stating the agreed hourly wage and pay day. If getting paid cash in-hand (or ‘under-the-table’), you are running the risk of getting short-changed or not even getting paid as you cannot legally prove that you worked the hours that you did.
• Though getting paid bi-weekly is the norm here, for short-term work try to get paid weekly as many employers will cite cash flow problems as an excuse to avoid paying you.
• Cheap work clothing and tools can be found on Craig’s List or else Midland Tools Liquidators on Kingsway and 21st for cheap tools.

Useful resources for Carpentry, Electricians, Labourers, Painters, Landscaping, General Labor
Craig’s List
Kijiji Classified
Simplyhired.ca
Wowjobs.ca
Newspapers: The Vancouver Sun, The Province

Temp agencies for Trades
Labor Ready
Manpower Staffing
Workforce Temporary Services Ltd
Pristine Labour Temp Agency Ask for Jo Elliott