Normal work for construction, division between foremen and management
I worked as a laborer for PCL for a little over a month before being laid off. That's where job security came as a 1 star.
A normal day was always unpredictable. You show up for work and try and find where your foreman was for 20 minutes since they never said where to meet, you'd be given a very vague job such as "Clean this floor" while working around 5 different trades on that floor and needing to ask every person whether or not they're using something. Asking for clarification usually wouldn't get much of an answer other than a couple of grunts and a figure point at "That that and that" and then have the foreman run off to go somewhere.
This was due to the fact that the foremen were ran ragged with their own issues from the people who told them what to do. So there was plenty of issues for everyone no matter how long they'd been there for.
I learned plenty of things when it came to construction, once you start working things are normal because you just do what you're told to the best of your ability and things work just fine even if it wasn't exactly what your foreman grunted about.
My coworkers were always good, I never had issues with anyone I worked alongside and they were more than willing to help with some green thumb like me asking dumb questions, this was probably the best part of the job since everyone was willing to help instead of being some elitist jerk that scoffs at someone who doesn't know what they don't know.
The hardest part of the job was t
ProsGood workers, decent wage (19.70 for a no experience laborer)
ConsCommunication issues, pointless work, feelings of being unnecessary
PCL is a great company to be a Carpenter with clear roads to advance your career and plenty of people with proper experience, You will find this is not the case as a Surveyor.
As a Project Surveyor prepare to fight daily for a survey assistant and proper equipment. this will make meeting tight deadlines and tolerances difficult and you will be one of the first places they will try and cut costs.
Being micro-managed is a part of the Gig but it would be beneficial if anyone in a management position had some form of understanding as to what we do as well as the time it takes to do things correctly. each site usually has an office full of people who Are incapable of creating survey data or understanding what a coordinate system is let alone local vs 3tm so you will have no drafting support and be ready to do all your own data checks.
If you're looking for survey experience within a limited scope to the broader Land Surveying industry and are comfortable making a decent wage they are a good company I have heard of people having good experiences on other projects so take this review with a grain of salt I dont speak for everyone. and it would be worth contacting someone within PCL as a surveyor before applying for a position as one in said company.
That being said there are other Survey companies that Pay better and have actual training and mentoring programs that do this type of work better I think PCL should have to use subcontractors for a few years and see how much that co
ProsI enjoyed the type of work I was doing.
ConsNot structured properly to support, manage or understand survey related tasks and operations.
Pros: Having PCL on your resume when you go and look for another job
Cons:
I worked in management for this company and left a long term government job to start with PCL. They are a tough company and don't pay very well, but they promised the moon, pay raises, advancement, etc, etc. They expect you to work 10+ hour days and constantly load you with heavy work loads. When it came time for a pay raise, they gave me a token amount which was a joke and the advancements never came, they just kept holding out the carrot for you to keep running after. The Christmas bonuses are a joke.
Its often said PCL means "People Come Last" and I would definitely agree with that statement. They really don't care how they treat people since they are Canada's largest contractor, people will always want to work for them.
After the second project I worked on came to a close I was laid off and I never looked back. Would I ever work there again? NO
Am I bitter, absolutely not, PCL taught me many things which I still feel were excellent in my future career. I would just caution any person taking a job there to get the employment conditions in writing that were discussed in your interview. If they don`t provide it in writing, send them a letter outlining the discussions. They have no issues with blatant lying
They talk a good game, but run away
I will also add that I left this review on another site and they asked me to write to them to discuss. I sent them a polite email to discuss
I have been on a few different jobs in Vancouver area only and this has been my experience over the last year and a bit. The type of work varies on each job.
When you’re hired you’re told PCL is different than other GCs in that they complete jobs a lot faster because they don’t sub work out or have to wait for subtrades to get things done. However when you show up for work you learn from your supes and foreman they don’t build anything, everything is subbed out.
If you are a carpenter and want to be framing, doing form or finishing work your best bet is to seek work elsewhere, and if you do get to do these things at PCL, the work will be extremely difficult to complete because it’s stuff sub trades refuse to do because it involves working in super hard or tight spaces, mixing concrete in a wheelbarrow by hand and carrying it several flights of stairs, or working in dirty and unhealthy environment without the proper PPE.
Apprentices learn very little about the building process because PCL red seal carps are just glorified labourers who clean up after subtrades and do work subs flat out refuse to do. You’ll learn very little only to realize you know nothing when your apprenticeship is done.
Prosvery little carpentry experience is needed to be a carpenter.
If you are lucky you will end up with a good manager. Many good employees but a antiquated old boys club: if you want to advance you better be a tall, good looking, brown nosing, white male. There is NO diversity. Take a look at their management and c-suite team and you can see if you fit. Even if you do, you will probably burn out working toward promotions that won't come, like a lot of their employees. You will struggle with poorly supported, outdated technology.
There is no work-life balance and mostly you don't get the help and support you need from management. Most of the new gen managers don't have the experience to support you because they weren't promoted or trained for those skills. Take a look at their 20 and 30 year employees and you'll see drained and disengaged men waiting for retirement.
It's too bad they have come to this point because there was a good foundation of builders and project management procedures 30 years ago but no one in the current managemen stream knows how to bring it into the 21 century.
ProsSome great employees, good processes, knowledgeable workers
ConsNo work life balance, slow/no promotions, anti-diversity, poor technology, misogynistic, very little support
Great group of guys to work with in the lower mainland and interior regions. Definately respectful and fair.
These guys were great. I think the job i was on was 2 1/2 years and would like to work with them on a project again one day. I've heard people complain about PCL and maybe I lucked out and got a crew and office staff that were respectful and easy to talk to, but I've heard other sites are similar. They are all about helping people advance at work and in life. If you're a good worker they will get you ticketed-up as far as you chose to go. Safety is a huge one with PCL. Can be a little frustrating for old school guys like myself but if you not a foreman with deadlines then, then whatever, take the time to do what is expected. Must work because no major injuries on our site. Big thing that puts them above other companies like EllisDon..... I never felt like a number. And if you're working hard, someone will notice. Which reminds me of their rewards at work and prizes at parties. If I didn't shift towards tower cranes I'd probably be working with them today.
A huge company focused on commercial and high rise with minor civil. Branches all over North America, mostly successful and recognised in Canada.
Good for starting construction career and juniors , and those who come in at high levels. Confused for mid career employees and no clear start up point on contract (clarify before signing).
Mostly outsourced projects with minor selfperform job.
No appreciation for skill set gained outside of PCL. Everything should be achieved internally to be recognized including designations and trainings, unless you have the backup in executive team. So, if you are at mid career and/or with diverse background, you need to be very very patient for growth as you will see less experienced less educated (if any) employees raise based on their PCL years/network and you are left for at least first few years, no matter how good you perform.
You will see some nice old people very welcoming, as well as few rude young ones who barely willing to talk. Is there a generation change as a result of hiring?! Not sure.
ProsFree lunch and coffee, training facilities, IT
ConsStereotype
2.0
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant | Ottawa, ON | Oct 8, 2021
Terminated with almost no training or feedback prior to termination
I left a job to start with PCL Constructors in Ottawa. It took months to complete the hiring process from the beginning to end which was odd to begin with.
I was given 1.5 days training and then was essentially on my own. I received almost no support from the previous receptionist/admin. I did my best, learning on my own. I was let go after one month and was only told that I had made some coding errors and didn't update an extension list on time...that was basically it. I am really upset that no manager came to me during my short tenure to tell me what I needed to correct etc. That is very unusual to get no feedback and just be let go.
I think there is more to this story, perhaps they were letting the old receptionist move back into my position or some other internal shuffle.
Bottom line, not a company that cares to help you succeed or offers any kind of support or training, at least in my case.
ProsGood Pay and benefits
Consno training, they may expect overtime to keep up with the workload
Extremely positive experience so far.
PCL values its employees and you can notice it even after only a few months working for the company.
Professional and friendly work environment, approachable leaders and top management who encourage you to work hard by appreciating what you do and by giving you the tools you need to succeed.
Everyone is working together to bolster our company's success, and you can see that the team is passionate about this opportunity.
The leadership is doing a great job leading by example and continuing to bring in great employees. They value integrity and they follow high standards of business ethics.
Great company structure, procedures, and great communication between departments.
People are nice and friendly, always ready to help.
ProsGreat benefits, Great technology, Opportunity to grow and to plan your career development, Great location (Alexis Nihon Shopping center), Integrity, Transparency, Respect, Diversity and inclusion activities.
Honestly, if you play your political cards correctly and are best friends with your upper management, you will climb the corporate ladder easily without having to know anything nor perform your job properly. If you work your heart and soul out for this company, it will not be acknowledged. You will be thrown under the bus because of incompetent management and they will not support you nor will they treat you as a team player. PCL is a selfish company, they don't care about their employee's safety with COVID-19, nor do they care about their employee's work-life balance. I have always admired PCL and had big hopes of pursuing my career with this company, but this past year, they have truly showed their true colours of what a terrible corporate company they are. I would not recommend working for PCL unless you have strong connects and networking within the upper management.
ConsExtremely Stressful, Incompetent management, no growth
Great benefits, fare salary, good learning experience, poor management
PCL is a good company to work for as long as you get along with all the team surrounding you hence it will determine which job you will be assigned to. They promote in theory a safe, comfortable and healthy work environment but once you're assigned to a team you are either working so many hours your productivity will be affected (this is not an eight hour job!), learning as you go and through an extreme learning curve, or under micromanaged work scenarios (field or office) that in some cases go against the company's policies (safety, harassment, bullying, etc,) all in order to get the job done no matter what, i.e production overrules safety.
There is a lot of favoritism for certain employees that have been in the company for a long time time but without the credentials/education/experience, which are basis for an effective management. Here productivity = added work time, but overwork leads to decreased total output and less efficiency due to stress or fatigue. Moreover, the field quality errors and oversight of possible mistakes can be detrimental to the work.
There is a lack of an effective approach to identify and deliver the right training to people. Appropriate job assignments to practice skills are not clearly identified and the employee is expected to utilize his/her training without the benefit of a mentor/supervisor to guide and validate their work. A qualified (knowledgeable) supervisor is not necessarily an appropriate mentor.
I get to work between 7:15 and 7:45 and prepare for the day. Lots of times there are meetings scheduled during this time. At 8:15 the students start to come in. Most of them want to chat a little bit or get a hug (they're in third grade) while they turn in their homework and then they begin their morning work. At 8:30 we listen to the announcements, take attendance and the lunch count, check reading sheets and assignment sheets, and do the pledge. I then start teaching and teach until 12:30. I walk my students to lunch and then go use the bathroom, wash my hands, and get my lunch. My students return at 1:10 - 1:15 and we do ten minute math. At 1:25 they go to specials: art, music, p.e., or media center until 2:10. (While they are at special I grade papers, run copies, answer emails and phone calls, fill out forms and reports, and do whatever I need to do. There's always more work than I can accomplish at this time.) I teach from 2:10 until 3:10 and then walk the students to the bus. I clean up the room, grade papers, make phone calls, organize my papers to take home, answer emails, etc. and typically get home between 4:00 and 5:00. If there are meetings scheduled after school I get home between 5:00 and 6:00. I make supper, eat with my family, and then do my homework. My homework typically takes from one to three hours. If I have to type up a test, studyguide, or worksheet it can take longe
It’s the good old boy club. They ask you to fill out goals for three months six months etc. But give you NO guidance or help on achieving those goals and if by some miracle you do get a chance they do it for a day or two just to placate you. You will hear a plethora full of excuses of who to ask where to go, it’s a wild goose Chase. When you decide to take it into your own hands and enroll into some classes because you were not getting any help from them. They try to make you feel guilty for leaving the job to go to class you will hear people complaining about it; telling you that you need to be at work helping to try to get the job done. They treat their craft people like trash…like they are uneducated and incompetent ( unless your part of the good old boy club) they are condescending, passive aggressive,play little psychological games towards them.They think just because they buy you pizza it showing appreciation while they don’t give raises to deal with the cost of living or move you up. The PM’s , PE’s, superintendence etc. get treated very well. They ranked 2 nd in the most profitable company at 5.6 Billion but can’t….. I mean, they won’t, give out raises or bonuses to the craft employees it’s reserved for upper management or people that are in their close circle.
Questions and answers about PCL Construction
How often do you get a raise at PCL Construction?
Asked Nov 8, 2022
Every year
Answered Feb 22, 2023
22cents a year
Answered Feb 20, 2023
How do you feel about the future of PCL Construction?
Asked Jun 6, 2019
It think that future will be bright as I have listened and read about PCL.
Answered Feb 23, 2020
As I have read ; pcl has a bright future and one of the best company in the world
Answered Feb 23, 2020
What is the promotion process like at PCL Construction?
Asked Nov 8, 2022
Fair
Answered Feb 20, 2023
Non existent
Answered Feb 1, 2023
What is the interview process like?
Asked Jul 27, 2017
Which will be procedure for interview; I admit. It should be done by an employer; the way depends upon the pcl adminstration that everybody has to agree.
Answered Feb 23, 2020
In 8 years construction job singapore
Answered Feb 26, 2019
How often do raises occur at PCL Construction?
Asked May 27, 2019
3 months
Answered Jan 27, 2023
Upon review depending on skill, inflation, or from jumps in apprentiship hours
