Published On
Last updated February 2026
What is a subcontractor in Canada? A subcontractor is a skilled tradesperson hired under a contract to perform specific tasks. Learn about the key differences between a general contractor and subcontractor and how to start your construction career today.
A subcontractor in Canada is a skilled professional hired by a general contractor or project manager to complete specific tasks within a larger construction project. While they work on a contractual basis, their expertise ensures that work is up to code and meets the high standards of the construction industry.
At the Skilled Trades College of Canada, we believe trades are the backbone of our economy. Entering this field is a first-choice career path that offers stability and high earning potential.
In this guide, we will explore what it means to be a subcontractor, their daily responsibilities, and how you can jumpstart your career in just 12 weeks.
A subcontractor in Canada performs specialized services that a general contractor might outsource to ensure the highest quality of work.
They are often independent contractors who specialize in a specific area of construction, like plumbing. Because they operate their own business, they must understand local laws, permits, and safety regulations.
Here’s what specialized subcontracting looks like in the field:
When a company or government department initiates a construction project, it often hires a general contractor to oversee the entire project. However, because these projects require a vast range of skills, the contractor will hire subcontractors to perform specific parts of the work.
The general contractor maintains a direct relationship with the client. The subcontractor, acting as a separate party, reports directly to the contractor. This allows them to focus on their craft while the contractor manages the project logistics, costs, and finance.
Learn more: How to Become a General Contractor
Image source: Shutterstock
Understanding the key differences between subcontractor vs. contractor is essential for anyone looking to enter the trades.
A contractor secures a contract directly with the client. A subcontractor, however, provides services to the contractor for a specific amount of pay.
While only contractors typically sign the primary agreement with the owner, independent contractors can work for multiple companies to grow their businesses quickly.
While contractors define the project timeline, subcontractors must complete their tasks within that window. A tradesperson with a reputation for reliability and efficiency will often be the first choice for future projects.
Learn more: 25 Hands-On Jobs That Pay Well
In most cases, an employee is covered by a company's policy, but independent contractors must carry their own insurance. To protect against risks, a subcontractor typically needs their own general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.
An insurance company may also require the subcontractor to list the general contractor as an additional insured on their insurance policy to ensure proper coverage for the entire project.
General contractors manage projects from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Their day-to-day tasks often include performing precise calculations, reviewing outcomes, and engaging with clients to keep them informed and satisfied.
Their responsibilities include the following:
Subcontractors are the muscle behind the work, handling physical tasks and reporting to contractors, not the client.
Image source: Shutterstock
Choosing a career as a subcontractor is a powerful way to take control of your professional future. This path offers a unique blend of independence and professional growth, allowing you to build a reputation based on the quality of your work.
You have the autonomy to decide which construction projects to take on and manage your own work pace to fit your lifestyle.
Working alongside various contractors and subcontractors allows you to build a massive professional network while gaining diverse, real-world experience across different site areas.
You can focus entirely on your chosen trade, whether it’s plumbing, electrical, or home renovation, and build a business around that niche.
At Skilled Trades College of Canada, our Intro to Home Renovation program is the perfect starting point for those who want to explore their options. It provides the ultimate hands-on experience, as students work together to build a 1,000 sq ft house with finishes by the end of the 12-week course.
To succeed in the construction industry, you need more than just technical knowledge:
Now that you know what a subcontractor is, are you ready to get "the skills to pay the bills?" Our pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to get you job-ready in just 12 weeks with an 80:20 hands-on to-classroom ratio.
Whether you’re starting out or are switching paths, we offer personalized guidance and the safety knowledge you need to succeed. Ask us about financial services, like the Scottie Barnes scholarship, that can help fund your education.
Come and book a campus tour in Ajax, Mississauga, Vaughn, Toronto, or Cambridge to see our hands-on learning in action.
9,281+
LIVES CHANGED
12,481+
WIRES PULLED
85,382+
2X4'S CUT
9,756+
PIPES LAYED
9,281+
LIVES CHANGED
12,481+
WIRES PULLED
85,382+
2X4'S CUT
9,756+
PIPES LAYED
9,281+
LIVES CHANGED
12,481+
WIRES PULLED
85,382+
2X4'S CUT
9,756+
PIPES LAYED
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