If you want a one-stop shop for government reports try the BC Legislative Library catalogue.
Finding The Best Online Information Is Tough
In this section we have gathered some of the most reliable websites for you to use in your research.
Electrician-Electrical Contractor.com
A useful information source for electricians and electrical contractors that includes electrical industry news and articles, educational materials, price trends, and marketing information.
Toolbase.org - NAHB Research Center
NAHB Research Center's ToolBase.org is the US housing industry's best resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems.
Start here: Electrical / Electronics
Key Government Websites:
BC Stats | Current reports and statistics from British Columbia's central statistical agency including labour market information, economic statistics and bankruptcies. Start by searching their Industry section and narrowing by industry type or go to the Business, Industry & Trade page to skim all the different business-related topics.
Start here: Analytical Reports - BC's Construction Industry Since 1990 (pdf)
The Daily - Statistics Canada
The premier source for Canadian statistical information, including census information. Search 'The Daily' releases by subject to identify corresponding census tables, latest news, and publications. Similarly, you can browse by data source, including surveys & questionnaires relevant to your market research, which also link to census tables, latest news and publications.
Start here: Statistics by subject - Construction
Start here: Publication - Perspectives on Labour and Income - Skilled Trades Employment (2008)
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Provides market research, industry statistics, licensing information for intellectual property, and information about doing business internationally. The Industry Canada site features interactive applications such as customizable trade reports, cost calculators, and online business planning guides. You can also search broad Canadian industry statistics.
Start here: Canadian Industry Statistics (CIS) - Definition - Construction (NAICS 23)
Construction HR Solutions
Developed by the Construction Sector Council (CSC), this site provides information and resources on a wide range of careers in Canada's construction industry.
Start here: Electrician
WorkBC | Find current employment outlooks, labour market information, relevant links, and a geographic representation of the BC workforce. Start by searching your Industry Profile.
Start here: Industry Profile - Construction (Residential and Non-Residential)
Start here: Industry Profile - Utilities
Start here: Occupation Profile - Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
Job Bank - Government of Canada
The leading source for labour market information. The site is designed to assist individuals who are searching for work or looking to make career decisions but can also be useful to gage employment trends in an industry. Try using their search portal to explore careers by occupation or review the latest job market trends in your industry.
Province of Alberta - Ministry of Labour
Provides information on economic development, labour, trades and apprenticeships as well as industry descriptions and data from the Province of Alberta.
Start here: Industry Profiles
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Start here: Engineering and Construction Industry
US Census Bureau: Industry Statistics Portal
Provides access to high level US Industry overviews and statistics. Searchable by 2012 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code or keyword.
Start here: Industry Statistics Sampler - NAICS 23831 - Electrical Contractors
Free US Industry Websites:
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Start here: Utilities Profile
CareerOneStop
A good way to research trends in the US labour market. Provides detailed labour information by state.
Start here: Industry Profile - 238210 - Electrical Contractors
Start here: Occupation Profile - Electricians
You might want to jump ahead to the news websites listed in the next section of this Accelerator Guide for more resources. News websites can often be good sources of industry, competitive and consumer information.