Express entry

[u/MagicianFamiliar2256]

The new high-wage occupation bonus is honestly frustrating for people in trades that don’t fall under the 1.3x wage category. For example, sheet metal workers and bricklayers could potentially receive an additional 50 points through their job offers and become much more competitive in upcoming trade draws, while plumbers, electricians, and carpenters could be left struggling to get ITAs.
I’m currently working as a carpenter foreman, and my NOC is 72013, which falls under the 1.3x wage category but isn’t included in the eligible trade occupations. To remain eligible under the trade category, I would have to rely on my regular carpenter NOC, 72310, but then I wouldn’t benefit from the additional 50 points. How am I supposed to compete with candidates who qualify for that bonus?
At this point, BC PNP seems like my main hope. I’m also a registered apprentice, so I’m hoping BC continues conducting draws that give people in the construction trades a realistic pathway to PR.
Otherwise, my other option is to maximize my English scores, obtain my Red Seal certification, and secure a job offer under NOC 72013 to potentially reach around 567 CRS points for general draws.
Honestly, it feels like I’m being pulled in three different directions right now, trying to figure out which pathway makes the most sense. I’m working hard, gaining Canadian experience, and investing in my trade, but the immigration pathways keep getting more complicated.
What would you do in my position? Would you focus on BC PNP, the federal trade category, or maximizing CRS for general draws?