Construction Craft Worker

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Construction Craft Worker Do?

Construction craft workers are usually found working on a variety of structures including residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as hydroelectric dams, roadways, bridges and railways. In some areas, they may also work on utility, landscape and pipeline projects. Construction craft workers work primarily outdoors, in all weather conditions. They are often required to work at heights, over water and in confined spaces and excavations. Their job settings may be in densely-populated urban settings or at remote locations. They often work overtime during peak construction periods.

They are trained to:

• handle materials and equipment
• perform demolition, excavation and compaction activities
• prepare and secure sites and provide cleanup
• setting up and removing access equipment
• manage pedestrian and vehicular traffic in situations involving potential hazards and public trust
• work on concrete and masonry, steel, wood and pre-cast erecting projects

What skills/abilities are required?

Key attributes for workers in this trade are mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity and an ability to do hard physical work. They must also be able to work both as team members, and sometimes, to interact directly with the public where such considerations as safety and legal liability are at issue. Organizational, leadership and plan reading skills are assets for anyone wanting to progress in this trade. This analysis acknowledges similarities or overlaps with many construction trades. With experience, construction craft workers may advance to supervisory/foreman positions.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is two years consisting of two levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training

What is taught during in-school technical training?

During each level of training, apprentices attend periods of school training that is designed to enhance and reinforce the practical experience learned on the job.

Subjects include:

• Construction Craft Worker Trade Foundations
• Trade Mathematics & Technical Documents
• Tools, Equipment, & Materials
• Concrete-Project Labouring
• Roadwork-Project Labouring
• Construction Craft Worker Trade Specialties
• Construction Craft Worker Jobsite Practices
  

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson or designated trainer in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing. If you do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as an Access Program Trainee (formerly Mature Student). Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a "Red Seal" endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your "Red Seal" endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

Construction Craft Workers are mostly found on construction sites and either work for private as well as municipal, provincial and federal governments

With experience, construction craft workers who complete additional training may specialize in different areas of construction. This can include operating off-road vehicles, drilling and blasting, diving, tunnelling and performing emergency rescue.

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