Apprenticeship is a way to learn job skills while you work and earn good wages. It combines classroom study with on-the-job experience that lets you earn while you learn a skilled trade. The apprenticeship program leads to professional certification as a journeyperson.

To enter an apprenticeship program, you need an employer who will sponsor you. To find a sponsor and register as an apprentice, you can either:

• Go through an apprenticeship and training committee
• Arrange employment through a labour organization
• Contact an employer directly

Each province/territory and trade has its own apprenticeship program and regulations. In general, to become an apprentice, you need to complete grade 12 or equivalent (some trades don’t require Grade 12, but many employers prefer high school graduates).

Depending where you apprentice and which trade you are training for:

• It can take from one to five years to complete your program and become a certified journeyperson
• You’ll spend about 80% of that time learning on the job
• You’ll spend the remaining 20% of your time studying in a classroom or shop setting

In some trades, you must be certified or registered as an apprentice in order to work. These are called compulsory trades. Other trades, called voluntary, offer apprenticeship programs and certification for people who want to improve their skills, employment opportunities and earnings.

Apprenticeship or industry training agreements have to be registered and your employer has to document the training you complete on the job.

Technical training for the in-class part of apprencticeship is offered at many public and private institutions. It’s your responsibility to choose a training institution and register. You’ll also have to work with your employer to schedule your classroom studies at appropriate times.

The apprenticeship system in Canada is promoted and supported by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF), a not-for profit-organization.

For more information on becoming an apprentice, contact your provincial/territorial government office of apprenticeship and training:

• Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board (Government of Alberta)
• British Columbia Industry Training Authority
• Manitoba Advanced Education and Training, Apprenticeship Branch
• Department of Training and Employment Development, Apprenticeship and Certification (New Brunswick)
• Department of Education, Apprenticeship and Certification (Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Department of Education, Culture & Employment (Northwest Territories)
• Nova Scotia Department of Education, Apprenticeship Training and Skills Development
• Nunavut Department of Education
• Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
• Prince Edward Island Department of Education, Apprenticeship Branch
• Emploi-Québec
• Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
• Yukon Territory Department of Education, Advanced Education Branch

Costs and earnings

Depending on where you apprentice and the trade you’re learning, you will earn between 30 to 50% of a journeyperson’s wage during your first year as an apprentice. In most programs, your pay will increase each year until you’re certified.

You will have to cover all or part of the cost of your classroom studies, so when you’re “shopping” for a school be sure to compare tuition fees, travel and living expenses, and other expenses such as books and service fees.

Apprenticeships cost very little. Generally, tuition costs for in-school technical training are $100-$800 per session, depending on the trade and the province or territory. The cost of training is also offset by your earnings. According to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) an apprentice learning a construction trade usually works for about 80% of the year.

You will probably not be paid while you’re doing classroom studies, but you may qualify for Employment Insurance benefits and some employers will “top up” EI benefits.

Because they earn while they learn, most people completing apprenticeship programs have much lower debt loads than university graduates entering the workforce.

Red Seal Certification

Each province and territory sets its own standards for certifying skilled construction workers. This means that certification in one place may not allow you to work in others.

The Red Seal Program uses national standards and lets you write an Interprovincial Standards Examination to obtain a Red Seal. The Red Seal allows you to practice your trade anywhere in Canada.

More than 80% of skilled construction workers are employed in Red Seal trades. The federal government is working to expand the use of Interprovincial Standards and to streamline the development of new Red Seal programs.

To find out whether a trade you’re interested in has a Red Seal program, go to Pick a career.

Earning Red Seal Certification involves:

1. a) Graduating from a recognized provincial or territorial apprenticeship program, or
   b) Earning a journeyperson certificate from your province or territory, and
2. Passing the Interprovincial Standards Examination for your trade.

The Red Seal examinations are administered through provincial and territorial certification and apprenticeship offices.

Red Seal certified trades

For information about Red Seal Certification, click on any of the following construction careers:

Boilermaker Bricklayer Cabinetmaker Carpenter Concrete Finisher Crane Operator Electrician Floor Covering Installer Glazier/Metal Mechanic Heavy Equipment Mechanic Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

Insulator Ironworker Lineworker Millwright Painter and Decorator Plumber Roofer Sheet Metal Worker Sprinkler Fitter and Sprinkler Systems Installer Steamfitter/Pipefitter Tilesetter Welder

Secondary school apprenticeship programs (SSAP)

Secondary school apprenticeship programs (SSAP) are offered in most provinces and territories. They let you get a head start on a construction career while you’re still in high school. Through on-the-job training, many of these programs allow you to earn credit towards both your certification and your high school diploma. Some of these programs also offer scholarships and awards for eligible students.

Whether you qualify for these programs depends on what province or territory you’re in and what construction trade you’re interested in. In most provinces and territories, you have to be at least 16 years old and have completed Grade 10.

SSAP involves an agreement between you, your employer and your school. Your work hours will depend on the agreement, but the options include:

• Working as an apprentice for one semester, and going to school the next
• Working half a day, and going to school the other half
• Working during the summer, and on holidays and weekends, and attending school during the regular term
• Working one or two days a week, and going to school the other days

If you’re already working part-time in construction, you may be able to register as a secondary school apprentice—ask your school’s career counsellor if the work you do qualifies.

If you take Career and Technology Studies (CTS) classes in high school, you may receive credits towards an apprenticeship. The same is true for some post-secondary training. These credits can shorten the time it takes to complete an apprenticeship and become a certified journeyperson.

For information on secondary school apprenticeship programs, click on your province or territory:

ALBERTA
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) lets you start apprenticeship training and earn wages while you’re completing high school. It also gives you access to other programs, including the Apprenticeship Training Program, Interprovincial Standard (Red Seal) Program, Prior Learning Assessment, and the Qualifications Certificate Program.

The program operates through an agreement between you, your employer and your school. You and your employer must complete an application/contract and send it to the Apprenticeship and Industry Training office to be registered.

Each year, RAP awards 500 Alberta students with $1,000 to help them continue in their apprenticeship programs.

There are also many apprenticeship scholarships available in Alberta that aren’t specific to RAP. Visit Apprenticeship and Industry Training for more information.

For more information, check out Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Another option for getting a head start on your career while you’re still in school is to visit CAREERS: The Next Generation. CAREERS is dedicated to helping Alberta students explore career options through workplace internships.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA)

The British Columbia Ministry of Education, Career and Applied Programs provide high school students with the chance to enrol in apprenticeship programs while finishing high school. The program offers $1,000 scholarships to eligible students.

To qualify you must be at least 15 years of age. For information on what kinds of work qualify for the program and about how to register, talk to your school’s career counselor or check out Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission.

MANITOBA
Senior Years Apprenticeship Option (SYAO)

This program lets you start an apprenticeship while you are still in high school. It combines regular Senior Years school instruction with paid, part-time, on-the-job apprenticeship training.

To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old. You must be taking core subjects S1-4, have completed S2 and be enrolled in an approved Manitoba S3 or S4 program.

You also need a qualified and insured employer. The SYAO coordinator will work with you, your employer and your school guidance counsellor to ensure that you meet the academic requirements to graduate, and to schedule work time when you are not taking classes.

For more information, talk to your school guidance counsellor or click here.

NEW BRUNSWICK
Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP)

New Brunswick’s Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) is open to high school students completing Grades 10 or 11. The program gives you the chance to combine high school classes related to your career interests with on-the-job experience in the same field.

If you’re accepted into the program, you will work two summers for a minimum of 200 hours each year and receive a minimum of 100 hours of employability skills training. The training is delivered by professionals in the business community and takes place outside of regular school hours.

YAP provides you with a Record of Achievement that’s valuable as proof of your experience when you enter the workforce. Completion of the program also guarantees you a seat at New Brunswick Community College or preferred status at the University of New Brunswick in a program related to your work experience.

For more information, click here.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP)

The Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP) lets high school students become registered apprentices. If you enrol in SNAP, you can earn both time credits toward a journeyperson certificate and secondary school credits through Career and Technology Studies (CTS).

To qualify for SNAP, you must be 16 years of age and be taking courses for a high school diploma.

You must also go through a trial employment period lasting from one to three months before your employer will decide whether to sign you to an apprenticeship contract.

For more information on SNAP, you can talk to your school principal, career counsellor or SNAP coordinator, or contact the Northwest Territories Ministry of Education, Culture and Employment.

NOVA SCOTIA

Nova Scotia is launching a youth apprenticeship program in 2006. The program will be open to high school students who are 16 years of age and older. Through the youth apprenticeship program you will be able to work towards an apprenticeship while you’re in high school.

For more information, contact the Nova Scotia Department of Education.

ONTARIO
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

OYAP is a year-round co-op work/study program for high school students. OYAP lets you work as a registered apprentice while you complete your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

To qualify you must:

• Be entering Grade 11 and be at least 16 years of age
• Have completed 16 credits with a 70% average
• Maintain a 70% average while you are in the two-year program

For more information, contact the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Accelerated Secondary Apprenticeship Program (ASAP)

The Accelerated Secondary Apprenticeship Program (ASAP) is Prince Edward Island’s youth apprenticeship program. It provides high school students with an opportunity to get a head start on their post-secondary apprenticeship training. Through a combination of on-the-job experience and course work, you can make money in the trade of your choice while earning credits toward both your apprenticeship and your high school diploma.

To qualify, you must be at least 16 years of age, enrolled in high school and employed full- or part-time in a designated trade.

For more information and to find out how to apply, click here.

QUEBEC

Quebec offers more than 450 vocational and technical education programs, which prepare students for the labour market in 21 sectors.

Vocational and technical programs operate under the apprenticeship system, which is run jointly by Emploi-Québec and the Québec Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport. The programs include at least one session of on-the-job training. Some alternate between classroom and workplace training, others include workplace experience at the end of in-school training.

Vocational education

Vocational education is offered in public and private secondary schools.

There are three types of programs:

1. A Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
2. An Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)
3. A Vocational Education Certificate (VEC)

To enter a DVS program you must:

• Hold a Secondary School Diploma (SSD) or the equivalent, or
• Be 16 years of age by September 30 of the school year and have the Secondary III or IV credits, or the equivalent, required for your program

To enter an AVS program, you must have the prerequisite DVS or equivalent.

To enter a VEC program you must be at least 15 years of age and have passed the basic Secondary II courses in the language of instruction, mathematics and any additional credits required for the program.

Technical Education

Technical education is offered at the college level in CEGEPs and private institutions.

There are two types of programs:

1. A diploma of college studies, or Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC), or
2. An attestation of college studies, or Attestation d’études collégiales (AEC)

To enter a DEC program you must meet the requirements of pre-university programs that lead to a DEC.

To enter an AEC program you must:

• Have interrupted your studies for two consecutive terms or one academic year
• Have completed at least one year of post secondary studies

AEC programs are developed by colleges in partnership with government and industry. They are only available for some construction trades. Ask your school counsellor for more information or visit the Québec Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport Inforoute.

SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan is developing a youth apprenticeship program and will implement it in 2005-06, if resources allow. In the pilot program, which is being run in two high schools in 2005, students receive apprenticeship credit and work experience.

For more information contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.

YUKON
Yukon Secondary School Apprenticeship Program (YSSAP)

YSSAP is open to Grade 11 and 12 students who would like to explore a construction career and complete high school at the same time. The program involves a semester of pre-apprenticeship courses and unpaid work placements that will help prepare you for employment as an apprentice.

For more information, talk to your school guidance counsellor or check out the Yukon Department of Education, Advanced Education website.

Apprenticeship programs for people in Aboriginal communities

In addition to the programs listed above, there are many programs across Canada designed to introduce Aboriginal Canadians to apprenticeship.

The Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada (AHRDCC) is developing new ways to increase skills and training opportunities. You can contact the Council for information on apprenticeship programs for people in Aboriginal communities across Canada.

A number of provinces are developing, or already have, initiatives aimed at improving access to apprenticeship training programs for Aboriginal Canadians. Most of the programs they offer are community-based. Some are being developed to incorporate First Nations’ languages and combine traditional values and practices with the skills required by today’s labour market.

To find out about specific provincial programs, check out the following links:

Alberta
The Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship Project (AAAP) was established in 2001 to promote apprenticeship and industry training to Aboriginal people, communities and organizations in Alberta. The AAAP currently operates in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, High Level and Lethbridge.

For more information call toll free:
1-866-408-1840 (Edmonton Office)
1-866-655-2201 (Calgary Office)

British Columbia
Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training (AAIT) combines traditional practices with current labour skills in training programs designed for First Nations peoples. AAIT’s long term goal is to establish self-governed Aboriginal training programs that reinforce and incorporate native languages, traditions and values. Trainees receive counselling, financial and academic support, and have the opportunity to work in Aboriginal communities, businesses and industry.

AAIT has developed the following core programs:

• Carpentry Entry Level Training
• Aboriginal Women in Trades
• Math Upgrading
• Project Management
• Building Inspector
• Building Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship

For more information, check out Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training (AAIT).

Manitoba
Manitoba offers an Aboriginal Apprenticeship Training program that provides community-based training in First Nations and Métis communities. Band-sponsored apprentices gain on-the-job experience in their communities and don’t have to leave home to take technical training at school.

For more information, call toll free 1-877-978-7233 or click here.

Ontario
Ontario’s Aboriginal Apprenticeship Working Group (OAAWG) is developing an Ontario-wide strategy to improve apprenticeship access and meaningful long-term employment options for Aboriginal peoples in the province.

Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Apprenticeship Initiative is developing programs to help meet the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people. It currently offers apprenticeship training in several construction trades, including carpenter, plumber and boom truck operator.

For more information, call 1-877-363-0536.

Steamfitter / Pipefitter

Also known as: apprentice pipefitter-steamfitter fire sprinkler fitter marine pipefitter sprinkler system fitter sprinkler system installer sprinkler system installer apprentice

Do you like machines? Do you enjoy careful, precise work? Are you good with your hands? Could you work with power tools? Are you physically fit? Do you enjoy working independently with little supervision? Then, steamfitter/pipefitter could be the career for you!

What the work is like

Steamfitter/pipefitters build, install and maintain piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals and fuel.

They are employed by pipeline construction contractors, thermal or steam generating plants, utility companies, oil refineries, pulp mills, and gas and chemical plants. They may also be self-employed.

Steamfitter/pipefitters work in the new home building and renovation, heavy industrial, and institutional and commercial construction sectors.

Your duties

As a steamfitter/pipefitter, your duties may include:

• Installing supports, valves, piping and control systems
• Welding pipes to form piping systems
• Measuring, cutting, threading and bending piping using hand and power tools
• Cutting openings for piping in walls, floors and ceilings
• Selecting type and size of piping
• Cleaning and maintaining pipes
• Preparing cost estimates
• Reading and interpreting blueprints

Work conditions

The standard work week for steamfitter/pipefitters is 40 hours (8 hours a day, 5 days a week). As with many careers in construction, there are peak periods that will require you to work overtime. The number of additional hours you work each week depends on the construction sector and region you work in, and will vary from one job to the next.

As a steamfitter/pipefitter, you may work indoors and outdoors, often at physically demanding tasks that may require climbing. You may have to travel for some jobs and live on-site at a company camp.

As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. Steamfitter/pipefitters are trained to work safely, and wear special equipment to protect themselves from injury.

Essential skills

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has identified nine essential skills that are necessary to succeed in the workplace. These skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and are applicable to most construction careers. Best of all, you can learn and improve on these skills in school, on the job, and during your everyday life.

The most important Essential Skills for steamfitters and pipefitters are:

• Numeracy—working with numbers to perform calculations
• Oral communication—conveying or exchanging information verbally
• Problem solving—coming up with solutions to challenges

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is one way of starting out in the construction industry. It involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified steamfitter/pipefitter, called a journeyperson.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and are paid by the hour while working on the job site. Wages start at about 50% of a journeyperson’s hourly rate and increase during your apprenticeship, until you reach the full rate.

Entering an apprenticeship program

Requirements for steamfitter/pipefitter apprenticeship programs vary across Canada. In most provinces and territories, you must be at least 16 years old and have a Grade 10 education, or equivalent, to enter a steamfitter/pipefitter apprenticeship program. You may also need to have completed courses in mathematics.

Some provinces and territories offer secondary school apprenticeship programs that allow high school students to work towards a career as a steamfitter/pipefitter.

Program length

Apprenticeship training programs for steamfitter/pipefitters vary across Canada, but generally involve four 12-month periods, including at least 6,000 hours of on-the-job training, four 8-week blocks of technical training, and a final certificate examination.

Related work experience or completion of a steamfitter/pipefitter program at a college or technical institute can reduce the time required to complete your apprenticeship.

Certification

Steamfitter/pipefitter certification is required in some provinces, and is available but voluntary in other provinces and territories. Even where certification is voluntary, it is still recommended. Certification tells employers and other workers that you are a skilled professional. It also helps you get jobs.

To be certified as a steamfitter/pipefitter you usually need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the on-the-job training, technical training and examinations required by the program, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.

If you have over five years of on-the-job experience and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting/pipefitting, you may be eligible for steamfitter/pipefitter certification in some provinces and territories.

As a certified steamfitter/pipefitter, you may attempt the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal. With a Red Seal, you can work as a steamfitter/pipefitter anywhere in Canada.

Certification for steamfitter/pipefitters is compulsory in:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Ontario
• Québec

It is available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and territories.

To keep your skills current, you have to keep up with new technological developments by reading and talking with other steamfitter/pipefitters.

Salary ranges

TYPICAL WORK WEEK/YEAR *

JOURNEYPERSON			ANNUAL SALARY RANGE **       LOW   HIGH       $56,160   $72,800
HOURLY SALARY RANGE
LOW	HIGH
$27	$35

APPRENTICE
HOURLY SALARY RANGE
	LOW	HIGH
YEAR 1 – 50 %	$ 13.50	$ 17.50
YEAR 2 – 60 %	$ 16.20	$ 21.00
YEAR 3 – 70 %	$ 18.90	$ 24.50
YEAR 4 – 80%	$ 21.60	$ 28.00

In addition to their hourly rate, many construction workers receive statutory holiday and vacation pay. Depending on the contract, you may also receive benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits up to 30% of your hourly rate.

If you are self-employed, it’s up to you to arrange your own benefits.

* Wages vary across Canada, among labour organization locals and among open-shop construction contractors.

** Most construction work involves overtime, so your annual salary will vary depending on the number of hours you work. The salary range listed above represents the annual salary range for full-time journeyperson steamfitter/pipefitters across Canada, based on a 40-hour work week, without taking overtime into account.

Building your career

With experience and additional training, you can move into more senior positions, including supervisory roles such as foreman or construction superintendent. You can also become self-employed and work as a contractor or sub-contractor.

As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills are portable. If you want to move, you can take your skills with you.

Roofer

Also known as: apprentice roofer asphalt roofer built-up roofer flat roofer residential steep roofer shingler single-ply roofer

Do you like working outside? Do you get along well with others? Are you physically fit and keen on exercise? Could you work in high places? Do you like working with your hands? Are you comfortable in hot temperatures? Then, you could become a roofer!

What the work is like

Roofers install, repair and replace roofs. They may also waterproof basements, foundations and decks.

As a roofer, you will be employed by roofing and general contractors for construction or repair jobs, or you may be self-employed.

Roofers work in the new home building and renovation, and institutional and commercial construction sectors.

Your duties

As a roofer, your duties may include:

• Installing, repairing or replacing roofing systems using materials such as asphalt and gravel
• Installing, repairing or replacing shingles and other roofing tiles
• Applying waterproof coatings to concrete surfaces
• Installing and repairing metal roofs using hand and power tools
• Installing scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs
• Estimating required materials and costs

Work conditions

The standard work week for roofers is 40 hours (8 hours a day, 5 days a week). As with many careers in construction, there are peak periods that will require you to work overtime. The number of additional hours you work each week depends on the construction sector and region you work in, and will vary from one job to the next.

Most roofers work steadily throughout the year because roof systems need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.

As a roofer, you will work mostly outdoors, and with a crew of other construction professionals. The job can be physically demanding—you may have to lift heavy materials, and roofing can be quite hot during the summer.

As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. Roofers are trained to work safely, and wear special equipment like safety harnesses to protect themselves from injury.

Essential skills

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has identified nine essential skills that are necessary to succeed in the workplace. These skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and are applicable to most construction careers. Best of all, you can learn and improve on these skills in school, on the job, and during your everyday life.

The most important Essential Skills for roofers are:

• Numeracy—working with numbers to perform calculations
• Significant use of memory—performing tasks that call upon greater memory use than most jobs
• Working with others—interacting with co-workers to get the job done

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is one way of starting out in the construction industry. It involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified roofer, called a journeyperson.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and are paid by the hour while working on the job site. Wages start at about 65% of a journeyperson’s hourly rate and increase during your apprenticeship, until you reach the full rate.

Entering an apprenticeship program

Requirements for roofer apprenticeship programs vary across Canada. In most provinces and territories, you must have a Grade 9 education, or equivalent, to enter a roofer apprenticeship program.

Some provinces and territories offer secondary school apprenticeship programs that allow high school students to work towards a career as a roofer.

Program length

Apprenticeship training programs for roofers vary across Canada, but generally involve four 12-month periods, including at least 5,860 hours of on-the-job training, three 6-week blocks of technical training, and a final certificate examination.

Related work experience or completion of a roofer program at a college or technical institute can reduce the time required to complete your apprenticeship.

Certification

Roofer certification is required in some provinces, and is available but voluntary in most other provinces and territories. Even where certification is voluntary, it is still recommended. Certification tells employers and other workers that you are a skilled professional. It also helps you get jobs.

To be certified as a roofer, you usually need to complete of a four-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the on-the-job training, technical training and examinations required by the program, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.

If you have over three years of on-the-job experience and some high school, college or industry courses in roofing, you may be eligible for roofer certification in some provinces and territories.

As a certified roofer, you may attempt the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal. With a Red Seal, you can work as a roofer anywhere in Canada.

Certification for roofers is compulsory in:

• British Columbia
• Québec

It is available, but voluntary, in:

• Alberta
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

In provinces and territories where certification is not available, it may be possible to study as an apprentice through your local labour organization.

To keep your skills current, you have to keep up with new technological developments by reading and talking with other roofers.

Salary ranges

TYPICAL WORK WEEK/YEAR *

JOURNEYPERSON			ANNUAL SALARY RANGE **       LOW   HIGH       $43,680   $62,400
HOURLY SALARY RANGE
LOW	HIGH
$21	$30

APPRENTICE
HOURLY SALARY RANGE
	LOW	HIGH
YEAR 1 – 65 %	$ 13.65	$ 19.50
YEAR 2 – 75 %	$ 15.75	$ 22.50
YEAR 3 – 85 %	$ 17.85	$ 25.50
YEAR 4 – 95%	$ 19.95	$ 28.50

In addition to their hourly rate, many construction workers receive statutory holiday and vacation pay. Depending on the contract, you may also receive benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits up to 30% of your hourly rate.

If you are self-employed, it’s up to you to arrange your own benefits.

* Wages vary across Canada, among labour organization locals and among open-shop construction contractors. Some roofers are paid according to how much work they complete, not the number of hours worked.

** Most construction work involves overtime, so your annual salary will vary depending on the number of hours you work. The salary range listed above represents the annual salary range for full-time journeyperson roofers across Canada, based on a 40-hour work week, without taking overtime into account.

Building your career

With experience and additional training, you can move into more senior positions, including supervisory roles. You can also become self-employed and work as a contractor.

As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills are portable. If you want to move, you can take your skills with you.

Plasterer and Drywaller

Also known as: acoustical ceiling installer ceiling installer drywall applicator drywall finisher drywall installer and finisher apprentice drywall taper interior systems mechanic lather lather apprentice plasterer plasterer apprentice sheetrock applicator wood lather

Are you strong? Do you have an eye for detail? Would you enjoy working with precision tools? Are you creative? Do you like a challenge? Then, you could become a plasterer and drywaller!

What the work is like

Plasterers apply, maintain and restore plaster on interior and exterior walls, and on ceilings. Drywallers install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems.

Plasters and drywallers are employed by construction companies and by plastering and drywalling contractors or they may be self-employed.

Plasterers and drywallers work in the new home building and renovation, and institutional and commercial construction sectors.

Your duties

As a plasterer, your duties may include:

• Applying, levelling and smoothing coats of plaster
• Spraying coats of stucco over the exteriors of buildings to form weatherproof surfaces
• Cleaning and preparing surfaces
• Mixing plaster ingredients
• Finishing corners and angles and creating decorative designs
• Spraying finish over walls and ceilings

As a drywaller, your duties may include:

• Measuring, cutting and fitting drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
• Positioning and securing drywall sheets to metal or wooden studs
• Cutting and installing metal corner beads to protect exterior corners
• Filling joints, holes and cracks with compound using a trowel and broad knife
• Smoothing out excess compound and sanding over dry compound

Work conditions

The standard work week for plasterers and drywallers is 40 hours (8 hours a day, 5 days a week). As with many careers in construction, there are peak periods that will require you to work overtime. The number of additional hours you work each week depends on the construction sector and region you work in, and will vary from one job to the next.

As a plasterer and drywaller, you will work mostly indoors, with some outdoor work. You may work alone or with other construction crew members. The job is physically demanding—you will be on your feet most of the time, working with heavy drywall sheets.

As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. Plasterers and drywallers are trained to work safely, and use equipment such as masks and safety goggles to protect themselves from dust.

Essential skills

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has identified nine essential skills that are necessary to succeed in the workplace. These skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and are applicable to most construction careers. Best of all, you can learn and improve on these skills in school, on the job, and during your everyday life.

The most important Essential Skills for plasterers and drywallers are:

• Numeracy—working with numbers to perform calculations
• Significant use of memory—performing tasks that call upon greater memory use than most jobs
• Working with others—interacting with co-workers to get the job done

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is one way of starting out in the construction industry. It involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified plasterer and drywaller, called a journeyperson.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and are paid by the hour while working on the job site. Wages start at about 45% of a journeyperson’s hourly rate and increase during your apprenticeship, until you reach the full rate.

Entering an apprenticeship program

Requirements for plasterer and drywaller apprenticeship programs vary across Canada. In most provinces and territories, you must be at least 16 years old and have a Grade 10 education, or equivalent, to enter a plasterer and drywaller apprenticeship program.

Some provinces and territories offer secondary school apprenticeship programs that allow high school students to work towards a career as a plasterer and drywaller.

Program length

Apprenticeship training programs for plasterers and drywallers vary across Canada. They generally last four years, and include both on-the-job training and in-class technical training.

Related work experience or completion of a plasterer and drywaller program at a college or technical institute can reduce the time required to complete your apprenticeship.

Certification

Plasterer and drywaller certification is required in Québec, and is available but voluntary in most other provinces. Even where certification is voluntary, it is still recommended. Certification tells employers and other workers that you are a skilled professional. It also helps you get jobs.

To be certified as a plasterer and drywaller, you usually need to complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the on-the-job training, technical training and examinations required by the program, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.

If you have over three years of on-the-job experience and some high school, college or industry courses for plasterers and drywallers, you may be eligible for certification in some provinces and territories.

In provinces and territories where certification is not available, it may be possible to study as an apprentice through your local labour organization.

As a certified plasterer or drywaller, you may attempt the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal *. With a Red Seal, you can work as a plasterer and drywaller anywhere in Canada.

*Under the Red Seal program, plasterer and drywaller is classified as “lather”.

To keep your skills current, you have to keep up with new technological developments by reading and talking with other plasterers and drywallers.

Salary ranges

TYPICAL WORK WEEK/YEAR *

JOURNEYPERSON			ANNUAL SALARY RANGE **       LOW   HIGH       $35,360   $60,320
HOURLY SALARY RANGE
LOW	HIGH
$17	$29

APPRENTICE
HOURLY SALARY RANGE
	LOW	HIGH
YEAR 1 – 45 %	$ 7.65	$ 13.05
YEAR 2 – 60 %	$ 10.25	$ 17.40
YEAR 3 – 75 %	$ 12.75	$ 21.75
YEAR 4 – 90 %	$ 15.30	$ 26.10

In addition to their hourly rate, many construction workers receive statutory holiday and vacation pay. Depending on the contract, you may also receive benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits up to 30% of your hourly rate.

If you are self-employed, it’s up to you to arrange your own benefits.

* Wages vary across Canada, among labour organization locals and among open-shop construction contractors.

** Most construction work involves overtime, so your annual salary will vary depending on the number of hours you work. The salary range listed above represents the annual salary range for full-time journeyperson plasterers and drywallers across Canada, based on a 40-hour work week, without taking overtime into account.

Building your career

With experience and additional training, you can move into supervisory or estimator positions. You can also become self-employed and contract your services for smaller jobs.

As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills are portable. If you want to move, you can take your skills with you.

Apprentice Electrician Job Fort McMurray, Alberta
			Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full Time, Day
			Salary: To be negotiated, Other Benefits
			Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
			Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta (4 vacancies )
			Skill Requirements:
				Education: Completion of high school, Some college/CEGEP/vocational or technical training Credentials (certificates, licences, memberships, courses, etc.): 1st Period Apprentice, 2nd Period Apprentice, 3rd Period Apprentice, 4th Period Apprentice Experience: 0 - 6 months Languages: Speak English, Read English, Write English, Not applicable Major Work Area: Construction, Service, Repair, Maintenance Type of Establishment/Work Setting Experience: Commercial, Industrial Area of Specialization: Security and surveillance systems, Communications systems, Data processing and computers Type of Equipment: Programmable logic controls and associated devices, Instrumentation, Electronic devices, Conventional electrical devices Specific Skills: Install, replace and repair electrical controls and panel boxes, Splice, join and connect wires, Troubleshoot and isolate faults, Connect power to audio and visual equipment, Renovate electrical systems in residential and commercial structures, Conduct preventive maintenance programs Additional Skills: Professionalism in customer service, Keep maintenance reports and documentation, Determine appropriate selection of materials and methods for hazardous locations, Supervise other workers Security and Safety: Criminal record check, Driving record check (abstract) Own Tools/Equipment: Tools, Steel-toed safety boots Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Fast-paced environment Work Site Environment: Outdoors, At heights, Confined spaces Work Location Information: Willing to relocate Essential Skills: Reading text, Document use, Numeracy, Writing, Oral communication, Working with others, Problem solving, Decision making, Critical thinking, Job task planning and organizing, Significant use of memory, Finding information, Computer use, Continuous learning Other Information: These are great career opportunities for individuals either someone looking to learn a skilled trade or part way through their apprenticeship. Excellent remuneration and benefits and great career development opportunities exist. Please visit www.convergint.com
			Employer: Convergint Technologies
			How to Apply:
			—
			Contact Name: Dean Mizera   By Mail:   124 6170 12th Street SE Calgary, Alberta T2H 2X2   By Fax: (403) 291-2577   By E-mail: jobsinftmac@convergint.com
			Business Profile: We are a North American service based company that designs, installs, and services building systems, with a dedicated focus in the areas of Fire Alarm & Life Safety, Security, and Energy Management.
			Advertised until: 2008/02/16