The construction craft worker trade appeals to people who enjoy being physically active, working outdoors and using various manual and power tools. Construction craft workers work in many different industries, including civil construction, road building, highrise construction, demolition, dam and tunnel construction, pipelines and various others.

Responsibilities

  • Handle, transport and distribute various construction materials
  • Perform various duties involving lifting, carrying tool use and machinery management
  • Install and remove scaffolding, ramps and barricades at construction site
  • Assist heavy equipment operators in securing and guiding movement of equipment
  • Level earth to grade specifications
  • Assist in demolishing buildings
  • Mix, pour and spread concrete
  • Help align pipes and other activities during oil and gas pipeline construction
  • Operate pneumatic hammers and tampers

What You’ll Need

Entrance Requirements

High School (recommended
prerequisites):

  • Minimum Grade 9 or equivalent
  • Basic English and Math skills

Apprenticeship Program:

2 years, includes 240 hours of technical training, 4,000 hours (minimum) of on-the-job training and exam. Journeyperson awarded after successful completion. As an apprentice, you also earn while you learn.

An applicant who has previous work experience related to the labourer trade may also qualify to challenge the Journeyperson exam. A minimum of 6,000 hours in the trade must be confirmed by an employer as well as having achieved 70 per cent of the labourer job scope.

Key Skills & Attributes

(technical training and on the job)

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy & problem-solving skills
  • Physical fitness
  • A safety-conscious attitude
  • The ability to work alone as well as part of a team
  • A valid driver’s licence or the ability to take transportation to various job sites

Trade Card Info Sheets

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Hourly Pay

$17.00 – $39.00/hr

Projected Growth

(CONSTRUCTION LABOUR FORCE)

10% over the decade
compared to 2020*

*BuildForce Canada

You are looking for variety on the job.

You like working with your hands & with machines.

You are comfortable working at heights and in diverse weather.

Did You Know?

The Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union (CSWU) consists of over 8,000 members across British Columbia and the Yukon. Labourers are a backbone to construction, working on tasks to help job sites to run smoothly.