Construction Craft Worker National Occupational Analysis (NOA)

Table of Contents

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this National Occupational Analysis (NOA) as the national standard for the occupation of Construction Craft Worker.

Occupational Analyses Series

Disponible en français sous le titre : Manœuvre en construction

NOC: 7611

Designation Year: 2009

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Red Seal Exam Self-Assessment Guide – Construction Craft Worker

Use this self-assessment tool (PDF, 999 KB) to rate your own understanding and experience with the tasks of the trade that are on the Red Seal examination.

General Information

Scope

“Construction Craft Worker” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship. This analysis covers tasks performed by construction craft workers whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Occupational titles
Title NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
Construction Craft Labourer - - - - - - - Check Mark Check Mark - - - -
Construction Craft Worker Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark - - Check Mark - - -

Construction craft workers work mostly on construction sites; their tasks include site preparation and cleanup, setting up and removing access equipment, and working on concrete, masonry, steel, wood and pre-cast erecting projects. They handle materials and equipment and perform demolition, excavation and compaction activities. They may also perform site safety and security checks.

Construction craft workers work on a wide variety of structures such as residential, and industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sites, as well as hydroelectric dams, roadways, bridges, tunnels, mines and railways. In some jurisdictions, they may also work on utility, landscape and pipeline projects. Construction craft workers may work for private companies 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, blasting, scaling, sandblasting, high-pressure washing, diving, tunnelling and performing emergency rescue. Another common responsibility is the management of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in situations involving potential hazards and public trust.

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.

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 considerations such as safety and legal liability are at issue. Organizational, leadership, problem solving and document interpretation skills are assets for anyone wanting to progress in this trade.

This analysis acknowledges similarities with many construction trades. With experience construction craft workers may have opportunities to advance.

Occupational Observations

Due to more stringent environmental regulations, the industry is seeing an increased emphasis upon recycling requirements and other environmental protection activities. To meet these standards, construction craft workers are seeing an increase in duties, requiring a larger skilled workforce. These new standards are also associated with increased diversification of tasks undertaken by this trade, heightened demands for resourcefulness on the jobsite and capacity to function year-round rather than on a merely seasonal basis. Also, new green construction methods adhering to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), such as building green roofs and other aspects of work in the power sector work (e.g. wind turbines, solar) require construction craft workers to expand their skills.

There is increased pressure from industry to accomplish tasks in a shorter time period even as year-round rather than seasonal work increasingly becomes a standard requirement of this trade.

Increased technological advances such as digital equipment, pipe remediation and robotics are leading to an increased emphasis on training. The use of global positioning systems (GPS) is becoming more popular for layout, grading and locates. Increased safety and technical training is being supported in the construction industry.

Essential Skills Summary

Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and throughout daily life in different ways.

A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:

Tools are available online or for order at: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/tools/index.shtml.

The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the competency statements which support each subtask of the trade. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken from the essential skills profile.

Construction craft workers read a variety of material such as safety data sheets (SDS) and pre-job safety instructions (PSI). They also may refer to instructions and procedures for guidelines on mixing mortars and cleaning parts, and manuals for guidelines on inspecting and operating mobile and stationary equipment including load charts. Construction craft workers may read trade journals, brochures and website articles to learn about new products and construction technologies.

Construction craft workers interpret labels on product packaging and equipment to locate specifications, times, safety information and identification numbers. They also interpret technical drawings such as floor plans, schematics and assembly drawings. They complete documents including orientation and equipment inspection forms.

Construction craft workers use writing skills to complete logbooks to record the outcome of safety inspections and write notes to co-workers concerning items such as defective equipment. They may be required to prepare short reports, such as describing events leading up to a workplace accident.

Construction craft workers exchange information with co-workers and other tradespeople. They talk to supervisors to learn about job assignments and to coordinate activities and schedules. Construction craft workers participate in staff meetings to discuss safety, goals, procedures, job time-frames and projects. They speak to suppliers to determine policies, prices and delivery schedules.

Construction craft workers take measurements using a range of tools and compare measurements to specifications. They estimate quantities and weights. Construction craft workers perform calculations including calculating material requirements.

Construction craft workers use thinking skills to organize their work. They decide on the order of tasks and how to work around issues that can arise such as material shortages and equipment breakdowns. They evaluate the safety of worksites by identifying hazards. They evaluate the quality of work by taking measurements and checking alignment. Construction craft workers may attempt to troubleshoot equipment problems. They may also recommend whether parts are reusable or can be rebuilt.

Construction craft workers may work independently or with a journeyperson or apprentice to accomplish their assigned tasks. On large jobs, they may work as a member of a team.

Construction craft workers use digital tools such as multimeters and scan tools to measure current, voltage and resistance. They use calculators to complete numeracy related tasks. Construction craft workers use communication software/devices to exchange information. They may access online information such as bulletins and training courses. They may also use computers to complete topographical surveys and generate diagrams as well as to view blueprints.

Construction craft workers have a recurring requirement to learn. This includes learning about new work materials and construction procedures. They may take part in company or jobsite safety training and training to remain up to date in first aid practices.

Acknowledgements

The CCDA and ESDC wish to express sincere appreciation for the contribution of the many tradespersons, industrial establishments, professional associations, labour organizations, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, and all others who contributed to this publication.

Special acknowledgement is extended by ESDC and the CCDA to the following representatives of the trade, and the apprenticeship bodies or national organizations that nominated them.

This analysis was prepared by the Labour Market Integration Directorate of ESDC. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this analysis were undertaken by employees of the NOA development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division. The host jurisdiction of Ontario also participated in the development of this NOA.

Comments or questions about National Occupational Analyses may be forwarded to:

Trades and Apprenticeship Division
Labour Market Integration Directorate
Employment and Social Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 6th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0J9