Boilermakers build, repair, test and maintain all types of boilers, tanks and pressure vessels. They perform structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water and other liquid-tight containers.
Responsibilities
Develop layouts and work plans
Shape, cut and fit metal components together using various tools and equipment
Bricklayers work with masonry materials such as brick, concrete block, stone, structural tile and pre-cast panels to construct and repair structures like walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces, chimneys and other elements. They often work on commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Responsibilities
Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, structural tiles or other masonry units
Read sketches and blueprints to calculate materials required
Carpenters construct, maintain and repair structures made of wood and wood substitutes, steel, concrete and other materials. They make foundations, lay out beams, subflooring, walls and roofs, and fit and install doors and other access points.
Responsibilities
Read and interpret blueprints and drawings
Calculate requirements and prepare layouts to follow building codes
Construction electricians plan, assemble, install, commission, inspect, and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial environments (for example, heating, lighting, power, security, communication and control systems).
Responsibilities
Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and specifications
Test and measure voltage, loads, ground faults integrity of circuits
Glaziers measure, handle, fabricate, and install glass and glass substitutes, including curtain wall framing, aluminum storefront frames and entrances, glass railings, skylights and more. They can also attach films and laminates that improve the durability and safety of glass.
Responsibilities
Read and interpret drawings and material specifications to determine layouts and installation requirements
Measure, handle, fabricate, and install glass and glass substitutes
Heat and frost insulators work with more than just heating and cooling, they also help reduce the passage of
sound, air, smoke and fire. They are essential to every large institutional, commercial and industrial
construction project in the country, as well as residential construction.
Responsibilities
Read and interpret specifications to select the type of insulation required
Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and
installation methods
An Ironworker (Generalist) works with both
structural/ornamental and reinforcing steel materials.
They may also prepare the site by assembling hoisting
equipment, unloading material for installation,
connect cables and slings, and directing crane
operators in lifts.
Responsibilities
Cut, bend, lay out and place reinforcing steel rods, welded, wire fabric and composite materials in a variety of poured concrete products and structures
Position, align and secure components
according to drawings, using a variety of methods
Reinforcing Ironworkers cut, bend, lay out, place, tie, couple, and weld reinforcing steel rods, welded wire fabric and composite materials in a variety of reinforced concrete products and structures. They also place and stress various post tensioning systems in structures where longer unsupported spans are required (for example bridges and stadiums).
Responsibilities
Position, align and secure components according to drawings, using a variety of methods
Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
Structural/ Ornamental Ironworkers install and reinforce structural/ ornamental steel components, precast
structural concrete members and glued laminate timber products in commercial, industrial, institutional and
large residential buildings, towers, bridges and stadiums. They also erect pre-engineered buildings and
ornamental ironwork.
Responsibilities
Install and reinforce structural/ornamental steel components and other materials according to blueprints
Erect scaffolding, cranes, hoists and derricks on construction sites
Labourers assist and support other skilled tradespersons on a job site including setting up and dismantling forms, site preparation and clean-up, concrete placement and finishing, mason tending, etc.
Responsibilities
Perform various duties involving lifting, carrying tool use and machinery management
Assist heavy equipment operators in securing and guiding movement of equipment
Millwrights (or Industrial Mechanics) install and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical equipment
including hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems.
Responsibilities
Detect and troubleshoot mechanical problems
Repair or replace defective machinery parts
Assemble and install machinery and equipment using tools
Salary: Dependent on Certifications and Experience
Non-Destructive Testers use a variety of scientific
methods and equipment to assess the integrity and
properties of a material without damaging it. Types of
testing methods include: eddy current testing, liquid
penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing,
radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing.
Responsibilities
Determine type of testing methods to be used
for the assessment
Conduct testing on materials, components,
structures, etc. following established
processes and procedures
Mobile Crane Operators use mobile cranes to lift, move, position and place materials and equipment. Mobile
crane types included crawlers, floating platform-mounted, ring mounted, truck mounted, rough-terrain (RT)
and all terrain (AT).
*In the province of Nova Scotia, Operating Engineers classified as Mobile Crane Operators are under the
regulatory authority of the Technical Safety Division.
Responsibilities
Perform pre-operational inspections
Calculate crane capacities and determine load weight
Painters apply a range of coatings to beautify, identify and protect interior and exterior surfaces and structures from weather, UV, chemicals, abrasion and fire. From office towers and retail stores to bridges and pipelines, a Red Seal painter does it all.
Responsibilities
Repair, clean and prepare wood, plaster, stucco, stone, concrete, brick, steel and other materials.
Apply paint and other materials using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
Plumbers install, remodel and maintain systems that carry water, steam, air and other liquids or gases necessary for sanitation, industrial production, heating, air conditioning and many other systems. Because they work in all kinds of industries, there are nearly endless work opportunities.
Responsibilities
Read blueprints and drawings for plumbing system layouts, water supply networks and waste and drainage systems
Determine piping system requirements and pipe sizing
Roofers install, maintain, repair, and replace roofs using a variety of materials and methods. As part of their job, roofers will also inspect existing roofs for repair area, weatherproof, waterproof, and damp-proof roofing surfaces, foundation surfaces, floor slabs and bridge decks. They may also install various types of flashings, drain inserts and clamps.
Responsibilities
Read and interpret blueprints
Install, maintain, repair and replace roofing systems
Sheet metal workers design, create, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products, including heating, venting and air conditioning systems, pollution control systems and other metal structures. They work indoors and outdoors, on construction sites and in shops.
Responsibilities
Build and install products such as eavestroughs, air and heat ducts, roof decking and sheet metal buildings
Sprinkler fitters install, repair, maintain and test various fire protection systems. As part of their work, they may be required to weld, solder and connect piping systems to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment. They must read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and fire codes to ensure compliance to installation requirements.
Responsibilities
Build and install products such as eavestroughs, air and heat ducts, roof decking and sheet metal buildings
Steamfitters/pipefitters build, assemble, maintain and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Because of this, much of their work is industrial. They work indoors or outdoors, and the job can be physically demanding.
Responsibilities
Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
Measure, cut, thread, bend and install metal, plastic and fiberglass pipes, valves and fittings
Tilesetters cover, protect, repair and decorate wall surfaces, floors, ceilings, pools, showers, and other surfaces with tiles They can be employed by construction companies, masonry companies or self-employed.
Responsibilities
Read and interpret architectural drawings and material specifications to determine tile layouts, finish and installation requirements.
Handle materials including ceramic, mosaics, glass, quarry tiles, slate, engineered stone, terrazzo, porcelain and marble or granite slabs
Everything you need to start your career in the construction industry.
Explore the Trades
Interested in working in the Canadian construction industry but not sure which trade is the best fit for you? Check out the many skilled trades in Nova Scotia and start your career journey here.