Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers

Nature of work

Construction trades helpers and labourers help skilled tradespersons and do labouring activities at construction sites, in quarries and in surface mines. They work for construction companies, trade and labour contractors, and surface mine and quarry operators.

Job duties

Construction trades helpers and labourers:

• Load and unload construction materials and move materials to work areas.
• Build and take down concrete forms, scaffolding, ramps, catwalks, shoring and barriers needed at construction sites.
• Mix, pour and spread materials like concrete and asphalt.
• Help tradespersons like carpenters, bricklayers, cement finishers, roofers and glaziers in construction activities.
• Help heavy equipment operators to secure special attachments to equipment, signal operators to guide them in moving equipment and provide help in other activities.
• Help line up pipes and do related activities during oil and gas pipeline construction.
• Help in drilling and blasting rock at construction sites.
• Help miners in excavating and in setting up and operating drills and other surface mining machinery.
• Level earth to fine grade specifications using rake and shovel.
• Help demolish buildings using prying bars and other tools, and sort, clean and pile salvaged materials.
• Remove rubble and other debris at construction sites using rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and other equipment.
• Use air hammers, vibrators and tampers as directed.
• Tend or feed machines or equipment used in construction like mixers, compressors and pumps.
• Clean up chemical spills and other contaminants and remove asbestos and other hazardous materials.
• Oil and grease hoists and similar equipment.
• Direct traffic at or near construction sites.
• Complete other activities at construction sites, as directed.

Sample job titles

• asphalt spreader
• bricklayer helper
• carpenter helper
• concrete mixer helper
• concrete paving labourer
• construction craft worker
• construction helper
• construction labourer
• demolition worker
• driller helper - surface mining
• drywall sander
• excavation labourer
• flagperson
• glazier helper
• pipeline mandrel operator
• plumber helper
• roofer helper
• stabber - pipeline construction

Skills

• Strength and stamina
• Mechanical aptitude
• Manual dexterity
• A safety-conscious attitude
• Ability to work as a team
• Ability to take direction and follow instructions given by a supervisor
• Organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and document interpretation skills are assets for anyone wanting to progress in this occupation.

Job requirements

• Some high school education may be required.
• On-the-job training is provided.
• Some experience as a general construction labourer may be needed for construction trade helpers.
• Some pipeline workers, like stabbers, mandrel operators, and pre-heater tenders, usually need one season of experience in oil and gas pipeline construction.
• Flagmen/women may need a traffic control certificate.
• Trade Qualifier option for construction craft workers, 5,400 hours, and other criteria.
• Certification for construction craft workers is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for construction craft workers.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.

Other considerations

• Construction craft worker is a Red Seal trade. They prepare and clean up construction sites, move materials and equipment, and do demolition, excavating, and compacting activities.
• Construction trades helpers and labourers work outdoors in all weather conditions. They are often required to work at heights, over water, and in confined spaces and excavations. The job setting may be in densely populated urban areas or at remote locations. They often work overtime during peak construction periods.
• Most work full-time, but often for only part of the year because this work is highly seasonal.
• There is some risk of injury when working at construction sites. Workers must wear safety gear and follow safety programs and legislation.
• Experienced construction craft workers may advance to supervisory or foreman roles.
• 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, tunneling, and performing an emergency rescue. Another common responsibility is the management of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Regulations

Contacts