Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers
(NOC 7611)
in All Trades and TransportationConstruction 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 Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 23% of Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $36,256. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$19.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,083
Minimum$23,821
Median$58,819
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
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
- flagman/woman
- glazier helper
- pipeline mandrel operator
- plumber helper
- roofer helper
- stabber - pipeline construction
Skills
- You need good health, physical stamina and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical ability would be helpful. You must be able to take direction and be able to follow instructions given by a supervisor.
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.
- Red Seal certification is available for qualified construction craft workers.
Other considerations
- Most construction trades helpers and labourers work full-time, but often for only part of the year because this work is highly seasonal. Some experience as a general construction labourer may be required for construction trade helpers and some pipeline workers like stabbers, mandrel operators and pre-heater tenders, usually require one season of experience in oil and gas pipeline construction. Movement is possible among workers in this unit group.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$24,764 median annual incomeCape Breton
$28,103 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$23,552 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$23,150 median annual incomeSouthern
$18,882 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Transportation and warehousing
Manufacturing
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$22,732 median annual incomeLess than high school
$22,935 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$30,766 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$28,039 median annual incomeBachelor
$22,509 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Building Construction Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to residential and commercial building construction and remodeling. They include courses in construction equipment and safety, site preparation and layout, construction estimating, blueprint reading, building codes, framing, masonry, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, electrical and mechanical systems, interior and exterior finishing, and plumbing.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, but a certificate is not needed to legally do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.