Trades Helpers and Labourers
(NOC 7611, 7612)
in All Trades and TransportationConstruction trades helpers and labourers help skilled tradespersons and perform labouring duties at construction sites in quarries and in surface mines. They are employed by construction companies, trade and labour contractors, and surface mine and quarry operators. Other trades helpers and labourers help install and repair equipment and machinery in a wide variety of settings, including industry, transportation, refrigeration and air conditioning, and telecommunications. They are employed by a wide variety of manufacturing, utility and service companies.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all 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 decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Trades Helpers and Labourers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common.
The median employment income for 25% of Trades Helpers and Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $36,683. 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
$12.55
Minimum$17.00
Median$27.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,724
Minimum$23,750
Median$59,351
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
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 perform labouring duties at construction sites in quarries and in surface mines. They are employed by construction companies, trade and labour contractors, and surface mine and quarry operators.
Other trades helpers and labourers help install and repair equipment and machinery in a wide variety of settings, including industry, transportation, refrigeration and air conditioning, and telecommunications. They are employed by a wide variety of manufacturing, utility and service companies.
Job duties
Construction trades helpers and labourers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Load and unload construction materials, and move materials to work areas.
- Erect and dismantle concrete forms, scaffolding, ramps, catwalks, shoring and barricades required at construction sites.
- Mix, pour and spread materials such as concrete and asphalt.
- Assist tradespersons such as carpenters, bricklayers, cement finishers, roofers and glaziers in construction activities.
- Assist heavy equipment operators to secure special attachments to equipment, signal operators to guide them in moving equipment and provide assistance in other activities.
- Assist in aligning pipes and perform related activities during oil and gas pipeline construction.
- Assist in drilling and blasting rock at construction sites.
- Assist miners in excavating and in setting up and operating various drills and other surface mining machinery.
- Level earth to fine grade specifications using rake and shovel.
- Assist in demolishing 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.
- Operate pneumatic hammers, vibrators and tampers as directed.
- Tend or feed machines or equipment used in construction such as 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.
- Perform other activities at construction sites, as directed.
Trade helpers and labourers in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
- Move tools, equipment and other materials to and from work areas.
- Assist in splicing overhead and underground communications and electric power transmission cables.
- Assist in repairing, maintaining and installing industrial machinery and equipment.
- Assist in repairing, maintaining and installing refrigeration, heating and air conditioning equipment.
- Assist in repairing, maintaining and installing elevators.
- Assist in repairing and maintaining stationary electric power generating and distribution equipment.
- Assist in mechanical, electrical and body repairs of aircraft, railway cars, automobiles, trucks, buses, heavy equipment and motorcycles.
- Assist in repairing electrical appliances, small engines or other similar equipment.
- Mix fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides and load mixture into airplane for aerial spraying.
- Assist in land surveying activities, such as holding or moving stakes and rods, clearing brush and debris from line of survey and transporting surveying tools to work area.
- Perform other labouring and elemental tasks as required.
Sample job titles
- cable installation and repair helper - telecommunications
- construction craft worker
- construction trades helper
- construction worker
- flagman/woman - construction
- heating and air conditioning mechanic helper
- highway maintenance worker
- industrial mechanic helper
- motor vehicle mechanic helper
- surveyor helper
Skills
You need good health, physical stamina and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to take direction and be able to carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Red Seal certification (allowing for interprovincial mobility) is available for qualified construction craft workers.
- Flagmen/women may require a traffic control certificate.
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, such as stabbers, mandrel operators and pre-heater tenders, usually require one season of experience in oil and gas pipeline construction.
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
Cape Breton
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Transportation and Warehousing
Management, Admin & Other Support
Public Administration
Retail Trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$22,695 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,059 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$32,038 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,146 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$24,114 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Construction trades - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the building, inspecting, and maintaining of structures and related properties. These programs include courses in masonry, carpentry, electrical and power transmission installation, building/construction finishing, management, inspection and other construction-related applications.
Institutions providing this program
301 Alexandra Street
Sydney, NS B1S 2E8
(902) 539-9766
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however; a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.