Electrical Trades and Telecommunications Contractors and Supervisors

Nature of work

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of the following groups of workers: Electricians, Industrial electricians, Power system electricians, Electrical power line and cable workers, Telecommunications line and cable workers, Telecommunications installation and repair workers and Cable television service and maintenance technicians. They work for a wide range of businesses; places of employment are indicated in the above group descriptions. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job duties

Contractors and supervisors in this group:

• Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of workers.
• Create ways to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments or subcontractors.
• Request materials and supplies.
• Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
• Train or arrange for training of workers.
• Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions.
• Make sure standards for safe working conditions are met.
• Prepare work progress reports.
• May manage their own companies.
• May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.
• Small businesses' contractors may carry out tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Sample job titles

• cable maintenance and repair supervisor
• construction electricians foreperson
• electrical contractor
• industrial electrical systems foreperson
• industrial electricians foreperson
• plant electrician supervisor
• power line and cable workers foreperson
• power system electrician foreperson
• residential electrician supervisor
• telecommunication installation and repair worker foreperson

Skills

• You must be able to work well with a variety of people. Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are necessary. You must also be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and work as part of a team. You should be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina and good motor skills are necessary.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a relevant trade are required.
• Journeyman/woman trade certification in a relevant trade is required.

Other considerations

• Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. Workers in many of these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. Individuals in these jobs usually have significant non-supervisory experience in related jobs. There is some movement among jobs within a specific trade, however, there is little or no inter-trade movement among supervisors.

Regulations

Contacts