Construction craft worker

Overview

Construction craft worker

This group performs 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.

Job titles

  • access floor installer helper
  • air breaker operator
  • air gun operator
  • air hammer operator - construction
  • air lock tender
  • air tool operator

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition
The labour market information for this career is aggregate data for Construction trades helpers and labourers

Annual salary

Low

$37,541

Median

$50,054

High

$72,725

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

5,449

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Some experience as a general construction labourer may be required for construction trade helpers.

  • Some pipeline workers, such as stabbers, mandrel operators and pre-heater tenders, usually require one season of experience in oil and gas pipeline construction.

  • Flagmen/women may require a traffic control certificate.

Additional information

  • Mobility is possible among workers in this unit group.

  • Progression from rigger to crane operator is possible with experience and additional certification.

Certification requirements

Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Construction craft worker in B.C.

  • Skilled Trades Certification - Construction Craft Worker
  • Construction Craft Worker Red Seal Certification

Skilled Trades Certification - Construction Craft Worker

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a construction craft worker in B.C., you will need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.

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Construction Craft Worker Red Seal Certification

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade within and outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

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Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.

Beneficial post-secondary programs (not required)