Trades

Automotive service technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor
• Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicle, and test automotive systems and components using computerized diagnostic and other testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults
• Help adjust, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems including fuel system, brakes, steering and suspension, engine and drive train, emission control and exhaust, cooling and climate control, and electrical and electronic systems using hand tools and other specialized automotive repair equipment
• Learn how to test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer's performance specifications
• Perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
• Observe how to advise customers on work performed, general vehicle condition and future repair requirements

Mechanical repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing, perform some or all of the following duties:

• Become familiar with how to inspect and test mechanical units, such as engines, transmissions, axles and brake systems, to locate faults and malfunctions
• Learn how to diagnose faults or malfunctions and confirm findings with supervisor to determine whether to repair or replace unit
• Observe how to repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools
• Test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance
• Complete reports to record problems and work performed

Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

• Learn how to adjust, repair or replace parts and components of commercial transport truck systems including chassis, frame, cab, body, engine and drive train, air brakes, steering, and fuel, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems
• Help adjust, repair or replace parts and components of truck-trailer systems including structural, brake and electrical systems

Workers in this unit group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services.

Electrician interns learn to lay out, assemble, install, test, troubleshoot and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related equipment in buildings and other structures.

Electricians are exposed to some or all of the following duties:

• Read and interpret drawings, circuit diagrams and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layouts for new or existing installations
• Pull wire through conduits and through holes in walls and floors
• Install brackets and hangers to support electrical equipment
• Install, replace and repair lighting fixtures and electrical control and distribution equipment, such as switches, relays and circuit breaker panels
• Splice, join and connect wire to fixtures and components to form circuits
• Test continuity of circuits using test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of system, following installation, replacement or repair
• Troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems and remove and replace faulty components
• Connect electrical power to audio and visual communication equipment, signaling devices and heating and cooling systems
• Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records.

Industrial electricians are exposed to some or all of the following duties:

• Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics and electrical code specifications to determine layout of industrial electrical equipment installations
• Install, examine, replace or repair electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fibre-optic and coaxial cable assemblies, lighting fixtures and other electrical components
• Test electrical and electronic equipment and components for continuity, current, voltage and resistance
• Maintain, repair, install and test switchgear, transformers, switchboard meters, regulators and reactors
• Maintain, repair, test and install electrical motors, generators, alternators, industrial storage batteries and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems
• Troubleshoot, maintain and repair industrial, electrical and electronic control systems and other related devices
• Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records
• May install, maintain and calibrate industrial instrumentation and related devices.

Power system electricians are exposed to some or all of the following duties:

• Install and maintain electrical power distribution equipment such as transformers, generators, voltage regulators, switches, circuit breakers, capacitors, inductors, and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
• Install and maintain electrical equipment and apparatus in generating stations or powerhouses
• Inspect and test installed electrical equipment and apparatus to locate electrical faults and check their operation, using volt meters, ammeters and other electrical test instruments and equipment
• Repair or replace faulty electrical equipment and apparatus
• Complete test and maintenance reports.

Construction trades helpers and labourers assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring activities at construction sites, in quarries and in surface mines. They are employed by construction companies, and trade and labour contractors.

Construction trades helpers and labourers are exposed to 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.