Bricklayers work with masonry materials such as brick, concrete block, stone, structural tile and pre-cast panels to construct and repair structures like walls, partitions, patios, arches, fireplaces, chimneys and other elements. They often work on commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Responsibilities
Prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, structural tiles or other masonry units
Read sketches and blueprints to calculate required materials
Electricians install new electrical systems and test, replace, upgrade and service existing systems in all types of buildings and structures. There is also growing demand for specialized work with controls, fibre optics and communication and computer networks.
Responsibilities
Read and interpret blueprints, maps, drawings and specifications
Test and measure voltage, loads, ground faults integrity of circuits
Elevator constructors and mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair freight and passenger elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other related equipment. In this career, they are most often employed by elevator construction and maintenance companies. They may specialize in installation, maintenance or repair.
Responsibilities
Install and wire electric and electronic control system devices
Adjust valves, seals, brake linings and other components
Heat and frost insulators work with more than just heating and cooling, they also help reduce the passage of sound, air, smoke and fire. They are essential to every large institutional, commercial and industrial construction project, and residential construction. They can be self-employed or work with construction companies and insulation contractors.
Responsibilities
Measure and cut insulating material to required dimensions using hand and power tools
Fit insulation around obstructions and between studs and joists
Controlling climate is no easy feat and heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration technicians have the skills to do this every day. They keep our spaces warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and keep us comfortable by designing, maintaining and repairing systems we rely on.
Responsibilities
Connect components to an electric power supply and calibrate related controls
Ironworking is a multi-faceted career. They assemble, erect, weld and repair industrial and commercial structural steel framework and other metals and materials used in buildings, bridges, highways, dams, industrial plants and other structures. They are also involved in concrete reinforcing (rebar and wire mesh), precast concrete, industrial plant maintenance, machinery and equipment rigging and installation, dragline construction and curtain wall installation.
Responsibilities
Erect and install scaffolding, falsework and other working platforms
Signal crane operators to position units according to blueprints
Labourers are a backbone to construction, working on tasks that help work run smoothly on job sites. They use diverse skills in a variety of construction activities, including preparing construction sites, moving equipment and materials, installing water and sewer lines, operating hand tools, working with concrete, and cleaning up finished sites.
Responsibilities
Install and remove scaffolding, ramps and barricades
Millwrights install, service, diagnose and repair stationary machinery and heavy equipment used in many industries. They work on a range of equipment such as pumps, compressors, turbines and mining equipment using a combination of hand and power tools, including welding equipment. They can develop skills in areas such as hydraulics, electronics and other specializations.
Responsibilities
Repair or replace defective machinery parts
Assemble and install machinery and equipment using hand and power tools
Operating Engineers work as light and heavy equipment operators, crane operators, mechanics and welders in the construction, road building, paving, mining, marine, pipeline, and oil and gas industries. They are highly skilled and masters of a large variety of equipment.
Responsibilities
Operate computer-controlled equipment and hydraulic pumping systems
Conduct pre-operational checks & perform minor repairs on equipment
Painters apply a range of coatings to beautify, identify and protect interior and exterior surfaces and structures from weather, UV, chemicals, abrasion and fire. From housing, hospitals, schools, office towers and retail stores to bridges, tanks, pipelines, structural steel and hydro generation, a Red Seal painter does it all.
Responsibilities
Apply paint and other materials using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
Although both work in the piping industry, pipefitters/steamfitters differ from plumbers as they generally work with more industrial piping that involves high pressure systems. From refineries to production plants to pipelines, they build and maintain the lines that keep our energy sources flowing in a safe and economical way.
Responsibilities
Apply training in rigging, project planning and quality control
Weld, cement, solder and join pipes and related equipment
Plasterers/cement masons construct, level and finish freshly poured concrete. They install, maintain and restore concrete structures such as foundations, floors, ceilings and walls, sidewalks, roads, patios and high-rise buildings. In this career, work includes residential, commercial, industrial and institutional construction.
Responsibilities
Direct placement of concrete, check formwork and steel reinforcement materials
Install anchor bolts, steel plates, door sills and other fixtures
A plumber’s work directly affects the health and safety of the entire nation. Their scope of work is what keeps our homes, towns and cities healthy. Plumbers help eliminate water & sanitation-related illnesses by providing safe, clean drinking water, and equip healthcare centres with medical gas supply. Plumbers provide our lifelines.
Responsibilities
Install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures & systems
Use a variety of tools & work with multiple types of materials
Sheet metal workers lay out, fabricate, assemble, weld, install and service a variety of projects such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), industrial, kitchen and hospital equipment, and architectural work. A sheet metal worker requires highly specialized and up-to-date skills to accomplish the various tasks involved in the trade.
Responsibilities
Read and interpret sketches and work specifications
Lay out, measure and mark dimensions according to drawings & templates
Sprinkler fitters dedicate their careers to installing fire protection systems in residential, institutional, commercial & industrial settings. Sprinkler fitters inspect, test and maintain these systems on a regular basis. These systems protect people and property 24/7 and sprinklerfitters know there is no room for error.
Responsibilities
Work on all types of fire protection systems in a large assortment of settings
Read and interpret work specifications and fire codes
Teamsters are involved in the transportation of materials across a wide variety of industries. Transport truck drivers operate heavy trucks via urban, interurban, provincial and international routes. They are employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, trucking employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed.
Responsibilities
Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks and lighter, special purpose trucks
Working with temperatures between 5,000F and 50,000F, welders have the skills & knowledge to successfully build and repair any type of metal using a variety of processes. There is plenty of room for opportunity and skill building with this trade.
Everything you need to start your career in the unionized construction industry.
Explore the Trades
Interested in working in the Canadian construction industry but not sure which trade is the best fit for you? Check out the many skilled trades in Saskatchewan and start your career journey here.