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 New Brunswick and start your career journey here.
Boilermaker
Bricklayer
Carpenter
Construction Electrician
Elevator Constructor
Glazier
Insulator
Ironworker – Generalist
Ironworker – Reinforcing
Ironworker – Structural & Ornamental
Labourer
Millwright
Non-Destructive Testing
Operating Engineer / Mobile Crane Operator
Painter
Plumber
Roofer
Sheet Metal Worker
Sprinkler System Installer
Steamfitter/Pipefitter
Tilesetter
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 New Brunswick and start your career journey here.
Boilermakers build, repair, test and maintain all types of boilers, tanks and pressure vessels. They perform structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water and other liquid-tight containers.
Responsibilities
- Develop layouts and work plans
- Shape, cut and fit metal components together using various tools and equipment
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 materials required
Carpenters construct, maintain and repair structures made of wood and wood substitutes, steel, concrete and other materials. They make foundations, lay out beams, subflooring, walls and roofs, and fit and install doors and other access points.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret blueprints and drawings
- Calculate requirements and prepare layouts to follow building codes
Construction electricians plan, assemble, install, commission, inspect, and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial environments (for example, heating, lighting, power, security, communication and control systems).
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret blueprints, 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
Glaziers measure, handle, fabricate, and install glass and glass substitutes, including curtain wall framing, aluminum storefront frames and entrances, glass railings, skylights and more. They can also attach films and laminates that improve the durability and safety of glass.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret drawings and material specifications to determine layouts and installation requirements
- Measure, handle, fabricate, and install glass and glass substitutes
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 in the country, as well as residential construction.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret specifications to select the type of insulation required
- Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and installation methods
Ironworkers assemble, hoist, repair and service steel framework and other metals and materials used in buildings, bridges, highways, dams and other structures. They can manufacture refabricated construction components and buildings, and custom-fabricate fine wrought-iron architectural ornamentation.
Responsibilities
- Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
- Erect and install scaffolding, falsework and other working platforms
Reinforcing Ironworkers cut, bend, lay out, place, tie, couple, and weld reinforcing steel rods, welded wire fabric and composite materials in a variety of reinforced concrete products and structures. They also place and stress various post tensioning systems in structures where longer unsupported spans are required (for example bridges and stadiums).
Responsibilities
- Position, align and secure components according to drawings, using a variety of methods
- Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
Structural/ Ornamental Ironworkers install and reinforce structural/ ornamental steel components, precast structural concrete members and glued laminate timber products in commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential buildings, towers, bridges and stadiums. They also erect pre-engineered buildings and ornamental ironwork.
Responsibilities
- Install and reinforce structural/ornamental steel components and other materials according to blueprints
- Erect scaffolding, cranes, hoists and derricks on construction sites
Labourers assist and support other skilled tradespersons on a job site including setting up and dismantling forms, site preparation and clean-up, concrete placement and finishing, mason tending, etc.
Responsibilities
- Perform various duties involving lifting, carrying tool use and machinery management
- Assist heavy equipment operators in securing and guiding movement of equipment
Millwrights (or Industrial Mechanics) install and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical equipment including hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems.
Responsibilities
- Detect and troubleshoot mechanical problems
- Repair or replace defective machinery parts
Non-Destructive Testers use a variety of scientific methods and equipment to assess the integrity and properties of a material without damaging it. Types of testing methods include: eddy current testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing.
Responsibilities
- Determine type of testing methods to be used for the assessment
- Conduct testing on materials, components, structures, etc. following established processes and procedures
Mobile Crane Operators use mobile cranes to lift, move, position and place materials and equipment. Mobile crane types included crawlers, floating platform-mounted, ring mounted, truck mounted, rough-terrain (RT) and all terrain (AT). *In the province of New Brunswick, Operating Engineers classified as Mobile Crane Operators are under the regulatory authority of the Technical Safety Division.
Responsibilities
- Perform pre-operational inspections
- Calculate crane capacities and determine load weight
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 office towers and retail stores to bridges and pipelines, a Red Seal painter does it all.
Responsibilities
- Repair, clean and prepare wood, plaster, stucco, stone, concrete, brick, steel and other materials
- Apply paint and other materials using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
Plumbers install, remodel and maintain systems that carry water, steam, air and other liquids or gases necessary for sanitation, industrial production, heating, air conditioning and many other systems. Because they work in all kinds of industries, there are nearly endless work opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints and drawings for plumbing system layouts, water supply networks and waste and drainage systems
- Determine piping system requirements and pipe sizing
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanics work with primary or secondary refrigeration and air conditioning systems. They install, troubleshoot and repair systems such as residential central air conditioning and commercial & industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Responsibilities
- Remove refrigerants from refrigeration & air conditioning systems
- Install, remove, recycle, store and dispose of refrigerants
Roofers install, maintain, repair, and replace roofs using a variety of materials and methods. As part of their job, roofers will also inspect existing roofs for repair area, weatherproof, waterproof, and damp-proof roofing surfaces, foundation surfaces, floor slabs and bridge decks. They may also install various types of flashings, drain inserts and clamps.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret blueprints
- Install, maintain, repair and replace roofing systems
Sheet metal workers design, create, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products, including heating, venting and air conditioning systems, pollution control systems and other metal structures. They work indoors and outdoors, on construction sites and in shops.
Responsibilities
- Build and install products such as eavestroughs, air and heat ducts, roof decking and sheet metal buildings
- Lay out, measure and mark sheet metal
Sprinkler fitters install, repair, maintain and test various fire protection systems. As part of their work, they may be required to weld, solder and connect piping systems to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment. They must read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and fire codes to ensure compliance to installation requirements.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret work specifications and fire codes
- Inspect, maintain and repair piping, fixtures and controls including hydrant, pump and sprinkler head connections
Steamfitters/pipefitters build, assemble, maintain and repair piping systems that carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Because of this, much of their work is industrial. They work indoors or outdoors, and the job can be physically demanding.
Responsibilities
- Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
- Measure, cut, thread, bend and install metal, plastic and fiberglass pipes, valves and fittings
Tilesetters cover, protect, repair and decorate wall surfaces, floors, ceilings, pools, showers, and other surfaces with tiles They can be employed by construction companies, masonry companies or self-employed.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret architectural drawings and material specifications to determine tile layouts, finish and installation requirements
- Handle materials including ceramic, mosaics, glass, quarry tiles, slate, engineered stone, terrazzo, porcelain and marble or granite slabs
