Occupational Description

Insulators (Heat and Frost) work with different kinds of insulating materials to prevent or reduce the passage of heat, cold, vapour, moisture, sound or fire. They read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements, select the amount and type of insulation to be installed, and measure and cut insulating materials to the required dimensions. They then apply, install, repair and maintain insulating materials to mechanical systems, such as piping, tanks, vessels, and HVAC systems. 

Insulators (Heat and Frost) also lay out and fabricate components on-site, or remove and/or encapsulate old insulation. Removing materials such as asbestos, ceramic fibres and lead is also part of the trade. They also spray insulating materials and install fireproofing and fire stop systems. Insulators work in commercial and industrial settings, such as gas plants, refineries, hospitals, schools, and convention centres.   

Occupational Description

Glaziers measure, handle, cut, prepare, fit, install, replace and repair all types of glass and glass substitutes, typically in industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. In commercial applications, they fabricate, lay out and install curtain wall framing, aluminum storefront frames and entrances, structural silicone glazing (SSG), skylights and sloped glazing. In residential applications, they install doors and windows.  

Glaziers also install specialty glass products such as glass railings, smoke baffles, shower enclosures, and glass and mirror walls. Other duties include layout, preparation, fabrication, and replacement of architectural metal components in systems such as entranceways, windows, skylights, and curtain walls. 

Occupational Description

Machinists turn blocks of metal into complex, intricate parts for other products. They fit and assemble metal parts and sub-assemblies, ensuring the parts in these products meet exacting standards in size, strength and hardness. They also set up and operate all machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling and boring machines, shapers, planers, precision measuring tools, hand and power tools, and the related attachments and accessories including C.N.C. machining, selection, use and maintenance of cutting tools. 

Occupational Description

Lathers (Interior Systems Mechanics) perform job layouts using blueprints and install, handle, erect and apply materials that are component parts in the construction of ceilings and walls. Lathers install support frameworks for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls, build interior partitions and install drywall and other sheathing on walls and ceilings. They also install curtain walls, fire and sound systems, acoustical installations, access flooring, demountable partitions, shielded walls, and apply building envelope technologies.

Occupational Description

Ironworkers (Reinforcing) cut, bend, lay out, place and weld reinforcing steel rods, and also weld wire fabric and composite materials in a wide variety of structures such as buildings, highways, bridges, stadiums and towers. They also place and stress various post-tensioning systems in structures such as parking garages, bridges and stadiums where longer unsupported spans are required.  

After placing post-tensioning systems, they stress the tendons to predetermined specifications using hydraulic jacks and pumps. They unload fabricated or bar materials and place the material for hoisting as needed. They can be involved in cutting and bending material according to design specifications and drawings, and they may pre-assemble reinforcing material by laying the material out and connecting sub-assemblies on the ground prior to final placement. They also organize the hoisting of the components by connecting the cables and slings to the components and directing crane operators, and they position, align and secure components according to drawings, using a variety of methods. 

Occupational Description

Ironworkers (Generalist) rig, weld, burn, rivet, bolt, drill, fit and fabricate or otherwise handle structural shapes and plates in the erection, demolition, repair and routine maintenance of steel structures. They are involved with placing or moving machinery, curtain walls, window walls, tilt-up, column cladding, and architectural metal. They are also responsible for detailing, placing, post-tensioning, pre-stressing and tying of reinforcing steel or cable including the unloading and handling of all such material in the field.

Occupational Description

Tilesetters prepare bases, including waterproof membranes, metal lath and fasteners, and back-up materials pertaining to tile, mixing and use of cement mortars. They also apply a variety of tile—vitreous, quarry, ceramic, terrazzo, quartzite, glass, ceramic veneer, granite, slate, brick pavers, thin bricks and marble—to walls, floors and ceilings, fire places, steam rooms, arches, swimming pools, circular walls and stairways, and other areas.

Occupational Description

Roofers install, repair, maintain and replace roofing systems. They work with membrane roofing systems that consist of a variety of materials with different application methods. They install, replace, maintain, and repair shingles, slates, shakes, roofing tiles, sheet metal and other pre-formed sheeting on sloped roofs. They also weatherproof, waterproof and damp-proof roofing surfaces, foundation walls, floor slabs and bridge decks. The work environment is exposed and may vary from extreme cold to extreme heat. 

Occupational Description

Residential Steep Roofers cover 1:3 ratio (4 in 12 pitch) roof frames and other steep roof weatherproofing materials, including asphalt shingles, cedar shingles and shakes, slate, various types of vinyl roofing products and coatings, various types of clay, metal and concrete tiles. 

Occupational Description

Piledriver and Bridgeworkers construct, install, repair and remove all types of deep piles and caisson foundations and other types of marine installations such as bridges, docks, wharves, tunnels and bulkheads.