Sunday, September 4, 2022

Exploring Red Seal Pathways: Metal Trades (Part 1 of 4)

Working in the metal trades may be the dream career you are looking for!

Whether you’re a high school student planning your career or already in the workforce and looking for a change, you should be considering a career in the skilled trades. In addition to the high demand for skilled workers, apprentices get paid to learn, opening themselves up to unlimited career pathways.

But where to start? There are many more Red Seal trades and career pathways than most people realize, so check out our four-part series where we explore the Red Seal trades and the opportunities found within each.

Welder

Description: Welders permanently join pieces of metal by applying heat, using filler metal or fusion process. They join parts being manufactured, build structures, and repair damaged or worn parts. They also fabricate parts, tools, machines, and equipment used in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Apprenticeship: 3-year apprenticeship

Average Salary: $61,669*

Working Conditions: Indoor or outdoor, camp or local, 40-hour work week with potential for overtime depending on sector of work.

Required Skills: Patience with attention to detail, strong hand-eye coordination, good vision, and manual dexterity.

Career Pathways: Pipeline, structural, construction, manufacturing, repairs, fabrication, teacher/instructor, examiner, business owner, quality control, engineer, and more.

Sheet Metal Worker

Description: Sheet metal workers design, fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products. In fabrication work, sheet metal workers lay out and measure pieces to specifications. They cut and shape material and assemble and join the pieces with various techniques such as welding and using mechanical fasteners.

Apprenticeship: 4-year apprenticeship

Average Salary: $75,617*

Working Conditions: Indoor or outdoor, camp or local, 40-hour work week with potential for overtime depending on sector of work.

Required Skills: Patience with attention to detail, good physical condition, strong hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and mechanical aptitude.

Career Pathways: Construction, manufacturing, design, layout work, estimating, installations, supervisor, business owner, teacher/instructor, and more.

Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Description: Steamfitters/pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, repair, and service equipment and piping systems carrying water, steam, fluids, gases, chemicals, and fuel. This includes heating, cooling, lubricating, and process piping systems.

Apprenticeship: 4-year apprenticeship

Average Salary: $77,971*

Working Conditions: Indoor or outdoor at physically demanding tasks that often require climbing and lifting heavy items. Work can be camp or local with 40-hour work week with potential for overtime depending on sector of work.

Required Skills: Strength and stamina, manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, and the ability read and understand complex instructions.

Career Pathways: Plant work, manufacturing, pipeline construction, oil and gas extraction, supervisor/foreperson, contractor, instructor, safety, superintendent and more.

Ironworker

Description: Ironworkers work with both structural/ornamental and reinforcing steel materials. They install structural/ornamental steel components, precast concrete members and glued laminate timber products, and place reinforcing steel in commercial, industrial, institutional, and large residential buildings, towers, bridges, and stadiums. They also erect pre-engineered buildings and ornamental ironwork.

Apprenticeship: 2 or 3-year apprenticeship depending on specialization

Average Salary: $75,339*

Working Conditions: Outdoor work in teams or crews, either in remote locations or urban areas.

Required Skills: Comfort with heights, safety-conscious attitude, precision, strength and stamina, coordination, agility, balance, and the ability to work on a team.

Career Pathways: Construction, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas extraction, supervisor/foreperson, contractor, instructor, safety, superintendent and more.

Boilermaker

Description: Boilermakers construct, install, erect, dismantle, test, maintain, and repair boilers, tanks, and other vessels such as exchangers, process towers, and smokestacks that contain liquids, gases, and dry products.

Boilermakers may be employed in construction and maintenance in a variety of industries such as metal fabricating, shipbuilding, petroleum, and power generation (hydro, nuclear, thermal).

Apprenticeship: 3-year apprenticeship

Average Salary: $88,849*

Working Conditions: Indoor or outdoor in all weather conditions. Work is physically demanding and may take place in hazardous environments such as confined spaces. Work can be camp or local with 40-hour work week with potential for overtime depending on sector of work.

Required Skills: Physical strength, stamina, coordination, manual dexterity, and problem solving skills. Must be able to work as a team and be flexible for shift work and travel.

Career Pathways: Fabrication, construction, ship building, rail transport, oil and gas, supervisor/foreman, safety, instructor, inspector, and quality control.

No matter what your trade of choice, CLAC supports apprentices on their apprenticeship journey! Services include training, resume building, employment search, and apprenticeship pathway support. Learn more at clac.ca/apprenticeship!

*All salaries are as reported on Glassdoor for the Canadian Average. Pay rates will vary between provinces, sector, and type of work.

Sources: Red-seal.ca, Glassdoor.com, alis.alberta.ca