National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.0

7 - Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

These occupations include trades supervisors and contractors, construction and mechanical tradespersons, operators of transportation and heavy equipment and trades helpers. These occupations are found in a wide range of industrial sectors, with many in the construction and transportation industries.

This category includes most of the apprenticeable trades, including all those related to the construction industry. Other occupations in this category usually require completion of college or vocational education programs combined with on-the-job training. Helpers obtain training on the job site. Progression to supervisory positions or self-employed contractor status is possible with experience. There is limited mobility or transferability of skills among occupations in this category due to specific apprenticeship, training and licensing requirements for most occupations.

72 - Industrial, electrical and construction trades

This major group comprises occupations in industrial, electrical and construction trades, which usually require three or more years of apprenticeship, or several years of work experience in the trade combined with related high school, college or industry courses. It includes occupations in machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades; electrical trades and electrical power line and telecommunications workers; plumbers, pipefitters and gas fitters; carpenters and cabinetmakers; masonry and plastering trades; and other construction trades, as well as related supervisors and contractors.

724 - Electrical trades and electrical power line and telecommunications workers

This minor group includes electricians, including industrial and power system electricians; electrical power line and cable workers; telecommunications line and cable workers; telecommunications installation and repair workers; and cable television service and maintenance technicians. They are employed by electrical contractors; maintenance departments of buildings, factories, plants, mines, shipyards and other industrial establishments; electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies and public utility commissions; cable and satellite television companies; and by telephone and other telecommunications services establishments; or they may be self-employed.

7241 - Electricians (except industrial and power system)

Electricians in this unit group lay out, assemble, install, test, troubleshoot and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related equipment in buildings and other structures. They are employed by electrical contractors and maintenance departments of buildings and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • apprentice electrician
  • construction electrician
  • construction electrician apprentice
  • domestic and rural electrician
  • electrician

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Electrical mechanics (See 7333 Electrical mechanics)
  • Industrial electricians (See 7242 Industrial electricians)
  • Power system electricians (See 7243 Power system electricians)
  • Supervisors of electricians (See 7202 Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations)

• Main duties

  Electricians in this unit group perform 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, signalling devices and heating and cooling systems
  • Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records.

• Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
  • Trade certification for construction electricians is compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Trade certification for electricians (domestic and rural) is compulsory in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario.
  • Trade certification for electrical control (machine) builders is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified construction electricians upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

• Additional information

  • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.