National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1

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.

75 - Transport and heavy equipment operation and related maintenance occupations

This major group comprises occupations in transport and heavy equipment operation and related maintenance which usually require completion of secondary school and a licence or certification. It includes motor vehicle and transit drivers, heavy equipment operators, other transport equipment operators and related maintenance workers.

751 - Motor vehicle and transit drivers

This minor group includes transport truck drivers; bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators; taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs; and delivery and courier serice drivers. They are employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies and trucking employment service agencies; urban transit systems, school boards and transportation authorities and private transportation companies; taxi and other transportation service companies; businesses, governments and other organizations and private individuals and families; dairies, drug stores, newspaper distributors, take-out food establishments, dry cleaners, mobile caterers, courier and messenger service companies; and many other establishments; or they may be self-employed.

7512 - Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators

This unit group includes workers who drive buses and operate streetcars, subway trains and light rail transit vehicles to transport passengers on established routes. Bus drivers are employed by urban transit systems, school boards or transportation authorities and private transportation companies. Streetcar, subway and light rail transit operators are employed by urban transit systems.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • bus driver
  • bus operator
  • light rail transit operator
  • motor coach driver
  • public passenger transit driver
  • school bus driver
  • sightseeing tour driver
  • streetcar operator
  • subway train operator
  • transit operator - transportation

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Supervisors and inspectors of bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (See 7305 Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators)

• Main duties

  Bus drivers and streetcar operators perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Drive buses or streetcars to transport passengers along established routes to local destinations
  • Drive buses to transport passengers and goods to intercity or long distance destinations
  • Drive sightseeing tour buses to transport passengers locally or over long distances
  • Drive buses equipped for wheelchair accessibility, and aid passengers in boarding
  • Provide passengers with information on fares, schedules and stops
  • Collect fares, issue and validate transfers, check bus passes and record transactions
  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicle
  • Communicate with passengers, dispatchers or other drivers using two-way radio systems
  • Report delays, mechanical problems and accidents
  • May provide information on points of interest during sightseeing tours
  • May load and unload passengers' luggage and express freight.

  School bus drivers perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Drive school buses to transport children between school and home or on excursions
  • Ensure children's safety when boarding and leaving buses and crossing street while bus is stopped
  • Maintain control of student activities during travel to prevent distractions or behaviours that could compromise safety
  • May transport adults outside of school hours on chartered trips.

  Subway train and light rail transit operators perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate subway or rail transit vehicles as part of two-person crew
  • Observe signals at crossings and arrival and departure points
  • Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors
  • Report delays, malfunctions and accidents to control unit
  • Ensure passenger safety and welfare in emergencies, and direct passengers during evacuation procedures.

• Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Up to three months of on-the-job training, including classroom instruction, is usually provided for all occupations in this unit group.
  • A minimum of one year of safe driving experience is required.
  • Bus drivers require a Class B, C, E or F driver's licence in Ontario, and a Class 2 driver's licence is required in all other provinces and the territories.
  • An air brakes endorsement and first aid certificate may be required.
  • Experience as a public transit bus driver is usually required for subway and light rail transit operators.

• Additional information

  • Progression to transit supervisory positions, inspector or training instructor positions is possible with experience.