National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.0

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

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.

725 - Plumbers, pipefitters and gas fitters

This minor group includes plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters, sprinkler system installers and gas fitters. They are employed by plumbing contractors; maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments; pipefitting and sprinkler system contractors; and gas utility and gas servicing companies; or they may be self-employed.

7251 - Plumbers

Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, by plumbing contractors, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • maintenance plumber
    • plumber
    • plumber apprentice
    • plumbing mechanic

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Gas fitters (See 7253 Gas fitters)
    • Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (See 7252 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers)
    • Supervisors of plumbers (See 7203 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades)

  • Main duties

    Plumbers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems
    • Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
    • Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors
    • Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings
    • Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines
    • Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment
    • Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
    • May prepare cost estimates.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in plumbing is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified plumbers 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.
7252 - Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

Steamfitters and pipefitters lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating and other process piping systems. Sprinkler system installers fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings for fire protection purposes. Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers are employed in maintenance departments of factories, plants and similar establishments, and by pipefitting and sprinkler system contractors, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • apprentice pipefitter-steamfitter
    • fire protection mechanic
    • fire sprinkler fitter
    • marine pipefitter
    • pipefitter
    • sprinkler system fitter
    • sprinkler system installer
    • steamfitter
    • steamfitter-pipefitter

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Gas fitters (See 7253 Gas fitters)
    • Plumbers (See 7251 Plumbers)
    • Residential and commercial installers and servicers (See 7441 Residential and commercial installers and servicers)
    • Supervisors of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (See 7203 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades)

  • Main duties

    Steamfitters and pipefitters perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret drawings, blueprints and specifications to determine layout requirements
    • Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines
    • Select type and size of pipe required
    • Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required shape using hand and power tools
    • Weld, braze, cement, solder and thread joints to join pipes and fabricate sections of piping system
    • Install supports, valves, piping and control systems
    • Test system for leaks using testing equipment
    • Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush system
    • Remove and replace worn components and reactivate system
    • May prepare cost estimates for clients.

    Sprinkler system installers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret drawings, specifications and fire codes to determine layout requirements
    • Install clamps, brackets and hangers to support piping system and sprinkler and fire protection equipment, using hand and power tools
    • Select, measure, cut, ream and thread pipe, install sprinkler heads and mount prepared pipe in supports
    • Join pipes and piping sections using soldering and welding equipment
    • Connect piping system to water mains, supply tanks, pumps, compressors and control equipment
    • Installs valves, alarms and associated equipment
    • Test system for leaks using air or liquid pressure equipment
    • Service and repair sprinkler system
    • May prepare cost estimates for clients.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in steamfitting, pipefitting or sprinkler system installation is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Steamfitter-pipefitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
    • Steamfitter-pipefitter (non-construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
    • Sprinkler system installer trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
    • Sprinkler system installer (no construction) trade certification is compulsory in Quebec.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified steamfitters-pipefitters and sprinkler system installers 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.
7253 - Gas fitters

Gas fitters install, inspect, repair and maintain gas lines and gas equipment such as meters, regulators and heating units in residential, commercial and industrial establishments. They are employed by gas utility companies and gas servicing companies.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • gas fitter
    • gas fitter apprentice
    • gas servicer
    • gas technician
    • industrial gas fitter-tester

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Appliance servicers and repairers (See 7332 Appliance servicers and repairers)
    • Plumbers (See 7251 Plumbers)
    • Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers (See 7252 Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers)
    • Supervisors of gas fitters (See 7203 Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades)

  • Main duties

    Gas fitters perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Study drawings and specifications to determine the layout of the installation and materials required
    • Measure and mark reference points for installation of gas lines and equipment
    • Install and maintain gas meters and regulators and gas lines between gas unit and gas meter
    • Install, maintain and service gas heating units and their components, such as burners, valves and automatic controls
    • Test and replace defective equipment or components
    • Test and adjust control mechanisms and check pipes and piping connections for gas leaks using gas detecting devices
    • Attend to gas escape calls and assist in the investigation of gas fires and explosions
    • Prepare reports on work performed and condition of facilities
    • Advise clients regarding standards, safety features and maintenance of gas units and systems
    • Convert motor vehicles or appliances to use natural gas fuels
    • May repair and service gas appliances and related equipment.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a two- or three-year gas fitter apprenticeship program
      or
      Several years of work experience in a pipefitting trade and completion of a high school, college or industry gas fitter program are required.
    • Gas fitter trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut and available, but voluntary, in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and the Yukon.
    • A provincial gas fitter licence is usually required.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified gasfitter - class A and class B upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

  • Additional information

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