National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.0

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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.

73 - Maintenance and equipment operation trades

This major group comprises occupations in maintenance and equipment operation trades, which usually require more than two years of apprenticeship or on-the-job training in the trade. It includes contractors and supervisors, maintenance trades and heavy equipment and transport operators; machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicles); automotive service technicians; other mechanics and related repairers; train crew operations occupations; crane operators, drillers and blasters; and printing press operators and other trades and related occupations, not elsewhere classified.

731 - Machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicles)

This minor group includes construction millwrights and industrial mechanics; heavy-duty equipment mechanics; refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics; railway carmen; aircraft mechanics and inspectors; machine fitters; and elevator constructors and mechanics. They are employed by millwrighting contractors, manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments; heavy equipment dealers, rental and service establishments and companies that own and operate heavy equipment; refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments; railway transport companies and urban transit systems; aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and airlines and other aircraft operators; industrial machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries; and elevator construction and maintenance companies.

7311 - Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics

Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics install, maintain, troubleshoot, overhaul and repair stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. This unit group includes industrial textile machinery mechanics and repairers. Construction millwrights are employed by millwrighting contractors. Industrial mechanics are employed in manufacturing plants, utilities and other industrial establishments.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • card fixer
    • card grinder
    • construction millwright
    • industrial mechanic
    • industrial mechanic apprentice
    • industrial sewing machine mechanic
    • knitting machine mechanic
    • loom fixer
    • loom technician
    • maintenance millwright
    • millwright
    • millwright apprentice
    • open-end technician
    • plant equipment mechanic
    • spinning fixer
    • textile fixer
    • textile machine mechanic
    • textile machinery fixer
    • treatment plant maintenance mechanic

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (See 7312 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics)
    • Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (See 2243 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics)
    • Supervisors of industrial mechanics and millwrights (See 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
  • Main duties

    Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures
    • Install, align, dismantle and move stationary industrial machinery and mechanical equipment, such as pumps, fans, tanks, conveyors, furnaces and generators according to layout plans using hand and power tools
    • Operate hoisting and lifting devices such as cranes, jacks and tractors to position machinery and parts during the installation, set-up and repair of machinery
    • Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions
    • Install, troubleshoot and maintain power transmission, vacuum, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and programmable logic controls
    • Adjust machinery and repair or replace defective parts
    • Operate machine tools such as lathes and grinders to fabricate parts required during overhaul, maintenance or set-up of machinery
    • Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on machinery
    • Construct foundations for machinery or direct other workers to construct foundations
    • Assemble machinery and equipment prior to installation using hand and power tools and welding equipment.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required.
    • Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in industrial machinery repair or millwrighting is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Textile machinery mechanics hired from other industries may require additional training in textile processes and experience as a textile manufacturing machinery operator.
    • Industrial mechanic (millwright) trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
    • Construction millwright trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario.
    • Industrial sewing machine mechanic trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Quebec.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified industrial mechanics or millwrights upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
  • Additional information

    • Construction millwrights are mostly engaged in the initial installation of industrial plant machinery and equipment; industrial mechanics are more concerned with the post-installation maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment.
    • Industrial mechanics and millwrights may be cross-trained in a second trade such as pipefitting, welding, machining or electrical maintenance.
    • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
7312 - Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, oil and gas, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and similar activities. They are employed by companies which own and operate heavy equipment, and by heavy equipment dealers, rental and service establishments, and railway transport companies and urban transit systems.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • agricultural equipment technician
    • construction equipment mechanic
    • diesel mechanic - heavy equipment
    • farm equipment mechanic
    • heavy equipment mechanic
    • heavy mobile logging equipment mechanic
    • heavy mobile mining equipment mechanic
    • heavy-duty equipment mechanic apprentice
    • heavy-duty equipment technician
    • locomotive mechanic
    • tractor mechanic

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (See 7311 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics)
    • Motor vehicle diesel engine mechanics (See 7321 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers)
    • Supervisors of heavy equipment mechanics (See 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
  • Main duties

    Heavy-duty equipment mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Check bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy construction, agricultural, logging and mining equipment for proper performance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions
    • Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required
    • Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools
    • Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers' specifications
    • Clean, lubricate and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment
    • Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms
    • May perform repair work on heavy trucks
    • May attach components and adjust new farm equipment.

    Heavy-duty mechanics may specialize in specific types of machinery such as combines or tracked vehicles, or in engine overhaul, power shift transmissions, fuel injection, hydraulics or electronics.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required.
    • Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over four years of work experience and industry courses in heavy equipment repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Heavy-duty equipment technician trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
    • Agricultural equipment technician trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified heavy duty equipment technicians and agricultural equipment technicians 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.
7313 - Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • central air conditioning mechanic
    • commercial air conditioning mechanic
    • heating and cooling mechanic
    • heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
    • refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
    • refrigeration mechanic
    • transport refrigeration mechanic

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Domestic refrigerator or window air conditioner servicers and repairers (See 7332 Appliance servicers and repairers)
    • Supervisors of refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (See 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
  • Main duties

    Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications
    • Measure and lay out reference points for installation
    • Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools
    • Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment
    • Install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
    • Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices
    • Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing
    • Repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems
    • May install, maintain and repair equipment in refrigerated trucks used to transport food or medical supplies
    • May prepare work estimates for clients.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required.
    • Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
    • Trade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick and Alberta.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics 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.
7314 - Railway carmen/women

Railway carmen/women inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair structural and mechanical components of railway freight, passenger and urban transit rail cars. They are employed by railway transport companies and urban transit systems.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • rail vehicle mechanic
    • railway car inspector
    • railway carman/woman
    • railway carman/woman apprentice
    • streetcar and subway car mechanic

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Locomotive mechanics (See 7312 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics)
    • Railway car repairer foremen/women (See 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
  • Main duties

    Railway carmen/women perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Inspect interior and exterior components of freight, passenger and urban transit rail cars to determine defects and extent of wear and damage
    • Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping
    • Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems
    • Repair defective or damaged metal and wood components, using hand and power tools
    • Repair and repaint wooden fixtures
    • Replace damaged windows and repair upholstery
    • Test and adjust parts using testing gauges and other test equipment
    • Perform and document routine maintenance.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of an industry-offered apprenticeship program or three to four years of on-the-job training is usually required.
    • Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
  • Additional information

    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
7315 - Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors

Aircraft mechanics maintain, repair, overhaul, modify and test aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems. Aircraft inspectors inspect aircraft and aircraft systems following manufacture, modification, maintenance, repair or overhaul. Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments, and by airlines and other aircraft operators.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • aircraft gas turbine engine technician
    • aircraft hydraulics mechanic
    • aircraft inspector
    • aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) (except avionics)
    • aircraft mechanic
    • aircraft repair and overhaul inspector
    • aircraft repair shop inspector
    • aircraft structural repair technician
    • aircraft systems inspector
    • aviation mechanical component shop technician
    • certified aircraft technician
    • flight test inspector

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (See 9521 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors)
    • Aircraft engine fitters and assemblers (See 7316 Machine fitters)
    • Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors (See 2244 Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors)
    • Aircraft non-destructive inspection technicians (See 2261 Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians)
    • Government airworthiness inspectors (See 2262 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers)
    • Supervisors of aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (See 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
  • Main duties

    Aircraft mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
    • Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems
    • Install or modify aircraft engines and mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems
    • Dismantle airframes, aircraft engines or other aircraft systems for repair, overhaul and cleaning, and reassemble
    • Perform and document routine maintenance
    • Order and maintain inventory of parts and supplies.

    Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in working on specific aircraft systems such as engines, engine accessories, airframes, propellers, mechanical components or hydraulic systems and specific kinds of aircraft, such as light aircraft, jet transports and helicopters.

    Aircraft inspectors perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Inspect structural and mechanical systems of aircraft and ensure that these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
    • Inspect work of aircraft mechanics performing maintenance, repair and overhaul, or modification of aircraft and aircraft mechanical systems to ensure adherence to standards and procedures
    • Maintain detailed repair, inspection and certification records of aircraft.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is required.
    • A college diploma in aircraft maintenance
      or
      Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program is usually required.
    • Several years of on-the-job training are required for aircraft mechanics.
    • Aircraft mechanics and inspectors who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence issued by Transport Canada.
    • Trade certification for aircraft maintenance engineers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
    • Trade certification for aircraft structural technicians is available, but voluntary, in British Columbia.
    • Industry certification from the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council for some occupations in this unit group is available, but voluntary.
    • Aircraft inspectors require several years of experience as an aircraft mechanic.
  • Additional information

    • Aircraft mechanics may progress to foreman/woman, shop supervisor or aircraft inspector.
    • With experience, aircraft inspectors may progress to shop inspector or supervisor.
    • Aircraft mechanics and inspectors may acquire further endorsements to their AME licence allowing them to inspect and certify a broader range of aircraft and aircraft systems.
    • AME licences are issued in the following categories:
      M - Small and Large Aircraft,
      E - Electronic Systems,
      S - Aircraft Structures.
7316 - Machine fitters

Machine fitters fit, assemble and otherwise build heavy industrial machinery and transportation equipment, including aircraft engines. They are employed in industrial machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • aircraft engine fitter
    • assembly fitter
    • heavy equipment fitter
    • machine builder
    • machine fitter
    • machine tool builder
    • mechanical fitter

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Aircraft assemblers (See 9521 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors)
    • Assemblers of electrical industrial equipment (See 9525 Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers)
    • Mechanical assemblers and inspectors (See 9526 Mechanical assemblers and inspectors)
    • Millwrights (See 7311 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics)
    • Supervisors of machine fitters (See 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
    • Welders and related machine operators (See 7237 Welders and related machine operators)
  • Main duties

    Machine fitters perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret blueprints, sketches and diagrams to determine assembly operations
    • Fit and assemble prefabricated metal parts to build heavy industrial machinery and equipment such as construction, farming, and processing machinery, railway vehicles and aircraft engines
    • Move and align subassemblies and components using lifting and transporting devices such as overhead cranes
    • Install major components such as gears, pumps, motors or hydraulic assemblies
    • Inspect parts, subassemblies and finished products to ensure quality.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a mechanical apprenticeship program, such as millwrighting, machining, pipefitting, automotive service or heavy equipment repair
      or
      Completion of a four-year machine fitter apprenticeship program
      or
      Completion of five years of on-the-job training is usually required.
    • Completion of a two- to three-year college program in aircraft manufacturing or general fabrication is required for aircraft engine fitters.
    • Certification in a related trade may be required.
  • Additional information

    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
7318 - Elevator constructors and mechanics

Elevator constructors and mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair freight and passenger elevators, escalators, moving walkways and other related equipment. They are employed by elevator construction and maintenance companies.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • elevator constructor
    • elevator mechanic
    • elevator mechanic apprentice
    • escalator repairer

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Elevator inspectors (See 2262 Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers)
    • Supervisors of elevator constructors and mechanics (See 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)
  • Main duties

    Elevator constructors and mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret blueprints to determine layout of system components
    • Perform preparatory construction work including steel work, wiring and piping
    • Install elevators, escalators, moving walkways, dumbwaiters and related equipment according to specifications
    • Connect car frames to counterweights with cables and assemble elevator cars
    • Install and wire electric and electronic control system devices
    • Install, test and adjust safety control devices
    • Test operation of newly installed equipment
    • Troubleshoot electrical or mechanical systems failures
    • Disassemble defective units and repair or replace worn or suspect parts
    • Adjust valves, ratchets, seals, brake linings and other components
    • Carry out preventative maintenance programs to ensure public safety.

    Elevator constructors and mechanics may specialize in construction, maintenance or repair.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in elevator construction or repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Elevator constructor and mechanic trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Additional information

    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
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