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.

736 - Train crew operating occupations

This minor group includes railway and yard locomotive engineers, railway conductors and brakemen/women. They are employed by railway transport companies and industrial and commercial users of rail transport.

7361 - Railway and yard locomotive engineers

Railway locomotive engineers operate railway locomotives to transport passengers and freight. They are employed by railway transport companies. Yard locomotive engineers operate locomotives within yards of railway, industrial or other establishments. They are employed by railway transport companies and industrial or commercial users of rail transport.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • locomotive engineer - railway
    • railway engineer
    • switch engineer - railway
    • transfer hostler - railway
    • yard engineer - railway

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Subway and light rail transit operators (See 7512 Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators)
    • Supervisors, railway transport operations (See 7304 Supervisors, railway transport operations)
    • Train dispatchers (See 2275 Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators)
  • Main duties

    Railway locomotive engineers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Operate locomotives to transport passengers and freight on railways
    • Operate communication systems to communicate with train crews and traffic controllers to ensure safe operation and scheduling of trains
    • Inspect assigned locomotives and test operating controls and equipment.

    Yard locomotive engineers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Operate locomotives to switch, couple and uncouple cars for loading and unloading
    • Perform switching operations according to written switching orders or dispatched instructions
    • Inspect locomotives, replenish fuel or perform routine maintenance on locomotives.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Experience as a conductor is required for railway locomotive engineers and may be required for yard locomotive engineers.
    • Experience as a railway yard worker may be required for yard locomotive engineers.
    • Railway locomotive engineers require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
  • Additional information

    • Mobility between railway transport companies or between establishments employing locomotive engineers may be limited due to seniority provisions of collective agreements.
7362 - Railway conductors and brakemen/women

Railway conductors co-ordinate and supervise the activities of passenger and freight train crew members. Brakemen check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run, and assist railway conductors in activities en route. They are employed by railway transport companies.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • brakeman/woman
    • conductor - switching yard
    • freight train conductor
    • front-end brakeman/woman
    • passenger train conductor
    • railway conductor
    • road freight brakeman/woman
    • tail-end brakeman/woman

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Railway and yard locomotive engineers (See 7361 Railway and yard locomotive engineers)
    • Supervisors, railway transport operations (See 7304 Supervisors, railway transport operations)
  • Main duties

    Railway conductors perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Supervise and co-ordinate the activities of passenger and freight train crew members (except locomotive engineers) to ensure train operations are in accordance with schedule, train orders and code of operating rules
    • Receive train orders and explain orders to brakemen/women, locomotive engineer and other crew members
    • Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to give and receive train operation information
    • Collect fares on board passenger trains, announce approaching train stops and answer passenger enquiries
    • Prepare train run reports.

    Brakemen/women perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Check train systems and equipment such as air conditioning and heating systems, brakes and brake hoses prior to train run
    • Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to aid in the movement and operation of train
    • Receive orders from traffic controllers, observe signals and track conditions and open and close track switches
    • Set and release hand brakes and connect air brake hoses to couple and switch passenger or freight cars, making minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and wheel-bearing boxes as required
    • Assist in collecting fares and helping passengers on and off train.
  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Experience as a brakeman/woman is required for conductors.
    • Experience as a railway worker is usually required for brakemen/women.
    • Railway conductors require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
    • Brakemen/women require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
  • Additional information

    • With experience, brakemen/women may progress to railway conductors.
    • With experience, railway conductors may progress to locomotive engineers.
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