National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1
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.

723 - Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades

This minor group includes machinists, machining and tooling inspectors, tool and die makers, sheet metal workers, boilermakers, structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters, iron workers, welders and related machine operators. They are employed by machinery, equipment, vehicle, aircraft, shipbuilding and other metal products manufacturers; construction and electric power generation companies; tool and die, mould making, welding and machine shops; structural steel, boiler, sheet metal and platework fabrication plants; and by construction ironwork, sheet metal work and welding contractors; or they may be self-employed.

7231 - Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • automotive machinist
    • aviation machinist
    • general machinist
    • machine shop inspector
    • machined parts inspector
    • machining inspector
    • machinist
    • machinist apprentice
    • tooling inspector

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • CAD-CAM programmers (See 2233 Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians)
    • Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations (See 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)
    • Machining tool operators (See 9417 Machining tool operators)
    • Tool and die makers (See 7232 Tool and die makers)

  • Main duties

    Machinists perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed, and plan best sequence of operations
    • Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces
    • Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations
    • Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools
    • Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments
    • May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.

    Machining and tooling inspectors perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, callipers, height gauges, optical comparators, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments
    • Maintain, repair and calibrate precision measuring instruments such as dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices
    • Report deviations from specifications and tolerances to supervisor
    • Complete and maintain inspection reports.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college and industry courses in machining may be required for trade certification.
    • Trade certification for machinists is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
    • Trade certification for tool and gauge inspectors is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
    • Trade certification for machinists (CNC) is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick, Quebec and Manitoba.
    • Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified machinists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

  • Additional information

    • Familiarity with exotic and composite materials may be required for machinists in aviation and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
    • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
7232 - Tool and die makers

Tool and die makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • die finisher
    • die maker
    • jig maker
    • metal mould maker
    • metal patternmaker
    • metal patternmaker apprentice
    • mould maker - plastics processing
    • mould maker apprentice
    • tool and die maker
    • tool and die maker apprentice
    • toolmaker

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Machining tool operators (See 9417 Machining tool operators)
    • Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (See 7231 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors)
    • Manual and machine mould makers and core makers (See 9412 Foundry workers)
    • Supervisors of tool and die makers, metal mould makers and patternmakers (See 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)

  • Main duties

    Tool and die makers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
    • Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
    • Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
    • Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
    • Set up, operate and maintain a variety of conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape workpiece to prescribed dimensions and finish
    • Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as verniers, callipers, micrometers, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
    • Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
    • Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation
    • May program CNC machine tools.

    Metal patternmakers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates
    • Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates
    • May program CNC machine tools.

    Metal mould makers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes
    • May program CNC machine tools.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a four- or five-year tool and die making apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in tool and die making is usually required to be eligible for tool and die trade certification.
    • Tool and die maker trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified tool and die makers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
    • Mould makers usually require completion of a four-year apprenticeship or college program in mould making.
    • Trade certification for mould makers is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario.
    • Patternmakers usually require completion of an apprenticeship or college program in patternmaking.
    • Patternmaking trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.

  • Additional information

    • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
7233 - Sheet metal workers

Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. They are employed by sheet metal fabrication shops, sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal work contractors and various industrial sectors.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • apprentice sheet metal worker
    • sheet metal fabricator
    • sheet metal mechanic
    • sheet metal worker
    • tinsmith

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • sheet metal roofer

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Aircraft sheet metal technicians (See 7315 Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors)
    • Boilermakers (See 7234 Boilermakers)
    • Ironworkers (See 7236 Ironworkers)
    • Metalworking and forging machine operators (See 9416 Metalworking and forging machine operators)
    • Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (See 7235 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters)
    • Supervisors of sheet metal workers (See 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)

  • Main duties

    Sheet metal workers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read engineering and architectural drawings, sketches and work specifications to be performed, and lay out, measure and mark sheet metal according to drawings or templates
    • Develop patterns for sheet metal using computer-assisted design and drafting (CAD) software package
    • Operate light metalworking machines such as shears, brakes, punches, and drill presses, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment to cut, bend, punch, drill, shape or straighten sheet metal
    • Operate computerized laser or plasma cutting equipment to cut sheet metal
    • Install and use rigging and hoisting equipment
    • Fit and join sheet metal parts using riveting, welding, soldering and similar equipment to fabricate products such as ventilation shafts, exhaust hoods, eavestroughs, partition frames, air and heat ducts, material handling systems, roof decking and sheet metal buildings
    • Install sheet metal products according to specifications and building codes
    • Grind and buff seams, joints and rough surfaces
    • Inspect product quality and installation to ensure conformance to specifications.

    Sheet metal workers may specialize in on-site installation or shop manufacture of sheet metal products, or servicing and maintenance of installed equipment and systems.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a three 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 sheet metal working is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification for sheet metal workers is compulsory in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
    • Trade certification for precision sheet metal set-up operator is available, but voluntary in Quebec.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified sheet metal workers 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.
7234 - Boilermakers

Boilermakers fabricate, assemble, erect, test, maintain and repair boilers, vessels, tanks, towers, heat exchangers and other heavy-metal structures. They are employed in boiler fabrication, manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, electric power generation and similar industrial establishments.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • boiler fitter
    • boiler installer
    • boilermaker
    • boilermaker apprentice
    • construction boilermaker
    • industrial boilermaker
    • marine boilermaker
    • pressure vessel fabricator

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Ironworkers (See 7236 Ironworkers)
    • Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (See 7235 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters)
    • Supervisors of boilermakers (See 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)
    • Welders and related machine operators (See 7237 Welders and related machine operators)

  • Main duties

    Boilermakers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read blueprints or specifications to plan sequence of operation
    • Lay out plate, sheet steel or other heavy metal and mark bending and cutting lines on work piece using protractors, compasses and drawing instruments or templates
    • Set up and operate heavy-metal working machines such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters and drill presses to cut, shape and form metal into parts or sections
    • Fit and weld metal parts or sections together to fabricate boilers, vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, piping and other heavy-metal products
    • Erect and install boilers and other heavy-metal products according to specifications using hand and power tools
    • Repair and perform maintenance work on boilers and other heavy-metal products
    • Direct activities of hoist or crane operators and other workers during fabrication, assembly, installation or repair of structures
    • Test finished structures using a variety of methods.

    Boilermakers may specialize in rigging and hoisting, preparation and layout, or welding aspects of the trade.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a three- to four-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 boilermaking is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified boilermakers 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.
7235 - Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters

Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters fabricate, assemble, fit and install steel or other metal components for buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other similar structures and products. They are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants and by heavy machinery manufacturing and shipbuilding companies.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • metal fabricator
    • plater
    • platework fitter
    • shipfitter
    • shipfitter apprentice
    • steel fabricator
    • structural steel fitter

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Boilermakers (See 7234 Boilermakers)
    • Metalworking and forging machine operators (See 9416 Metalworking and forging machine operators)
    • Structural steel erectors (See 7236 Ironworkers)
    • Supervisors of structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (See 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)
    • Welders and related machine operators (See 7237 Welders and related machine operators)

  • Main duties

    Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Study engineering drawings and blueprints, determine the materials required, and plan the sequence of tasks to cut metal most efficiently
    • Construct patterns and templates as guides for layouts
    • Lay out reference points and patterns on heavy metal according to component specifications
    • Rig, hoist and move materials to storage areas or within worksite
    • Assemble and fit metal sections and plates to form complete units or subunits using tack welding, bolting, riveting or other methods
    • Set up and operate various heavy-duty metal-working machines such as brake presses, shears, cutting torches, grinders and drills, including computer numerical control (CNC) equipment, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill or otherwise form heavy-metal components
    • Install fabricated components in final product.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in structural steel and platework fabrication is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification for metal fabricators (fitters) is available, but voluntary, in all provinces.
    • Trade certification for marine technicians is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia and British Columbia.
    • Trade certification for boiler and related equipment assemblers and structural metal fabricators (non-construction) is available, but voluntary, in Quebec.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified metal fabricators (fitters) upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

  • Additional information

    • The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
    • Some structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters may also be certified as skilled welders.
    • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
7236 - Ironworkers

Ironworkers fabricate, erect, hoist, install, repair and service structural ironwork, precast concrete, concrete reinforcing materials, curtain walls, ornamental iron and other metals used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams and other structures and equipment. They are employed by construction ironwork contractors.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • ironworker
    • ironworker - metal building systems erector
    • ironworker apprentice
    • ornamental ironworker
    • reinforcing ironworker
    • structural steel erector

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Boilermakers (See 7234 Boilermakers)
    • Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (See 7235 Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters)
    • Supervisors of ironworkers (See 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)

  • Main duties

    Ironworkers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read blueprints and specifications to lay out work
    • Unload and position steel units so each piece can be hoisted as needed
    • Erect and install scaffolding, hoisting equipment and rigging
    • Signal crane operator to position steel units according to blueprints
    • Align and weld or bolt steel units in place
    • Erect structural and architectural precast concrete components for buildings, bridges, towers and other structures
    • Assemble and erect prefabricated metal structures
    • Position and secure steel bars or metal mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures
    • Install ornamental and other structural metalwork such as curtain walls, metal stairways, railings and power doors
    • Examine structures and equipment for deterioration, defects or non-compliance with specifications
    • May dismantle structures and equipment.

  • Employment requirements

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program
      or
      Over three years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in ironworking are usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification for ironworker (generalist) is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
    • Trade certification for ironworker (reinforcing) is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
    • Trade certification for ironworker (structural/ornamental) is compulsory in Quebec and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
    • Trade certification for ironworker (metal building systems erector) is compulsory in Alberta.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified ironworkers 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.
7237 - Welders and related machine operators

Welders operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This unit group also includes machine operators who operate previously set up production welding, brazing and soldering equipment. They are employed by companies that manufacture structural steel and platework, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships and other metal products, and by welding contractors and welding shops, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • aviation welding technician
    • brazing machine operator
    • brazing machine setter
    • electric arc welder
    • journeyman/woman welder
    • laser welding operator
    • pressure vessel welder
    • production welder
    • soldering machine operator
    • spot welder
    • submerged arc welder
    • welder
    • welder apprentice
    • welder-fitter

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Supervisors of welders in this unit group (See 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations)
    • Wave soldering machine operators (See 9523 Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers)
    • Welding technologists (See 2212 Geological and mineral technologists and technicians)
    • Welding testers (See 2261 Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians)

  • Main duties

    Welders perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret blueprints or welding process specifications
    • Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments using processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), oxy-acetylene welding (OAW), resistance welding and submerged arc welding (SAW)
    • Operate manual or semi-automatic flame-cutting equipment
    • Operate brazing and soldering equipment
    • Operate metal shaping machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines
    • Repair worn parts of metal products by welding on extra layers.

    Welders may specialize in certain types of welding such as custom fabrication, ship building and repair, aerospace precision welding, pressure vessel welding, pipeline construction welding, structural construction welding, or machinery and equipment repair welding.

    Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Operate previously set up welding machines such as spot, butt and seam resistance or gas and arc welding machines to fabricate or repair metal parts
    • Operate previously set up brazing or soldering machines to bond metal parts or to fill holes, indentations and seams of metal articles with solder
    • Start up, shut down, adjust and monitor robotic welding production line
    • Assist with the maintenance and repair of welding, brazing and soldering equipment
    • May adjust welding heads and tooling according to work specifications.

  • Employment requirements

    Welders

    • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    • Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program
      or
      A combination of over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in welding is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified welders upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

    Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators

    • Some secondary school education is required.
    • Several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
    • Experience as a machine operator helper may be required.
    • Experience with robotics may be required.

  • Additional information

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