National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1

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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.

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.

727 - Carpenters and cabinetmakers

This minor group includes carpenters and cabinetmakers. They are employed by construction companies; carpentry and cabinetmaking contractors; maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments; and furniture manufacturing and repair companies; or they may be self-employed.

7271 - Carpenters

Carpenters construct, erect, install, maintain and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials. They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • apprentice carpenter
    • carpenter
    • carpenter-joiner
    • finish carpenter
    • journeyman/woman carpenter
    • maintenance carpenter
    • metal framer - carpentry
    • renovation carpenter
    • rough carpenter
    • stair builder-carpenter

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • log home builder
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Cabinetmakers (See 7272 Cabinetmakers)
    • Supervisors of carpenters (See 7204 Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades)
    • Woodworking machine operators (See 9437 Woodworking machine operators)
  • Main duties

    Carpenters perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and sketches to determine specifications and calculate requirements
    • Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools
    • Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials
    • Build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems
    • Fit and install trim items, such as doors, stairs, moulding and hardware
    • Maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments
    • Supervise apprentices and other construction workers
    • May prepare cost estimates for clients.
  • 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 carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification for carpenters is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
    • Trade certification for framers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified carpenters 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.
7272 - Cabinetmakers

Cabinetmakers use a variety of woods and laminates to construct and repair wooden cabinets, furniture, fixtures and related products. They are employed by furniture manufacturing or repair companies, construction companies and cabinetmaking contractors, or they may be self-employed.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • cabinetmaker
    • cabinetmaker apprentice
    • custom wood furniture maker
    • furniture cabinetmaker

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Carpenters (See 7271 Carpenters)
    • Supervisors of cabinetmakers (See 7204 Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades)
    • Woodworking machine operators (See 9437 Woodworking machine operators)
  • Main duties

    Cabinetmakers perform some or all of the following duties:

    • Study plans, specifications or drawings of articles to be made, or prepare specifications
    • Mark outlines or dimensions of parts on wood
    • Operate woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, mortisers and shapers, and use hand tools to cut, shape and form parts and components
    • Trim joints and fit parts and subassemblies together to form complete unit using glue and clamps and reinforce joints using nails, screws or other fasteners
    • Sand wooden surfaces and apply veneer, stain or polish to finished products
    • Repair or restyle wooden furniture, fixtures and related products
    • May estimate amount, type and cost of materials required.
  • 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 high school or college courses in cabinetmaking is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
    • Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
    • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified cabinetmakers 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.
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