What Does a Native Residential Construction Worker Do?

A Native Residential Construction Worker could work in all aspects of constructing a First Nation house, from excavating to finishing electrical or carpentry. They are trained in carpentry, electrical and plumbing.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • reading and interpreting blueprints, plans and diagrams
  • performing basic welding
  • loading and unloading, moving construction materials to work areas
  • using and maintaining power and hand tools
  • roughing in housing frames
  • planning and building foundations, including staking out the excavation site, excavating, calculating the volume of concrete required, and pouring cement
  • constructing roofing systems including establishing locations of attic access and lift trusses
  • performing plumbing work from rough in of plumbing to installing sinks/drains
  • building and installing stairways
  • landscaping sites, which may involve applying finishing grades and top soils
  • may be required to manage construction projects, which involves preparing and maintaining timelines, supervising work and sub-contracting

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Native Residential Construction Worker is a voluntary certified trade in the construction sector, which means that it does not require a valid Certificate of Apprenticeship to work in the trade. However, apprenticeship training is available and recommended.

Grade 12 is required as the legal minimum requirement to be apprenticed in this trade. Completion of a 4000 hour apprenticeship will include a combination of on-the-job and in-school training. The in-school component is comprised of 480 hours of in-class training. During this in-class session, you will learn safety and health practices, the Canadian Electrical Code, and more.

What’s Your Future as a Native Residential Construction Worker?

Native Residential Construction Workers are employed in the construction sector. They could work on a project-by-project basis or be employed by a construction company. Native Residential Construction Workers may work indoors and outdoors, and be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and high noise levels. They generally work a 35-40 hour week and must be prepared to travel to where work is available.

Employment in this field is fair through to the year 2007 due to trends in housing, commercial and industrial construction. Also, due to the aging workforce, this field will experience significant retirements over the next few years Employers who hire Native Residential Construction Workers include:

  • Residential building developers
  • Building construction firms
  • Exterior construction firms
  • Construction contractors

Wage Rate

  • An Apprentice earns less than a Journeyperson, but as your skills and expertise improve, your wage increases
  • Fully qualified Native Residential Construction Workers earn an average of $14/hr, with the potential for overtime during busy peak periods
  • Supervisors and forepersons can earn significantly higher wages

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Native Residential Construction Worker For You?

Do you enjoy working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions?

Yes      No

Do you mind being exposed to water, noises and vibrations?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy solving problems?

Yes      No

Can you read and interpret blueprints and other diagrams?

Yes      No

Are you of good physical fitness, able to lift, carry and manipulate heavy objects?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy working with power and hand tools?

Yes      No

Are you good at working independently or as part of a team to get the job done?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Native Residential Construction Worker may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Cement (Concrete) Finisher
  • Cabinetmaker
  • General Carpenter
  • Drywall and Plasterer
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Floor Covering Installer
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Welder