Career Track 5: Construction and Installation
A day in the life video
Introduction: The Construction and Installation Career Track is for learners who prefer physical work, often associated with trades training. The track will explore the trajectory of a construction/installation career path and the necessary training for these roles.
Job profiles:
- Powerline technician
- Solar PV installer
- Wind turbine technician
- Building inspector
- HVAC Technician
It is projected that about 1,700-2,100 micro or small renewable energy systems are in operation with Indigenous leadership and/or partnerships.
Source: Accelerating Transition report
Job Profiles
Job Profile 1
Powerline Technician
Job description – Powerline technicians usually work on connecting power distribution and transmission networks and are capable of installing underwater and communication cables in certain jurisdictions.
They also work on the maintenance of underground powerlines, structures, cables, and other hardware. Powerline technicians are often employed in power generation, transmission or distribution facilities, electrical contractors and utility commissions.
* The job description and main duties for Powerline Technician is taken directly from the Red Seal Occupational Analysis (NOA), which has been developed by the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.
Median income: $38.46/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Power Lineman/woman
- Cable Installer
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- It is generally required to have completed high school.
- It may be required to have certification from a regulatory authority.
- Experience working in the trade as Foreman, with good understanding and background in the distribution system (Relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting).
- Experience in power line construction is desirable.
- Interprovincial Red Seal Powerline Technician certification is desirable.
- It is usually required to be flexible in hours worked, and travelling.
- Some specific knowledge and experience may be required depending on the job posting.
- Strong communication skills to facilitate cooperation with clients, co-workers and other parties involved in the project.
- Good analytical skills to interpret specifications and drawings.
- Testing and Inspection skills to identify problems and propose solutions to ensure compliance with safety standards, laws or regulations.
- Strong mechanical skills to install, troubleshoot and repair equipment.
- Good planning and organization skills in order to determine steps, define activities and set goals to complete the project on time and according to budget.
- Construct, operate, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical transmission and distribution systems.
- Erect and maintain steel, wood, fiberglass, laminate and concrete poles, structures and other related hardware.
- Install, maintain and repair overhead and underground powerlines and cables, and other associated equipment such as insulators, conductors, lightning arrestors, switches, metering systems, transformers and lighting systems.
- Splice and terminate conductors and related wiring to connect power distribution and transmission networks.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Every province and territory establishes its own standards for certifying skilled tradespeople. As a result, certification in one jurisdiction may not permit you to work in other jurisdictions. However, the Red Seal certification enables you to practice your profession in any part of Canada. Click here to learn more about the Red Seal program. You can also find information on financial support here.
Click here to read about the Red Seal Occupational Standard – Powerline Technician.
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
The Industry Training Authority (ITA)
The Aboriginal Construction Certificate Program
The Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centres (AICCC)
The North East Alberta Apprentice Initiative
The Trade Winds to Success program
Project Management for Indigenous Organizations - Online - Banff Centre
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)
Indigenous Apprenticeship Training program
The City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Youth Strategy, Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak
The Indigenous Leadership Development Institute
Building Futures for Indigenous Youth program
The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario
Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program
The Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP)
Yukon University - Trades and Apprenticeships
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/4740/ca
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9051.00
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy
Job Profile 2
Solar PV Installer
Job description – Solar PV installers assemble, install and/or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and wiring leading to the connection of a solar power system to the electric grid. Professionals who work with residential or small commercial installation may design, measure, cut, and prepare the system in general according to the different features of the site. They are also responsible for obtaining permits and inspecting the installed system to determine whether it is in compliance with safety and code. Solar PV installers also commission the system, thus making sure that it complies with the basic performance estimates.
Median income: $21/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Solar Installer
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- Secondary school education is normally required.
- Knowledge of PV technology and installation is desirable.
- Experience with installation tools and procedures is usually required.
- Good understanding of Electrical Code standards and practices is an asset.
- Familiarity with the evolution of solar technologies is an asset.
- Strong interest in clean energy technologies is desirable.
- Experience working with solar energy systems is usually required (the specific experience required may vary depending on the job posting).
- Strong communication skills to interact with clients and customers.
- Visual color discrimination skills.
- Good hand-eye coordination skills and dexterity.
- Mathematics skills as well as a good understanding of electrical principles.
- Technical skills to install equipment or machines and use tools and devices to maintain and repair them.
- Able to work with energy and hand tools at considerable heights.
- Work closely with the installation, maintenance and repair of photovoltaic (PV) systems according to codes and standards, using drawings, blueprints and guidelines.
- Obtain the necessary licenses and facilitate the work with the inspectors.
- Identify methods of setting up the modules to ensure that the installation was performed efficiently.
- Coordinate with the other employees involved in the installation in order to connect the equipment to the rest of the system.
- Make sure that the work is done according to preset plans, building codes and safety restrictions.
- Detect electrical, environmental and safety risks involved with the installation.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2231.00
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/27267/ca
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy
Job Profile 3
Wind Turbine Technician
Job description – Wind turbine technicians are responsible for installing, inspecting, diagnosing, operating and/or repairing wind turbine equipment. They may also solve problems in electrical, mechanical and hydraulic breakdowns when performing maintenance on equipment. The wind technicians also handle the daily operations of the turbines, such as guaranteeing supplies, ordering spare parts and performing the necessary repairs.
Median income: Median income for this position will vary depending on experience, education, and specialization. For entry-level technicians, the median income is $25/Hour.
Alternative job titles
- Wind Tech
- Windsmith
- Wind Turbine Service Technician
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- Completion of secondary school education is normally required.
- Some employers may require a college certificate (2-year technical program).
- Experience working with wind turbines is usually required (the specific experience required may vary depending on the job posting).
- Some employers may ask for on-the-job technical training and/or electrical, mechanical or hydraulic experience (equivalent combination of education and experience may also be accepted).
- Mechanical skills to install equipment or machines and use tools and devices to maintain and repair them.
- Good ability to read and understand electrical and hydraulic drawings.
- A good hand-eye coordination skill and dexterity.
- Familiarity with testing and troubleshooting equipment.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Strong communication skills to interact with clients and customers.
- Ability to understand and evaluate technical issues regarding the project as a whole.
- Good ability to read and interpret documents for example safety regulations, and other procedure manuals.
- Identify any problems concerning wind turbine generators or control systems.
- Inspect both the exterior and the physical integrity of the towers.
- Track wind turbine performance and report any malfunction.
- Climb towers in order to troubleshoot or repair turbine equipment.
- Perform tests on electrical components and systems, along with mechanical and hydraulic systems.
- Conduct routine maintenance on wind turbines.
- Prepare reports and other documentation as required.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
*Please note that this list is available for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive.
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9081.00
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/22636/ca
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy
Job Profile 4
Building Inspector
Job description – Building inspectors are responsible for determining if buildings, bridges and any industrial construction are structurally safe and in compliance with national and/or provincial code requirements. These professionals inspect buildings visually and prepare a detailed report regarding the state of key components including the roof, overall structure, insulation, and other external and internal components.
Median income: $32.69/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Construction Inspector
- Building Official
by 2029
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Every province and territory establishes its own standards for building inspectors. For example, in Alberta, home inspection companies and individual home inspectors are required to be licensed by Service Alberta.
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southeast College Saskatchewan
Red River College – Manitoba Building Bylaw Online
Durham College – Home inspection Program
New Brunswick Home Inspection Training and Certification
Dalhousie University – Certificate in Home inspection
Newfoundland and Labrador Home Inspection Training and Certification
Northwest Territories Home Inspection Training and Certification - Online
Introduction to the National Building Code in Canada – Holland College
Job Bank. Government of Canada https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/3577/ca
Job Profile 5
HVAC Technician
Job description - HVAC technicians secure the proper operation, maintenance, repair and subsequent installation of HVAC equipment in commercial buildings, homes and/or industrial plants such as education institutions, different industrial settings, office buildings, servicing establishments, etc.
Median income: $31.75/Hour
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- Secondary school education is usually a minimum requirement.
- A three- to five-year apprenticeship program or a combination of more than five years of work experience in trade and some secondary school, college or industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is commonly required to be qualified for trade certification.
- Journeyman Red Seal status may be required.
- Good understanding of machinery, hardware and tools, as well as their design, application, repair and maintenance.
- Comprehension of techniques and tools employed to support, troubleshoot and repair HVAC and related electrical systems.
- Strong ability to read and understand projects and blueprints.
- Good technical and hands-on understanding of the tools and techniques used to provide proper maintenance and repair of HVAC and its related systems.
- Ability to interpret diagrams, drawings and equipment guides.
- Technical skills such as calibrating and testing thermostats and DDC controls as well as the ability to braze and weld.
- Willingness to play responsible roles and to develop leadership skills.
- Strong experience in the secure use of hand tools as well as electric tools.
- Work on the repair or maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in order to enhance the efficiency of the system.
- Work on the new installation or retrofitting of heating and cooling systems as well as replace defective equipment, cables or devices.
- Commissioning and operation of brand new and refurbished equipment.
- Give recommendations or solutions to help with project management planning or budgeting.
- Review and interpret projects, drawings or other specific information.
- Electrical circuits or components testing for continuity, by utilizing electrical test devices.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.01
Job Bank. Government of Canada https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/7516/ca