Is a career in Trades and Transport Operators a good fit for me?
A career in Trades, Transport and Operators will appeal to those who enjoy doing practical, hands on work in construction, manufacturing, mechanical trades, and heavy equipment. Many of those working in occupations in Trades and Transport enjoy a dynamic work environment and often work irregular hours where they are not tied to a desk. They usually have a strong aptitude in reading, writing, math and science. Many enjoy the flexibility of being self-employed or working for small, medium or large companies. Many sectors in this category will involve repetitive and physically exhausting work. Working in this category can challenge you with various job hazards including but not limited to weather conditions, loud noise, electricity, dangerous machinery, heights and confined spaces.
Still unsure?
Resources for Careers in Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators
For detailed Labour Market Information on Trades, Transport & Equipment Operator positions, including all job titles in this category:
Province of New Brunswicks Occupational Profiles
Additional Resources:
Red Seal Program
Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification
Determine your eligibility in Skilled Trades
Apprenticeship Grant
Careers in Trades
Skilled Trades Schools in Canada
Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
Jobs at Transport Canada
Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations – Occupational Outlook 2013-2015
Canadian Operating Engineers Job Apprenticeship and Training Council
Canadian Union of Public Employees
Canada’s Building Trades Union
How Do I Get There?
The pathway to a career in Trades, Transport and Operators usually involves a high school diploma or GED equivalent which is often but not always followed by a technical diploma or certificate.
Apprenticeship
71 trades are apprenticeable which means you can earn a wage while learning an occupation. Some examples of apprenticeable occupations are: Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Mechanic, Machinist, Plumber, Power Engineer, Powerline Technician and Welder. Most apprenticeships take 2-4 years to complete and will lead to a certification as a skilled journeyman.
For more information on Apprenticeship, see Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification in the Resources section above.
Private Training Schools
Trans-Canada College, Riverview, NB
- Construction Heavy Equipment
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Commercial Truck Driver
East Coast Trades College, Fredericton, NB
- Truck and Transport Service Technician
Versatile Training Solutions, Sussex, NB
- Commercial Driver
ECR Heavy Equipment & Construction Training, Newtown, NB
- Heavy Equipment and Construction Training
Eastern College
- Construction Electrician / Industrial Electrician
- Plumber
- Steamfitter / Pipefitter
- Welder / Metal Fabricator
Public College
NBCC
- Building and Construction
- Industrial and Mechanical
- Metals Processing
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering Technology
What Skills Do I Need?
A review of job advertisements across New Brunswick for Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators positions revealed that employers are consistently asking for the following Essential Skills:
- Thinking- The ability to interpret, make decisions, problem solve, organize and prioritize work were listed in most advertisements in this category
- Oral Communication- Oral communication skills were consistently listed as a requirement or an asset to jobs in this category
- Working with Others- Almost every advertisement mentioned being a team player and having strong interpersonal skills as a requirement
Other Essential Skills that were requested, but less frequently than those listed above were:
- Computer Use- Some employers listed computer skills as an asset or requirement
- Document Use- Interpreting blueprints, using records and obtaining permits were listed as skills required for many positions
- Reading/Writing- Reading blueprints and other documents, writing reports and keeping records were listed as sought after skills
- Continuous Learning - Some employers requested that potential applicants were willing to maintain up to date knowledge of the industry regulations
Other skills most frequently included by employers were:
- Reliability
- Flexibility
- Judgment
- Organized
- Attention to detail
- Manual dexterity
- Client Focus
- Able to handle repetitive tasks
- Able to handle heavy loads and physically demanding work
- Have good hand-eye coordination
- Able to stand for extended periods
- Able to read and interpret blueprints
- Able to work under pressure
- Able to find information
Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators
Landing a Job in Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators
To secure a position in Trades, Transport & Equipment Operation you will need to highlight the skills that employers are looking for from their employees. The previous section on skills will help you recognize the most sought after skills. If there are areas you feel you need to work on, it would be a good idea to practice.
For detailed information on how to conduct an effective job search, visit the job search section of our website by clicking here
In order to prepare for an interview in Trades, Transport & Equipment Operation it would be a great idea to think of a time when you have demonstrated each of the skills listed above. Here are some additional interview questions to help you prepare:
- How would you organize an engine repair job with 3 employees?
- What are the procedures and regulations for transporting goods to the USA from Canada?
- If you had a truck loaded with products to go to 15 places in a single run, how would you organize the loading?
- Give me an example of a high-pressure situation.
- Tell me about a time when you implemented a great idea in a working team and explain the steps you took.
- What safety procedures do you follow before, during, and after your shift?
- Give me an example of the latest “near miss” you were involved in.
This skill type category includes construction and mechanical trades, trades supervisors and contractors, operators of transportation and heavy equipment. These occupations are found in a wide range of industrial sectors, with many occurring in the construction and transportation industries.
When conducting labour market research in areas where occupations are defined by a 4 digit NOC (National Occupational Classification) code, the first digit of the code for all Trades, Transport & Equipment Operator occupations is 7.
Need more information on this Occupational Category?
Enjoy hands on work, using tools, and want to get paid for it?
