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Find your Future
TODAY!

Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin & Grey
Building & Construction Trades Council

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The Future Doesn't just Happen...

YOU BUILD IT

We won’t kid you: it’s not going to be simple or guaranteed, but a career in the unionized construction trades is your best option for success. Yes, the climb is hard, but it’s worth it. You’ll benefit from better pay, enhanced training, pension benefits, and long-term job opportunities across Canada. Start by exploring the trades, evaluating your current skills, talking to experts, and then applying. Remember, there will be many applicants, so determination is key. Consult with experts to find the path to career success and get started! Best of luck!

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About the Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin & Grey Building & Construction Trades Council

The Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin & Grey Building & Construction Trades Council is an internationally-chartered Council that brings together Building Trades Unions in towns and cities across our region.

Our Council Affiliates represent local construction craft talent performing 60 trades activities in all bargaining sectors within the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) construction industry.

Local Building Trade Councils are the gateway to training and apprenticeship opportunities for entrants to the construction industry, in addition to helping construction contractors and owners meet their human resource demands when building various projects such as the new Ottawa Hospital Campus Parkade, the Confederation Line Extension, the reconstruction of the Parliamentary Precinct Centre Block (currently the world’s largest renovation and restoration project) and much more.

Explore Our Trades

For details specific to wages in the Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin and Grey region,
please contact us at info@yourlocaltrades.ca
Architectural Glass & Metal Technician

Architectural Glass & Metal Technician

Cement & Concrete Finisher

Cement & Concrete Finisher

Concrete Pump Operator

Concrete Pump Operator

Construction Boilermaker

Construction Boilermaker

Construction Craft Worker

Construction Craft Worker

Drywall Finisher & Plasterer

Drywall Finisher & Plasterer

Drywall, Acoustic & Lathing Applicator

Drywall, Acoustic & Lathing Applicator

Electrician - Construction & Maintenance

Electrician - Construction & Maintenance

General Carpenter

General Carpenter

Hazardous Materials Worker

Hazardous Materials Worker

Heat & Frost Insulator

Heat & Frost Insulator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Hoisting Engineer - Mobile Crane Operator

Hoisting Engineer - Mobile Crane Operator

Hoisting Engineer - Tower Crane Operator

Hoisting Engineer - Tower Crane Operator

Industrial Millwright

Industrial Millwright

Ironworker - Structural & Ornamental

Ironworker - Structural & Ornamental

Painter & Decorator (Commercial & Residential)

Painter & Decorator (Commercial & Residential)

Painter & Decorator (Industrial)

Painter & Decorator (Industrial)

Plumber

Plumber

Precast Concrete

Precast Concrete

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

Reinforcing Rodworker

Reinforcing Rodworker

Restoration Mason

Restoration Mason

Roofer

Roofer

Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet Metal Worker

Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer

Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer

Steamfitter

Steamfitter

Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setter

Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setter

Welder

Welder

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Contact Us

55 Northfield Dr. E Suite 172 Waterloo,
Ontario, Canada, N2K3T6

Email: info@yourlocaltrades.ca

Website: yourlocaltrades.ca

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Architectural Glass & Metal Technician

Architectural Glass & Metal Technician

Certificate of Qualification 424A

An Architectural Glass & Metal Technician (also known as a Glazer) handles, measures, cuts, prepares, fits, installs, replaces and repairs all types of glass and glass substitutes, typically in commercial, residential and transportation settings. A Glazer fabricates & installs curtain wall framing, aluminum storefront frames and entrances, doors and hardware, structural silicone glazing, skylights and sloped glazing.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Knowledge of building & construction
  • Strong Attention to detail
  • Strong communication, reading & writing, numeracy & problem-solving skills
Learn more
Cement & Concrete Finisher

Cement (Concrete) Finisher

Certificate of Qualification 244G

A Cement (Concrete) Finisher installs concrete structures including interior floors and exterior pavements using a variety of methods of construction to produce a variety of finishes, colours and textures in all types of residential, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Excellent communication & listening skills
  • Comfortable working indoors and outdoors
  • A strong work ethic and positive attitude
Learn more
Concrete Pump Operator
 

Concrete Pump Operator

Certificate of Qualification 637C

 

A Concrete Pump Operator inspects, prepares, operates, controls, and cleans various concrete pumps including those found in vehicles and their various related attachments/components. Concrete pumps may be truck mounted, stationary, trailer-mounted as well as tower concrete placing booms.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Working outdoors
  • Precision
  • Strong hand-eye coordination

Learn more

Construction Boilermaker
 

Construction Boilermaker

Certificate of Qualification 428A

 

Construction Boilermakers work on pressure vessels related to big industry. Storage Tanks, Boilers, Furnaces, Towers, Heaters, Penstocks, Exchangers, Stacks, Duct Work, Structural Steel and much more. Boilermakers find themselves working on various different jobsites including, but not limited to: Oil Refineries, Steel Mills, Pulp and Paper Mills, Nuclear Power Plants, Coal Fired & Natural Gas Generating Stations, Hydro-electric Generating Stations, LNG Plants, and Cement Plants.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong numeracy, reading & communication skills
  • Problem-solving & planning skills
  • Physical fitness & stamina

Learn more

Construction Craft Worker
 

Construction Craft Worker

Certificate of Qualification 450A

 

A Construction Craft Worker (Also known as a Labourer) works on a wide variety of structures, such as residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional sites as well as hydro-electric dams, roadways, bridges, tunnels, mining and railways. They may also work on utility, landscape and pipeline projects.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Eagerness to develop new skills and show initiative
  • Excellent communication and listening skills
  • A strong work ethic & positive attitude

Learn more

Drywall Finisher & Plasterer
 

Drywall Finisher & Plasterer

Certificate of Qualification 453A

 

Drywall finishers and plasterers surface, tape and finish drywall (gypsum). They apply, maintain & restore plaster and similar materials on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to make them more decorative, soundproof and fire-rated.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Physical endurance, flexibility and strength
  • Estimate, calculate size and dimensions of objects
  • Attention to detail, problem-solving and job planning

Learn more

Drywall, Acoustic & Lathing Applicator
 

Drywall, Acoustic & Lathing Applicator

Certificate of Qualification 451A

 

Drywall, acoustic and lathing applicators erect exterior structural steel studs and sheeting, shaft wall systems, and install and finish drywall, partition walls, ceiling systems and access flooring types as well as applying thermal and sound insulation.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy & strong problem-solving skills
  • Physical strength, stamina & ability to lift 25 kg
  • Good eyesight

Learn more

Electrician - Construction & Maintenance
 

Electrician – Construction & Maintenance

Certificate of Qualification 309A

 

A Construction & Maintenance Electrician – plans, assembles, connects, installs, repairs, inspects, tests, verifies, and maintains electrical systems in various settings (i.e., residential, commercial, industrial). Electrical systems include heating, lighting, power, communications, security, renewable energy & storage systems. They do complex, difficult work in all kinds of conditions.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Numeracy, reading, communication & problem-solving skills
  • Willingness to work in the outdoors & at heights
  • Take your responsibilities seriously

Learn more

General Carpenter
 

General Carpenter

Certificate of Qualification 403A

 

A General Carpenter constructs, renovates and repairs structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials in the residential, commercial and industrial construction sectors and in related industries.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy & strong problem-solving skills
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Attention to detail, problem-solving & job planning

Learn more

Hazardous Materials Worker
 

Hazardous Materials Worker

Certificate of Qualification 253H

 

Hazardous materials workers identify, remove, package, transport and dispose of hazardous materials such as asbestos, mould, lead, mercury, and other biological hazards.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Eagerness to develop new skills
  • Excellent communication & listening skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team, and/or independently

Learn more

Heat & Frost Insulator
 

Heat & Frost Insulator

Certificate of Qualification 253A

 

Heat & frost insulators work with more than just heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, they also help reduce the passage of sound, air, smoke and fire. They are essential to every large institutional, commercial and industrial construction project.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy, problem-solving & planning skills
  • Ability to interpret specifications and shop drawings
  • Ability to work with machinery & power tools

Learn more

Heavy Equipment Operators

Heavy Equipment Operators
(Tractor Loader Backhoe / Excavator / Dozer)

Certificate of Qualification
636A (Tractor Loader Backhoe),
636B (Excavator),
636C (Dozer)

Heavy equipment operators operate heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures, in surface mining and quarrying activities and in material handling work. They are employed by construction, pipeline and logging companies, and by heavy equipment contractors.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Communication, reading, numeracy & problem-solving skills
  • Ability to operate large machinery
  • Ability to read prints, plans & grade
Learn more
Hoisting Engineer - Mobile Crane Operator
 

Hoisting Engineer
Mobile Crane Operator

Certificate of Qualification 339A

 

Mobile Crane Operators maintain and operate conventional lattice & telescopic boom mobile cranes that can lift, move, position & place materials and equipment weighing more than 16,000 pounds, such as concrete, steel, gravel and other construction supplies and machinery at construction and industrial sites, ports, factories, warehouses, dockyards or rail yards.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Excellent communication skills, often with hand signals
  • Strong depth perception and hand-eye coordination
  • Ability to estimate distances and load weights

Learn more

Hoisting Engineer - Tower Crane Operator
 

Hoisting Engineer
Tower Crane Operator

Certificate of Qualification 339B

 

Tower Crane Operator maintains & operates tower cranes to lift, move, position and place materials and equipment, working in construction, surface mining, shipbuilding, offshore drilling rigs and railway settings.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Excellent communication skills, often with hand signals
  • Strong depth perception and hand-eye coordination
  • Ability to estimate distances and load weights

Learn more

Industrial Millwright

Industrial Millwright

Certificate of Qualification 426A

An Industrial Millwright lays out, receives and installs machinery, mechanical equipment and other automated and robotic systems. They work in the construction, commercial, manufacturing, and industrial industries. They often work in close association with people in other trades, such as instrument mechanics, ironworkers, pipefitters and electricians.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Attention to detail
  • Strong hand-eye coordination
  • Strong communication skills
Learn more
Ironworker - Structural & Ornamental
 

Ironworker
Structural & Ornamental

Certificate of Qualification 420A

 

Ironworkers are involved in erecting residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings as well as other large structures such as bridges, dams and stadiums. They set up the framework of a building by positioning steel girders or other structural elements and then bolting them into place.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication
  • Problem-solving & planning
  • Reading & numeracy skills

Learn more

Painter & Decorator (Commercial & Residential)

Painter & Decorator
(Commercial & Residential)

Certificate of Qualification 404C

Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Physical endurance, flexibility and strength
  • Comfortable working on elevated work platforms and scaffolding
  • Attention to detail, problem-solving and job planning
Learn more
Painter & Decorator (Industrial)

Painter & Decorator
(Industrial)

Certificate of Qualification 404D

Industrial painters work primarily in infrastructure, construction and manufacturing settings to apply various epoxies, urethane and other protective coatings to a variety of materials and surfaces. Being an industrial painter provides tradespeople the opportunity to work on a variety of work sites, with the opportunity to apply your unique set of skills in many settings, or to subspecialize in one of the coating styles.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Physical endurance, flexibility and strength
  • Comfortable working on elevated work platforms and scaffolding
  • Attention to detail, problem-solving and job planning
Learn more
Plumber

Plumber

Certificate of Qualification 306A

Plumbers install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste water disposal in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy & strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to read & interpret blueprints
  • Ability to work in high places
Learn more
Precast Concrete

Precast Concrete

Certificate of Qualification 244L, 244K

Precast Concrete guide hoisting engineers and crane operators in aligning concrete panels and slabs into place when constructing a new building. They are skilled at reading architectural drawings and diagrams, loading and unloading concrete pieces, aligning and bolting panels together, and applying grout between the cracks in the concrete to finish the walls.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Detail-oriented
  • Comfortable working at heights
  • Capable of working in cold weather
Learn more
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
 

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

Certificate of Qualification 313A

 

Refrigeration & air conditioning systems mechanics install, maintain, and repair residential, commercial, and industrial central air conditioning systems. They cut piping and use welding and brazing equipment to connect pipes. They also recharge cooling systems with refrigerant gases. This work requires computer skills for calculating loads & adjusting controls.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy & strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints & complex instructions
  • Physical strength & stamina

Learn more

Reinforcing Rodworker
 

Reinforcing Rodworker

Certificate of Qualification 452A

 

Reinforcing Rodworkers place steel and install materials to reinforce concrete. To do this, they fabricate, handle, sort, cut, bend, rig, place, and tie all materials used to reinforce the concrete, including steel.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy & strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to interpret blueprints & specifications
  • Very good muscular coordination, agility & balance

Learn more

Restoration Mason

Restoration Mason

Certificate of Qualification 244H

A Restoration Mason (also known as a Steeplejack), is a specialized trade. Steeplejacking is a process where specialists scale, repair, maintain and renovate buildings, chimneys and church steeples – to name a few. Repairs may include but are not limited to masonry brick and stone replacement and repair, general carpentry, painting, and roof repairs.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Ability to work at height, outdoors, in all weather
  • Knowledge of math, and construction concepts
  • Ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail
Learn more
Roofer
 

Roofer

Certificate of Qualification 449A

 

A Roofer installs, repairs and replaces flat and sloped roofs involving a variety of materials with different application methods including shingles, slate, shakes, and roofing tiles on sloped roofs and membrane systems.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Working outdoors in all types of weather
  • Work as a team
  • Fast paced environment

Learn more

Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet Metal Worker

Certificate of Qualification 308A

Sheet Metal Workers design, fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. They lay out and measure pieces to job specifications, using tools such as hand shears and power shears, press brakes, drill presses and computerized cutting equipment to cut and shape material. They also assemble pieces using various techniques such as welding and using mechanical fasteners.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Good mechanical and mathematical aptitude
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial perception
  • Good physical condition
Learn more
Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer
 

Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer

Certificate of Qualification 427A

 

Sprinkler and fire protection installers work with high-pressure and low-pressure pipeline systems carrying water, foam, gas, or air. Their work includes installing, repairing, maintaining, and testing sprinkler systems. They can work in residential or commercial environments, but this work is especially important for fire control systems.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication, reading, numeracy & strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to read and understand complex instructions
  • Manual dexterity & mechanical aptitude

Learn more

Steamfitter
 

Steamfitter

Certificate of Qualification 307A

 

Steamfitters work on heating or cooling pipe systems or process systems. They also work on industrial systems that convey gases, employ pneumatic tubing, involve air handling, and form the infrastructure of oil refineries and nuclear power plants. This work includes assembly, installation, maintenance, and repair.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication skills, reading and numeracy
  • Ability to read & interpret blueprints
  • Mechanical aptitude

Learn more

Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setter
 

Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setter

Certificate of Qualification 241A

 

A Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter covers interior and exterior walls, floors with terrazzo, tile and/or marble by preparing, measuring and marking the surface to be covered, mixing and applying mortar, mastic, cement, or other adhesives, using hand tools, laying mosaic tiles and removing and replacing cracked or damaged tiles.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication
  • Reading, numeracy & problem-solving skills
  • Mechanical aptitude

Learn more

Welder
 

Welder

Certificate of Qualification 456A

 

A Welder permanently joins pieces of metal or manufactured parts using metal filler and heat and/or pressure; builds structures and repairs broken or cracked parts according to specifications; and carries out special processes, such as welding studs and brazing.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Problem-solving and planning
  • Reading and numeracy skills

Learn more