Architectural Cladder

Architectural cladders apply many types of materials to buildings and structures including steel, copper, brass, aluminum, fiberglass and plastic materials.

Architectural cladders generally:

• read and interpret blueprints and building drawings
• determine the materials required and plan subsequent tasks
• operate and work from mobile elevated platforms
• install building insulation, cladding and seam roof
• measure, cut and prepare materials for assembly
• fit and join cladding materials with riveting, welding, soldering and similar equipment
• cut, drill, punch, bend and shape sheet metal or other materials using tools, such as hand and power sheers and snips, laser cutting equipment and light metal-working equipment
• inspect finished product to ensure specified standards and quality is maintained
• maintain a clean and orderly work area
• comply with safety standards and procedures.

Architectural cladders may work from verbal instructions or blueprints, or may design projects themselves.

Architectural cladders work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. They make some products in a shop and install them at construction sites. Other products, such as roofing and siding, have to be measured and cut on site.

A 40-hour work week is normal, but overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines.

Considerable bending, reaching, working at heights or in cramped spaces may be required. Lifting and moving items that weigh over 20 kilograms also may be required.

Architectural cladders need the following characteristics:

• patience, dependability and accuracy
• mechanical aptitude
• spatial and form perception
• hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
• the ability to visualize a finished product from a drawing
• the ability to stand for long periods and work in high, awkward and noisy places
• the ability to work and communicate with others.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Most architectural cladders are employed by:

• residential, commercial and industrial construction companies
• sheet metal, roofing, air conditioning or heating contractors
• fabrication workshops.

Since most architectural cladders employed in Alberta work in the construction industry, employment prospects change with changing economic conditions.

Experienced architectural cladders may become specialists in design and layout work, or in estimating the cost of installations. They may advance to supervisory positions or go into business for themselves.

In Alberta, architectural cladders are part of two larger 2011 National Occupational Classifications, 7261: Sheet metal workers and 7441: Residential and commercial installers and servicers.

85% of people employed as Sheet metal workers occupational group work in the following industries:

• Construction (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)

85% of people employed in the Residential and commercial installers and servicers work in the following industries:

• Construction (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Retail Trade (PDF)
• Wholesale Trade (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 3,000 Albertans are employed in the Sheet metal workers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.7% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 21 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As architectural cladders form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for architectural cladders.

Over 7,500 Albertans are employed in the Residential and commercial installers and servicers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.6% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 45 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As architectural cladders form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for architectural cladders.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Construction Association website: albertaconstruction.net

Alberta Decking and Cladding Association website: www.ac-da.com

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.