Architectural Cladder

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Sheet Metal Workers (7261);  Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (7441) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Sheet Metal Workers (H321);  Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (H531) 
• 2011 NOC: Sheet metal workers (7233);  Residential and commercial installers and servicers (7441) 

Architectural cladders apply materials such as steel, copper, brass, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic and composite materials to buildings and structures.

In general, architectural cladders:

• Interpret blueprints and building drawings
• Figure out what materials to use
• Plan tasks
• Operate and work from mobile elevated platforms
• Install insulation, cladding and seam roofing
• Measure, cut and prepare materials for assembly
• Fit and join cladding materials with riveting, welding, soldering and other tools
• Cut, drill, punch, bend and shape sheet metal and other materials using tools such as hand and power sheers and snips, laser cutters and light metal-working equipment
• Inspect finished products to make sure standards and quality are met
• Keep a clean and orderly work area
• Follow safety standards and procedures

Architectural cladders may work from verbal instructions or blueprints. They may also 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. Some products, such as roofing and siding, must be cut onsite.

A 40-hour workweek is normal. Overtime is sometimes needed to meet deadlines.

Architectural cladders may need to do a lot of bending, reaching and working at heights or in cramped spaces.

Architectural cladders need:

• Patience, dependability and accuracy
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• Spatial awareness
• See objects in 3D
• Hand-eye coordination
• Manual dexterity
• The ability to stand for long periods
• The ability to work in high, awkward and noisy places

Most architectural cladders work for:

• Construction companies
• Sheet metal, roofing or insulation contractors
• Fabrication workshops

Since most architectural cladders in Alberta work in construction, their job prospects change along with economic conditions.

Experienced architectural cladders may specialize in design and layout. Or they may focus on estimating. They may advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses.

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 is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industries listed above)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• 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 Cladding and Decking Association website: www.ac-da.com

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit alis.alberta.ca, or visit an or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.