Air Force Personnel, Armed Forces Personnel, Combat Arms Personnel, Military Personnel, Navy Personnel, Sailor, Soldier, Supply Technician, Traffic Technician, guard, infantryman
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:
Interest in analyzing information to provide aid in emergency situations such as civil disorder, natural disasters and major accidents, as well as to perform administrative and guard duties
Interest in controlling armoured vehicles, artillery, hand-held weapons and other military combat and defence equipment
Interest in speaking - signalling to engage in drills and other training in preparation for peacekeeping, combat and natural disaster relief duties
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Many of the occupations that are considered trades in the Canadian Armed Forces are similar to civilian trades. Others are unique to the military.
The Canadian Armed Forces has many entry-level trades. They include:
Military personnel must wear uniforms when on duty. They must conform to Canadian Armed Forces rules and regulations. The work setting and hours for non-commissioned personnel vary from one trade to another.
Full-time military personnel are subject to permanent transfer. Part-time personnel can be relocated temporarily for training. Some roles involve being exposed to dangerous situations.
Non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces need:
Applicants for non-commissioned Canadian Armed Forces personnel positions must:
The selection process is competitive. As a general rule, those who have more education or related training have a better chance. High school graduates are more likely to succeed.
The selection process includes a personal interview, aptitude tests, fitness tests (Reserves only), and a medical exam. Applicants must provide documents like school transcripts, birth certificate, and a completed Canadian Armed Forces application form.
Those chosen to enrol are offered positions as they are available. Recruits have a reasonable amount of time to settle their personal affairs or complete a school year. Then they are sent for basic training. Training is at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in St. Jean, Quebec.
Basic training emphasizes teamwork, drills, physical fitness, and classroom learning about the Canadian Armed Forces. After completing basic training, recruits go to other bases in Canada to learn their trade. Depending on their trade, they may take specialized job training.
The Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program (CFAEP) is a special course for Indigenous people who are considering employment with the military. For more information, visit the Canadian Forces Indigenous programs website.
Enrolment in the Canadian Armed Forces requires recruits to commit to a variable initial contract, generally from 3 to 5 years. Changing trades is allowed only in special circumstances. Applicants should choose their trade with care. If there are no vacancies, they should consider applying again later rather than joining a trade that does not interest them.
After leaving the Canadian Armed Forces, those in trades that are similar to those under the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act may apply for a journeyperson certificate. Each application is assessed on its own to see if the certification requirements have been met. Applicants may need to take journeyperson or progressive exams. For more information, see the Tradesecrets website.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
After training, personnel are posted to a Canadian Armed Forces base, unit or ship.
People in the military trades start as privates. Promotions are by competition and are awarded according to skill, time in a rank and performance. Privates may advance to corporal, master corporal, sergeant, warrant officer, master warrant officer, and chief warrant officer. Promotion to corporal requires specific levels of training, normally after at least 4 years of service. Some entry plans offer the chance to advance to the rank of corporal after a shorter time. Retirement is compulsory at age 60.
Most large cities have at least 1 Canadian Armed Forces Reserve unit. The Reserves offer part-time military training in a variety of trades during the school year. They also offer full-time work during the summer. Trained Reserve personnel may work on a full-time basis for a fixed period.
Privates earn from $35,800 to $52,500 a year. Annual salaries for corporals range from $60,000 to $79,000 a year (2019 figures).
People in the military trades are entitled to 4 weeks of annual vacation with pay, or 5 weeks after 5 years of service. They are also entitled to free medical and dental care, a free dental plan for dependents, and a pension plan.
Canadian Armed Forces Recruiting website: www.canada.ca
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.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.