Chauffeur

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: Chauffeurs (7413.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Taxi and Limousine Drivers and Chauffeurs (H713) 
• 2011 NOC: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs (7513) 
• 2016 NOC: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs (7513) 

A chauffeur’s main job is to drive safely and efficiently. But chauffeurs also:

• Pick up or meet passengers in response to dispatched calls or advance bookings
• Help passengers, including elderly people and those with disabilities, get in and out of the limousine
• Help with clients’ luggage
• Give information about the local area
• Collect payments from customers
• Keep their limousines clean inside and out
• Do routine vehicle checks, including checking tires and fluid levels

Chauffeurs may work part time, on call or full time. They spend most of their work time driving or waiting for passengers. Chauffeurs often work nights and weekends. Some may work shifts. They usually wear a suit or uniform.

Chauffeurs may deal with difficult passengers, and may hear confidential information while driving.

Chauffeurs need:

• Driving skills
• Discretion
• Manners
• Patience and self-discipline
• Communication skills
• A neat personal appearance
• The ability to keep their vehicle clean

They should enjoy:

• Driving and talking to people
• Taking a methodical approach to cleaning and servicing vehicles

Most chauffeurs work for limousine or cab companies that provide car service for special occasions, like business meetings, weddings, graduations, concerts and formal parties. Some chauffeurs work only for specific organizations or people, or for themselves.

Most companies recruit for chauffeurs twice a year.

In general, employers prefer job applicants who:

• Have a good driving record
• Have experience in hospitality
• Have strong personal and work references
• Have a good disposition
• Take pride in their appearance
• Know the local area and house-numbering systems
• Know where important buildings, landmarks, and popular restaurants and bars are
• Can describe points of interest and recommend restaurants and nightclubs that suit clients

Some limousine companies require their chauffeurs to be 25 years of age or older. This way, they qualify for lower insurance rates.

Chauffeurs are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7513: Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Transportation and Warehousing [pdf]
• Retail Trade [pdf]
• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] 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 6,300 Albertans are employed in the Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 132 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As chauffeurs form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for chauffeurs.

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

In Alberta, the H713: Taxi and Limousine Drivers and Chauffeurs occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 132 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.