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Apprenticeship

Elevator Constructor

Elevator constructors install, modify, service and repair electric and hydraulic elevators, personnel and man hoists, moving walkways, stagelifts, escalators and related equipment.

Also Known As

Escalator Constructor, Service Technician

NOC Codes

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

  • 7318: Elevator Constructors and Mechanics

2006 NOC-S

  • H418: Elevator Constructors and Mechanics

2011 NOC

  • 7318: Elevator constructors and mechanics

2016 NOC

  • 7318: Elevator constructors and mechanics

2021 NOC

  • 72406: Elevator constructors and mechanics

2023 OaSIS

  • 72406.00: Elevator constructors and mechanics
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Elevator constructors may specialize in construction, maintenance or repair work. In general, they read and interpret blueprints to determine the layout of cylinders, electrical connections and other system components. To follow through, they:

  • Read and interpret blueprints to determine the layout of cylinders, electrical connections and other system components
  • Do preparatory construction work including steel work, wiring and piping
  • Install doors and frames, guide rails, counterweights and elevator, escalator and walkway chassis
  • Connect elevator car frames to counterweights with cables and assemble elevator cars
  • Wire electronic control system equipment
  • Test and adjust equipment
  • Troubleshoot problems with mechanical and electrical systems and make the necessary repairs
  • Carry out preventative maintenance programs to ensure public safety
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Elevator constructors work indoors most of the time but may do some outdoor work. They usually work 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Those who do maintenance and service may be on 24-hour call at times.

There is some risk of injury working with heavy equipment and from falls and electrical shocks.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Elevator Constructors and Mechanics

2006 NOC: 7318

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to adjust valves, ratchets, seals, brake linings and other components; and in performing preparatory construction work including steelwork, wiring and piping

METHODICAL

Interest in carrying out preventive maintenance to ensure public safety

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical system failures and test the operation of newly installed equipment

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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 for this NOC group 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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Elevator constructors need:

  • Mechanical aptitude
  • The ability to work well in a small crew without direct supervision
  • The ability to do detailed and precise work

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Elevator constructors and mechanics

2016 NOC: 7318

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 24 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 27, 2021 and Jul 03, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Moving walkways
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Disability elevators
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Escalators
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Traction elevators
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Hydraulic elevators
Equipment and Machinery Experience: Electronic devices
Security and Safety: Driver's validity licence check
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Health benefits: Vision care benefits
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Apprenticeship

To work in Alberta, an elevator constructor must be ONE of the following:

  • A registered apprentice
  • An Alberta-certified journeyperson
  • Someone who holds a recognized related trade certificate

To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:

  • Have an Alberta high school transcript with at least English Language Arts 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, or equivalent
  • Have a pass mark in all 5 Canadian General Educational Development (GED) tests
  • Pass an entrance exam

Electronic or mechanical training is a definite asset for anyone wishing to enter the trade.

The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,800 hours of on-the-job training each year. Classroom instruction provided by the Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP) is the only training presently delivered.

High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.

Elevator constructors must continually keep up to date with innovations in their field.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Apprenticeship Trades

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Elevator Constructor

Elevator constructors install, modify, service and repair electric and hydraulic elevators, personnel and man hoists, moving walkways, stagelifts, escalators and related equipment. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile on Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to work on elevators, escalators, moving walkways, stagelifts or related equipment in Alberta.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Elevator Constructor.

Additional Information

Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Elevator constructors are employed by elevator manufacturers and independent firms that contract to install, service and maintain elevator equipment. They are typically employed in cities where multi-story buildings are common.

Most elevator constructors in Alberta belong to the International Union of Elevator Constructors.

Apprentices may become crew supervisors after obtaining their journeyman certificates. Further advancement depends upon their experience and management skills.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 7318: Elevator constructors and mechanics occupational group, 93.5% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 7318: Elevator constructors and mechanics occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.5% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 13 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

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

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $50 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates).

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.

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