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Drywaller, Interior Systems Mechanic, Plasterer
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
On a typical job, lathers (interior systems mechanics) read blueprints and work as a team with architects, engineers and associated trades to bring a project to completion. They may:
Most lathers (interior systems mechanics) are employed in major centres where there is a steady source of work to maintain a full time schedule. They may work indoors or outdoors, year round.
Lathers generally work 40 hours per week, however overtime may be required to meet construction deadlines. They may find themselves doing a job on aerial platforms, scaffolding and ladders, and lifting heavy equipment that can weigh in excess of 25 kilograms.
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.
Interest in copying information to attach metal and gypsum lath to studs and furring using nails, screws, clips and wire ties
Interest in precision working to cut openings in lath for heating and ventilation piping, ducts and electrical outlets; may install acoustic tile, hangers for suspended ceilings and metal studs for composition wallboards and laths
Interest in installing corner beads and wire mesh around beams for plastering
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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.
Lathers (interior systems mechanics) need:
They should enjoy working on a variety of tasks.
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.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 285 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 10, 2024 and Apr 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Measure, cut, fit and install drywall sheets | 206 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Fill joints, nail indentations, holes and cracks with joint compound using trowel and broad knife | 203 |
| Tasks: Tape over joints using taping machine and embed tape in compound | 202 |
| Tasks: Smooth out excess compound and allow coat to dry | 198 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 183 |
| Tasks: Cut and install metal corner beads to protect exterior corners | 179 |
| Tasks: Position and secure sheets to metal or wooden studs or joists | 167 |
| Tasks: Apply successive coats of compound and sand seams and joints | 147 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 135 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 121 |
To work in Alberta, a lather (interior systems mechanic) must be ONE of the following:
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:
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.
The term of apprenticeship is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can become apprentices and gain 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.
Lather apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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.
Lathers (Interior Systems Mechanics) install a wide variety of wall and ceiling systems and exterior finishes, bringing various buildings to a completed state. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you do not have to be certified if you are self-employed or work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a journeyperson certified by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. To learn the trade, you must become a registered apprentice.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic).
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.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most lathers (interior systems mechanics) are employed by contractors in the construction industry. The construction sites where they work include industrial plants, commercial buildings, offices and residential homes.
Lathers have the opportunity to become a certified Red Seal journeyperson, foreman or project manager or become self-employed.
Experienced lathers may specialize in working with a particular type of lath, and become estimators or advance to supervisory positions.
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 7284: Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers occupational group, 84.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7284: Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 80 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: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson lathers (interior systems mechanics) wage rates vary but generally range from $25 to $50 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 55% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70% in the second and 80% in the third.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $24.00 | $30.00 | $26.25 | $26.50 |
| Overall | $26.49 | $35.40 | $29.35 | $27.50 |
| Top | $30.00 | $40.50 | $37.57 | $40.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $64,393 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $64,393 |
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Alberta Wall and Ceiling Association website: www.albertawallandceiling.com
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.
