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Driller, Earth Loop Technician
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
In Alberta, the water well driller trade has the following branches:
For simplicity, the two branches are referred to as water well driller and earth loop technician in this profile.
To find water that is clean and safe for drinking, water well drillers must know the geological formations of the area in which they are working. They may assist customers in locating a well and estimating the cost. They also do environmental assessment drilling.
In general, water well drillers:
Earth loop systems use the relatively constant temperature in the earth to provide heating and cooling for residential homes and commercial buildings. The earth’s energy is transported into the building using a fluid that runs through a series of closed loops that can be installed vertically or horizontally into the ground. These are called earth loops. Earth loop technicians bore into the earth and install earth loops.
In general, earth loop technicians:
Water well drillers and earth loop technicians work outdoors and find themselves travelling to wherever their work takes them. The job can be physically demanding, and typically requires lifting and moving heavy equipment. There is some risk of injury involved in working with power equipment, and drillers must wear personal protective equipment.
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 controlling water well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore and dig for residential, commercial and industrial water wells or environmental assessment; and to install well screens, casings and other well fixtures
Interest in comparing information to perform routine maintenance work on water well drilling rigs and equipment; and in cleaning and disinfecting wells in preparation for use
Interest in speaking to review client needs and proposed locations for water wells
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.
Water well drillers and earth loop technicians need:
They should enjoy scheduling their own hours and working independently.
To work in Alberta, a water well driller or earth loop technician 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 for water well driller or earth loop technician is 2 years (two 12-month periods), including a minimum of 1,800 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
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.
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.
In Alberta, the water well driller trade has the following branches:
Water well drillers set up and operate rigs to drill residential, commercial and industrial water wells. Drillers in the earth loop technician branch set up and operate mobile drilling rigs and trenching equipment to construct residential and commercial earth loops for heating and cooling. 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 Water Well Driller.
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 water well drillers and earth loop technicians are self-employed, employed by water well drilling companies, or work for earth loop construction companies. Many water well drilling operations are family-run businesses. All Alberta water well drilling companies and earth loop installations must comply with the Water Act [pdf] and Water (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], and drilling and construction standards. For details on water legislation and guidelines, see the Government of Alberta website.
Opportunities to advance to supervisory positions are limited in smaller organizations.
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 7373: Water well drillers occupational group, 100.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson water well drillers wage rates vary but generally range from $25 to $35 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn at least 60% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year and 85% in the second.
Water well drillers are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 7373: Water well drillers.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Water well drillers occupational group earned on average from $25.92 to $33.68 an hour. The overall average was $30.39 an hour. For more information, see the Water well drillers wage profile.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
Alberta Water Well Drilling Association website: www.awwda.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) website: www.cangea.ca
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) website: igshpa.org
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.
