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Lather-Interior Systems Mechanic Directly to the left of this help icon you will see this work indoors icon that represents where Lather-Interior Systems Mechanic work most of the time. If the person in the icon is standing outside the building then the work is mostly outside. A person inside respresents mostly insde work and two people (one inside and one outside) represent the work has a bit of both. By clicking the Details buttons to the left will open the page and allow you to read more about becoming a Lather-Interior Systems Mechanic. After you have spent some time reading and you would like to find out what schools are offering training for Lather-Interior Systems Mechanic click the Yes, use this career in my Journey button.

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Interior and Exterior Construction

Lather-Interior Systems Mechanic

work indoors

Lather - Interior Systems Mechanics install a wide variety of wall and ceiling systems and exterior finishes, bringing various buildings to a completed state.

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  • Related School SubjectsDetails

    Math; English; Physics; Shop; Physical Education

  • Field of StudyDetails

    Most Lathers are employed by contractors in the construction industry and have the opportunity to become a certified journeyperson, foreman, project manager, estimator, or be self-employed.

    Lathers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7284: Plasterers, Drywall Installers and Finishers and Lathers. In Alberta, 95% of people employed in this classification work in the Construction industry.

  • DutiesDetails

    Lather-Interior Systems Mechanics (Lathers):

    • Read blueprints.
    • Work with architects, engineers, and other trades.
    • Install metal or wood frameworks for walls, partitions, ceiling systems, and ornamental shapes.
    • Apply base materials such as Styrofoam, stucco wire, metal lath.
    • Apply various stucco finishes.
    • Put up partitions and hanging ceilings in office space.
    • Install and finish drywall.
    • Install load-bearing steel wall and floor systems.
  • Working ConditionsDetails

    Location:

    • Indoors
      • May have indoor work.
    • Outdoors
      • Construction sites.
      • Year round out door work.
      • Commercial buildings.
      • Offices.
      • Homes.
      • On platforms.
      • On scaffolding.
      • On ladders.

    Hours:

    • Flexible hours.
    • Regular Work Schedule (Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).
    • May need to work evenings or weekends.
    • May need to work overtime to meet deadlines.

    Heavy Lifting:

    • Lift and carry up to 20 kilograms and heavier.
  • PersonalDetails

    People working in this trade need the following characteristics:

    • Enjoy using skills that require a high degree of accuracy.
    • Able to solve problems.
    • Enjoy creative thinking.
    • Enjoy working at many different tasks.
    • Good hand-eye coordination.
    • Physically fit.
    • Able to lift in excess of 25 kilograms (55 pounds).
    • Attention to detail.
    • Works well alone.
    • Works well with others.
  • EducationDetails

    Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates.

    To work in this trade in Alberta, at least ONE of these must be true:

    • You are a registered apprentice.
    • You are an Alberta-certified journeyperson.
    • You have a recognized related trade certificate.
    • Your employer believes your skills and knowledge are the same as a journeyperson.
    • You are self-employed in this trade.

    To register as an Alberta apprentice you need to have:

    • English Language Arts 10-2 or equivalent.
    • Math 10-3 or equivalent.
    • or able to pass the entrance exam.
    • An employer willing to train you.
    • If you have training or work experience in this trade it may count towards your certification.

    Apprenticeship term:

    • Work on your first year in grade 10-12 through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    • 3 years.
    • 1st year: 1560 work hours + 8 weeks classroom training.
    • 2nd year: 1620 work hours + 6 weeks classroom training.
    • 3rd year: 1560 work hours + 8 weeks classroom training.
    • May take exam in final year to earn Red Seal and work throughout most of Canada.
  • Programs OfferedDetails

    Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:

    For more information, visit the Technical Training Centre on the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website.

  • AdvancementDetails

    Job Opportunities in this trade include:

    Job openings are affected by:

    • Current employment rates.
    • People leaving existing positions.
    • Creation of new positions that never existed before.
    • Size of the occupation.
    • Location in Alberta.

    Future Trends:

    • More than 6,100 Albertans work in this category.
    • Expect an annual below average growth of 1.9% from 2013 to 2017.
    • Forecast about 116 new positions created each year.
    • Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
  • SalaryDetails

    Journeyperson wage rates vary but generally range from $25 to $50 an hour plus benefits (2014 estimates). Apprentice Lathers earn at least 55 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70 per cent in the second and 80 per cent in the third.

    According to the 2013 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in this occupational group earned on average from $22.75 to $30.09 an hour. The overall average wage for this group was $26.87 an hour.

  • Other SourcesDetails