First-Year Apprentice Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) (no experience needed!)

• Building the life you want starts with acquiring skills that are in demand.
• As a Red Seal tradesperson, career potential is unlimited. 
• It all starts with apprenticeship; a unique opportunity to earn and learn while building your career.

British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) Apprenticeship Services is launching a major industry-wide drive supporting small and medium construction employers to hire and register first-year apprentices.

This province-wide recruitment drive is administered by BCCA as part of the BCCA Apprentices Services campaign. BCCA is launching a 22-month campaign funded by the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service to enable small and medium-sized employers in BC’s construction industry to hire and register first-year apprentices. As part of the service to employers, BCCA will build a pool of qualified jobseekers, provide culture training via its Builders Code program, and mentorship support through its new Building Builders initiative. Additional apprenticeship supports, advice, and resources will also be made available to successful job applicants.

To learn more about BCCA Apprenticeship Services, click here.

British Columbia has an increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, resulting in rewarding employment opportunities. As a first-year apprentice, you will be starting a career path toward obtaining your SkilledTradesBC trade certification and Red Seal endorsement. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on training while receiving a competitive wage for your work!

A lather may also be referred to as an interior systems mechanic, wall and ceiling installer, or steel stud framer. A typical day as a lather could involve building interior systems for industrial, commercial, institutional, or residential construction projects. Skilled lathers often work alongside carpenters and drywall professionals, completing tasks related to measuring, cutting, and hanging a variety of wall and ceiling materials such as steel studs, drywall, soundproofing, insulation, lath, and stucco.

Day-to-day as an apprentice you could be:

• Performing physical labour related to site setup, surface preparation, receiving materials, and cleaning
• Accurately measuring, cutting, and levelling framing materials, panels, and insulation
• Identifying and working with a diverse range of building materials, hand and power tools, and other equipment
• Learning best practices for site safety and hazard prevention
• Working from heights such as scaffolding and ladders

BCCA Apprenticeship Services is looking for applicants interested in pursuing a career in construction as a first-year apprentice lather (interior systems mechanic). The ideal candidate should be interested in starting a career path towards certification as a Red Seal lather (interior systems mechanic) and should be motivated to learn, reliable, and hardworking.

To succeed as a first-year apprentice lather (interior systems mechanic), you: 

• Communicate, work well with others, and follow directions well 
• Have good dexterity and like to work with your hands,
• Have a good eye for detail and symmetry
• Enjoy working on your feet all day, often from heights
• Like to solve problems and build solutions
• Are physically fit with stamina for manual labour
• Have experience using hand and power tools
• Are willing to follow safety guidelines at all times
• Understand basic math
• Have strong attention to detail
• Are in good physical condition with good endurance

Other qualifications can include (but are not required):

• Hands-on experience performing physical labour, heavy lifting and lifting overhead
• Familiarity with reading a tape measure, using a level and identifying wall/ceiling fasteners, fixtures, framing, and panel products
• Occupational First Aid training, Fall Protection training, and/or SiteReadyBC certification
• High school diploma and/or completion of university courses, or Lather Level 1 Training from a SkilledTradesBC recognized post-secondary institution
• Valid BC driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• Prior experience in construction (hobbies, summer jobs, or volunteer activities), agriculture or forestry, manufacturing, marine services or fisheries, municipal work, or other non-construction trades are a bonus

An apprenticeship offers a pathway to a successful career in construction. You will earn an income while gaining work-based training hours, education, and certification. Apprentices are eligible for government grants, tax credits, and employment insurance while attending training. This can help you offset the cost of training and certification and allow you to complete your apprenticeship and minimize student debt.

For more information on the benefits of apprenticeship, see SkilledTradesBC’s Apprentice Guidebook.

The starting hourly rate for first-year apprentices is usually between $17-$22/hour. It is determined by each employer and can vary depending on skills, location, and your experience. As a first-year apprentice new to a trade it is customary to begin at the bottom of the pay range but as you ‘earn and learn’ on the job, your pay will increase as you progress in your apprenticeship.

If this sounds like you, and you want to start your career in construction, we encourage you to apply today!

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