Lather - Interior Systems Mechanic

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Duties

Lather - interior systems mechanics assemble and install the frameworks for gypsum materials in buildings.

On a typical job, lather – interior systems mechanics (lathers):

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Working Conditions

Most lathers are employed in urban areas where there is enough work to keep them employed full-time. Lathers usually work indoors constructing commercial buildings, sometimes on ladders or scaffolds. In rural areas, the work normally done by lathers may be done by carpenters. Lathers work year-round, 40 hours a week except when overtime is required to meet construction deadlines.

There is some risk of injury from falling or other construction site hazards.

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Skills and Abilities

The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy:

To be successful in their trade, lathers need:

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Employment and Advancement

Lathers are usually employed by contractors in the construction industry. Some are self-employed and contract their services for smaller jobs.

Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $25 to $28 an hour plus benefits.

Experienced lathers may specialize in working with a particular type of lath, become estimators or advance to supervisory positions.

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Working in Alberta

To work as a Lather in Alberta, a person must:

Lathers learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training and, upon successful completion, are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.

A lather who holds a valid trade certificate from Alberta or from another Canadian province or territory may apply to write the Interprovincial Exam and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal under the Interprovincial Standards Program. The Red Seal is recognized throughout most of Canada.

A lather who holds a certificate that was issued by another recognized apprenticeship authority in Canada (province, territory or federal jurisdiction) may apply for an Alberta Equivalency document under the Equivalency Program.

Lathers who:

may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.

Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a credential that is recognized as equivalent to an Alberta trade or occupational certificate are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.

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Apprenticeship Training

The term of apprenticeship for a lather is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training in the first year, a minimum of 1620 hours of on-the-job training and 6 weeks of technical training in the second year, and a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training in the third year.

To learn the skills required of a lather in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:

Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. (see Exam Counselling Sheets)

When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.

Grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information see Financial Assistance or contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.

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Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program

To qualify for a Red Seal, a person must:

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Equivalency Program

To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:

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Qualification Certificate Program

To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on Canadian credentials, a person must:

To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:

Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.

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