Major Work Activity A – Performs common occupational skills

Task A-1 Performs safety-related functions

Task Descriptor

Concrete finishers are exposed to hazards on a daily basis. Therefore, they must comply with regulations, company policies and manufacturers’ instructions regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment, and safe work practices to ensure safety of themselves and others.

A-1.01 Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment

Essential Skills

Thinking, Continuous Learning, Oral Communication

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-1.01.01P	select and use *PPE* and *safety equipment*	*PPE* and *safety equipment* is selected and used according to potential hazards, site conditions and manufacturers’ instructions
A-1.01.02P	identify company and site policies and regulations, and site hazards requiring the use of *PPE* and *safety equipment*	company and site policies and regulations, and site hazards requiring the use of *PPE* and *safety equipment* are identified
A-1.01.03P	tag and remove worn, damaged, unsafe and expired *PPE* and *safety equipment*	worn, damaged, unsafe and expired *PPE* and *safety equipment* are tagged and removed from service according to company policy, manufacturers’ instructions and regulations
A-1.01.04P	report and replace damaged or faulty *PPE* and *safety equipment*	damaged or faulty *PPE* and *safety equipment* is replaced and reported according to company policies, manufacturers' instructions, regulations, and personal judgement
A-1.01.05P	maintain and store *PPE* and *safety equipment*	*PPE* and *safety equipment* are maintained and stored according to manufacturers' instructions and company policies

Range of Variables

PPE includes: breathing apparatus, air purifiers, eye and ear protection, hard hats, high visibility clothing, safety vests, fall arrest equipment, skin protection, hand protection, foot protection

safety equipment includes: fire extinguishers, first aid kits, eye wash stations, spill kits, gas sensors

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-1.01.01L	demonstrate knowledge of *PPE* and *safety equipment*, their applications and procedures for use	identify the types of *PPE,* their application and procedures for use
		identify types of *safety equipment* and their location on-site
		identify *hazards* and safe work practices related to the use of *PPE* and *safety equipment*
		describe the potential *effects of exposure* to concrete materials
		describe the procedures for use of *PPE* and *safety equipment*
		identify specific training requirements for the use of *PPE* and *safety equipment*

Range of Variables

safety equipment includes: fire extinguishers, first aid kits, eye wash stations, spill kits, gas sensors

hazards include: silica dust, falling objects, chemical spills, slips, trips, uneven ground, heights, carbon monoxide

effects of exposure include: dermatitis, burns, respiratory damage (e.g. silicosis)

A-1.02 Maintains safe work environment

Essential Skills

Thinking, Working with Others, Oral Communication

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-1.02.01P	maintain a clean and tidy work site area	a clean and tidy work site is maintained to avoid injuries to self and others
A-1.02.02P	locate *safety equipment*	*safety equipment* is located and ready for use according to *regulations* and company policies
A-1.02.03P	follow safety procedure	safety procedures are followed according to *regulations* and company policies
A-1.02.04P	identify *workplace* *hazards*	*workplace* *hazards* are identified according to site conditions
A-1.02.05P	set up perimeter safety barriers and flag persons	perimeter safety barriers are erected around and underneath work area and flag persons are set up according to company policies
A-1.02.06P	ventilate work area and measure air quality	work area is ventilated according to regulations when working with hazardous materials
A-1.02.07P	participates in safety meetings and discussions	safety meetings and discussions are participated in prior to beginning tasks to ensure that information is recorded and distributed to all team members
A-1.02.08P	complete *safety-related documentation*	*safety-related documentation* is completed and submitted according to regulations and company policy

Range of Variables

safety equipment includes: fire extinguishers, first aid kits, eye wash stations, spill kits, gas sensors

regulations include: Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), jurisdictional regulations

workplace hazards include: embedded objects (e.g. post-tensioning cable, electrical conduits, dowels, rebar), carbon monoxide, inadequate shoring, toxins, falling objects, poor ventilation, vehicular hazards, silica dust

safety-related documentation includes: field risk assessments, job hazard assessments, incident reports, equipment and PPE inspections, tool box/tailgate talk documents, safety meeting minutes, WHMIS documents

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-1.02.01L	demonstrate knowledge of maintaining a safe work environment	identify *hazards* and safe work practices pertaining to maintaining a safe work environment
		identify types of *safety equipment* and their location on-site
		identify company safety policies and procedures
A-1.02.02L	demonstrate knowledge of *regulations* related to a safe work environment	identify safe transportation, storage and disposal procedures for hazardous materials
		interpret and apply *regulations*
		identify *regulations* pertaining to *worksite issues*
		describe procedures used to report incidents and unsafe work environment

Range of Variables

safety equipment includes: fire extinguishers, first aid kits, eye wash stations, spill kits, gas sensors regulations include: Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), jurisdictional regulations

worksite issues include: confined space entry, asbestos removal, fall protection, vehicular traffic

Task A-2 Uses tools and equipment

Task Descriptor

Proper use of tools and equipment is very important to perform the tasks effectively and safely in the concrete industry.

A-2.01 Uses hand tools

Essential Skills

Thinking, Continuous Learning, Working with Others

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-2.01.01P	clean, maintain and store hand tools	hand tools are cleaned, maintained and stored to extend longevity of tools and ensure they are ready for use
A-2.01.02P	inspect hand tools	hand tools are inspected for damage and defects
A-2.01.03P	remove damaged or defective hand tools from service	hand tools are identified as damaged or defective and removed from service

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-2.01.01L	demonstrate knowledge of hand tools, their use and procedures to clean, maintain and store them	identify *types of hand tools* and describe their use and application
		describe procedures used to clean, maintain and store hand tools

Range of Variables

types of hand tools: see appendix B

A-2.02 Uses power tools

Essential Skills

Oral Communication, Thinking, Continuous Learning

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-2.02.01P	perform *power tool maintenance*	*power tool maintenance* is performed according to manufacturers’ instructions
A-2.02.02P	inspect power tools	power tools are inspected for wear, damage and defects
A-2.02.03P	tag and remove damaged power tools	damaged power tools are tagged and removed from service
A-2.02.04P	repair and replace power tools	power tools removed from service are repaired or replaced
A-2.02.05P	ensure *features* are in place	*features* are in place according to manufacturers' instructions

Range of Variables

power tool maintenance includes: checking oil, gas and air filters, cleaning, storing, lubricating, testing

features include: kill switches, machine guards, bolts, electrical cords, handles, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), drive belts

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-2.02.01L	demonstrate knowledge of power tools, their procedures for use, applications, maintenance and storage	identify *types of power tools, their applications and features*
		describe *power tool maintenance*
		describe procedures to have power tools tagged, repaired or replaced
		identify storage procedures for power tools
		describe hazards and safe work practices related to power tools and their use

Range of Variables

types of power tools include: electric tools, pneumatic tools, hydraulic tools, gas-powered tools, powder-actuated tools

features include: kill switches, machine guards, bolts, electrical cords, handles, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), drive belts

power tool maintenance includes: checking oil, gas and air filters, cleaning, storing, lubricating, testing

A-2.03 Uses measuring equipment

Essential Skills

Numeracy, Thinking, Document Use

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-2.03.01P	select measuring equipment	measuring equipment is selected according to application
A-2.03.02P	clean, maintain and store measuring equipment	measuring equipment is cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturers' instructions
A-2.03.03P	inspect measuring equipment, and tag and remove damaged equipment	worn, damaged and defective measuring equipment is tagged and removed from service
A-2.03.04P	repair and replace damaged and defective measuring equipment	measuring equipment is repaired or replaced according to manufacturers' instructions
A-2.03.05P	take *measurements* using measuring equipment and devices	*measurements* taken with measuring equipment and devices are accurate

Range of Variables

measurements include: weights, volume, elevations, areas, distances, slopes, tolerances, angles

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-2.03.01L	demonstrate knowledge of measuring equipment, their application and procedures for use and maintenance	identify *types of measuring equipment* and their application
		describe safe work practices pertaining to the use of measuring equipment
		identify imperial and metric measurements
		describe procedures to use, test, maintain and store measuring equipment
		describe procedures used to replace measuring equipment

Range of Variables

types of measuring equipment include: scales, laser levels, measuring tapes, builder’s levels, hand levels, measuring vessels

Task A-3 Organizes work

Task Descriptor

Concrete finishers use organizational skills such as determining materials and scheduling work to perform their tasks as well as advance in their careers. Concrete materials and weather conditions impact the timing of placing, setting and curing of concrete which in turn affects the scheduling of work. Also, concrete finishers must be able to use various types of documentation to perform their tasks.

A-3.01 Uses documentation

Essential Skills

Document Use, Reading, Thinking

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-3.01.01P	interpret specifications	specifications are interpreted
A-3.01.02P	interpret product instructions and manufacturers’ recommendations	product instructions and manufacturers’ recommendations are interpreted
A-3.01.03P	follow work orders and instructions	work orders and instructions are followed
A-3.01.04P	interpret *standards documentation*	*standards documentation* is interpreted
A-3.01.05P	interpret *drawings*	*drawings* are interpreted

Range of Variables

standards documentation includes: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), American Concrete Institute (ACI), International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)

drawings include: as-built, working, shop, blueprints, electronic drawings

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-3.01.01L	demonstrate knowledge of *safety documentation* and *standards documentation*	interpret *safety documentation* and *standards documentation*
A-3.01.02L	demonstrate knowledge of grade sheets and *drawings*	interpret grade sheets and *drawings*
		describe scale rules and legends

Range of Variables

safety documentation includes: safety data sheet (SDS), WHMIS symbols

standards documentation includes: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), American Concrete Institute (ACI), International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)

drawings include: as-built, working, shop, blueprints, electronic drawings

A-3.02 Determines material requirements and quantities

Essential Skills

Numeracy, Thinking, Document Use

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-3.02.01P	perform *calculations*	*calculations* are performed to determine material requirements and quantities
A-3.02.02P	apply scale rules	scale rules are applied to establish distances and lengths
A-3.02.03P	select *materials*	*materials* are selected according to specifications, *calculations, scope of work and factors*
A-3.02.04P	adjust technique	techniques are adjusted according to concrete materials, admixture being used, factors and *concrete chemistry*

Range of Variables

calculations include: weight, volume, area, perimeter, Pythagorean Theorem

materials include: concrete materials, base materials, aggregates, membranes, formwork materials, reinforcement materials, grouts, repair materials, admixtures, cement types, epoxies, supplementary cementitious materials, exotic products, sealers

factors include: cost, down-time, structural/architectural requirements, location of repair, weather conditions, time restrictions

concrete chemistry includes: accelerated concrete setting (hot load), pot life

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-3.02.01L	demonstrate knowledge of *materials* used, their application and procedures for use	identify types of concrete *materials*, their application and procedures for use
		identify concrete mix designs
		identify air entrainment compatibility and adjustments required for placing and finishing concrete
		identify CSA A23.1 national standard pertaining to concrete materials
		identify *hazards* and *safe work practices* pertaining to the use of *materials*
		identify *types of base materials*, their application and procedures for use
		identify *types of membranes*, their application and procedures for use
		identify *types of reinforcement materials*, their application and procedures for use
		identify *types of grout*, their properties and application
		identify *types of formwork material* *and systems*, their application and procedures for use
A-3.02.02L	demonstrate knowledge of *calculations* relating to *material* selection	describe *calculations* pertaining to *material* selection
		identify imperial and metric systems of measurement and their conversions

Range of Variables

hazards include: respiratory, contaminants, chemical burns, material ingestion and absorption

safe work practices include: adequate ventilation, use of PPE and WHMIS

types of base materials include: gravel, clay, recycled crushed concrete, sand, pea stone, clear stone

types of membranes include: evaporation reducer, polyethylene, insulating, water-stop, vapour retarders

types of reinforcement materials include: rebar, welded wire mesh, synthetic and steel fibres, post-

types of grout include: cementitious, epoxy, polyester

types of formwork material and systems include: dimensional lumber, steel forms, plywood, form liners, decorative liners

calculations include: weight, volume, area, perimeter, Pythagorean Theorem

A-3.03 Sequences work procedures

Essential Skills

Thinking, Oral Communication, Working with Others

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-3.03.01P	determine work procedures and logistics	work procedures and logistics are determined according to project scope and schedule
A-3.03.02P	determine timing of work	timing of work is determined considering *factors*
A-3.03.03P	adapt work schedule	work schedule is adapted according to *factors*
A-3.03.04P	coordinate work with other trades	work is coordinated with other trades
A-3.03.05P	develop concrete placement plan	concrete placement is planned according to *factors*

Range of Variables

factors include: weather conditions, environmental conditions, work of other trades, material properties, public safety, accessibility to work area for conveyance of materials and equipment, pre-construction meetings

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-3.03.01L	demonstrate knowledge of scheduling work procedures	identify the *factors* that affect scheduling of work
		identify impact of *factors* on timing and work sequence
		describe sequence of construction operations and timing of procedures

Range of Variables

Task A-4 Uses communication and mentoring techniques

Task Descriptor

Learning in the trades is done primarily in the workplace with tradespeople passing on their skills and knowledge to apprentices, as well as sharing knowledge amongst themselves. Apprenticeship is, and always has been about mentoring – learning workplace skills and passing them on. Because of the importance of this to the trade, this task covers the activities related to communication in the workplace and mentoring skills.

A-4.01 Uses communication techniques

Essential Skills

Oral Communication, Working with Others, Continuous Learning

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-4.01.01P	demonstrate two-way communication practices individually or in a group	instructions and messages are understood by both parties involved in communication
A-4.01.02P	listen using *active listening* practices	steps of *active listening* are used
A-4.01.03P	receive and respond to feedback on work	response to feedback indicates understanding and corrective measures are taken
A-4.01.04P	explain and provide feedback	explanation and feedback is provided and task is carried out as directed
A-4.01.05P	use questioning to improve communication	questions enhance understanding, on-the-job training and goal setting
A-4.01.06P	participate in safety and information meetings	meetings are attended and information is understood and applied
A-4.01.07P	communicate with *non-tradespeople*	technical information is relayed and understanding is confirmed
A-4.01.08P	communicate with other *tradespeople*	technical information is relayed and understanding is confirmed

Range of Variables

active listening includes: hearing, interpreting, reflecting, responding, paraphrasing

non-tradespeople include: consultants, engineers, architects, owners, product representatives

tradespeople include: concrete finishers, carpenters, ironworkers, construction craft workers, crane operators, heavy equipment operators, plumbers, construction electricians

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-4.01.01L	demonstrate knowledge of trade terminology	define terminology used in the trade
A-4.01.02L	demonstrate knowledge of effective communication practices	describe the importance of using effective verbal and non-verbal communication with *tradespeople* and *non-tradespeople*
		identify *sources of information* to effectively communicate
		identify communication and *learning styles*
		describe effective listening and speaking skills
		identify the value of diversity in the workplace
		identify communication that constitutes *harassment* and *discrimination*

Range of Variables

non-tradespeople include: consultants, engineers, architects, owners, product representatives

tradespeople include: concrete finishers, carpenters, ironworkers, construction craft workers, crane operators, heavy equipment operators, plumbers, construction electricians

sources of information include: regulations, codes, standards, OH&S requirements, requirements of local authorities, drawings, specifications, company and client documentation, experienced journeypersons

learning styles include: seeing it, hearing it, practicing it

harassment includes: objectionable conduct, comment or display made either on a one-time or continuous basis that demeans, belittles, or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment to the recipient

discrimination includes actions that are prohibited based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability or conviction for which a pardon has been granted

A-4.02 Uses mentoring techniques

Essential Skills

Oral Communication, Working with Others, Continuous Learning

NL	NS	PE	NB	QC	ON	MB	SK	AB	BC	NT	YT	NU
yes	NV	NV	NV	yes	yes	yes	ND	NV	yes	ND	ND	ND

	Skills
	Performance Criteria	Evidence of Attainment
A-4.02.01P	identify and communicate learning objective and point of the lesson	apprentice or colleague explains the objective and point of the lesson
A-4.02.02P	link lesson to prior learning and the job task	lesson order and unplanned learning opportunities are defined
A-4.02.03P	demonstrate performance of a skill to an apprentice or colleague	*steps required to demonstrate a skill* are performed
A-4.02.04P	set up conditions required for an apprentice to practice a skill	*practice conditions* are set up so that the skill can be practiced safely by the apprentice
A-4.02.05P	assess apprentice or colleague’s ability to perform tasks with increasing independence	performance improves with practice to a point where skill can be done with little supervision
A-4.02.06P	give supportive and corrective feedback	apprentice adopts best practice after having been given supportive or corrective feedback
A-4.02.07P	support apprentices in pursuing technical training opportunities	technical training is completed within the timeframe prescribed by apprenticeship authority
A-4.02.08P	support diversity in the workplace	workplace is harassment and discrimination-free
A-4.02.09P	implement probationary period to assess suitability to the trade	commitment is demonstrated and more suitable career options are provided if required

Range of Variables

steps required to demonstrate a skill include: understanding the who, what, where, when and why, explaining, showing, giving encouragement, following up to ensure skill is performed correctly

practice conditions means: guided, limited independence, full independence

	Knowledge
	Learning Outcomes	Learning Objectives
A-4.02.01L	demonstrate knowledge of strategies for learning skills in the workplace	describe the importance of individual experience
		describe the shared responsibilities for workplace learning
		determine one’s own learning preferences and explain how these relate to learning new skills
		describe the importance of different types of skills in the workplace
		describe the importance of *essential skills* in the workplace
		identify different ways of learning
		identify different *learning needs* and strategies to meet *learning needs*
		identify *strategies to assist in learning a skill*
		identify *personal responsibilities and attitudes* that contribute to on-the-job success
A-4.02.02L	demonstrate knowledge of strategies for teaching workplace skills	identify different roles played by a workplace mentor
		describe *teaching skills*
		explain the importance of identifying the point of a lesson
		identify how to choose an effective time to present a lesson
		explain the importance of linking the lessons
		identify the components of the skill (the context)
		describe considerations in setting up opportunities for skill practice
		explain the importance of providing feedback
		identify techniques for giving effective feedback
		describe a skills assessment
		identify methods of assessing progress
		explain how to adjust a lesson to different situations

Range of Variables

essential skills are: reading, writing, document use, oral communication, numeracy, thinking, working with others, digital technology, continuous learning

learning needs include: learning disabilities, learning preferences, language proficiency

strategies to assist in learning a skill include: understanding the basic principles of instruction, developing coaching skills, being mature and patient, providing feedback

personal responsibilities and attitudes include: asking questions, working safely, accepting constructive feedback, time management and punctuality, respect for authority, good stewardship of materials, tools and property, efficient work practices

teaching skills include: identifying the point of the lesson, linking the lesson, demonstrating the skill, providing practice, giving feedback, assessing skills and progress

Date modified:: 2018-01-11