Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.

NOC: 7372 Apprenticeable

Drillers and Blasters

Drillers and Blasters

Introduction What are the Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.?

British Columbia welcomes you! Like you, over 35,000 immigrants from around the world settle in B.C. each year and find work in a variety of professions. The process of finding work can take time, so it is important to understand each of the steps needed to gain employment.
If you are preparing to come to B.C., or have just arrived, this guide provides the following information:

Section 1 - how this occupation is practiced in B.C. Section 2 - steps to help prepare you before you arrive Section 3 - qualifications needed in B.C. Section 4 - tips to help you find employment

Section 1

Occupational Overview
Learn More

What are drillers and blasters?

Drilling and blasting are two different occupations. A driller has the knowledge and skills to drill blast patterns. A blaster has the skills, knowledge and certification to blast. Many individuals are qualified to perform both jobs. A driller and blaster drills holes into rock:
For blasting purposes To get core samples for geologists To build foundations on construction sites

Some excellent sources of occupational information include: National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canadas reference on occupations. The NOC provides job descriptions, occupational statistics and labour market information.
www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc

A driller and blaster also:

Decides how many holes are required for blasting Decides how deep to drill Packs explosives into holes Makes sure the site is safe

Workforce Highlights

600

Drillers and Blasters in B.C. Hourly Wage

$10.25 - $26.92 Range

For more information on wages and workforce see Section 2

This Occupational Guide for Immigrants to BC is a resource to help immigrants build a career plan. Occupational qualifications and requirements sometimes change. Planning your career in BC will require additional research and direct contact with the appropriate regulatory bodies, professional associations and training institutions. This Occupational Guide is for general information only and is not legal or professional advice.

www.WelcomeBC.ca

Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.

NOC: 7372 Apprenticeable

Drillers and Blasters

What qualifications are required to be a driller and blaster in B.C.?
In order to work as a driller and blaster you must have a valid blasters certificate issued or approved by the WorkSafeBC Board. For further information about certification and regulations, go to the WorkSafeBC Blasting Operations Website: www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/Blasting/home.asp The certification process is outlined in the Certification Requirements and Examinations webpage on the WorkSafeBC site www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/CertificationTraining/Certification. asp?ReportID=35470 Note: If you are only performing drilling duties, you do not have to hold a valid blasting certificate.

Certified blasters must work as an apprentice under a journeyman blaster to learn the trade. It is not uncommon for an entry level worker to take up to five years to become a journeyman blaster.

Learn More

WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC promotes workplace health and safety within B.C. and monitors compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. www.worksafebc.com Telephone: 604.231.8888 or 1.888.967.5377

What skills and attributes do employers expect from drillers and blasters?
Ability to drive or operate track of truck-mounted rotary drilling equipment Ability to make accurate measurements Good physical abilities and strength for drilling, wiring and placing explosives Strong verbal communication skills to supervise and direct other workers during blasting Ability to read blueprints for drill patterns and tests Ability to follow written codes and regulations

Review the WorkSafeBC site regularly for updated training and certification information.

Where are drillers and blasters employed?

Mining companies Quarrying companies Construction companies Drilling and blasting contractors Forestry companies Avalanche control companies

Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.

NOC: 7372 Apprenticeable

Drillers and Blasters

Section 2
Prepare Before You Come to B.C.

Explore Regions in B.C. to Live and Work

The demand for each occupation varies throughout the regions of the province. B.C. is a big province, about the same size as Tanzania or Venezuela, and bigger than Pakistan or Turkey. Each region has different employment needs and industries. Use the labour market information and resources in this guide to explore regional employment options.

B.C. Labour Market Information

To learn more about your chosen profession visit the following websites where you will find information including salaries, regional employment opportunities, job descriptions, and more.

B.C. Job Trend Tracker www.bcjobtrendtracker.ca Education Planner www.educationplanner.ca WorkBC www.workbc.ca Working in Canada Tool www.workingincanada.gc.ca BC Wage and Salary Survey 2009 www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/LabourIncome/Earnings.aspx
6

5 3 1 2 4

Prepare Yourself
Plan and prepare for your career as much as possible before arriving in B.C. Be sure you understand the provincial job market and professional requirements of your occupation. You may be able to start or complete many of these tasks before you arrive in Canada.
1. 2. 3. 4.

B.C. DEVELOPMENT REGIONS Vancouver Island/Coast Mainland/Southwest Thompson-Okanagan Kootenay 5. 6. 7. 8. Cariboo North Coast Nechako Northeast

Get Started!
1. Learn about the occupation. Know the name of the job in Canada, and make lists of potential employers. 2. Collect documents. Collect copies of relevant documents, and if necessary, have them translated into English.

Degrees, diplomas or certificates from universities, colleges or schools Program descriptions related to your studies, and transcripts of grades Reference letters and performance reviews from employers Work descriptions and letters from professional agencies
3. Improve your workplace skills. You may need to improve your skills or knowledge before you start working in B.C. Explore all of the resources provided in this guide.

Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.

NOC: 7372 Apprenticeable

Drillers and Blasters

Section 3
Becoming Qualified to work in B.C.

The following information will help you understand how to become certified to work as a driller and blaster in B.C. This is only a guide; you will have to do more research to make a career plan that will work for you. It is important to complete all of the activities listed below. It is not necessary to complete the activities in the order they are listed. To save time, it is advisable towork on many of these activities at the same time.

Begin the qualification and career planning process and obtain all required documents before leaving your country. If you have already arrived in B.C., develop a career plan immediately to avoid creating a gap in your professional experience.

Learn more about what is required to become qualified to work as a driller and blaster in B.C.
In B.C., only the holder of a valid Blasters Certificate issued by WorkSafeBC, or accepted by WorkSafeBC, is permitted to conduct or direct a blasting operation. Another blasting certificate accepted by Worksafe is:
Certification for Mining Operations For information, contact the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Mining Operations Branch at 250.952.0471

Before attempting to write the blasting exam, you must have a very good understanding of Part 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and sections of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Blasters Handbook
www.isee.org/index.php?option=com_co ntent&view=article&id=319&Itemid=259

To attain certification, B.C. blasters must provide documentation supporting their practical competency and pass a WorkSafeBC oral and written exam. Blasters new to B.C. must register, complete an application form, and familiarize themselves with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. WorkSafeBCs Certification Services will issue blasting certificates at the level of certification you have previously obtained. A certificate obtained internationally may be acceptable as proof of blasting experience. However, the certificate must be accompanied by a statutory declaration indicating that you have at least six months of work experience in the blasting category you want to be certified. Currently there are no courses, training or certification in B.C. for drilling. Employers train on-the-job to prepare a driller and blaster to use mobile drilling equipment.

Apply for Initial Blasting Certification

To apply for a blasters certificate you must: a) Be at least 18 years of age, b) Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken c) Be physically capable of safely carrying out the duties of a blaster d) Forward written proof acceptable to the examining officer that (i) you have at least, six months experience in blasting operations as an assistant to a blaster, and/or (ii) your knowledge, qualifications and experience would make the candidate competent to handle explosives To apply for the initial blasting certification, you must provide a letter of experience. The letter must include certain information. For details, go to: www2.worksafebc.com/PDFs/CertificationAndTraining/BlastingCertification_Initial.pdf

Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.

NOC: 7372 Apprenticeable

Drillers and Blasters

Collect relevant documents and professional evidence

You will be required to provide written proof of your experience. These include:
A signed letter or statement attesting to your experience, knowledge and character A statutory declaration
Learn More
To become more familiar with blasting in B.C., go to these sites: Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/clear-tofc-211.htm Institute of Makers of Explosives www.ime.org

For more information about these documents and the information they must include, go to: www2.worksafebc.com/publications/ohsregulation/ GuidelinePart21.asp

Improve your language skills

There is no specific English language requirement to be certified as a driller and blaster. Examiners will evaluate your English level and determine if you are capable of communicating at the level necessary to perform blasting activities in a safe manner. Please note that excellent communication skills are required and efforts to improve your communication and presentation skills should be ongoing.

Learning the English terms for tools and processes will improve your chances when taking exams or courses and will strengthen your opportunities for employment. Consider taking further English language and Canadian cultural training if necessary.

English Language and Communication Services

DIVERSEcity www.dcrs.ca English Language Services for Adults www.elsanet.org Planning to Work in British Columbia, Canada Workbook www.welcomebc.ca/local/wbc/docs/ BC_Workbook_EN_June4_Fillable.pdf S.U.C.C.E.S.S. www.successbc.ca MOSAIC www.mosaicbc.com IELTS International English Language Testing System www.ielts.org TOEFL www.toefl.org Welcome BC www.welcomebc.ca Immigrant Services Society of BC www.issbc.org

If required, register for professional upgrading programs

These programs may have waitlists and so it is important to make contact and register as soon as possible. The ITA Immigrants in Trades Training initiative: opportunities for immigrants and internationally trained workers www.itabc.ca Western Chapter of the International Society of Explosive Engineers - Blasting Certification Training: www.iseewest.org

Education institutions are in the process of creating new courses to train drillers and blasters. Review the WorkSafeBC website regularly for up-to-date information.

Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.

NOC: 7372 Apprenticeable

Drillers and Blasters

Section 4
Tips to Finding Employment in B.C.

Get Help with Your Job Search

Finding a job in B.C. may be very different than in your home country. You may need help finding job vacancies, updating your resume, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and understanding what B.C. employers are looking for. Skills Connect for Immigrants program provide employment-related support services that move internationally educated professionals into the B.C. labour market: www.welcomebc.ca/skillsconnect B.C. Employment and Labour Market Services employment programs: www.labourmarketservices.gov.bc.ca Skilled Trades Employment Program offers employment assistance specifically for tradespeople: www.stepbc.ca

The Canadian government provides employment and settlement services in China, India, the Philippines and the United Kingdom. The program is called the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP). To get more information about these pre-arrival services, go to: www.newcomersuccess.ca

Search for job vacancies and build a list of companies and positions you are interested in
A good place to look for work as a driller or blaster is at: www.infomine.com/careers/jobfair/jobsinmining.asp

Build connections to the drilling and blasting profession begin networking

Many job vacancies are not advertised. To find out about jobs that are not advertised, you must make connections with people working in your field. Taking a junior position or working as a volunteer are both good ways to meet people in your field, understand Canadian workplace culture and improve your English language and communication skills. The following are some associations that provide additional information and offer a variety of professional training, education and networking opportunities. British Columbia Construction Association www.bccassn.com International Society of Explosive Engineers (includes mentoring program) www.isee.org

Learn More

Drillers and blasters may have various job titles or do different jobs, such as:
Blaster surface mining Blaster - construction Driller - construction Foundation drill operator Open-pit blaster Open-pit driller Rotary drilling machine operator

This project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada with support from the Province of British Columbia.

Updated November 2012

www.WelcomeBC.ca