Asphalt Paving Laydown Technician


IUOE Local 115 asphalt paving trainingCourse Length and Description

4 Weeks

Our Asphalt Paving/Laydown Technician course provides the in-school technical training that is the first step in completing BC’s Asphalt Paving/Laydown Technician apprenticeship program. The four-week course includes both classroom (theory) and field (practical) instruction.

Graduates from this technical training course will complete their apprenticeship training on the job.  Completion of an apprenticeship program leads to a BC Certificate of Qualification with endorsements.  From road building principles to environmental practices to equipment maintenance and operation, your technical training will move you towards a successful career in the asphalt paving industry.

Job Description

Asphalt Lay-Down Operators are people who operate paving equipment used to lay down asphalt on various types of road and construction projects.

Asphalt Lay-Down Operators must be capable of performing tasks in close proximity to other people, equipment and obstacles. The job requires operators to complete their duties in all types of weather, under the stress of production demands, in potentially hazardous conditions (e.g., fumes, traffic) and in a noisy, high temperature, dirty environment. Knowledge and awareness of safety issues and safe practices is essential.

Depending on the construction project, travel, irregular shift work and/or long hours may be required. Operators must be physically fit, capable of lifting, pushing and climbing. The duties of asphalt lay-down require good eyesight (including peripheral vision), the ability to judge thickness of material, and good hearing (for audible communications).

These persons must pay attention to detail and adapt to frequently changing work procedures. A mechanical aptitude and previous equipment experience would be considered assets for the Asphalt Lay-Down occupations. The Operator’s interaction with co-workers, supervisors, tradespeople, clients, inspectors, and consultants on jobsites requires good communication skills.

Training Program Overview

  • Road building principles
  • Introduction to paving
  • Asphalt paving safety
  • Asphalt production and products
  • Testing and quality control
  • Environmental considerations
  • Road structures
  • End product specifications
  • Equipment safety, maintenance and operation

Practical Instruction

  • Raking
  • Paver
  • Compact Roller
  • Screed
  • Milling Reclamation

Required Endorsement Hours

  • Rakerman: 250 hours
  • Asphalt Paver: 300 hours
  • Compact Roller: 300 hours
  • Asphalt Screed: 400 hours
  • Asphalt Milling Machine: 300 hours

Pre-Requisites

Program admission requirements are as follows:

  • Minimum 70% on the IUOETA Trades Assessment
  • Valid Drivers licence
  • Minimum Grade 10 recommended

Level of Competency

The asphalt paving training course provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to enter the trade. Further on-the-job experience will be required to advance to the position of Journeyperson operator. Upon program completion, apprentices will receive:

  •  ITA Certificate of Qualification with equipment endorsement
  • Endorsements for multiple machines
  • Preferential hiring and enrollment in industry training programs

Course Fees

Fees: $5,700

Registration:  $150

Text books:  $150

Total:  $6,000

Application  Process

If you are interested in this program, go to our online application form and send us your contact information.

A representative from the Training Association will contact you. After that, you may receive a full Application for Training package. You will be required to submit a completed application along with a resume, references and a BC driver’s abstract.

Successful completion (70%) of the OETA Trade Assessment Examination is required for course entry. Examination subject areas are:

  • Math Foundations
  • Industry Related Problems
  • Problem Sets

Qualified applicant files will be forwarded to a selection committee. Successful applicants will be assigned to the class upon confirmation of their ability to attend.

Evaluation

Students who complete our course will write theory examinations and will also be assessed on job performance standards. We consider punctuality, attendance and attitude in setting the final course grade. Students must attain marks of 70% or more (criteria established according to standards) for theory and practical assessments.

Wallet cards and certificates of completion will be issued upon successful completion of the course.

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.