Oil Heat System Technician National Occupational Analysis (NOA)

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this National Occupational Analysis (NOA) as the national standard for the occupation of Oil Heat System Technician.

General Information

• NOA History
• Structure of Analysis
• Development and Validation of Analysis
• Safety

Scope

“Oil Heat System Technician” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by oil heat system technicians whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Oil heat system technicians install, repair and maintain all types of oil-fired domestic and commercial appliances, equipment, components and systems. On new installations, they may design, assemble and install the heating and ventilation systems, install oil burner components such as control devices and associated wiring, install fuel supply systems and connect the plumbing to mechanical and electrical systems. They may also install, maintain and repair wood/oil heating systems.

Oil heat system technicians work in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. They may be self-employed or employed by heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installation and service companies.

Service calls and emergency calls may take place anytime: days, evenings or weekends. Full time and seasonal employment opportunities are available.

Oil heat system technicians must have good mechanical aptitude, problem solving skills and good customer relations skills. A good understanding of basic electrical/electronic theory and The House as a System is also required. They may give cost estimates for required work and explain the operation and maintenance of appliances and systems.

This analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, gasfitters, plumbers and sheet metal workers.

Experienced oil heat system technicians may advance into supervisory and management positions or move into self-employment.

Occupational Observations

Oil heat system technicians must continually upgrade their skills to become proficient with new products and equipment introduced into the industry. Testing efficiencies are more easily realized with the introduction of computerized sensors, electronic and digital controls.

Technological changes and stringent new regulations have forced oil heat system technicians to upgrade their skills and constantly apprise themselves regarding environmental legislation. The increasingly complex and stringent environmental laws, especially regarding oil storage units, are having a major impact on the occupation. The mechanic must recognize potential hazards and react to dangerous situations. The skill of containment is becoming more critical and environmental incident reporting procedures are evolving areas for the mechanic.

Customers continue to ask the oil heat system technician for more input and advice on choosing a highly efficient and cost effective system.

A move to alternative fuel sources continues to make a major impact on the oil heat system technician trade. The mechanic must access specialized training in order to become proficient in the delivery, storage, distribution and combustion of such fuels with specific emphasis on safe handling and system operation.

Acknowledgements

The CCDA and ESDC wish to express sincere appreciation for the contribution of the many tradespersons, industrial establishments, professional associations, labour organizations, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, and all others who contributed to this publication.

Special acknowledgement is extended to the following representatives from the trade who attended a national workshop to develop the previous edition of this NOA in 2006.

• Grant Atchison - Yukon
• D. Brian Baker - Manitoba
• Mark Conrad - Nova Scotia
• Shawn Cooper - Newfoundland and Labrador
• Roger Corbett - Northwest Territories
• Stephen Hazell - Nova Scotia
• Jared Joudry - New Brunswick
• Gary MacKinnon - Prince Edward Island
• Joey Molloy - New Brunswick
• Doug Puddester - Newfoundland and Labrador
• Barry Walsh - Prince Edward Island
• Gary Wilson - Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA)

This 2015 edition of the NOA was reviewed, updated and validated by industry representatives from the provinces and territories, and the Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA) to ensure that it continues to represent the skills and knowledge required in this trade. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this analysis were undertaken by employees of the NOA development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division of ESDC. The host jurisdiction of Newfoundland and Labrador also participated in the development of this NOA.

Comments or questions about this publication may be forwarded to:

Trades and Apprenticeship Division
Labour Market Integration Directorate
Employment and Social Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 6^th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0J9