what is a general labourer?
As a general labourer, you perform manual work that requires physical strength and fitness. Your duties range from moving items in a warehouse to digging trenches on building sites. Most labourers are employed in the construction industry, performing manual or physical tasks like laying foundations, bricklaying or plastering. You also assist tradespeople with various duties. For instance, you assist carpenters with window fitting tasks and help plumbers carry out repairs and maintenance jobs. Since you work in various trades, your role may involve handling dangerous materials, such as chemicals or asbestos.
Most general labourer duties require you to follow instructions and perform simple tasks assigned by a supervisor. You will likely operate hand tools to prepare job sites or building materials. Some roles also require operating heavy machinery. For example, you move items in warehouses using a forklift. That means you need skills in operating and maintaining forklifts. At the end of the day, you also clean workspaces and tidy up the job site.
Some necessary general labourer skills include high-level fitness and physical strength. The role involves a lot of manual work, like lifting items and moving materials. Attention to detail and teamwork skills are also important, enabling you to complete your tasks meticulously.
Would working as a general labourer suit your high level of fitness and physical strength? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a general labourer role.
general labourer jobsaverage general labourer salary
According to Job Bank, general labourers earn an average salary of $32,446 per year, which translates to $16.64 per hour. Entry-level positions attract lower earnings due to the minimum experience required. When starting in the role, the annual salary of a general labourer is $29,250, whereas experienced labourers have the potential to take home earnings of over $40,623 per year.
what factors affect the salary of a general labourer?
As a general labourer, your earnings depend on your duties. When you perform simple duties, such as moving items or cleaning surfaces, your salary is lower than general labourers trained to operate specialized machinery or equipment. Your experience also influences your earnings. After gaining years of experience, you are likely to earn more due to the additional skills you bring to the table.
The industry you work in affects your earnings. When you work in construction, you require skills in mixing building materials or operating equipment used for demolition. Hence, you have the potential to earn more than a general labourer who works in a warehouse environment. Working in manufacturing industries may involve cleaning chemical spills or contaminants on the production floors. Dealing with hazardous materials increases your salary expectations since it requires additional training on health and safety requirements.
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access our tooltypes of general labourers
Though a general labourer is an all-around handyman, you can specialize in various fields and learn multiple skills. Some of the different types of labourers include:
- construction labourers: as a construction labourer, you perform general manual work, including groundwork. Examples include marking and digging trenches for foundations. You also fix bars or steelwork to reinforce concrete structures, and you sometimes move bricks, mortar and timber around the construction site.
- warehouse labourers: your job is to load and offload deliveries at the warehouse. You work alongside warehouse teams to package and load products onto trucks, ensuring on-time deliveries. You also organize the warehouse to ensure products are stored correctly.
- labourers: as a general labourer, you work in any industry and perform manual tasks assigned to you. General labourers usually work in manufacturing companies, retail stores and production plants. You assist in the production process by cleaning and clearing work sites.
working as a general labourer
Working as a general labourer involves helping professionals complete their duties by handling manual work. If you are interested in the role, check out the specific tasks, work schedule and job prospects of a general labourer.
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what does a general labourer do?
The typical duties of a general labourer include the following:
- checking equipment: you ensure that all tools function properly and prepare the machines for the task at hand. It's wise to think about the needs of your foreman or supervisor ahead of time, as it enables you to take the right steps, making everyone's job easier.
- preparing construction sites: you prepare the site by building scaffolding and temporary structures to enable access to the work. You also dig trenches, compact earth, and backfill holes to prepare foundations for construction work.
- assisting tradespeople: you assist construction workers and warehouse operatives with their work. For instance, you move bricks, timber, mortar, or warehouse items to the correct area. You also perform simple construction tasks and help with mixing mortar for bricklaying.
- operating and maintaining machinery: a general labourer operates construction equipment and heavy machinery at the worksite. For instance, you use forklifts to move items to the required height and operate cement mixers at construction sites. After construction, you clean the equipment and check for any repairs or replacements required.
- maintaining health and safety at construction sites: your job is to ensure that the work site complies with all Canadian health and safety requirements. You move machinery and materials out of pathways, clean the work sites and remove hazardous components.
- loading and unloading materials: as a general labourer, you unload materials from trucks in warehouses or construction sites. You also put materials in wheelbarrows or headpans and move them to where they are needed. In a warehouse, you assist order pickers by removing items from shelves and loading them onto trucks.
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work environment of a general labourer
You work in diverse industries as a general labourer, exposing you to various work environments. However, most labourers work outdoors in construction. That means you are exposed to extreme weather conditions, from cold to hot. In the winter, you may need to clear ice before the construction project can commence.
In factories, you work indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Since you work in hazardous areas prone to accidents, you wear a hard hat and other protective equipment. The role is hands-on and involves travelling from one job site to another.
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who are your colleagues?
As a general labourer, you work alongside welders, warehouse associates and production supervisors. You sometimes interact with mechanical engineers, millwrights and construction project managers. Other professionals you are likely to work with include material handlers, plumbers and carpenters.
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general labourer work schedule
General labourers usually work four to six days a week, but some get weekends off, depending on the employer. Work shifts can be long, but you can expect breaks every couple of hours. If you are paid an hourly wage, you might only work early mornings. In a day-labouring agreement, you complete your entire workday before getting paid.
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career opportunities as a general labourer
Building contractors always need plumbing, lighting, concrete, woodwork and other tasks that need manual labour. You can start as a general labourer at a construction site and improve your skills in other trades. For instance, you could attend training to become a machine operator, crane operator or forklift operator. You should also learn a construction trade, such as bricklaying or carpentry, to enjoy better job prospects.
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advantages of finding a job as a general labourer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
general labourer skills and education
Some of the requirements for becoming a general labourer include:
- on-the-job training: you will receive training on the equipment used in your role and general safety for working in manufacturing or construction environments. On-the-job training is usually available for general labourers with secondary education.
- work experience: any previous work experience prepares you for a general labourer role. To get started in the role, gain experience through volunteer programs and other short-term jobs.
competencies and characteristics of general labourers
Apart from basic education, the following competencies are vital in the role of a general labourer:
- physical fitness: as a general labourer, you should be physically fit and strong enough to handle manual tasks. You lift heavy items and often stand or bend for long periods. Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are also important for the role.
- teamwork skills: as a general labourer, you work alongside a large team of construction workers, collaborating with others to accomplish your tasks on time. People skills improve your listening, which means you will be better at following your supervisor's instructions.
- mechanical skills: as a general labourer, you need basic skills in using various machines at construction sites. Your expertise in using handheld devices and maintaining them makes your job easier.
- attention to detail: as a general labourer, it is important to follow instructions keenly to avoid mistakes. Your detail-oriented skills help you maintain a high level of work quality. When working in manufacturing, your attentiveness to detail is also useful since you handle dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a general labourer.
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is being a general labourer a good job?
Working as a general labourer is the first step to a career in the industry of your choice. If you are interested in construction roles, start with a labourer job in the construction and landscaping industry. When you improve your experience in the role, you can negotiate a higher salary and move to a higher position in the industry.
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how much do general labourers make in Canada?
The average salary of a general labourer is $32,446 per year. Earnings fluctuate based on the experience and skills you have. In an entry-level position, you attract a lower hourly rate than experienced general labourers. The industry you work in and the complexity of your duties also influence your earnings.
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what skills do you need as a general labourer?
As a general labourer, most of your duties are manual, which requires physical skills. You need good hand-to-eye coordination and manual dexterity to perform your duties. Being attentive to details helps you perform your tasks and follow instructions accurately. General labourers work in teams, so it is important to have good interpersonal skills.
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what is a general labourer at a building site?
As a general labourer at a building site, you assist construction workers. You use shovels to dig trenches and prepare the foundation before construction begins. You also mix construction materials and transport them to where they are needed.
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what is a general labourer in a warehouse?
As a general labourer working in a warehouse, you load and unload goods from the delivery trucks. You also arrange the shelves and pick out products to prepare them for packaging.
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how do I find a job as a general labourer?
Finding a job near you as a general labourer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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