ApprenticeSearch.com | Surface Blaster (278B)

Surface Blasters fill blast holes with explosives and detonate them to dislodge coal, ore, and rock to demolish structures.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

Planning and designing blast patterns
Hooking up and firing a variety of blasts; handling misfires and missed holes
Safely disposing of unwanted or excessive explosives
Supervising blasting helpers and security in the area of the blast
Understanding and applying safety procedures in accordance with government and company standards

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Secondary school diploma with English, advanced math, and physics credits
Completion of a 2,600-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training
Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification

What's Your Future as a Surface Blaster (278B)?

Hourly work with overtime opportunities
Generally outdoors in various conditions, sometimes in remote locations
Employers include mining and quarrying companies, construction companies, and drilling/blasting contractors

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $25.00-$40.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Surface Blaster (278B)

Ask Yourself:	Yes	No
Are you good at making quick decisions?
Do you have strong analytical problem-solving skills?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? Are you comfortable around hazardous materials?
Are you able to lift 50lbs comfortably? Are you comfortable working indoors and outdoors?
Do you enjoy learning about new technology on an ongoing basis?
Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done?
Can you read and understand blueprints?

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Surface Blaster (278B) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

Mine Support & Service Worker
Mining and Quarrying Supervisor
Mining Machine Operator

What does a Surface Blaster (278B) do?