As an advanced apprentice you've shown the competence and work ethic required to make it in this rapidly evolving industry. You've learned the basics and built the framework for your understanding of hardscape installation concepts. At this stage you're well on your way to becoming an asset to the business because of the skill set that you're developing.

Generally this level is achieved within 3-6 months of full-time work on a jobsite.

-Keeping the jobsite, street, trailer and machines neat, tidy and organized.

-Making your teammates jobs as easy as possible, try to think of their next steps and help to prepare material or tools before they need them.

Your main roles and responsibilities remain the same as when you were an apprentice, however, along with the pay raise, you are now expected to be an integral part of the team. You have been on a jobsite for a while now and have repeatedly seen many of the same processes. Without direction you should know what tool or material is required next and have them ready for your teammates.

You know what tools are required and where to find them in the trailer. You are able to prepare them at the beginning of the work day and store them in their proper spot at the end of the day.

Understand paint markings for excavation, electrical, fibre optic lines.

Know how to read a level and how to determine acceptable slope on interlocking paver projects. You'll also need to know how to use a measuring tape confidently and accurately.

Start, maintain and run the mini track loader to move materials and load the dump trailers without damage.

Assist in setting string lines to find square for a given project. Understand if the string line is for height or square and adeptly help the installers set the appropriate measurements.

Install base materials and soils and be able to rake them flat to heights set for you.

Pinch bars set by the foreman and screed base material for paver and slab installations.

Competently run compaction equipment and be able to tell when a base is sufficiently packed.

Install edge restraint and polymeric joint sand on projects when asked to do so.

Stack retaining wall block using proper locking mechanisms and ensure that seams in the wall are staggered. Apply construction adhesive correctly.

Accurately use a cut-off saw or table saw to cut pavers and caps.

Operate company vehicles and hook-up and tie-down machinery for transportation.

You will be provided opportunities to learn different grading, leveling, laying, cutting, machinery operating and other techniques to help you become a competent landscape and hardscape installer. Hardscape installers are quickly becoming one of the most sought after tradespeople in the region.

Becoming a proficient installer can lead to tremendous and rapid pay increases over the years and also open up many other career opportunities down the road.