1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Author: Alexa Cairns

  • Great Part-time jobs for Students in High School

    Great Part-time jobs for Students in High School

    As a high school student myself, I completely understand the never-ending frustration of lacking enough time each day to complete the tasks you need to do. Most high-school students find it helpful to have a job to earn money to save for things such as post-secondary education, a car, even a house, or maybe just to have extra spending money to go out with your friends. No matter what the reason behind your desire to get a job in high school, it can be difficult to manage your time. Jobs, schoolwork, extra-curricular activities, making time for family and friends; our lives are hectic. Here are some ideas of jobs that have flexible schedules and allow you to balance all of the things in your life.

    In Canada, everyone knows how popular Tim Hortons is, and it’s a fantastic first job to have, especially in high school. This job allows you to start at minimum wage and as you work throughout the months and years, you can get higher job levels and earn more money than when you started. Most students who have worked at Timmies said they loved their experience, and that they were treated respectfully and with flexible schedules. Tim Hortons starts hiring at age 16.

    Grocery stores are also a great job to have throughout high school. If you’re a cashier, there is slightly more work to do than most jobs. However, it gives you a great experience when it comes to customer service, along with learning how to handle money responsibly. Along with this, grocery stores typically allow you to have a higher paying job of a supervisor after you have been working thereafter your manager feels you are well qualified. Some grocery stores also have baggers and store clerk jobs. If you are not as comfortable dealing with customers, this job might be for you!

    Most students choose a job in the fast-food industry since there are countless part-time jobs available with relatively flexible schedules, but it’s important to keep in mind that fast-food jobs are not the only choice for students. There are numerous jobs available in the clothing industry, however, these jobs mainly aim to hire people over 18 years of age. Some of the popular stores that do hire students at age 16 are Plato’s Closet, Old Navy, American Eagle, Zumiez and Levi’s. These employees learn a lot about retail, handling money and customer service as well. Especially if you are thinking about going into the fashion industry as your career pathway, working at a clothing store can give you great experience to add to your resume.

    Along with these jobs, local community centres often offer jobs available to students. They have flexible, predetermined schedules. Oftentimes community centres have libraries and swimming pools open to the public. At libraries, they usually accept applications from students in high school, along with the opportunity to be a lifeguard at swimming pools if you have completed the correct training before applying to the job. These are fairly easy jobs, however, lifeguarding requires a lot of training to get the certificate needed to be a lifeguard.

    Babysitting is perhaps the best job for students who have hectic schedules due to the fact that you can accept or decline the hours you work and sometimes reschedule if the client’s schedule allows it. Sometimes parents will ask for a routine babysitter, so perhaps they will ask you to pick their kids up from school and walk them home afterwards and babysit on a regular basis. If you’re very busy, there’s occasional babysitting where you can watch over kids on parent’s night’s out or work events. Babysitting typically has a very flexible schedule, except it requires an immense amount of responsibility.

    There are countless part-time jobs available to students, many of which offer accommodating schedules due to school and activities you make participate in. Remember, work should not be something that extremely overwhelms you. At times, it’s normal to feel stressed because of the business of life. However, if you are feeling too much anxiety because of your work schedule, talk to your boss or manager to sort out how to make your schedule for your calendar.

    References:

    1. https://www.job-applications.com/grocery-store-jobs/
    2. https://www.hireteen.com/clothing-stores/

    https://firstquarterfinance.com/clothing-stores-that-hire-at-16-14-15-17/

  • Fight for Your Right to Workplace Accommodation

    Fight for Your Right to Workplace Accommodation

    We all have different needs in life. For many, this necessitates unique solutions in order to offer more equal opportunities for employment. Whatever your disability may be, you have the right to request certain accommodations to which employers have a duty to respond. It is critical that you know what those rights are in order to be ready to fight for them. This is not only to your benefit, but to the benefit of employers, fellow co-workers, and society as a whole.

    In Ontario, workers are protected by the province’s Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarions with Disabilities Act. Legislation ensures that employers and service providers must give equal access to individuals with disabilities. This involves removing barriers which prevent or deter access, and pertains to physical disabilities and what are often deemed invisible disabilities, such as chronic fatigue, mental illness, and arthritis. Employers and their employees must work together to determine the best form of accommodation.

    This accommodation varies from person to person. For example, employees requiring additional breaks due to a physical disability such as Multiple Sclerosis might need different lengths of breaks depending on the nature of their condition. If you are in a wheelchair, you have a right to fight for accessible entry such as a ramp. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you have a right to fight for sign language interpreters in meetings. If you suffer from chronic pain, you have the right to fight for ergonomic office furniture. Employees must also provide additional training and coaching for employees with learning disabilities, provide flexible work hours and breaks for those with gastrointestinal disease or physical disability, and more. You have a right to request this help and should not be afraid to do so.

    It is essential that you ask for the accommodation you need and explain why you need it in writing. By providing further details on your restrictions or limitations, it makes it easier for employers to understand and assist. Work with your employer and create an open dialogue to allow all parties to work towards a solution. It is to everyone’s benefit. Studies have shown that employees with disabilities are likelier to stay in a role longer, and are less likely to get into accidents at the workplace. The increased diversity in the workplace builds a better work culture, one of greater inclusivity that will help stir new ideas and boost morale. Most important of all, it will do away with the stigma that results in people with disabilities being all too often refused employment. We all apply for jobs we want to do and consider ourselves qualified for, and people with disabilities are just as capable at excelling.

    Workplace accommodation is essential. You have the right to request the accommodation you require based on your own particular needs. Whatever your disability is, be prepared to speak up on the issue. You are not only improving your own situation, but also improving the culture of your workplace and opportunities for others as well. We all benefit from a more equal and more inclusive workforce. Know your rights. Fight for them.

    Sources:

    Human Rights Legal Support Centre. “Your Right to Accomodation.” https://www.hrlsc.on.ca/en/how-guides-and-faqs/your-right-accommodation

    Thomson, Greg. “Accommodating Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace.” https://www.aoda.ca/accommodating-invisible-disabilities-in-the-workplace-2/

    EmployAbilities. “Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Person With Disabilities.” https://employabilities.ab.ca/top-5-reasons-to-hire-a-person-with-disabilities/

  • An Era of Protest?

    An Era of Protest?

    By Maryam Sheikh

    Now that the last decade is over, it is interesting to look back and reflect upon everything that has transpired. There have been many global, social, and political changes and events that have sparked responses from people worldwide. Moreover, there has been an increasing trend in activism, protest, and vocalization of opinions from individuals of different backgrounds.

    In this article, I will outline some of the reasons why I believe protest is becoming a popular tool of expression, some notable protests, and the importance of advocacy in this day and age.

    Firstly, I believe that social media and the popularization of technology has played a large role in this era of protest. The dissemination of information has undoubtedly become faster and thus news stories have become widely accessible within moments. Social media and digitization has allowed for faster communication and the ability to organize large groups of people in shorter amounts of time. In turn, there has been an increase in organized protests, marches, and other gatherings of people.

    Just this past year, thousands of high school students mobilized after Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, made drastic changes to education by cutting funding, increasing class sizes, and enforcing mandatory e-learning. Students, frustrated about the changes, took to social media and started planning school walkouts to demonstrate their unhappiness and resistance to the Ford’s plans. The response? Immense coverage from various news outlets and information widespread to the public.

    Additionally, this past September, over 15 000 people came together in downtown Toronto for a climate change rally. Youth and adults from across the city expressed their opinions on the government’s environmental policies through posters, chants, and signs. The protest racked up a lot of media coverage as well.

    One may ask- what does this all mean? Is advocacy and protest really that important, and if so, why? Why should students, in particular, care? The answer is clear. Youth hold power- they have the capability to shape their societies and influence people in positions of power. Many of the decisions that are being made today will directly impact the incoming generation; therefore, youth of this generation are responsible to fight for the changes they wish to see. They have knowledge and communication at their fingertips to use to their advantage. When students and young people recognize the importance of their voices, they are able to join together and advocate for change.

    Some argue that advocacy and protest are useless and do not lead to significant change. After all, marches in the United States have not led to changes in government policies, nor have protests altered climate conditions around the world. However, I believe that there is a flaw in this mindset. Protests are not meant to cause big changes overnight. Rather, they serve as conversation starters- they begin a series of steps to eventual change. Advocacy informs the public and helps raise awareness and it is only through awareness that action can be taken.  After all, informed and educated people are empowered and impactful people.

  • Career Profile: Steamfitter

    Career Profile: Steamfitter

    All over Canada, people use water, chemicals, and other substances that come through pipes. When these liquids and gases travel in high-pressure pipes, steamfitters help to keep everything running smoothly. This job can be difficult but varied and rewarding. Working as a steamfitter is a good choice for people who are physically fit and able to manage the demands of the job.

    Steamfitters have a very important role in keeping heating and water systems working properly. Their work is very much like what plumbers and pipefitters do. Steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry high-pressure liquids or gases, working with welding machines and cutting tools. Some of the work involves studying blueprints and making plans for where to install the pipes. Much of the rest of the work is outdoors, working in all weather conditions.

    Strength and endurance are the main requirements for working as a steamfitter. Accuracy is also very important, since some of the material that goes through the pipes can be dangerous to people and the environment. A gas leak, for example, could kill animals and plants or even poison people.

    Steamfitters generally work in factories and companies that deal with natural resources like oil and gas. Some steamfitters start their own companies. Usually, the basic educational requirement is a high school diploma. Taking courses in mathematics can help for calculating the amounts of pipe and other factors like the volume of liquid or gas. English courses are also helpful for learning to read complicated instructions.

    After high school, most steamfitters complete apprenticeships with employers who train them in all of the different parts of the job. An average apprenticeship normally lasts four or five years. Some provinces also require certification, and it is a good idea to take courses to upgrade welding and technical skills.

    Apprenticeships can be a good way to connect with employers. Job prospects are not very good these days, but the skills that steamfitters learn can be useful in other trades. As older workers retire in the next few years, more jobs might become available. Salaries start at about $39,000 per year and can rise to more than $123,000.  The job can be physically demanding, and it is a good idea to have another option in case the work becomes too difficult.

    Working on the planning part of the job is a good option as people get older. A good knowledge of finances and bookkeeping can be useful for this part of the job, especially for people who run their own businesses. Answering phone calls and working with customers can be part of a steamfitter’s job.

    Steamfitter jobs can involve working alone or with other people. Many of the pipes are too large and heavy for one person to carry alone, although machines can help. Workers can often do repairs or install small pipes alone, but many of the jobs involve at least two people. Much of the work of installing pipes happens in the warmer months, but steamfitters should be prepared to work even in the coldest months.

    Working as a steamfitter can be a good choice for people who enjoy working outside with their hands. You might want to consider this career.

    Bibliography:

    Government of Alberta. “Steamfitter—Pipefitter.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/steamfitter-pipefitter/.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Plumber%2C_Pipefitter%2C_or_Steamfitter/Hourly_Rate.

    Sherman, Fraser. “Steamfitter Job Duties.” https://work.chron.com/steamfitter-job-duties-11064.html

    Work BC. “Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers.” https://www.workbc.ca/careers/7252.

  • Career Profile: Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Lineperson

    Career Profile: Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Lineperson

    Every day, people in certain Canadian cities board light rail trains to go to work, school, or possibly to do errands or go visiting. For these people, having a reliable transit system is essential. Light rail overhead contact systems line-people can help make travel in cities easier for many residents.

    Like regular trains, light rail lines need tracks, machines to lift cars onto the tracks, switches to direct trains from one track to another, and many other parts that help the trains run. Besides all of this, light rail systems have overhead lines that move them along and help with regulating speed, direction, and other factors.

    Light rail overhead contact systems line-people build these systems and repair them if necessary. They might install lights in the tunnels or clear off anything that has fallen on the tracks or do other jobs that have to be done to make the trains run well. Normally, people in this trade work with others, but sometimes a linesperson might need to do a certain job alone. The work might be in tunnels or outdoors, depending on the line and where the tracks are located.

    Jobs in this field are usually full time. Daytime hours are most common, but linepeople should be prepared for evening and weekend work when problems occur. Wages start at about $15 per hour and can rise to $30 with experience.

    Becoming a light rail overhead contact systems lineperson (what a mouthful!) normally requires a high school education. After that, people complete a three- or four-year apprenticeship which includes 8000 hours of on-the-job training and 120 hours of in-class studies. People who complete all of the requirements receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship and can officially begin as qualified linepeople. Other certification is voluntary.

    Jobs are available only in cities with light rail systems, such as in Edmonton and Vancouver, and qualifications are not necessarily valid everywhere in the country. Work in this field involves using a variety of power and hand tools, as well as electrical and lighting equipment. A good understanding of safety procedures and an ability to diagnose problems is also useful.

    As with most trades, working as a light rail overhead contact systems lineperson involves physical effort, and it can be difficult for older people to do. Many people in this field might choose to move on to another job after fifteen or twenty years, but with help from others, workers can continue in this job for many years.

    Steady hands and an ability to climb ladders are necessary for the work, and comfort with working in confined spaces can help make the job easier. Even when these become difficult, people might choose to work in offices, planning and coordinating the work of building or repairing light rail systems. This type of planning job likely requires more education, but the experience of working on the systems can be very valuable.

    Light rail overhead contact systems linepeople have an important role in helping people get around large cities in Canada. If you want to help keep transportation systems running and you enjoy working with your hands, you might want to consider working in this trade.

    Bibliography:

    Apprentice Search. “Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Lineperson.” https://www.apprenticesearch.com/trades/light-rail-overhead-contact-systems-lineperson-270s.

    Government of Ontario. “Electrical Power Line and Cable Workers.” https://www.iaccess.gov.on.ca/labourmarket/jobProfile/jobProfileFullView.xhtml?nocCode=7244.

    Neuvoo. “Rail Transit Salary in Canada.”

    https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Rail%20Transit.

    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Lineperson.” https://oyap.com/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=159.

  • Career Profile: Electric Motor System Technician

    Career Profile: Electric Motor System Technician

    Electrical machines are part of people’s everyday life, but they can often break down or need to be rebuilt. People who help to keep these machines working properly make life easier for others. If you are good with your hands and like to make machines like electric motors and transformers work well, the job of electric motor technician might be right for you.

    Electric motors, gear, transformers, and other machines are usually quite complicated, with small parts that can easily break or get worn down. Tradespeople who work as electric motor system technicians assess machines for damage and maintain, test, and repair these machines as necessary. Often, these technicians need to take machines apart and then reassemble them. Being able to follow directions in instruction manuals is very important to avoid making mistakes.

    Part of this work involves estimating the amount of time each repair will take and how much it will cost. Some electric motor system technicians work in large repair shops with other people, but some work alone. The work can be very messy because of the oil on the machines, and technicians might sometimes need to work long hours to get the jobs done in time. They should be able to lift heavy objects onto tables and counters where they do the repair work.

    Getting a high school education is normally necessary for working in this field, and some provinces also require certification for electric motor system technicians. Taking mathematics courses in school can help with calculating costs, and English courses help with reading user manuals and other documents.

    A four-year apprenticeship gives people a chance to learn what they need to know for the job. Once they begin their work, electric motor system technicians earn about $38,000 per year, with wages rising to $88,000 per year for experienced workers.

    As with many trades, work in this field tends to become difficult as people age, but it is still possible to do the work later in life. If technicians are still able to use their hands well, they can find ways to deal with the heavy lifting, or they can move into the customer service area or train newer technicians to do the work. The job is not especially dangerous, but injuries are possible when people work with welding tools and large machines that can fall and injure people.

    People in this field should be good at seeing problems and dealing with them. Being physically fit and strong is important. Good eyesight to spot small cracks or other flaws in motors is helpful, although people who wear glasses can also do the job. Having the patience to test various possibilities and search for problems is important. If you have these qualities, this career might be right for you. Although current job prospects are limited, the skills that people learn are valuable in many areas of life.

    These days, electric motor system technicians are essential for keeping a variety of machines running. If you get into this trade, you will have a vital role in Canadian life.

    Resources:

    Government of Alberta. “Electric Motor Systems Technician.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/electric-motor-systems-technician/.

    Neuvoo. “Electric Motor Systems Technician.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=electric+motor+systems+technician

    Red Seal. “Electric Motor System Technician.” http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/.2l.2ctr.3c_t.2ch-eng.html.

    Trade Secrets. “Electric Motor Systems Technician.” https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/profiles/030/.

  • Career Profile: Automotive Glass Technician

    Career Profile: Automotive Glass Technician

    If your family often drives on gravel roads, your car or truck likely has a few cracks or chips in the windshield. Even on paved roads, vehicles’ glass can easily be damaged. When that happens, automotive glass technicians can help. Working in this trade might be right for you if you enjoy working with your hands and repairing things that are broken.

    Every car, truck, or other vehicle comes with several windows, including the windshield and the ones at the back and sides. In Canada, the back window normally has a system of veins for melting any ice that forms on it. Automotive glass technicians install and restore these windows when they are broken or need other repairs. This could include filling in chipped sections or replacing entire windows.

    Working in this trade requires a certain amount of strength to lift windows into place and an ability to work carefully and accurately, even in stressful or rushed situations. Most windows come in fairly standard sizes for each type of car. Still, automotive glass technicians need to know the different types of vehicles so that they can choose the right size of glass or cut it down if necessary.

    They need to know about special features like tinted glass and know where to find both regular and special glass if it is not readily available. This might involve calling suppliers at factories to order shipments of the glass or to make special requests for unusual shapes and sizes.

    Most automotive glass technicians work in autobody repair shops. In larger shops, these tradespeople might work only on the installation and repair of the glass, but in smaller shops, they might need to do many other tasks, such as ordering supplies and talking with customers. Usually, the work is indoors on weekdays, but some of the work might be outside and on weekends, especially in emergencies.

    People in this job should know a lot about cars, trucks, and buses. They need to be able to drive both standard transmission and automatic vehicles, and they need to have a good driving record with few or no accidents. Two-year apprenticeships with both classroom and practical work are available at career colleges and trade schools. Salaries start at about $27,00 per year and can rise to more than $58,000.

    As technicians age, they might feel unable to carry large pieces of glass and decide to move on to other jobs, but as long as they can still lift the glass into place, they can continue in the job. One of the dangers in this job is the possibility of serious back problems coming from bending over and lifting heavy objects. Cuts from removing broken glass or from the sharp edges on some pieces are also possible. Repair shops can also be dusty, oily, and loud, and some people might find this difficult.

    Automotive glass technician work is very precise, and people in this trade need to be able to deal with all kinds of situations. Still, this can be a very good job for people who enjoy working with their hands.

    Bibliography:

    Career Planner. “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairer.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Automotive-Glass-Installers-and-Repairers.cfm.

    Glassdoor. “Auto Glass Technicians.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job/auto-glass-technician-jobs-SRCH_KO0,21.htm

    My Plan. “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers.” https://www.myplan.com/careers/automotive-glass-installers-and-repairers/description-49-3022.00.html.

    Neuvoo. “Auto Glass Installer Salary in Canada.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=auto+glass+installer.

    Okanagan College. “Automotive Glass Technician.” https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Page34916.aspx.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Auto Glass Technician Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Auto_Glass_Technician/Hourly_Rate.

  • La vie a besoin d’humour

    La vie est bien plus dure qu’on veut le reconnaitre. Nous avons une mauvaise habitude sociale de répondre à la question « comment allez-vous ? » par une affirmation positive même si nous ne nous sentons pas bien. L’humour et la comédie sont des outils efficaces pour prononcer de dures réalités, ce que nous ne pouvons pas faire de façon impassible. C’est surtout utile pour ceux qui vivent avec des incapacités physiques. Pour ceux qui souffrent de maladies mentales telles la dépression et l’anxiété, comme moi-même, c’est un moyen de traiter les idées noires. Plus que juste adoucir le coup, la comédie éclaircit les idées et met en relief les absurdités de la souffrance mieux que pourrait le faire une déclaration sérieuse.

    La vie est pleine de représentations. Nous projetons sur les médias sociaux, une version augmentée et plus idéalisée de nous-mêmes. Vous vous habillez bien pour aller travailler ou pour des occasions sociales même lorsque vous vous sentez mal. J’écris des articles censés inspirer et remonter le moral après une nuit d’anxiété sans sommeil. L’humour enlève ce vernis. Elle offre un regard sur les combats des incapacités physiques et mentales d’une façon qui permet rejoindre les gens sur un niveau émotionnel plus fort. Il existe plusieurs démarches pour ça. L’humour affilié est un humour pour développer des relations et pour mettre les gens à l’aise. L’humour valorisant est utilisé comme un mécanisme de survie, alors que l’humour défaitiste cherche à amuser les autres à nos dépens. Ils ont tous des avantages et des inconvénients, mais ils peuvent être utilisés de façon efficace pour transmettre et communiquer avec les autres.

    La vie a besoin qu’on parle des réalités pénibles. Les humoristes avec une incapacité utilisent souvent l’humour défaitiste de façon positive. Ted Shiress, un comédien avec la paralysie cérébrale utilise la comédie pour être plus qu’une « inspiration d’un handicap » pour les personnes valides.  L’humour défaitiste est un outil pour monter sur scène avec d’autres comédiens professionnels et détruire la perception que les personnes ayant une incapacité sont inefficaces dans leurs blagues ou pour faire rire l’auditoire. Il rencontre une discordance : un auditoire prêt à prendre plaisir à son numéro et qui, en même temps, doit affronter la culpabilité de rire d’une personne handicapée. Il mentionne que, dans une comédie, la raison de ce qu’on dit est plus importante que le sujet du numéro. Il s’efforce de s’assurer que son handicap ne le définit pas, tout en refusant de l’ignorer en le comparant à un humoriste de grande taille qui se moque de sa taille. L’humour permet aux gens de mieux le comprendre.

    La vie est le désordre. Nous ne pouvons pas changer les conditions du corps dans lequel nous sommes nés. Le rire et la comédie nous émancipent. Au lieu de nier notre incapacité, la minimiser ou nous apitoyer sur notre sort, nous pouvons attaquer cette situation difficile de front. Prenez un moment pour penser à vos plus tristes émotions, à vos plus noires pensées et à vos plus difficiles défis. La plupart du temps, certains émergent seulement lorsque vous êtes seul. Pourtant, ils sont un élément essentiel de notre humanité, pas une déficience que vous devez affronter seul. Les blagues, les anecdotes et les réflexions amusantes non seulement adoucissent l’effet de partager ce côté de nous-mêmes avec les autres, mais il fournit aussi une idée pour aborder ces problèmes apparemment insurmontables.

    La vie est terriblement magnifique. Lorsque vous vous efforçons de montrer d’autres facettes de nous-mêmes sur les médias sociaux, répondons à la question « comment allez-vous » de façon sincère et trouvons une sorte d’humour qui nous permet de nous exprimer au mieux, nous prenons des mesures audacieuses contre les incapacités et les tragédies que la vie nous envoie. Nous nous sentons responsabilisés, connectés et plus sûrs de nous-mêmes. Ce n’est pas seulement un outil efficace, c’est une nécessité de la vie.

    Sources:

    Counselling Connection. “Humour Makes Life Easier.” https://www.counsellingconnection.com/index.php/2009/08/04/humour-makes-life-easier/

    Greengross, Gil. “The Relationship Between Humor and Depression.” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/humor-sapiens/201911/the-relationship-between-humor-and-depression

    Shiress, Ted. “Disability and comedy: a personal perspective.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2013/sep/12/disability-comedy-personal-perspective

  • La carrière d’ébéniste

    On a l’habitude de voir des placards dans chaque maison et entreprise – dans la cuisine, la salle de bains et les espaces de rangement. Cependant, ce n’est pas tout le monde qui peut installer un ensemble de placards. Ce sont des personnes de métier particulières qui construisent et installent toutes sortes de meubles en bois : les ébénistes.

    Si vous aimez l’atelier de bois à l’école secondaire et le travail manuel et si vous avez un côté artistique, suivre une carrière dans les métiers comme ébéniste pourrait être un excellent choix.

    L’un des métiers essentiels de la construction, l’ébénisterie comprend la création, la construction, la réparation et l’installation des placards en bois. L’ébéniste construit également des meubles en bois, effectue de la menuiserie intérieure et peut travailler avec le bois de construction, des composites de bois et le vernis. Il a des tâches qui comprend d’utiliser des outils et des machines pour couper, scier, tailler et transformer le bois, ainsi qu’assembler des pièces avec de la colle, des clous et des boulons. Il a aussi la compétence pour les procédés de finition comme poncer, vernir et boucher les surfaces de bois. Certains ébénistes peuvent suivre l’apprentissage supplémentaire qui leur permet d’obtenir des compétences particulières comme la restauration des meubles anciens.

    Ce métier demande de la force physique pour lever des pièces de bois et pour utiliser des outils électriques ou des scies à commandes numériques et être très minutieux pour lire des plans et effectuer du travail de sculpture de précision avec des outils à mains. L’ébéniste a également les compétences pour élaborer et réaliser des placards et d’autres projets d’ameublement.

    La plupart des ébénistes travaillent selon l’horaire de jour courant, même si, comme pour beaucoup d’autres métiers de la construction, il y a des moments où certains projets exigent des heures de travail supplémentaires. La plupart des ébénistes travaillent à l’intérieur, soit qu’ils installent des placards à l’intérieur d’un édifice ou qu’ils construisent et assemblent les placards dans une usine ou un atelier. Selon l’emploi et les tâches à effectuer, ils travaillent seuls ou dans une équipe d’autres ébénistes et d’autres personnes de métiers de la construction.

    Les ébénistes peuvent être embauchés par des entreprises de construction, des établissements de fabrications de placards et peuvent travailler comme entrepreneurs indépendants. Comme l’ébénisterie est un métier Sceau rouge, vous pouvez, avec cette certification, travailler partout au Canada.

    Pour devenir un ébéniste, il faut au moins le diplôme d’études secondaires ou l’équivalence ainsi que 4 ans d’apprentissage ou une expérience de travail similaire. On peut aussi demander de suivre des cours d’ébénisterie dans un collège ou une école des métiers selon l’emploi ou l’employeur, ou si vous désirez obtenir le Sceau rouge.

    Le salaire de l’ébéniste varie entre le salaire minimum et autour de 25 $ à 30 $ l’heure. Cela donne un salaire annuel entre 24 000 $ et 52 000 $. Pour les ébénistes qui développent des compétences particulières comme la restauration de pièces anciennes ou ceux qui travaillent comme entrepreneurs indépendants avec une liste de clients sûrs, il est possible de gagner plus.

    Sources:

    https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/professions-and-trades/cabinetmaking

    https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/cabinetmaker

    http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/c.1b.3n.2tm.1k.2r-eng.html

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/16991/22437

  • Les bourses d’études accordées aux étudiants des Premières Nations

    Obtenir une éducation permet de trouver de bons emplois et même un sens à la vie. Payer ces études peut être difficile, mais il existe de l’aide financière. Pour les étudiants des Premières Nations, des bourses d’études particulières peuvent être utiles pour acquérir une formation.

    Divers organismes offrent des bourses d’études pour les étudiants autochtones qui suivent des programmes postsecondaires. Indspire, appelé précédemment National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, a de l’information sur les bourses d’études accessibles partout au Canada pour les étudiants qui poursuivent des études dans les métiers, la santé et d’autres domaines au collège ou à l’université.

    Pour les étudiants du secondaire qui envisagent d’aller à l’université, ils peuvent choisir Indspire Star Scholarship pour le commerce ou l’ingénierie. Les étudiants doivent obtenir des notes d’au moins 75 à 80 % et ils doivent s’impliquer dans des clubs de campus ou d’autres organismes. L’étudiant qui obtient cette bourse peut recevoir 5 000 $ par année pour quatre ans, si l’aide financière est reconduite.

    Ce n’est qu’une des bourses d’études offertes aux étudiants amérindiens. Les Irving K. Barber Indigenous Awards sont octroyés pour tous les étudiants des Premières Nations et les New Relationship Trust Scholarships and Bursaries sont proposées à tous les étudiants autochtones de Colombie-Britannique.

    Chaque province ou territoire accordent leurs propres bourses à leurs étudiants. Par exemple, la Winnipeg School Division a un certain nombre de bourses d’études pour les étudiants amérindiens et Manitoba Hydro offre des prix qui comprennent le Science Fair Award et la bourse First Year Information Technology. Fréquemment, les entreprises comme celle-ci permettent aux étudiants la possibilité de recevoir des sommes d’argent, petites ou plus importantes pour payer leurs frais de scolarité ou d’autres dépenses.

    Les différents niveaux de gouvernement et les sociétés d’État sont aussi de bonnes sources de financement des études postsecondaires. Les gouvernements décernent souvent des bourses d’études pour les étudiants qui ont obtenu de bonnes notes ou qui prévoient de poursuivre des études dans certains domaines.  Canada Post et d’autres organismes liés aux gouvernements peuvent également offrir des bourses d’études.

    Les bourses sont, en général, plus petites que les bourses d’études et elles ne sont accordées qu’une seule fois pour chaque étudiant, alors que les bourses d’études peuvent couvrir plusieurs années. Il arrive souvent que les bourses soient créées en hommage à quelqu’un comme les bourses Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation ou la bourse Tim McLean Memorial. Les montants peuvent varier entre quelques centaines de dollars et mille dollars ou plus.

    Trouver une bourse d’études peut prendre du temps, mais elle en vaut la peine. Recevoir quelques centaines de dollars peut faire la différence entre se battre pour se nourrir et bien manger ou entre devoir trouver un deuxième emploi le soir et rester à la maison pour étudier.

    Cependant, c’est important de connaître les exigences pour chaque bourse d’études. Beaucoup d’entre elles sont accordées selon les notes à l’école, donc c’est important de travailler dur. En plus, les personnes qui financent les bourses d’études veulent savoir également si les bénéficiaires ont d’autres bonnes qualités comme la générosité et la gentillesse. Si vous êtes autochtone, vous pouvez déjà commencer à développer vos compétences académiques et vos qualités personnelles qui vous aideront à obtenir la bourse d’études que vous souhaitez.

    Bibliographie :

    Aboriginal Learning Links. “Scholarships/Bursaries.” http://aboriginallearning.ca/scholarshipsbursaries/.

    Government of Canada. “Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool.” https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1351185180120/1351685455328.

    Indspire. “Bursaries, Scholarships, and Awards.” https://indspirefunding.ca/.

    Indspire. “The Indspire Star Scholarship for Business/Engineering.” https://indspirefunding.ca/indspire-star-scholarship/.

    University of Toronto. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. “Scholarships and Bursaries for Indigenous Students.” https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ien/Scholarships_and_Bursaries.html.

    Winnipeg School Division. “Indigenous Student Scholarships.”  https://www.winnipegsd.ca/students/studentinformation/financial-help/scholarships/aboriginal-student-scholarships/Pages/Default.aspx.