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  • The Difference between Public and Private High Schools in Canada

    The Difference between Public and Private High Schools in Canada

    By Selina

    Canada offers public and private high school systems. Both exist in parallel and deliver the same education curriculum, but neither is “better” nor “worse”. Some might gravitate more towards one or the other, depending on the student’s needs (such as more individualized attention) and preferences (such as smaller class sizes).

    What is the difference between public and private high schools in Canada?

    The public school system delivers a standard curriculum set and approved by the province or territory’s Ministry of Education. Only day programs are offered. Many public high schools in Canada accept international students. Most schools offer the main courses in English, but some offer the majority of their courses in French (these are called “French immersion” schools). In Quebec, the main language is French. Some public schools are part of the Catholic school board, which means that religion is a mandatory subject of study at every level from grades 9 to 12.

    Private schools deliver the same curriculum as public schools, but class sizes tend to be smaller. This allows teachers to provide more specialized attention to students. Some private schools are boys-only or girls-only. Many private schools offer on-site residences or accommodations (“boarding schools”), in addition to specialized arts or sports programs.

    Both public and private schools offer accommodation for students with learning and physical disabilities, and many offer specialized academic programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Advanced Placement (AP) programs.

    Are private schools better compared to public schools?

    Statistics Canada regularly publishes the results of standardized test scores among students in private and public schools across Canada. A study titled “Academic Outcomes of Public and Private High School Students: What Lies behind the Differences?” reveals that “private high school students score significantly higher than public high school students on reading, mathematics, and science assessments at age 15, and have higher levels of educational attainment by age 23” (Statistics Canada, 2015). According to the report, the factor that accounted for this difference is socioeconomic standing. “Students who attended private high schools were more likely to have socio-economic characteristics positively associated with academic success and to have school peers with university-educated parents” (Statistics Canada, 2015). In other words, socioeconomic factors play a larger role in influencing the higher test scores, and it does not necessarily reflect the difference in the quality of education or teaching provided by private versus public schools.

    How do fees for public vs. private high schools compare for international students?

    For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the Canadian public school system is free from kindergarten (age 5) to high school (age 17 or 18). For international students, most schools charge fees ranging from $8,000 to $14,000 annually. Some schools charge small fees for participating in extra activities such as field trips, school outings, sports teams or extra-curricular programs. Most schools have on-site cafeterias where students can purchase meals, but many students bring their own lunch and snacks to school. Depending on the school, students may be allowed to leave the school premises during lunch or break times to go to a nearby plaza to purchase meals.

    The private school system charges tuition fees and other fees for uniform and boarding (if you live in their residence) for everyone who enrolls, regardless of whether you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student. Tuition fees for private schools tend to be higher due to the lower student-to-teacher ratio and smaller class sizes, but fees may vary by school and region. Please contact the school directly for enrollment and information on fees.

     

    Sources

    Statistics Canada. Academic Outcomes of Public and Private High School Students: What Lies Behind the Differences? Publication #11F0019M, no. 367. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2015367-eng.htm

  • Working from Home vs. Working in Office: A Close Look into Their Advantages and Disadvantages

    Working from Home vs. Working in Office: A Close Look into Their Advantages and Disadvantages

    Even before COVID-19 barged into our lives, Canadians weren’t exactly strangers to the work-from-home concept. In fact, according to Statista.com, 20 percent of the working population were already working from home even in pre-COVID times. Of course, this number had an exponential growth following the government mandates to curb the spread of the virus in the country and everywhere else.

    At the height of the pandemic, this number rose to 40 percent according to research by Statistics Canada. Out of those who have worked from home since the start of the pandemic, 80 percent said they’d rather not return to the office. Instead, they prefer to continue to work from home, though some were agreeable to a hybrid set-up where they can work from home for a few days a week and only head to the office for pertinent matters like client or team meetings.

    Productivity Levels

    Initially, there was reluctance for a majority of employers to allow remote work for their employees due to productivity concerns. However, a study by Tahsin Mehdi and René Morissette revealed that 90 per cent of respondents reported their productivity was on par with when they worked on the business premises.

    In fact, some employees reported that remote work even increased their productivity levels as they didn’t have to deal with the commute to go to work. On average, employees gained back 35 per cent of their time because of working remotely.

    Work-Life Balance

    Working from home also allowed employees more opportunities to achieve a better work-life balance. Since they primarily stayed at home, they got to spend more time with their loved ones. This was especially important for those with kids, as they were there with them for online study sessions and other school-related or extracurricular activities. For some, this also meant saving on expensive day care costs.

    Because of the flexibility, remote workers also enjoyed the benefits of taking breaks when they can or indulging in homemade treats like a cup of coffee or baked goods whenever they felt like.

    For animal lovers, being allowed to work from home also led them to go for something they held off on for so long because of the time spent at the office and commute to work: adopting a pet. It’s said that nearly three out of ten Canadians decided to be a pet parent during the pandemic. Pets are effective in alleviating stress, especially work-related.

    Social Connections

    Working from home is not without its challenges, however. There was the issue of the limitations to build team rapport online and the lack of social interactions because virtual meetings were often reserved for discussing work-related matters. The lack of watercooler talks to exchange chats on weekend activities or TV shows one’s currently binging on were being felt by employees who were used to enjoying these small talks during their office breaks.

    Because of the lack of social interaction, an article in The Atlantic reported that some people shared they were prone to feeling isolated due to fully remote work.

    No Delineation Between Work and Home

    In the same article, some people also claimed that mixing work responsibilities along with personal ones while they were working from home also took a toll on their mental health and caused them stress and anxiety. The overlap sometimes led to distractions and resulted in loss of focus. Some also felt burned out because they tended to work beyond the normal office hours.

    When working onsite, you’re able to turn your full attention to work. And when the clock hits 5:00 p.m., and your colleagues start to leave, you’re also motivated to leave on time and leave the tasks for the next day.

    Remote work versus office work will always have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, it’s up to each person to find workarounds to ensure that either option offers them an ideal work environment, so they can fulfill their duties and tasks efficiently while practicing self-care at the same time.

     

    Sources

    Brooks, Arthur C. “The Hidden Toll of Remote Work.” The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/04/zoom-remote-work-loneliness-happiness/618473/.

    Broom, Douglas. “4 ways to revive office socializing when working from home.” World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/revive-office-socializing-work-from-home/

    Burr, Britanny. “New Study Reveals The Reasons That Canadians Don’t Want To Go Back To Working In-Person.” Narcity. https://www.narcity.com/going-back-to-work-heres-why-canadians-dont-want-to-go-back-to-in-person-work#toggle-gdpr.

    Caramela, Sammi. “Working From Home Increases Productivity.” Business News Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15259-working-from-home-more-productive.html

    Evans, Pete. “As employees return to the office, the much-hyped hybrid model faces acid test: Does it work?” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/hybrid-work-office-return-1.6393222.

    Jeudy, Lucie. “Distribution of work in home office or at workplace before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada as of 2020.” Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1230526/remote-work-policies-before-and-after-covid-19-in-canada/.

    Langton, James. “StatsCan reports numbers on working from home.” Investment Executive. https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/research-and-markets/statscan-reports-numbers-on-working-from-home/.

  • Come On, Get Happy: 5 Blissful Ways to Mark the International Day of Happiness on March 20

    Come On, Get Happy: 5 Blissful Ways to Mark the International Day of Happiness on March 20

    What does it take to be happy?

    Well, this can be a great conversation point, and we have the whole month of March to have this discussion. In fact, March 20th is the United Nations International Day of Happiness, a global celebration launched by Action for Happiness, which is a non-profit group of people spanning 160 countries.

    The road to having an International Day of Happiness was rather a long one. It started back in 2011 when the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which established happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.”

    In 2012, the first-ever UN conference on Happiness happened, and the UN General Assembly decreed that the International Day of Happiness is to be observed annually on the 20th of March. In 2013, the day was celebrated for the first time ever.

    We’ve been weighed down due to the pandemic and other troubles, and it could be straining to focus on happiness when we all have questions about our health and everyone else’s. So how exactly can you build back happier? Here are great tips to start with:

    1. Reach out to family and friends.

    Having a quick chat with your loved ones about how your day is going can make a difference between a good and bad day. So make it a habit when you get free time between your studies and your work to check in with your family and friends whom you don’t regularly get to talk to or meet up with. It’s always great to catch up with each other, and you have the reassurance that someone’s always there, ready to give you a big hug.

    1. Practice gratitude in your daily life.

    Most people think that you need to be happy to be grateful, but it’s the other way around. Being grateful leads to happiness. It can be a wonderful gesture of writing thank you notes to those in your life who’ve been there with you through the hard times, or something simple like letting them know how thankful you are you have them in your life. Incorporating the practice of gratitude in your life helps, too. Always say thank you to the Uber driver who delivers your food or the transit driver who lets you off at your designated stop.

    1. Volunteer your time for a cause you believe in.

    Reaching out to an organization which promotes a cause you have a strong belief in can help you build happiness back. It can be a food bank or a pet shelter. When you put others’ needs ahead of your own, you’ll feel a sense of happiness that can’t easily be replicated by material things like a new purse or a concert ticket to a favourite music artist. Your time is valuable, and when you choose to spend it to help others, it’s your way of saying you value them and they’ll be grateful for the gesture.

    1. Take care of yourself.

    You can’t be happy on the outside if you’re feeling rotten on the inside, and this can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Binging on shows and movies way into mid-morning, filling yourself with nothing but junk food, and staying seated on the couch even when it’s a good day to take a walk outside are negative habits that won’t do any favours for you. Allotting a screentime schedule and sticking to it, opting for healthy snacks, and going for a walk are great ways to kick off a healthy lifestyle, and before you know it, you’ll start feeling good inside.

    1. Don’t forget about the little things.

    You don’t need to be booking a vacation to Ibiza or getting a purse ahead of its market release to feel happy. Sometimes, looking into the little things that we already have can bring that much-needed burst of happiness. It can be something as simple as drinking a cup of coffee prepared by a friend, or the bar of chocolate you forgot you stashed in your backpack for a much-needed sugar fill. Stopping to smell the roses is a cliché for a reason. Sometimes you really do need to take a step back and look around you to get an idea of what you truly have, and you’ll feel happy.

    Thinking about being happy during these times of lockdowns and restrictions can be emotionally draining, but it’s actually possible if you allow yourself to make the effort. Now, which of the tips above would you start with to build your happiness back?

     

    Sources 

    Borad, Shubh. “Five New Things That Make Me Happy During COVID.” Western University. https://www.uwo.ca/se/thrive/blog/2021/five_new_things_that_make_me_happy_during_covid.html

    Brower, Tracy. “Gratitude Is A Key To Happiness: 4 Reasons Why.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/04/25/gratitude-is-a-key-to-happiness-4-reasons-why/?sh=3d9755f0347c

    Happiness.com. “When is the International Day of Happiness?” https://www.happiness.com/magazine/inspiration-spirituality/international-day-of-happiness/

    Law, Tara. “5 Ways to Feel Happier During the Pandemic, According to Science.” Time. https://time.com/6130871/happiness-wellbeing-pandemic/

  • March Break Activity Ideas!

    March Break Activity Ideas!

    By Maryam Sheikh

    With March Break coming up, you might already be planning for your week off. There is a lot to do, whether it is indoors, outdoors, with your friends or with family. In this article, I will share some fun activities to keep you busy during the March Break!

    Searching the City

    1. Make a trip to your local library. Many cities hold programs throughout the week that appeal to a variety of age groups. Register to watch an animal or magic show, make some arts and crafts, learn a new skill, or play board games with new friends.
    2. Talk to your parents or guardians about planning a day out. Many science centres, museums, art galleries, and play spaces have extended hours during the break. There are a lot of cool places to check out around the city.
    3. A place I always enjoyed visiting over the break when I was younger was my local Chapters bookstore. Every year, they had different activities taking place every day of the week, whether it was a read-aloud, craft activity, or game day. I encourage you to take a look at their website and see if there are any locations near you.

    At Home

    1. Use your days off to unleash your inner chef! Search online for snacks, meals, and dessert recipes to plan a meal for the family. Pick a theme- foods from around the world, meals that revolve around a colour, or try making your favorite dish. Time to impress your loved ones!
    2. Want to get your creative juices flowing? Pick a topic, and record your own podcast! Interview your parents, friends, and family members about a topic you are interested in. If you prefer taking videos, create a short film or stop motion – the options are endless.
    3. Throw a popcorn party for your friends. If there’s a show or movie you want to watch, invite them over and have everyone bring a different snack. Hold a character costume contest to see who dresses up the best!

    The Great Outdoors

    1. Ready, set, photograph! Organize a photo scavenger hunt to complete throughout the week. Make a list of things to photograph outside: letters of the alphabet to find made in nature, or objects for every colour of the rainbow. If you are hanging out with a group, split off into teams and see who can get photos of all the objects first. This is a good way to practise your photography skills and have fun.
    2. Canada still tends to be chilly during the March break, but that is no reason not to go outside and enjoy some outdoor activities. There are ski hills and skating rinks in many cities, so look up schedules online, grab your gear, and go for a skate or ski trip.

    March Break is a great time to unwind, relax, and focus on some hobbies and fun activities. Take the week to enjoy time with friends and family and prepare to return to school with more energy than ever!

  • March Break Activities to Do in Alberta

    March Break Activities to Do in Alberta

    If you are a student in post-secondary, you are probably more than ready for a well-deserved break by the time March Break rolls around. However, luxury vacations in exotic places may not always be an option, especially for students. So, what March break activities are available for Alberta students without having to venture past the province’s boundaries? Here is a guide for some fun and unique March Break activities to do in Alberta.

    Visit the Rocky Mountains.

    Skiers and snowboarders from all around the globe travel great lengths to visit the beautiful Alberta Rocky Mountains. Luckily, you have the luxury of visiting some of the world’s best exhilarating slopes right in your own province. Experience some of the most breathtaking natural wonders Alberta has to offer, all while getting some fresh air and having a great time. Skiing and snowboarding not really your style? Not a problem! From soaking up Banff’s year-round natural hot springs, visiting local shops, or adventuring on a hike, the Rocky Mountains offer an activity for everyone’s preference. Visit the websites below for more information on activities in Banff, Jasper, Canmore and Lake Louise.

    https://www.banff.com

    http://www.jasper.travel

    http://canmore.ca

    https://www.skilouise.com

    Take a museum, art gallery or conservatory tour in some of Alberta’s major cities.

    If you’re interested in staying indoors this March break, why not add a little bit of art and history into your break. Take a trip to one of Alberta’s major cities and visit some of the art galleries, museums and conservatories they have to offer. (Please note, not all galleries in each city are listed. For a complete list, visit each individual city official website)

    Edmonton: https://www.edmonton.ca

    Calgary:  http://www.visitcalgary.com

    Jasper: http://www.jasper.travel

    Drumheller http://www.dinosaurvalley.com

    Grand Prairie http://www.cityofgp.com

    Medicine Hat http://www.medicinehat.ca

    Shop, Swim, Swing and Stay at North America’s largest shopping mall; West Edmonton Mall.

    Looking to hit an indoor beach this March break? Is the idea of riding the world’s largest indoor roller coaster is your idea of the perfect holiday? Maybe shopping at over 800 stores has peaked your interest. If so, take a trip down to Alberta’s capital city and visit West Edmonton Mall! Is Edmonton too far for just a day trip? Not to worry, West Edmonton Mall is home to the Fantasy Land Hotel; a hotel built right inside the mall so you can stay as long as you need.

    http://www.wem.ca

    Visit one of Calgary’s largest attractions; CrossIron Mills.

    Looking to get some shopping done at outlet store prices? Calgary’s CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall is home to 100 outlets and 200 stores. Looking to save big bucks? If you’re visiting from out of town, CrossIron Mills can help make that happen. Ask the mall’s guest services desk about their savings booklet program. This little booklet offers savings to those with a mailing address at least 60 km outside of Calgary. (Picture ID required)

    https://www.crossironmills.com

    Decided on a trip to Edmonton or Calgary? Stay and watch a hockey game.

    Love hockey? Want to cheer on one of Alberta’s NHL teams in person? Watch the Oilers in action at the newly built Rogers Place arena in Edmonton, or catch the Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.

    http://www.scotiabanksaddledome.com

    http://www.rogersplace.com

    Feeling Adventurous? Try…

    • Ice climbing! Located in Canmore and the Canadian Rockies, programs range from beginner to expert level climbing. Depending on temperature and avalanche conditions, this exciting activity runs up until early April. For more information, visit the link below. https://yamnuska.com/ice-climbing
    • Walk Through an Ice Castle! Located in Edmonton, take a magical tour through this beautiful castle made of ice. https://yamnuska.com/ice-climbing

    Search by category for all the unique experiences Alberta has to offer on the travel Alberta website. https://www.travelalberta.com

  • Holding Steady Through the Heart of Winter

    Holding Steady Through the Heart of Winter

    February can be a tough month. The excitement of the new year has faded, the cold seems to linger longer than expected, and the days can still feel short and heavy. If you’re finding it harder to stay motivated or upbeat right now, know this: you’re not alone, and this feeling won’t last forever.

    One of the best ways to get through this part of winter is to focus on small, manageable habits. Add light to your space, keep your body moving (even gentle stretching helps), stay connected with people you trust, and give yourself credit for showing up each day. Progress doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s simply getting through the week.

    This month’s issue is designed to support you through exactly that. You’ll find practical advice on handling the winter blues, sprucing up your space, and even bringing some life indoors with an indoor garden. We’re also tackling important topics around mental health, family dynamics, and what to do when support systems aren’t there.

    February also brings moments of connection and reflection. With Family Day and Pink Shirt Day later this month, we’re highlighting articles on reconnecting with loved ones, anti-bullying, and creating safer, more inclusive communities. You’ll also find pieces on Valentine’s Day, including ways to celebrate meaningfully without pressure or excess.

    If you’re thinking about careers, we’re featuring profiles on roles like IT network technicians, mental health counsellors, librarians, and butchers, along with insight into skilled trades and how they connect to everyday life. These stories are here to remind you that there are many paths forward, and none of them require having everything figured out right now. As always, for even more inspiration, be sure to check out our interviews with industry pros.

    Take this month one day at a time. Spring is closer than it feels.

    Warm regards,
    Anthony Teles
    Vice-President, Content

  • February 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    February 2026 Scholarships – Apply now!

    Arts & Humanities Neen Hodgins Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $80,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: February 14, 2026

    SPIE Optics and Photonics Education Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $11,000
    Awards Available: 72
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Commerce 1981 Entrance Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $40,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: February 15, 2026

    Ontario Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Trent University Prestigious Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 20
    Award Deadline: February 28, 2026

    Jake Weitz Memorial Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 10
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Rodney Cooper Bursary in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $2,500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    MacLauchlan McKenzie Scholarship in Computer Science
    Scholarship Value: $4,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Jean Caya Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026 (estimated)

    Carleton University Prestige Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 24
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Richard Lewar Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $21,500
    Awards Available: 7
    Award Deadline: March 1, 2026

    Quest for Excellence Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 40
    Award Deadline: March 6, 2026

    BEGIN Program
    Scholarship Value: $30,000
    Awards Available: 3
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 125
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Jean Chretien Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2026

    Torquil H. Burns Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $450
    Awards Available: 2
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Bill Eansor Award
    Scholarship Value: $10,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 30, 2026

    Air Base Property Corporation Entrance Award
    Scholarship Value: N/A
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    Grant and Jack Burton Entrance Bursary
    Scholarship Value: $300
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: May 31, 2026

    Algonquin College Tuition Contest
    Scholarship Value: $5,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: July 31, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Black Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Indigenous Student Scholarships for February 2026

    Indigenous Student Scholarships for February 2026

    National Indigenous Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $50,000
    Awards Available: 5
    Award Deadline: March 14, 2026

    Western Continuing Admission Scholarship of Excellence for Indigenous Students
    Scholarship Value: $6,000
    Awards Available: 30
    Award Deadline: Ongoing

  • Career Profile: Information Technology Network Technician

    Career Profile: Information Technology Network Technician

    If you ever work with computers, you know how helpful but sometimes frustrating they can be. You might have worked for hours on a project and then found that only the first few pages of your work were saved. Maybe you have a project ready to send to a classmate or teacher, but your connection to the Internet is not working. That kind of problem can be a major issue for businesses. Information technology network technicians help to keep computers and their connections running smoothly so that people can continue with their tasks.

    Generally, information technology network technicians work in places such as large offices, universities, or school districts where people use computers regularly for a variety of tasks, such as information searching, communicating with colleagues, or other tasks. As the job title suggests, much of the work deals with networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks) or web servers. They install software to monitor security or to allow computers access to printers, monitors, or keyboards.

    Sometimes people in this field work with computer hardware, including hard drives and web server equipment, to make sure that it is working properly. At other times, they work with software. Anything related to making sure that computers are functioning properly can be part of the work of an information technology network technician. Often, this job involves responding to crises and finding problems in computer coding or connections. Troubleshooting is an important skill for people in this field.

    Sometimes, information technology network technicians work with several other people in a computer department of an office, but they often work alone or sometimes with one colleague. Being able to work alone is an important aspect of the job. However, these technicians also need to be able to explain the concepts to people in the office who might know little about computers or networks. Being able to take a complicated concept and explain it to others is helpful in this job.

    The education necessary for this job depends on the situation. However, most employers require a college education in computer science, network administration, web technology, or a similar field. An education in a related area is also a possibility in some cases. Normally, these programs take at least two or three years to complete. Software vendors also have training programs that can help people gain the knowledge they need.

    Preparing for a career in this field is important. In high school, taking computer courses is a good idea. Classes in English are useful for reading instructions and learning more about the work, and mathematics courses are good for learning to make calculations.

    Working as an information technology network technician can involve long hours and occasional emergencies when a network breaks down. The work is normally indoors, but technicians might sometimes need to work on outside cables and do the necessary repairs. Paying attention to details is important to be able to detect the problems when they occur.

    Generally, salaries begin at about $37,000 per year and can rise to $69,000 per year. The detailed work can become difficult later in life as people’s vision fades and their hands become less steady, but it can be a good career for many years. It could be the right career for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists. “Information Technology.” https://www.cctt.ca/disciplines/information-technology.

    Job Bank. “Computer Network Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/24514/ca.

    Payscale Canada. “Average Network Technician, IT Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Network_Technician%2C_IT/Hourly_Rate.

  • Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Have you ever been talking with someone on the phone when the sound suddenly cut out? Maybe you were listening to the radio or watching television when it stopped working. Those situations are frustrating, but communications equipment operators can help. These people have an important role in helping people to communicate with each other over long or short distances.

    Communications equipment operators install and maintain equipment for radio and satellite communication, as well as maintain records for their work. When something goes wrong, they investigate to find the problem and then repair or replace the equipment. Many people in this field work for radio or television stations, but others work for the military or other agencies.

    Depending on the job, communications equipment operators might do most of their work in offices. However, outdoor work might be required in some cases, especially when repairs need to be done. Being able to work in the cold, rain, or heat is very important. Many people in this job work regular hours, but others might work at special events in the evenings or on weekends. Troubleshooting can also happen at odd hours.

    Some communications equipment operators work with very complicated machines, including communications systems, computers, weapons systems, and even vehicles. They may be responsible for developing the communications systems, or they might work with a system that is already in place. Having a good knowledge of computer coding, applications, and troubleshooting is useful.

    Educational requirements for communications equipment operators vary. A high school diploma is normally the basic requirement. High school students can begin to prepare for this job with English and mathematics courses, besides anything related to communication or technology.

    Most employers provide short-term on-the-job training. Some people in this trade take courses to get a certificate that takes a year or two to complete. The certificate includes practical training, as well as courses to teach students about the theory behind the techniques.

    Communications equipment operators can work in a variety of settings. Besides radio, television, and the military, people in this field might be able to find work in schools, career colleges, and even universities. Some jobs might include teaching or working in administration as well as operating communications equipment.

    Salaries in this type of work can vary, depending on many factors. Generally, salaries begin at about $51,000 per year and can rise to $72,000. Some people in this job might begin as an assistant to the main communications equipment operator. In this case, they are likely to receive a relatively lower salary than others. Job prospects vary with the economy and location, but at least some work is likely to be available in this field. Large cities like Toronto or Vancouver, which have movie industries, are the best places to find work, although opportunities are also available elsewhere.

    The ability to concentrate is important in this job since it often involves listening carefully to the people who are talking and adjusting the equipment for background noise, louder or softer voices, or anything else that might affect the quality of the sound. If the recording includes video, communications equipment operators also need to adjust the settings for different levels of light.

    Working as a communications equipment operator is not usually physically difficult, although it can be tiring if a recording session takes a long time. However, as people age, their hearing and vision can begin to fail, and they might find the work too hard to continue. For many people, however, working as a communications equipment operator can be a good career choice.

     

    Bibliography

    Career Planner. “Communications Equipment Operator.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Communications-Equipment-Operators-All-Other.cfm.

    Glassdoor. Equipment Operator Salaries in Canada. https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/equipment-operator-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.

    Indeed. “Communications Operator Salary in Canada.” https://ca.indeed.com/career/communications-operator/salaries.

    Zippia. “What Is a Communications Equipment Operator and How to Become One.” https://www.zippia.com/communications-equipment-operator-jobs/.