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Author: Sadie Osborne

  • School Street Superheroes: A School Crossing Guard Career Profile

    School Street Superheroes: A School Crossing Guard Career Profile

    When crossing busy streets, especially near schools, you will often find a friendly man or woman with a brightly coloured vest and a stop sign helping people cross safely. They are called crossing guards, and they are a very important part of the community.

    School crossing guards have the authority to control the traffic so that pedestrians can cross busy streets safely. Because of this authority, motorists and pedestrians must obey the crossing guard’s actions. However, that is the only authority they have. They do not have the power to arrest or give out traffic citations.

    The average salary of a school crossing guard is $12.49 an hour, but only work around two to three hours a day or about 10 hours a week. But they also have paid holidays, PA (Professional Activity) days and on call pay. This all equals out to about $24,356 a year. With this they also get summers off, flexibility to their schedules and paid mileage. Some can get more hours and work at a number of different schools during the week if the opportunity is there. Mostly, this position is a part-time job and considered a great one if you are working as a freelancer or have another part time job aside from the crossing guard position.

    The requirements to become a school crossing guard may vary depending on where you are looking to work. These are the requirements for crossing guards in Ontario, Canada: At the very least you will need a high school diploma or GED (General Education Diploma/Development). There is no exact experience needed for this job, and training is provided by the school district. However, much like other jobs, you should have some work experience to show you are reliable. And although it is not required, having a driver’s license will be helpful. It would also be beneficial to gain credentials like First Aid training. For more information on this job, you can ask your career counsellor at school and or do more research on the internet for age requirements and openings.

    School crossing guards are an essential part of road safety for children and teens. We need them to help keep kids safe when arriving to, and leaving their schools.

    Resources:

    https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=crossing+guard

    https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/crossing-guards.asp

    https://www.thebalancecareers.com/government-job-profile-crossing-guard-1669673

  • Becoming an Airline Pilot in Canada

    Becoming an Airline Pilot in Canada

    By Neha Vyavahare

    Working as an airline pilot is considered to be quite a respectable profession; however, the potential hazards that one must be ready for as an airline pilot come hand in hand with the respect.The understanding of weather and climate patterns, the engineering, design, and structure of a plane, and extreme safety measures, an airline pilot needs to be adaptable to the ever-changing scenarios of climate and have the ability to multitask in situations where  stress is high. The following is the education one requires to pursue a career as an airline pilot, as well as further information about the profession:

    To begin one’s journey, you must obtain a license in order to begin your  journey in becoming a pilot. Such licensing is controlled by Transport Canada.

    Training

    There are multiple options on where to obtain flight training. There is no initial flight experience necessary in order to go to a flight school. A basic understanding of math and physics will do. Here are 3 options to choose from:

    • Flight school
    • College program
    • The Air Force

    The differences between costs will not be insurmountable. One must select a school that aligns with the individual’s needs, desires, and long-term goals.

    Licensing

    Although there are multiple pilot licenses, each with their own rules and steps, the commercial pilot license is the license one needs in order to fly professionally. This license is compulsory if one’s goal is to pursue a career as a pilot. The main requirement for this license is the private pilot license.

    The average cost of obtaining this license is approximately $30,000-$40,000. Indeed, the prices vary by schools, and how quickly one retains knowledge.

    One must be at least 18 years old of age in order to get this license.

    One also needs an Aviation Medical Certificate provided by an Aviation Medical Examiner, without one, you cannot practice as a pilot. You must have a Class 1 Medical Certificate valid for a commercial pilot license (and a Class 3 valid for the private pilot license) , and pass a colorblindedness test  (Pseudoisochromatic Plates Colour Vision Test/Farnsworth Lantern Test), as your  health is arguably the most important aspect of becoming a pilot.

    More Info

    • complete 80 hours of private pilot ground school instruction.
    • achieve a minimum score of 60% on the written exam
    • complete a minimum of 200 hours of flying time
    • pass a flight test as pilot-in-command within 12 months after when you apply for the commercial pilot license

    Pay

    The average Air Canada pilot is paid around $150, 000.

    Lifestyle

    The lifestyle of a pilot is unique, as one is constantly on the move around the globe. This may be the desires of one’s heart, to wake up in one country and fall asleep in another; however, one must accept the irregular sleep patterns and minimal time one can spend with his/her family along with the adventurous, never-ending journey of a pilot.

  • April 2019 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    April 2019 Scholarships: Apply Now!

    The RBC Capital Markets Diversity Scholarship

    Open: Friday, April 12, 2019 – Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST

    Up to 4 awards worth $5,000 each PLUS a 2019 summer analyst position with RBC Capital Markets in Toronto

    Address: https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/scholarships.html

     

    The RBC Capital Markets Scholarship for Women

    Open: Friday, April 12, 2019 – Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST

    Up to 4 awards worth $5,000 each PLUS a 2019 summer analyst position with RBC Capital Markets in Toronto

    Address: https://www.rbc.com/dms/enterprise/scholarships.html

     

    Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 25

    Award Deadline: April 15, 2019

    Address: https://barronprize.org/apply/

     

    Pretty Actions Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: April 15, 2019

    Address: https://www.photoshopactions.com/pages/pretty-photoshop-actions-scholarship-program

     

    Women’s Cyber Security Scholarships

    Scholarship Value: $6,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: April 15, 2019

    Address: https://iamcybersafe.org/scholarships/womens-scholarships/

     

    IWSH Essay Scholarship Contest

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 3

    Award Deadline: April 30, 2019

    Address: http://www.iwsh.org/hidden/iwsh-essay-scholarship-contest/

     

    Brower Youth Award

    Scholarship Value: $3,000

    Awards Available: 6

    Award Deadline: May 1, 2019

    Address: http://www.broweryouthawards.org/apply/

     

    Fraser Institute Student Essay Contest

    Scholarship Value: $1,500

    Awards Available: 3

    Award Deadline: May 1, 2019

    Address: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/education-programs/west/students/essay-contest

     

    Greg Goff Leadership Awards

    Scholarship Value: $2,000

    Awards Available: 5

    Award Deadline: May 1, 2019

    Address: https://nshssfoundation.org/scholarships/greg-goff-leadership-awards/

     

    ITWC Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: May 1, 2019

    Address: https://teamster.org/content/review-requirements-and-apply

  • Trades Profile: Special Events Coordinator

    Trades Profile: Special Events Coordinator

    Everyone loves a party, from weddings to birthdays to corporate business events.  But parties and other special events don’t magically happen; they require lots of planning and preparation work ahead of time, as well as a lot of hard work immediately before the event starts and after it ends.

    Special events coordinators are professionals who plan and organize any and all kinds of events, such as small events for meetings, lectures or seminars, and large events for conferences, conventions, festivals, or trade shows.  Since nearly any event needs a coordinator, there are opportunities in many different fields and topics, so no matter what you’re interested in you can pursue an event coordinator job in that area.  For example, if you enjoy music, you can become an expert in planning music festivals, and booking individual performers or a whole orchestra.  Or, if you are interested in technology, you can coordinate manufacturing trade shows, skill seminars, or technology showcase exhibitions.

    Many special events coordinators will own and operate their own business, and most of their work will come from being hired by an event or company to plan and run an event.  This means you can choose to specialize in one type of event (like wedding planners) or a specific theme (like book fairs and literary talks).  Alternately, special events coordinators can be employed within a company or venue, and be responsible for planning and coordinating all different types of events — basically, whatever event books time at the venue.

    Interpersonal skills and a strong attention to detail are the two most important skills a special events coordinator needs.  Much of the job involves communicating with and working directly with other people, such as venue or company owners, service and cleaning staff, caterers, marketing and promotion teams, and many others.  This means networking and building professional relationships with others people is essential, as you never know what you will need for an event so it’s useful to build a large address book of people you can hire or ask for advice.

    Coordinators also need to keep track of many details simultaneously, including budgets, names of staff, timelines and schedules, and all the information about the event.  Depending on the type of events you coordinate, you can work mostly indoors, mostly outdoors, or have a mix of both.  While some types of events will require some physical work, such as lifting or lots of walking, others will mostly be working from your desk.

    Salaries for special events coordinators just beginning their career will start around minimum wage, $11 to $14 depending on the province you work in.  As you build your reputation and gain experience, salaries can reach as high as $35 to $40 per hour, again depending in your province.  This is approximately $30,000 per year up to as much as $60,000 per year.

    Most special events coordinators need a combination of education and apprenticeship hours.  Colleges and universities across Canada offer the necessary degrees in tourism, hospitality management, and business.  Other education or work experience in event planning, administration, or public relations may be required.    Depending on the province you live and work in, you may need to be certified by the provincial regulatory body, which can involve an apprenticeship program with requirements for a certain number of hours to be worked in order to become certified.

    Sources:

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/12559/ca

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Special_Events_Coordinator/Salary

    https://oyap.com/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=101

  • Trades Career: Micro Electronics Manufacturer

    Trades Career: Micro Electronics Manufacturer

    Every electronic device is comprised of many smaller components, and each of these components needs to be assembled by either a machine or a human being.  These small electronics are called microelectronics, and are especially important for high-tech devices including smartphones, laptop and desktop computers, cars and trucks, and video game consoles — to name only a few.

    Because microelectronics are so important to our lives, there are many career opportunities in the micro electronic manufacturing industry.  Micro electronic manufacturers are tradespeople who use machines and tools to build or assemble tiny electronic components.  They can either operate and monitor the large automatic or semi-automatic manufacturing equipment that makes these components, or perform manual assembly themselves.

    Most micro electronics manufacturers will work within a factory, whether it is a small independent technology company, or a large high-volume mass-production factory.  This means most of the time, you will be working indoors and in a clean room environment.  These jobs may involve physical labour such as lifting, bending, pushing, and pulling, and they require strong manual dexterity to learn how to use the tools and perform delicate assembly work.  Micro electronics manufacturers also require a strong attention to detail, as many assembly tasks involve fine details, following complex instructions, and being able to test and troubleshoot machinery and assembled components.

    This job involves tasks such as soldering, chemical etching, working with microscopes and magnifiers, baking components, troubleshooting defective devices, repairing or replacing defective components, and performing quality control assessments.

    In terms of education, while having a highschool degree is required, whether you also need post-secondary education will depend on whether it is required for where you want to work.  Most places will only need on-the-job training or an apprenticeship leading to certification.  However, some companies or specializations will also require some college or trade school training courses in electronics theory, component testing, fabrication and assembly, or electronics design.

    The electronics manufacturing industry offers dependable careers with great salaries.  Entry level positions start at minimum wage, usually $12 to $15 per hour, up to $40 to $50 per hour with experience or a high skill level or complex specialization.  This makes for a yearly salary starting at $35,000 up to around $65,000.  Most factory positions will offer regular hours arranged on shifts, though while usually shifts will be during regular daytime hours, there may be jobs that require evening, overnight, or weekend shifts, as well as overtime hours.

    Sources:

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/18692/ca

    https://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/MICRO-ELECTRONICS-MANUFACTURER-630A-SOT-EN.km_.pdf

    https://oyap.com/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=071

  • Your Disability as an Asset

    Your Disability as an Asset

    The challenges that come about from physical and mental disabilities can be overwhelming. Life is hard for us all. But it is excruciatingly frustrating to struggle with tasks and activities that others can do with ease. Mental health challenges and physical impairments all come with their own unique weaknesses. Yet in every predicament lies opportunities. By finding the positives and strengths that exist within your own unique situation, you can utilize your disability as an asset instead of a hindrance.

    Self-confidence is a challenge for many of us. The shadow of a disability lingering over oneself adds another daunting element to that challenge. Consider how you can describe your condition in a way that is simultaneously accurate and positive. This can help brush aside anxieties that come with including mention of your disability on social media, dating profiles, and cover letters. Bring that optimism to every job interview and first date. Nearly four million adults have disabilities that affect their day-to-day lives, and many have succeeded in various careers and ways of life.

    When you are honest and positive with colleagues and friends, you enrich the relationships in your life. You can bring your unique life experience to the conversations with friends and the issues you face together. Those with limited physical mobility only need a computer and Internet access to write and edit for school group projects. Others with mental health challenges can have greater empathy and understanding for friends who are struggling. That can mean tackling the role of counsellor for a friend in need of help.

    Once you are viewing yourself in a positive light and interacting positively with those around you, your life will continue to be enhanced. As you make your way through this world, numerous people will inevitably dwell on the potential disadvantages to your disability. It is crucial not to internalize that negative energy and let it fester within yourself. The world will benefit from what you have to offer. Assistive devices can help those with visual impairments, who can hone their other senses to focus on work in music, cooking, or radio announcing. People with hearing impairments can use their ability to focus in noisy environments to work in a loud industrial environment. You can raise awareness about your condition through volunteering or through a non-profit organization. When you shift your thinking in a positive direction, you can discover opportunities that you never would have considered otherwise.

    We all faces challenges in our lives. A physical or mental disability can significantly add to the challenges we find in looking for work, meeting new people, and building a life. It takes effort and practice to use your disability as an opportunity and an asset. Think positively about yourself, treat others well, and be open to the many prospects around you. The body we are born with comes with its own unique set of benefits and negatives. Your disability is a part of your identity and your own unique story; it shapes your view of the world and how you choose to act. Start making it an asset and build your own path to success and happiness.

    Sources:

    Gower, James. “How to use your disability as a strength when applying for jobs.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2015/may/06/how-to-use-your-disability-as-a-strength-when-applying-for-jobs

    Trade Schools, Colleges and Universities. “32 Appealing Jobs for People with Disabilities in Canada.” https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/articles/jobs-for-people-with-disabilities.asp

  • It’s OK to be a Curious Cat: The Benefits of Asking Questions

    It’s OK to be a Curious Cat: The Benefits of Asking Questions

    Before we started school, most of us displayed a high level of curiosity about the things we came across and asked the adults in our lives as many questions we could think of. Where does rain come from? Why are the leaves green? How do dogs bark? What is a Prime Minister? When do volcanoes erupt?  You name it. The 5 Ws and 1 H. You probably wouldn’t fully remember those times, of course, but your parents or older siblings would certainly do if you ask them.

    As pre-school kids, most of us were naturally curious, but as soon as we started learning in classrooms, chances are, our motivation to ask questions, may have diminished. It’s probably because we’ve grown shy or maybe fearful of what our peers might think of us. While for some of us, it’s simply because we don’t want to seem like we’re not intelligent or smart enough; this is not true. What’s more, being inquisitive offers advantages:

    It keeps you and others well-informed.

    Not all students are in the same wavelength, but when you ask questions, you’ve probably prompted your classmates to go, “Yes! I was about to ask the same thing.” They were most likely on the same page as you were but just could not find the right way to pose the query. Learning as a group is always a good thing. When you’re inquisitive, you and your classmates have more opportunities to become well-informed on topics that were initially unclear to you and them.

    It helps you more efficient to avoiding mistakes.

    Learning is a continuous process, and making mistakes are a part of it. However, constantly asking questions means that you’re constantly getting answers, which trains you to steer clear of errors later on. For example, if you’re confused about when to correctly use “despite of” and “in spite of” in sentences, ask your English teacher for clarification. Having that matter explained to you now means you’ll be more aware of the proper use of those phrases in the future and avoid using them incorrectly altogether.

    It shows you’re interested to learning more and you lead by example.

    If you find yourself often raising your hand to offer your teacher a query, don’t feel upset about it even for a second. This means that you’re engaged in the subject or topic, and your teacher will appreciate the effort you put in and your classmates will recognize it in you as well. Being attentive of school lessons is a good sign that you’re passionate about learning, and it is also an effective way to inspire the others in your classroom who are not as engaged as you.

    It helps fill in the gaps in teaching.

    Teachers are qualified professionals, that’s why they are in the position they are in. They are always accommodating in taking in questions, and they’re always happy to provide you with the answers. However, keep in mind they’re not perfect and their lesson plans are not set in stone. There might be questions which might catch them off guard, but this is a good thing as it means there is room for improvement in their lessons plans, and it means you are an instrument in identifying those areas for enhancement.

    It leads to enlightening discussions.

    At times, the answers to the questions you ask won’t be found in any book, and that’s OK. You and your classmates have to realize that some queries don’t have right or wrong answers. Rather, these questions foster insightful discussions between you and others in the classroom, and knowing about different perspectives allow learning from each other.

    Still frightful of raising your hand to ask a question? Don’t be. Remember the advantages you’ve read above, and keep asking those questions!

    SOURCES:

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/09/12/how-you-can-benefit-by-asking-more-questions/#7486ba462118

    https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/always-on-inquiry-asking-more-questions-classroom/

    When Students Do Not Ask Questions in Class

  • How to Incorporate a Grateful Attitude in Your Life

    How to Incorporate a Grateful Attitude in Your Life

    It may be way past the holiday season, but there’s never a wrong time to talk about one of the most menacing characters ever to have graced the movie screens, The Grinch. This lone grouchy and holiday spirit-free creature based on a beloved children’s story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Theodor Geisel or as many know him, “Dr. Seuss,” has received countless film reincarnations over the years.

    There’s simply something about a miser who’s bent on stopping the holiday fun for everyone else that appeals to every one of us. The most recent of these film renditions was last year’s animated film “The Grinch,” which took in a whopping $511 million at the box office. Of course, a major reason why the character is so popular is its main character’s endearing change of heart in the end. He realizes that he is not alone after all and that he has a lot to be grateful for.

    The Grinch’s character arc is interesting because it shows an underlying perspective on the long-drawn out debate of “happiness makes us grateful” vs. “gratefulness makes us happy.” Accepting the latter more than the former is key to developing a more grateful attitude in life no matter what. If you’re wondering how to practice gratitude more, you’re on the right track.

    Say “thank you” even for the smallest of things.

    If you want to have a more grateful attitude, start a mindset that even the little things matter. For example, if your school bus driver waits for you to be properly seated before he or she starts the bus, say “thank you.” Sure, it’s their job to keep kids safe and secure while on the road but showing appreciation for the gesture, no matter how small it is, means you are grateful and therefore you’re spreading a positive attitude in turn.

    Find something to be thankful for.

    Set aside any time of the day and take a pause to ponder on something in your life that you appreciate. It can be your little sibling saying his or her first words, an “A” from your teacher, or a newly fixed bike. Being able to dedicate a moment to express your thanks allows you to practice the habit better. You can even start doing this more when you’re feeling not-so-great and you’ll kiss those blues away in no time.

    A more creative variation of this is to have a gratitude journal or a jar. Write something each day that you’re thankful for on a notebook or a small piece of paper (and drop it into a jar), and when you’re feeling down in the dumps, just go through a page or take out any one of those small pieces of paper.

    Write a gratitude letter to someone.

    Don’t wait for a holiday or a special occasion to express how grateful you are to someone to have them in your life. Take a piece of paper and write a gratitude letter to them and deliver it to them in person. No emails or texts—just old-fashioned letter writing. Don’t worry about the letter having grammatical errors and the like. The important thing here is to express yourself and let your intended reader know what’s in your heart. Just start with the prompt, “I’m grateful you are in my life because …. “ Do this one as often as possible.

    Be observant of your emotions and others’ reactions.

    When you’ve adopted the habit of saying thanks for even the small things, take note of your emotions and how doing it makes you feel. Be observant of how others react or take to it as well. When it’s become a daily habit and it’s been so ingrained in your daily activities, you’ll find that it becomes instinct for you to express gratitude and in turn you are spreading a positive attitude to the people around you.

    Being grateful takes practice, but once you get used to it, you’ll see its uplifting effects on you and others. Remember, saying thank you to someone doesn’t have to mean writing a thank you note and sending flowers—it can simply mean saying the actual words “Thank you!” and it goes a long way.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-empowerment-diary/201611/why-be-grateful

    https://www.mindful.org/what-does-it-mean-to-be-grateful/

    https://www.happify.com/hd/the-science-behind-gratitude/

    https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful?language=en

  • Helping Hands for the Homeless in Canada

    Helping Hands for the Homeless in Canada

    According to a research by Homelesshub.ca, it’s estimated that about 230,000 experience homelessness in Canada in a given year. In fact, data from an Ipsos Reid poll in March 2013 suggests that as many as 1.3 million Canadians have experienced homelessness or inadequate housing. Not only do these individuals experience a diminished quality of life due to having insufficient shelter or none at all, they also experience constant threats to their lives due to poor conditions as a result of being homeless, especially during the winter months where the temperatures dwindle to -20 and even lower. Over the years, there has been a significant number of deaths due to hypothermia. In Saskatoon alone, the bitter cold temperatures resulted in 13 deaths.

    Suffice it is to say, it’s a problem that needs to be prioritized. You can do your share in helping these people out by reaching out to the following organizations throughout Canada that are dedicated to directly help the homeless in Canada. These groups offer a load of volunteer opportunities so you can lend a hand. If you are unable to volunteer your time, you can still help through donations.

    British Columbia

    211 British Columbia Services Society

    330-111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

    bc211 is a nonprofit organization focuses on assisting the community by providing free information and referral, government and social services in BC. Those with homelessness issues can look into this organization for help through their wide range of services for the homelessness, including emergency shelters for families, mem, women, and youth. They can also lend a helping hand to those in need of household goods, meals and snacks, outreach, shower and laundry facilities, and transition houses for victims of violence. Their help line services include 211, the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (ADIRS), the Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line. This organization is funded by the United Way along with British Columbia and City of Vancouver governments.

    Alberta

    Accessible Housing Society

    1212 31st Avenue N.E., Suite 215

    Calgary, Alberta

    Accessible Housing is a non-profit organization and registered charity dedicated to opening doors for people with limited mobility to acquire accessible and affordable proper housing. They have outreach and residential programs where they deliver housing and personal support. You can help through various means through this organization: by assisting at community events like festivals, fairs, or fundraisers, helping with site maintenance like painting or landscaping, and applying for leadership on committees and our board. You can also donate online.

    New Brunswick

    Bathurst Youth Centre

    895 Ste Anne Street

    Bathurst, New Brunswick

    Bathurst Youth Centre specifically caters to the youth by offering structured programs that tackle the most pressing issues tackled by the youth today. They also provide counseling, educational, recreational, and social activities all under a supervised setting. This centre believes in creating a healthy and positive environment for the young ones by providing leisure activities like dances, concerts, variety shows, cafes, pool tables, and games areas, and other sports. They also provide help for the kids’ employment needs.

    Saskatoon

    The Lighthouse

    227 20th St E. S7K 0A5

    The Lighthouse specializes in providing affordable housing for the community, but it also caters to those in need of emergency shelters for those who have nowhere to sleep at night. The Lighthouse also provides counselling services to those who are at risk of being made homeless for various reasons. The Lighthouse provides numerous volunteer opportunities for the community including cleaning and maintenance, food, and leisure activities.

    Quebec

    Old Brewery Mission

    902 Saint-Laurent Blvd.
    Montreal (Quebec) H2Z 1J2

    The Old Brewery Mission is committed to providing Montreal’s homeless men and women their essential needs while remaining steadfast to finding practical and sustainable solutions to end chronic homelessness. This organization offers volunteer opportunities in meals preparation and food serving, office administration, and event management. They also accept professional services such as legal advice, accounting, translation, graphic design, and photography.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/how-many-people-are-homeless-canada

    http://www.canadian-universities.net/Volunteer/Homeless_and_Housing.html

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/city-crews-clear-encampment-under-gardiner-expressway-homeless-1.5054918

    http://www.bc211.ca/

    https://www.bathurstyouthcentre.ca/

    https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/here-are-organizations-helping-the-homeless-survive-winter-1.2176233

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Court Reporter

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Court Reporter

    When you hear the word “courtroom,” most likely, you picture a distinguished judge, a jury, a client who is either guilty or not guilty, and lawyers opposing each other as best they can. Even when you catch a glimpse of reality TV shows like “Judge Judy” or drama shows like “Law & Order” when your parents watch, your eyes are most likely to be on the judge or the lawyers. Rarely would you think of an individual who is recording everything being said and transpiring in the courtroom, the court reporter, as part of the picture.

    Court reporters may not be as noticeable as the judges or lawyers, but they are an integral part of the legal process in the justice system. If you are interested in a legal-focused career, a court reporter can be a fulfilling profession. Let’s get to know more about this below.

    Court Reporters – What You Need to Know

    A court reporter is considered as an official of the court, and the main duty is to record spoken communications at all court proceedings. These recordings, or transcripts as they are usually referred to, are serve as the records for all aspects of the trial. When a decision or verdict is made on trials, everything is recorded, and they are accessible for future reference should lawyers and their legal team want to research on similar cases. In some cases, judges or attorneys can also request court reporters to read back any items which were transcribed, typically when there are points of arguments or disputes or when they simply want something clarified or emphasized.

    Most court reporters use a stenotype machine that mimics typed shorthand, allowing them to work at the similar fast rate of the verbal communication that typically transpires in the courtroom. Operating a stenotype efficiently requires formal training and a lot of hours of practice.

    The more progressive courtrooms, on the other hand, have embraced technologies available for recording verbal correspondence, and the court reporters are then tasked to produce transcripts out of these recordings. While they don’t have to transcribe in real-time, they still work under very strict timelines to complete the transcripts.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, courtroom reporters can earn C$30,536 – C$53,107 a year with additional potential earnings for overtime work.

    Skills

    Since court reporters are court officials too, they are expected to conduct themselves in a highly professional manner, demonstrate tact and discretion, and remain unbiased and impartial. Court reporters also need to be detail-oriented and must possess a high degree of attentiveness, an excellent command of the English language (both verbal and written), and strong skills in multitasking. Courtrooms may have their own system in place when recording verbal communications, so it pays to have the strong capacity to learn new software and technology.

    Technical school or vocational training designed specifically to a career as a court reporter is required. Aspiring courtroom reporters should expect to spend hours and hours learning to use a stenotype, as well as learning shorthand and transcription skills.

    Each province might have their own requirements before you start working as a court reporter. In Ontario, for example, one has to undergo a testing and certification process to be a member of Court Reporters’ Association of Ontario. In Alberta, meanwhile, potential court reporters need to be a member of the Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association.

    Pros and Cons

    Like with any job, a career as a court reporter equals its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One common downside is the long hours that are associated with the job, where some may be required to work evenings and weekends, depending on the deadlines for the legal proceedings.

    Operating a stenotype machine is a challenge in itself as well. As this equipment does not involve the QWERTY keyboard that we are all used to, some say that it’s similar to learning a new language.

    An advantage of working as a court reporter though is the opportunity to meet a variety of people, and encountering a wide variation of legal cases. Some are also grateful for the travel opportunities that come with the job.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Court_Reporter/Hourly_Rate

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/i-want-to-be-a-court-reporter-what-will-my-salary-be/article23477467/

    https://www.cliquezjustice.ca/careers-in-justice/court-reporter