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  • End Your Internship on a High Note

    End Your Internship on a High Note

    Internships are an integral part of the process of becoming a professional in the trades, as well as many other fields of employment.  Not only do internships provide students with valuable experience in their field, they can also lead these students directly into a permanent career.

    However, while internships definitely help students to get hired into their chosen profession, nothing is guaranteed.  This means that it’s vital you do your best to make a great impression during your time with the company, and end your internship on a high note to help give you the best chance at becoming a permanent hire.

    Get to Know Your Co-Workers

    This is important, since these are the people you hope to work with long-term if you are hired on permanently.  Try to introduce yourself to all the members of your team or department, and get to know their function in the company and what tasks they perform as part of their job.  This will show that you’re interested in the job and the company on a long term basis.

    Be Enthusiastic, But Professional

    The key here is to show your supervisors how much you enjoy the work you’re doing, as well as the overall employment experience.  This includes everything from showing a general good attitude and willingness to work, to sitting down with your supervisor and telling them directly that you enjoy the job and would be very happy to have a future permanent position.

    Watch, Learn, and Be Willing to Take On New Tasks

    This basically sums up an internship as a whole, but is still important to mention.  Taking the time to watch and learn when you’re being trained in a new task, and ensuring that you practice to become good at it, will be strong indicators that you will make a great future employee.  The same goes for always offering to learn a new task, help a co-worker, or take on new duties.  These actions show you are dedicated to the job and to becoming a valuable employee.

    Show Your Appreciation and Stay in Touch

    Not all hiring decisions will take place right as your internship is over, and just because your internship term ends without an immediate job offer doesn’t mean you should simply move on.  Maintaining the relationships you formed during your time with the company can put you at the top of the list at the next opportunity for hiring.  Make sure you show your appreciation to your supervisors, and treat them to coffee and a chat at some point during or after your internship as a thank you.  Also make sure you keep in touch with these supervisors and your other co-workers, through email, LinkedIn and other social media, or some other connection.  One of these people could be instrumental in connecting you to or recommending you for a future job opportunity.

    SOURCES:

    http://news.wfu.edu/2016/08/08/end-an-internship-with-a-bang-not-a-whimper-to-land-a-full-time-job/

    https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/tipsheets/summer-success-tips

  • Why You Should Create a Goal Journal

    For some people, making plans and goals and following through on them is an easy and daily part of life. But truthfully the majority of people have a hard time putting the steps in to achieve their goals. Many people are visual and seeing your goals on a page in physical form can better help you to visualize future accomplishments. And of course, it is fun! Success is infectious and seeing documentation of that success can fuel further success. Let’s go through some ways that creating a goal journal can help you while also being a rewarding and creative experience:

    Articulate what you want.

    By documenting what you wish to see happen, you are seeing your achievements at a closer distance. Something about writing down your goals can make them seem easier to accomplish. To begin, buy yourself a journal that reflects your personality; this is a book of YOU. Both the current you and the future you. On the first page, write down a goal you have and bullet points listing the ways you may achieve that goal. As you write down these points, consider the ones that would work best and the ones that would not and then cross them out. Set up a timeline that you can work with, and steps that you can make on the road to the ultimate achievement of that goal.

    Record your progress.

    Keeping a journal will allow you to look back on the struggles and headways made in your quest to achieve your goals. This can help you both build up momentum and inspire yourself. Remember that failure is necessary for success. Through trial and error you WILL achieve your goals, but patience is essential. When you fail at achieving a step, write in your journal why you failed and how you can correct that in the future. You will notice yourself grow as you work through the kinks.

    Find out the why and the how.

    Be sure to write down why you wish to achieve the goal; maybe you have not worked out why you want to achieve your goals or how that can be done and that is what is slowing you down. Sometimes we want things for the wrong reasons. Once you figure out why you want to meet your goal finding out how will become clearer. Often times using pictures or objects will help you visualize your goal, so paste pictures, tickets, letters or quotes into your journal. Take everything that is floating around in your brain and transfer it on to the page. This will solidify your goal and make it seem like a physical and achievable object.

    Prove you have solved problems in the past.

    Seeing the progress you have made in physical format will give you a newfound sense of self-pride and security. If you see that you have not been solving problems or not solving them in a neat and proactive way, know that that is simply another obstacle to overcome in your quest for your goal. Make a list of the personal quips that are blocking smooth transition and short-term achievements. But remember that everything is a process; do not judge your speed but rather address ways to better yourself.

  • Motivation in the Dog Days

    Motivation in the Dog Days

    You can feel it. There is a sense of unease as the final days of summer arrive. After spending two months away from school, the return is daunting. Maybe you do not want summer vacation to end. Perhaps you fear the idea of stepping up to a higher, more challenging grade level. Motivation is key to getting back into the swing of things. But it is also easily lost amidst those worries. Here are a few things you can do to build up your motivation for the new school year:

     Listen to your emotions!

    If you are feeling nervous, lazy, or frustrated, it is tempting to think the solution is to just ignore those feelings. Yet many scientific studies show that is not the solution. Emotions are too intertwined with how our brains work to rely on logic alone. If you find you are procrastinating and do not want to think about the new school year, this is your body’s misguided attempt to help your mood by avoiding a seemingly bad situation. Accept that you are sad, angry, or confused, and take time to truly understand why. Only then can you turn towards a more positive mindset.

    Reward yourself!

    It may seem simple, but rewards work. Set a reminder in your phone’s calendar to accomplish something by a specific time, and include the reward you receive for doing so in the notes – perhaps you get to purchase something you wanted, or give yourself more binge-watching time. If you do not meet the deadline, you do not get those rewards. It may feel disingenuous, as though you are not doing it for the right reason. But it is a proven way to change behaviours, which in turn helps you see the more substantive reasons for doing them.

    Get out there!

    It may be tempting to do all this from your bedroom. But your home is filled with distractions. Step outside to a coffee shop, library, or other spot with wi-fi, and you will likely get much more done. Get together with your friends to form a study group, and set goals that you will follow up on. This is a very positive form of peer pressure that can push you to get things done. Try to find a time that the group can meet on a regular basis. This will create consistency as responsibilities start to pile up, and make everything feel less daunting.

    As you venture your way to high school, university, and beyond, the mounting workload can feel like too much. Taking time off is vital, but getting back into the swing of things is never easy. It is important to remember that this is not unique for you and not unique for younger people either. So it is important to build good habits. Do not keep yourself locked up inside. Most importantly, work hard to stay positive and understand why negative emotions creep up when they do.

    Sources

    Eric Barker. How to get motivated, according to science. The Week. http://theweek.com/articles/445446/how-motivated-according-science

    Hooie, Lauren. How to Stay Motivated This New School Year. The Odyssey Online. https://www.theodysseyonline.com/stay-motivated-school-year

  • Are Scholarship Applications Worth Your Time?

    Are Scholarship Applications Worth Your Time?

    A common misconception is that it is hard to win scholarships. Many people believe that if they are not at the top of their class, no one with money for aspiring students will be interested in them. The truth is that most high school seniors qualify for a wide range of scholarships and even though good grades certainly help, they are not detrimental to the process of receiving free money. Many scholarships are need-based, talent-based and major-based, rather than merit-based. Sometimes even your location and family will determine your eligibility. So of course the answer to “are scholarships applications worth your time” is a resounding “YES!”

    Here are some blocks that often come up when considering the importance of applying for scholarships:

    Writing is not my strong suite, so who is going to give me a scholarship?

    Not every scholarship application features an essay element. In fact, a simple Google search for scholarships without essays will narrow the search for you. But for the other scholarships that require an essay, get someone to edit your work or have someone tutor you. This is a very small price to pay for the potential of hundreds or even thousands of dollars towards your education. The potential to receive free money is always with some extra time spent on the process. One cannot think heavily on the prospect of failing, but rather on the prospect of succeeding.

    Many scholarships are small, so what’s the point?

    Some scholarships are only worth $100 to $500, or $500 to $1000. That may seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the monster fee of four years in university. But imagine if you won four of these; that is a whole semester or even a year. The fact of the matter is that when you have only $20 to spend on groceries for the week in the last days of your semester, you are going to wish you had won that little $500 scholarship. EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS.

    There is too much competition.

    Yes this is true. There are a lot of people vying for that free money. However, students apply  to scholarships in bulk and are not taking the time to follow the rules and answer the instructions and questions carefully. You will find that if you do everything correctly you will most likely be a part of that small group that is seriously considered.

    I am not a minority with strong financial need.

    Yes a lot of the scholarships out there are geared towards minorities, those with disabilities and strong financial need. But there are many out there that do not take those things into consideration; they are just not as heavily advertised. Filling out profiles on scholarship websites will provide you with a comprehensive list and allow you to mass-apply for those that will take you seriously.

  • Sub-Trade and Sub-Contractor

    Sub-Trade and Sub-Contractor

    Any construction project, including renovations and maintenance, will involve many different trades. You need an electrician, a plumber, a roofer, a painter. Who is going to manage all these people?

    Typically, the owner of the property under construction hires a general contractor. This individual or company is responsible for hiring, coordinating, and supervising sub-contractors (also called specialty trade contractors and sub-trade contractors). In other words, the general contractor sub-contracts out work to other tradespeople.

    Sub-contractors perform specific work on one aspect of the construction project, such as the electrical wiring or the painting. A sub-trade is thus the trade a particular sub-contractor specializes in.

    Note that the terms “sub-trade” and “sub-contractor” are more relevant in construction projects because of the involvement of a general contractor. Without a general contractor, there is no need for the term sub-contractor.

    For example, an electrician working on a construction project is considered a sub-contractor, but the same person working outside of a construction project would not be called a sub-contractor, just an electrician.

    It follows then that any construction-related trade could be a sub-trade. These activities begin from the initial preparation of the property for construction to foundational work to the actual building.

    References:

    http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/4875/

    https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/scr/sbms/sbb/cis/definition.html?code=238&lang=eng

  • Skilled Trades Schools in Western Canada: Part 1

    Skilled Trades Schools in Western Canada: Part 1

    Western Canada comprises four provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. There are many skilled trades schools in Western Canada that one article cannot cover them all. This article will feature two schools per province, with information on which skilled trades are taught at those schools.

    In Alberta:

     Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

    The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology offers pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in over 30 skilled trades, including auto body technician, baker, bricklayer, cook, ironworker, materials technician, plumber, and welder. This school also offers online apprenticeship learning, where theoretical learning is completed online instead of in-class.

    Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

    The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s School of Trades offers diploma programs, certificate programs, and apprenticeship programs. Examples of skilled trades students of this school may undertake include auto body technician, boilermaker, carpenter, gasfitter, ironworker, painter, plumber, roofer, and welder.

    In British Columbia:

    British Columbia Institute of Technology

    The British Columbia Institute of Technology offers a long list of trades and apprenticeship programs. The 96 programs encompass trades in four categories: construction, electrical, mechanical, and transportation. Construction programs include boilermaker, carpenter, construction craft worker, gasfitter, plumber, and welder. Electrical programs include industrial electrician, telecommunications technician, and wireless communications technician. Mechanical programs include machinist, millwright, and refrigeration mechanic. Transportation programs include aircraft gas turbine technician, automotive service technician, and railway conductor.

    University of the Fraser Valley

    The University of the Fraser Valley offers a shorter list of programs than the British Columbia Institute of Technology, but it includes offerings like agriculture and horticulture, architectural drafting, culinary arts, and hospitality event planning. Both schools offer programs in automotive service, plumbing, and welding.

    In Manitoba:

    Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology

    The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology offers 9 skilled trade programs: auto mechanics, carpentry, industrial welding, motorsport technician, graphic and print technician, electrical applications, industrial electronics, millwright, and computer-aided design technician.

    Red River College

    Red River College offers programs in four categories of skilled trades: industrial, transportation, construction, and service. Industrial skilled trades programs available include boilermaker, machinist, and tool and die maker. Transportation skilled trades programs available diesel engine mechanic, motor vehicle mechanic, and railway car technician. Construction skilled trades programs available include bricklayer, carpenter, plumber, roofer, and steamfitter. Service skilled trades programs available include cook and landscape technician.

    In Saskatchewan:

    Saskatchewan Polytechnic

    Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s technical training programs allow you to complete the theory portion of 20 skilled trades in four cities: Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. Programs available include agricultural machinery technician, cook, ironworker, plumber, refrigeration mechanic, and steel fabricator.

    Regina Trades & Skills Centre

    The Regina Trades & Skills Centre offers a limited number of adult courses. Currently, only three are available: plumbing, culinary arts, and parts technician. More courses may be added in the future. The website advises potential students to check back regularly for new information.

    If you don’t see your skilled trade of interest listed in the school descriptions above, head over to the school’s website for the entire list of programs ( or check our school database in the Education tab of JPD). You might see your program there. Stay tuned for part 2 of this series of articles on schools in Western Canada offering skilled trades programs!

    References:

    http://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/apprenticeships-and-trades/apprenticeships.php

    http://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/apprenticeships-and-trades.php

    http://www.nait.ca/35971.htm

    http://www.bcit.ca/path/trades/programs/

    https://www.ufv.ca/trades/find-your-trade/

    http://mitt.ca/programs/post-secondary-programs?studyoptionname=Post+Secondary&IsSearch=True&aoi=96&regiontypeid=1&chkstudytypes=90&chkstudytypes=83

    http://www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=5699

    http://saskpolytech.ca/programs-and-courses/browse-programs/apprenticeship/

    http://rtsc.org/index.php/programs/current-courses

  • Pros and Cons of Apprenticeship

    Pros and Cons of Apprenticeship

    If you are interested in becoming a skilled tradesperson in Canada, apprenticeship is a necessary step. This period of training allows you to gain the skills you need and consists mostly of learning on the job with some theory coursework. Before you undertake this career choice, make sure you read up on the pros and cons of the apprenticeship:

    What are the pros of an apprenticeship?

    The ability to earn while you learn

    Pursuing a college or university education can mean heavy student loans and little or no income from a part-time job; an apprenticeship allows you to earn money while you learn. From a financial standpoint, an apprenticeship wins over other means of post-secondary education. Where else will you be paid to learn?

    Greater networking opportunities

    The majority of your apprenticeship time will be spent working in the industry. This means you have opportunities every day to interact with prospective future clients, employers and coworkers. The earlier in your career that you make these professional connections, the better your career prospects will be.

    What are the cons of apprenticeship?

    A potentially steep learning curve at first

    When you start your apprenticeship, you are basically diving into the deep end. Your mentor has their own work responsibilities and pressures on top of training and looking after you, the apprentice. Do not expect a lot of coddling. The learning curve may be steep, but how you react and handle yourself will make an impression—either positive or negative—on your mentor.

    Length of apprenticeship too long

    The length of your apprenticeship depends on the skilled trade you are learning, but the training can take anywhere between 2 to 5 years. Apprenticeship is not a faster option than college or university. The time commitment per year may be greater for apprentices who work for roughly 10 months per year in addition to 6 to 8 weeks of in-class training. In colleges and universities, students typically attend school for 8 months per year.

    Now that you have looked over the pros and cons of apprenticeship, you may have a better idea of the career path you are considering. If you have questions, look through the references for this article for more information.

    References:

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/whats-an-apprenticeship/

    http://www.trade-schools.ca/programs/skilled-trades-schools.asp

    http://www.canadagovernmentgrants.org/blog/small-business-2/the-pros-and-cons-of-apprenticeships/

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/whats-an-apprenticeship/

  • Which Skilled Trades are Most in Demand in Canada?

    Which Skilled Trades are Most in Demand in Canada?

    The skilled trade industry in Canada could be facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially as the Baby Boomer generation retires . This shortage may apply to all the hundreds of skilled trades, but below are some of the most in demand trades.

    Industrial Technician

    Canadian Business lists industrial technician as one of the best jobs in 2015. According to the article, this role experienced a 17% increase in salary and a 19% increase in employment growth from 2008 to 2014. The role of the industrial technician can focus on either the manufacturing process or the individual machines and equipment necessary for manufacturing.

    Truck and Diesel Mechanics

    Huffington Post describes truck and diesel mechanics as one of the jobs that trended upwards most in 2015. The number of job postings for this trade increased 80% in 2014-2015. These individuals inspect and repair all vehicles with a diesel engine, such as buses and trucks. It is also worthwhile to note that the more general role of mechanic experienced a similar growth of 64% in the same amount of time.

    Tool and Die Makers

    Huffington Post lists tool and die makers as another job that trended upwards most in 2015. The number of job postings for this trade increased a whopping 305% in 2014-2015. Tool and Die makers professionals create and repair special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges. The vast majority of tool and die makers work in the manufacturing industry, manufacturing transportation equipment, machinery, and fabricated metal products.

    If you are considering a career in the skilled trades, you have many to choose from. You should choose a trade based on your personal interests—but it is smart to look at which ones are most in demand.  This article describes three that are currently in high demand.

    References:

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/why-the-trades/

    http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2015-industrial-technician/

    http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/23/most-in-demand-jobs-canada-2015_n_8807024.html

    http://www.truity.com/career-profile/diesel-service-technician-or-mechanic

    http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/7232.shtml

  • Bourses d’études pour les étudiantes en sciences

    Voici un regroupement de quelques bourses d’études spécifiquement destinées aux femmes, qui sont désignées pour les études et les carrières en sciences au Canada:

     La bourse d’entrée Debbe Gervin Memorial, L’Institut de Technologie de la Colombie Britannique

    Cette bourse d’études offerte par la Société des Canadiennes dans la science et la technologie est décernée annuellement. Vous devez être une femme qui débute un programme d’études dans les technologies de haute performance; l’historique de votre rendement académique pour vos études secondaires et postsecondaires sont un facteur critique. Les programmes admissibles sont : professionnelles en réseaux et sécurité informatique, conception de logiciels et professionnelles en soutien informatique. Cette bourse d’études comprend également une adhésion gratuite d’une année avec la Société des Canadiennes dans la science et la technologie.

     La bourse Michael Smith, l’Université du Nord de la Colombie Britannique

     Une autre bourse annuelle offerte par la Société des Canadiennes dans la science et la technologie qui inclut une adhésion gratuite en est une décernée aux femmes qui sont dans le processus de compléter un baccalauréat en sciences. Vos réalisations scolaires, votre expérience en service civique et vos aspirations professionnelles seront toutes prises en considération.

     L’Oréal Canada pour les femmes en sciences 

    1. L’Oréal Canada, la Commission canadienne pour l’UNESCO et le CRSNG collaborent ensemble pour offrir une bourse d’études de 5 000$ qui sera remise à une femme scientifique ou ingénieur. La candidate doit être impliquée dans un projet de recherche prometteur et avoir précédemment reçu la bourse postdoctorale du CRSNG.
    2. Avec l’appui de la Commission canadienne de l’UNESCO et en partenariat avec L’Association des universités et collèges du Canada, L’Oréal Canada offre deux bourses d’excellence en recherche de 20 000$ pour les femmes en sciences au niveau postdoctoral. Ces bourses alternent annuellement entre les domaines des sciences de la vie et le génie, et les sciences pures et appliquées.

    La bourse Alice Wilson

    La bourse Alice Wilson est remise annuellement à trois femmes qui poursuivent des études en sciences et qui entreprennent une carrière en recherche au niveau postdoctoral. Cette bourse de 1 000$ sera décernée à celles qui font preuve d’excellence académique.

  • Comment combiner l’école et le travail

    Cours après cours, rédaction après rédaction, c’est un défi en lui-même de maintenir une bonne qualité de rendement scolaire et une haute moyenne. Alors, comment est-ce qu’une personne est censée gagner de l’argent en plus de tout ça? Peut-être que vous économisez en vue d’un objectif futur. Ou, peut-être que vous avez besoin de l’argent pour payer vos études. Peu importe la raison, jongler le travail et l’école peut vous faire sentir inondé. Ceci dit, il y a des manières de faire cela efficacement de sorte que votre éducation et résultats scolaires ne soient pas compromis.

    Offrir des services de tutorat à des clients sur une base individuelle est une excellente façon de gagner de l’argent lorsque vous jonglez avec plusieurs engagements. Non seulement les heures de travail sont typiquement durant les soirées et les fins de semaine, en dehors de vos heures de cours, mais ce travail vous offre également une très grande souplesse au niveau de votre horaire. Vous pouvez coordonner les heures et les dates de vos sessions avec vos étudiants, et même les changer au besoin avec suffisamment de préavis. Peut-être plus important encore, les sujets que vous enseignez peuvent être liés au domaine d’études que vous suivez à l’école. Cette source de revenu vous permettrait de mobiliser vos connaissances et de plonger plus profondément dans le sujet. Être capable d’enseigner un concept de manière efficace démontre une compréhension approfondie du concept, ce qui se traduira par votre réussite dans la salle de classe. Finalement, ce type de travail vous permet aussi de choisir votre lieu de travail. Vous pouvez offrir des sessions de tutorat au domicile de vos élèves, dans un lieu public tel qu’une bibliothèque, ou même en ligne.

    L’énorme prévalence de la technologie a ouvert la porte au potentiel de travailler à distance. En éliminant le temps de déplacement, il devient considérablement plus facile d’équilibrer un emploi avec vos études. Bien que le travail à temps partiel puisse paraître accommodant, le voyage aller-retour constant à votre lieu de travail peut s’avérer de plus en plus frustrant comparé à un emploi à temps plein en raison de la grande différence entre la proportion de temps travaillé et temps voyagé. En tant que tuteur, vous pouvez être un travailleur autonome et avoir le plein contrôle de votre entreprise de manière en ligne. En travaillant avec des étudiants via Skype ou Google Hangout, vous pouvez être très éloigné l’un de l’autre, mais tout de même être en mesure d’enseigner vos classes. Affichez des annonces sur Craigslist, Kijiji et divers réseaux sociaux. Ceci n’est pas seulement pour le tutorat. Peut-être que vous êtes un écrivain ou un rédacteur et désirez offrir vos services de façon en ligne. Ou, peut-être que vous faites de l’artisanat à votre domicile, et voulez utiliser une boutique en ligne afin de vendre vos créations. Dans tous ces cas, mettre sur pied un site web qui met en valeur vos compétences et votre expérience est une bonne idée.

    En employant les compétences que vous acquissiez à l’école en conjonction avec la technologie qui a rapidement évolué au cours des dernières quelques décennies, vous pourrez atteindre un bon équilibre entre le travail et l’école. Ceci pourrait même se transformer en un travail que vous continuerez de faire même après avoir terminé vos études. Peut-être plus important encore, vous acquerrez des compétences et du savoir-faire qui vous aidera à équilibrer un horaire chargé, ce qui sera d’une valeur inestimable dans votre vie.

    Source

    Raver, Ryan. 7 Easy Ways For Graduate or College Students to Earn Alternative Income or Make Money Online. http://thegradstudentway.com/blog/?p=86