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Author: Jack Blare

  • Don’t Waste Your Money on Something You Don’t Want

    Don’t Waste Your Money on Something You Don’t Want

    Life can get pretty expensive, especially as you start to get older. The more mature you become, the more responsibilities you will be expected to deal with. This includes taking care of your finances and income.

    When you are young, it’s easy to spend a lot of money on things that you don’t really want or need. You may have savings or work part-time, and its very tempting to go out and spend your pay cheque on something that you don’t really need. You most likely aren’t paying for your own rent, groceries, bills or tuition, so it can seem as though you have a lot of disposable income in your hands.

    While it is important to relax and have fun sometimes, its also necessary to plan and save for the future – especially if you wish to do things like rent an apartment, buy a car or go into post secondary education. This is why you should stop and think before spending your money. “Do I really want or need this in my life? Is it actually worth what I’m paying for it?” The worst thing is to spend a bunch of your hard earned cash on something and then find out that you don’t like it, or didn’t really need it in the first place.

    There are a few tips you can follow to help you decide whether or not something is really worth the money you’re paying for it. For example, many purchases are out of impulse; you see something you want and buy it right then and there, such as an expensive piece of clothing or jewelry. This is the easiest path towards regretting your purchase. Instead of buying what you want the moment you see it, wait a while and take some time to think about whether or not its actually worth spending your money on. It’s a good idea to at least take a night to sleep on it and decide the next day before spending a bunch of your hard-earned money. You could also take some time to research the product you want, read reviews from other people, compare prices online through different websites and see if there are any deals or sales coming up allowing you to save some cash.

    Once you’ve bought, paid for and used something, that money is gone. Don’t waste it on something you won’t like! Cash isn’t easy to come by so it is important to think and consider the options before buying anything, especially if you aren’t sure that you really need or want it. The older you get, the more expenses there will be in your life, whether it be insurance, gas money, tuition, rent or a number of other essential things. It is far better to consider your purchase now than to end up seriously regretting it later on, when you need to pay for necessities or if you find something that you truly want to buy. So take some time, consider your options and make sure that you aren’t wasting your hard earned cash on something you really don’t want.

  • Support Services Available at Post-Secondary

    Support Services Available at Post-Secondary

    Each post-secondary school will have a range of services to support students with disabilities and the wider student population. These services provide an excellent source of support for students (and are often underused). Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of these resources, and a description of services that may be provided at post-secondary school is given below.

    ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
    Disability Advisors at each school review the documentation of students with disabilities and determine which accommodations each student needs. Types of accommodations may include:

    • Extended time on exams
    • No more than one exam per day
    • Access to a computer or spell check on exams
    • Note-taker in class
    • Sign language interpreter
    • Alternate format material (ex. Braille)

    It is important to remember that the laws that regulate accommodations at college and university are different than those for high school. Many post-secondary institutions require more specific and comprehensive documentation to show proof of a disability than is required in high school (especially for ADHD and learning disabilities). Incoming students will not automatically receive the same accommodations at college or university that they received at high school. To discuss available accommodations, students should contact their post-secondary school directly.

  • High School Transition: Funding and Scholarship Programs

    High School Transition: Funding and Scholarship Programs

    A primary consideration for any student interested in pursuing postsecondary education is paying the costs involved. Tuition in many provinces and territories increases on an annual basis. Add to that the costs associated with books and other school supplies, transportation to-and-from campus, and housing expenses for those who live away from home, and the financial commitment associated with higher education can be intimidating.

    While some students are fortunate to have enough money saved up for an education, and others have family members who are willing to cover the cost, many do not have these resources. This section provides information on the student loan and grant programs available from the federal government. It also describes some of the major scholarships for students with disabilities, available from various sources.

    Much of the following information has been adapted from the NEADS guide, National Directory of Financial Assistance Programs for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities, which can be found on the association’s Web site, www.neads.ca in the NEADS Online Resource Centre. Funding program information was reviewed and updated during the development of this guide. Finally, it should be noted that many other scholarships can be found on the Internet and from your college or university’s financial aid office.

    Visit the NEADS website for full information.

  • Campus Disability Services

    Campus Disability Services

    If you’re a student with a disability looking at your post-secondary options, we’ve provided a handy link to the NEADS website where you can access information about campus disability services all across Canada.

    NEADS EdLink is the most comprehensive Canadian directory of college and university disability service providers and links to service centre websites, with listings from coast to coast. Each entry provides current contact information for service providers at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The links to disability centre websites allow access to detailed information on accommodations, physical access, services and supports.

    Access the Campus Disability Services search engine via NEADS on their website.

  • How and Why Do Apprenticeships Work?

    How and Why Do Apprenticeships Work?

    An apprenticeship is a period of study under a journeyman or master tradesperson in which the apprentice assists the master in their job. In return the master or journeyman will teach and pay the apprentice, readying them for a job in the in-demand field of trades.

    An apprenticeship can last anywhere from a few months to five years, depending on the type of trade you’ve chosen to learn and the availability of work in that field. All tradespeople, with the exception of welders, currently have to pass a Red Seal test before they are approved as a journeyman tradesperson and can begin working independently. Laws are changing, however, and it will soon be necessary to have a Red Seal to practice within any trade in Canada, including welding.

    There is a great deal of variety between trades, apprenticeships and tradespeople. There are plumbers, electricians, pipe fitters, auto mechanics and a large number of other careers. The trades, and tradespeople, are becoming more and more in demand, thus taking a job in the trades can be very financially lucrative. The average entry-level tradesperson makes about $16-$18 an hour in their first year as an apprentice. Master tradespeople easily make salaries that go into the six-digit range.

    Currently, there is a lack of skilled tradespeople in the Canadian economy, making someone who is Red Seal-certified as skilled in their trade of choice greatly in demand. This applies to nearly every trade; going into an apprenticeship can be a very wise choice if you’re interested in making a lot of money.

    The trades are very varied and it takes a separate set of skills to master each one, which is why so much hands-on and on the job experience is key to the success of an aspiring tradesperson. They all involve a degree of math and a lot of work with your hands. They can be dangerous, but also lucrative, and if you’re looking for a stable career tradespeople are almost always in demand.

  • Rig Technician

    Rig Technician

    Drilling is an important phase of oil exploration and extraction in Canada. Drilling is one of the methods used to access hydrocarbon formations. Rig technicians work on drilling rigs and other specialized equipment to drill holes to retrieve these hydrocarbons.

    Drilling rigs are owned by companies specializing in drilling, called drilling contractors. Some contractors are larger than others and some specialize in certain types of operations. However, all contractors offer their drilling equipment and the services of their employees to exploration companies on a contract basis.

    A rig crew’s operational structure is organized by a clearly defined set of duties and responsibilities. After gaining entry level experience as a leasehand and floorhand, workers in this trade must progress through the ranks of motorhand (level 1) and derrickhand (level 2) in order to become fully qualified rig technicians/drillers (level 3). The division of duties in the levels of skilled workers on a rig crew is:

    Motorhands: maintain drilling rig engines, transmissions, heating systems, diesel electric generators and motors, hydraulic systems and other mechanical equipment; maintain equipment logs and records; monitor fluid and supply levels; participate in rig mobilization (rig up) and demobilization (rig out); supervise and are able to do all duties performed by floorhands and leasehands.

    Derrickhands: operate drilling fluid systems and pumps during drilling; mix chemicals and additives; handle sections of the drill string assembly from the monkeyboard during tripping operations; monitor and record volume and properties of drilling fluids; supervise motorhands, floorhands and leasehands; and are able to do all duties performed by motorhands.

    Rig technicians (drillers): operate the drawworks, rotary equipment and pumps; inspect rig; maintain records of drilling operations; are able to perform all duties performed by any crew member; and are responsible for the safety, training and supervision of the crew members.

    Rig technicians report directly to the drilling rig manager. The scope of the rig technician for this analysis covers the duties of motorhands, derrickhands and drillers.

    A rig crew works with a variety of hand and power tools, as well as motorized equipment, lifting and hoisting equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment. Computers are an important tool in this trade to maintain operational records and interpret data related to drilling activities.

    The rig is set up and transported to different sites resulting in the rig crew often travelling to remote locations. The work is performed in all weather conditions and workers should be prepared to work in all types of weather and environmental conditions (example: cold, hot, noisy, dirty, dusty, wet and muddy). Drilling activity peaks during the winter months when the ground is frozen. The work pressures and demands may fluctuate depending on world oil and gas supply and demand.

    Important attributes for rig technicians are good hand-eye coordination, mechanical inclination, the ability to work well in a team and with third-party service providers, and strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Good physical condition is important because the work often requires considerable lifting, long hours and repetitive movement.

    Drilling is a 24-hour operation, requiring rig technicians to work shifts and often long hours. The job requires mental alertness due to the inherent work hazards such as moving equipment, exposure to chemicals, risks of explosions and working at heights. Rig technicians work outdoors in all kinds of weather, often in remote and isolated areas away from home.

    Rig technicians are expected to perform supervisory duties and training of apprentices and other less experienced crew members. Experienced rig technicians may move into other positions such as rig managers, instructors, well site supervisors, sales representatives or other technical positions within the industry.

  • Living On A Budget

    Living On A Budget

    As a young person, your parents are probably paying for most, if not all, of your expenses. Perhaps you have a job, in which case you may be making some of your own money. However, because of the time that school takes up, you probably are only able to work part-time. This means that your income is limited to what your parents give you and what small amount of money you can make at your job. Learning how to budget your money is an invaluable skill that will help you to learn the value of money and make important decisions about what you need and what you can live without.

    Budgeting starts by thinking about your expenses and what you can and cannot afford to buy. It also involves setting goals for what purchases you would like to make in the coming years, which can be very exciting and rewarding. Your parents may already be paying for your “big” expenses like rent, food and transportation costs (bus pass, car, etc.). They might also pay your phone and internet bill. In turn, you would then be responsible for paying for your clothing, hygiene products (like shampoo and conditioner) and your entertainment costs. All of these amenities add up and you will eventually have to pay for all of these things yourself.

    Setting goals about when you will be able to afford a certain purchase is a really good way to initially ease yourself into a budget. If, for example, you currently work part-time hours (20-30 per week) and you want to buy a car within the next 4 years, you can calculate how much money you will have to put away in your savings account. Knowing this will help to set you up for success and encourage you to spend your money responsibly. It will help you to make tough decisions about what you really need and what you don’t (do you NEED that new Xbox game?).

    Depending on your financial situation, you might also be responsible for paying your university or college tuition. These costs can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars and definitely require budget planning. You will need to factor in all of the above mentioned cost in addition to the cost of school. This is where applying for student loans and scholarships becomes vitally important. Remember – student loans you are required to pay back. Scholarships are essentially free money. Ensure you have applied for as many scholarships as possible!

    All of this responsibility can tend to weigh down on you and make you feel trapped. But don’t worry! Everyone has a budget. Some are more restricted than others, but with a little creativity and organizational skills, you will be able to manage perfectly well and become a better person for it. Money comes and goes, but as long as you are doing your part to earn an income and to actively plan and manage your money, you will be fine.

  • Jobs with Animals: Dog Groomer

    Jobs with Animals: Dog Groomer

    I interviewed Kelly Booth, a local dog groomer. We talked about dog grooming as a career, some challenges she faces at work, and what she enjoys about her job.

    M: Being a dog groomer isn’t a typical occupation. When and how did you decide to pursue it as a career?
    K: I knew I wanted to work with animals, so I just started applying to pet stores and veterinary clinics. I dropped off my resume at PetSmart where the manager explained the process of becoming a groomer. I would start as a bather and, if I showed potential, they would send me to the grooming “academy” which is run by PetSmart. So this is what I did, and I’ve been doing it for about three years now.

    M: What kind of schooling is required, and how long does it take?
    K: The training I received was pretty basic. I just went to an “academy certified” PetSmart store where I was trained how to groom. This lasted about a month and we learned how to do the different cuts on the main breeds of dogs.

    M: What are some typical challenges that you face at work?
    K: As you can imagine, working with dogs is not always easy. They can be temperamental and unpredictable. The most common challenge I face is grooming dogs that are just generally uncooperative, i.e.: pulling their legs when I’m trying to brush them or groom them, not standing, squirming when I’m trying to do their nails, etc. I get bit and scratched quite a lot. It can be frustrating and scary because I’m dealing with sharp objects and it can be dangerous.

    It’s also really hard on your body. A lot of groomers end up getting carpal tunnel and back and leg problems.

    M: What is the career path for someone who has just completed their schooling?
    K: I started as a bather/brusher, which is basically just bathing and brushing out the dogs, clipping their toenails, and cleaning their ears. After about six months, I started my training. After that, I had to do a 100-dog “apprenticeship”, in which I had to groom twenty shave-downs, twenty sporting dogs, twenty short-legged terriers, twenty long-legged terriers, and twenty hand-scissor cuts. When I was finished that, I became a commissioned groomer.

    M: What are the typical earnings per dog?
    K: The earnings vary depending on the cut that the pet parent wants. For example, a simple shave down ranges from $55-$65 or $80-$90 for a hand-scissored poodle. Some larger dogs, like a Newfoundlander or an Old English Sheepdog, can be $100-$120. Commissions are typically 50-70%.

    M: What is your favourite thing about your job?
    K: I love working with animals. Sometimes we get dogs that like to give hugs and kisses. And the little puppies are always so much fun! I also really like being able to use my hands to create something. Helping the dogs feel better after being all matted is really rewarding.

  • Job Profile: Drywall Finisher and Plasterer

    Job Profile: Drywall Finisher and Plasterer

    Drywall finisher and plasterers install exterior metal framing and sheeting, mouldings, furring, and lathing products, and thermal, fire, sound, and vapour barrier insulation and sealants. They also install moulded and cast forms, acoustical wall and ceiling panels, and interior window and door frames.

    Certification Requirements

    • The Drywall Finisher and Plasterer apprenticeship consists of 5,400 hours of combined on-the-job and in-class technical training.
    • Apprentices must complete 480 hours of in-class technical training.
    • Once you have successfully completed the apprenticeship requirements, you receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship and are considered a journeyperson candidate. If you choose to challenge the Certificate of Qualification exam and pass, you become certified as a journeyperson in the trade.
    • A person with at least 5,400 hours of related work experience is eligible to apply for a Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA) and challenge the Certificate of Qualification exam to become certified as a journeyperson in this trade.
    • If you pass the Interprovincial Standards Examination, you qualify for Interprovincial Red Seal Certification.

    Educational Prerequisites
    Grade 8 or equivalent. Note: High school graduation is recommended. Employers often require more than the minimum educational requirements set by the province. They may also prefer apprentices who have taken certain courses related to their program.

  • Hot Jobs: Careers in Trades

    Hot Jobs: Careers in Trades

    The trades sector in Canada is constantly growing and changing. So how do you know which career path is right for you? Here at Jobs People Do, we’ve assembled a list of some of the hottest jobs in the trades industry that will be in high demand for years to come. Take a look at just some of your options and then click on the link to be taken directly to career information. Find out what kind of education you will need and how much you can expect to be paid.

    Aboriginal Child Development Practitioner
    Agricultural – Dairy Herdsperson
    Agricultural – Fruit Grower
    Agricultural – Swine Herdsperson
    Agricultural Equipment Technician
    Alignment and Brakes Technician
    Appliance Service Technician
    Arborist
    Architectural Glass and Metal Technician
    Assistant Cook
    Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer
    Auto Body Repairer
    Automotive Electronic Accessory Technician
    Automotive Glass Technician
    Automotive Painter
    Automotive Service Technician
    Baker
    Baker-Patissier
    Bearings Mechanic
    Blacksmith
    Brick and Stone Mason
    Cabinetmaker
    Cement (Concrete) Finisher
    Chef
    Child and Youth Worker
    Child Development Practitioner
    Composite Structures Technician
    Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer
    Concrete Pump Operator
    Construction Boilermaker
    Construction Craft Worker
    Construction Millwright
    Cook
    Developmental Services Worker
    Die Designer
    Draftsperson – Mechanical
    Draftsperson – Plastic Mould Design
    Draftsperson – Tool and Die Design
    Drywall Acoustic and Lathing Applicator
    Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
    Educational Assistant
    Electric Motor System Technician
    Electrical Control (Machine) Builder
    Electrician – Construction and Maintenance
    Electrician – Domestic and Rural
    Electrician (Signal Maintenance)
    Electronic Service Technician
    Elevating Devices Mechanic
    Entertainment Industry Power Technician
    Exterior Insulated Finish Systems Mechanic
    Facilities Mechanic
    Facilities Technician
    Fitter – Assembler (Motor Assembly)
    Floor Covering Installer
    Fuel and Electrical Systems Technician
    Gemsetter / Goldsmith
    General Carpenter
    General Machinist
    Hairstylist
    Hardware, Lumber and Building Materials Retailer
    Hazardous Materials Worker
    Heat and Frost Insulator
    Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
    Heavy Equipment Operator – Dozer
    Heavy Equipment Operator – Excavator
    Heavy Equipment Operator – Tractor Loader Backhoe
    Hoisting Engineer – Mobile Crane Operator 1
    Hoisting Engineer – Mobile Crane Operator 2
    Hoisting Engineer – Tower Crane Operator
    Horse Groomer
    Horse Harness Maker
    Horticultural Technician
    Hydraulic / Pneumatic Mechanic
    Industrial Electrician
    Industrial Mechanic Millwright
    Information Technology – Contact Centre Customer Service Agent
    Information Technology – Contact Centre Sales Agent
    Information Technology – Contact Centre Technical Support Agent
    Information Technology – Hardware Technician
    Information Technology – Network Technician
    Institutional Cook
    Instrumentation and Control Technician
    Ironworker – Generalist
    Ironworker – Structural and Ornamental
    Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Lineperson
    Locksmith
    Machine Tool Builder and Integrator
    Marine Engine Technician
    Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
    Micro Electronics Manufacturer
    Motive Power Machinist
    Motorcycle Technician
    Mould Designer
    Mould Maker
    Mould or Die Finisher
    Native Clothing and Crafts Artisan
    Native Residential Construction Worker
    Network Cabling Specialist
    Optics Technician (Lens and Prism Maker)
    Packaging Machine Mechanic
    Painter and Decorator – Commercial and Residential
    Painter and Decorator – Industrial
    Parts Technician
    Pattern Maker
    Plumber
    Pool, Hot Tub and Spa – Installer
    Pool, Hot Tub and Spa – Service Technician
    Powered Lift Truck Technician
    Powerline Technician
    Precast Concrete Erector
    Precast Concrete Finisher
    Precision Metal Fabricator
    Pressure Systems Welder
    Process Operator – Food Manufacturing
    Process Operator – Power
    Process Operator – Refinery, Chemical, and Liquid Processes
    Process Operator – Wood Products
    Pump Systems Installer
    Railway Car Technician
    Recreation Vehicle Technician
    Refractory Mason
    Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
    Reinforcing Rodworker
    Relay and Instrumentation Technician
    Residential (Low Rise) Sheet Metal Installer
    Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
    Restoration Mason
    Retail Meat Cutter
    Roll Grinder / Turner
    Roofer
    Saddlery
    Saw Filer / Fitter
    Sheet Metal Worker
    Ski Lift Mechanic
    Small Engine Technician
    Special Events Coordinator
    Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer
    Steamfitter
    Surface Blaster
    Surface Mount Assembler
    Terrazzo, Tile, and Marble Setter
    Thin Film Technician
    Tire, Wheel and Rim Mechanic
    Tool / Tooling Maker
    Tool and Cutter Grinder
    Tool and Die Maker
    Tool and Gauge Inspector
    Tractor-Trailer Commercial Driver
    Transmission Technician
    Truck and Coach Technician
    Truck-Trailer Service Technician
    Turf Equipment Technician
    Utility Arborist
    Water Well Driller
    Welder
    Wooden Boat Rebuilder