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Category: Jobs and Apprenticeships

  • The Gig Economy and Post-Secondary Students

    The Gig Economy and Post-Secondary Students

    As students near the end of high school, they tend to start thinking about what career to pursue after graduation. If you are at that point, you might be trying to decide which post-secondary program will suit you best. That might have worked in the past, but the gig economy has changed the future for post-secondary students.

    The “gig economy” is a term that has become quite common in recent years. In the past, many people had jobs that lasted an entire career, or at least for many years. They would work in one office or with one company for much or all of that time.

    In the gig economy, however, many people work for many different employers. The work tends to be temporary and often flexible or freelance work. People might work for five or more employers at once, or they might work for a series of employers. Some jobs might be full time for a few weeks or months, but other jobs might be only a few hours a week.

    The gig economy has been growing in recent years. About one million Canadians are currently struggling to pay their bills by working at several jobs rather than at one main place of employment. For post-secondary students, this situation means rethinking the way that they prepare for the future, especially as they choose the educational path for the future.

    Post-secondary education can be expensive. Tuition fees vary from one province to another and are lower for students in undergraduate programs like bachelor’s degrees than for people in graduate programs like master’s or PhD degrees. In 2022-23, the average undergraduate tuition was $6,834, although some fields like engineering and business management cost more. Graduate studies tend to be more expensive than undergraduate courses, and professional programs like medicine cost the most, sometimes more than $23,000 per year.

    With these costs, students need to consider the benefits and drawbacks of studying after high school. They need to think about what they hope to get from a post-secondary program and how realistic their goals are. For example, career prospects are important considerations. Experts often say that the large number of upcoming retirements means that jobs will be available for younger people, but no one can predict exactly when and how that change will happen.

    One issue is changing technology. In libraries, for example, staffing needs have changed largely because of the information available online. Librarians and library technicians might need to work at several locations to be able to earn a living, or they could use their knowledge of information sources and retrieval to work as consultants for companies that need better ways of organizing documents. Before deciding to spend thousands of dollars on a library-related education, students should consider whether another field might be better.

    Many workers in Canada combine a part-time regular employment with several short-term jobs. A few careers, such as medicine and law, tend to be stable jobs, but they can be very busy and stressful in themselves.

    Post-secondary students should consider their strengths and weaknesses, including how much pressure they can manage, to deal with the gig economy. With careful consideration of the benefits and drawbacks of their choices, post-secondary students can make the best choices possible to deal with the current situation.

     

    Bibliography

    Ching, Ping, et al. “Paid Employment, Self-Employment and Gig Work in Administrative and Survey Data.” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2023003-eng.htm.

    Investopedia. “Gig Economy: Definition, Factors Behind It, Critique & Gig Work.” https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gig-economy.asp.

    Mullin, Malone. “2 Jobs, 2 Side Hustles, and Never Enough Cash: How the Gig Economy Is Wearing This Banking Intern Thin.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/the-grind-gig-economy-1.7040910.

    Statistics Canada. “Tuition Fees for Degree Programs, 2022/2023.” https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220907/dq220907b-eng.htm.

  • Benefits and Drawbacks of Ontario’s Co-op Programs

    Benefits and Drawbacks of Ontario’s Co-op Programs

    Traditional forms of education can be good, but sometimes students need a different style of learning. Ontario’s co-op programs can be a good choice for students who know the benefits and drawbacks of this option.

    Co-op programs are good ways of learning important skills while preparing for paid employment. In some ways, co-op programs are like apprenticeships. Students take courses but then have the chance to gain practical experience, including learning how to apply for co-op programs or gaining interview skills that could help make the process of getting work easier.

    Learning through a co-op program can be a good choice, but students should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks. Co-op programs can be very competitive, and it can be difficult to get a spot. For people who get in, the work can be quite demanding. Even students who get into the program might not be able to find extra work so that they can get the experience they need. Sometimes, the volunteer work included in the program can also cause stress.

    Despite these possible disadvantages, many students find co-op programs useful. Many of these programs have a break every four months. Students get experience in the interview process and learn how to communicate with employers, other employees, and customers. Knowing how to deal with issues at work can help people find and keep good jobs after they finish the program.

    The main idea behind a co-op program is to show what a career in a certain field is like. Students learn how to apply for jobs, including creating resumes geared towards the type of job the student wants. A resume for a teaching position, for example, would be different from a resume for a job as an electrician. Through a co-op program, students get practical experience in the skills that they will need for the future.

    Ontario has various co-op programs in different fields. Co-op programs should be at an academic institution that the provincial government has authorized to offer diplomas and degrees. Work experience must be part of the program, and the university or college must allow students to be paid for the work. The students in these programs should also have full-time status, even if they are not taking full time courses.

    Co-op programs can be very useful for students who are able to balance work and studies. Being well organized is important since instructors generally expect students to keep track of their assignments and to hand them in when they are due. Getting to class or work on time is also important.

    Students who want to enroll in a co-op program should first decide if the program fits with their goals. For many people, one of the main benefits is the chance to get practical experience before they try to find a regular job. This way, they can discover the areas where they still need to learn more and then focus on improving in those areas. Connections that people make with potential employers through co-op programs can also be very helpful for the future.

    Co-op programs are not for everyone, but they can be a good choice. If you consider the benefits and drawbacks of these programs, you might decide that this style of education is right for you.

     

    Bibliography

    Campbell, Tess. “Everything You Need to Know About Co-op Programs as an International Student.” https://www.studyincanada.com/Discover/Article/1/5577/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-Co-op-Programs-as-an-International-Student.

    Government of Canada. “Post-Secondary/Internship Programs.” https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/coop-internship.html.

    LaValle, Javier. “What Is a Co-op Program in Canada?”  https://www.thrivve.ca/blog/what-is-a-co-op-program-in-canada.

    University of Waterloo. “Advantages and Challenges of the Co-op System of Study.” https://uwaterloo.ca/psychology/current-undergraduate-students/experiential-learning/psychology-co-op/advantages-and-challenges-co-op-system-study.

  • Work-Life Balance: Implementing Work Boundaries in a Remote Setting

    Work-Life Balance: Implementing Work Boundaries in a Remote Setting

    The world had changed in many ways since 2020 and the pandemic – especially in the working world.  For young people who are now entering the workforce for the first time, you’re joining a working world vastly different than that of your parent’s generation.  Hybrid and remote workplaces abound; some companies that went fully remote in 2020 remain so, while others are beginning to create hybrid office/work-from-home structures that can offer appealing flexibility and convenience.

    But remote work has its own challenges, especially when it comes to separating your work life from your home life when both are taking place inside the same house or apartment.  It may be nice to have a 30-second commute to your desk, and the flexibility to shift the hours you work or step away for an errand or appointment.  But the danger here is that your personal time and work time will all blend together, leading to less efficient work and less relaxing life.

    This is why setting boundaries is important, especially for young workers who are eager to impress at a new job.  While it’s important to be present and productive in a remote work job, having appropriate boundaries will help maintain a healthy work-life balance.

    While there are lots of ways to set boundaries around remote working, two of the broader ways to do this are establishing your work hours and defining your workspace.

    Clearly Establish Your Working Hours

    One important way to set boundaries while working remotely is to clearly establish your working hours.  Speak with your boss about your schedule and settle on working hours that work for you – and then stick to them.  This means being available and responsive within your established workday, and notifying your boss or teammates if you will be unavailable unexpectedly (such as stepping out for an appointment).

    Establishing clear working hours also means resisting the urge to work “after hours” during what should be your personal time.  While emergencies can happen in any job which may require working late once in a while, both you and your coworkers should respect your off-hours and leave any non-emergency work until the next workday.

    It can be difficult, especially for young adults new to the workforce, to say “no” when it comes to work tasks, but learning to do so politely and professionally is important to maintaining your boundaries and your work-life balance.

    Define Your Workspace

    This one can be tricky, especially if you’re living in a small apartment or sharing a house with other people.  When working remotely, it is a good idea to clearly define your workspace within your home, and then keep your work time and work activities there.

    While having a separate room with a door that you can use as an office is ideal, not everyone has that option.  Even if you’re a bit strapped for space, try to set up a desk or table as your workspace.  Having a designated workspace makes it easier to separate “work time” from “personal time” by whether you’re sitting at your workspace or not – similar to how in a traditional workplace, when you leave your desk at the end of the day, you’re no longer on “work time.”

    This also helps with productivity, as it will be easier to get into a work-mode mindset when you have a specific place to work, and makes it easier for your mind to relax on your off-hours because you’re not sitting at your workspace.

  • The Concerning Trend B.C. of Apprenticeship Completion Rates: Future Improvements

    The Concerning Trend B.C. of Apprenticeship Completion Rates: Future Improvements

    For those looking for work in the trades, they benefit from proper certification. Individuals need to complete a trades apprenticeship, where they gain on-the-job experience under an employer. While certification offers advantages such as more job opportunities, larger wages, greater job security, and greater career advancement, not every apprentice completes their program. A Statistics Canada dataset reveals that B.C. apprentice certification rates have struggled to reach over 50 per cent in the last decade.

    Besides 2023, whose numbers are yet to be released, these rates have fluctuated between 44 to 51 per cent from 2013 to 2022. B.C. only recently started to require certification in some trades under its new Skilled Trades Certification. Until 2023, B.C. was the only province to allow non-certified individuals to work in trades.

    Explaining Apprentice Certification

    Apprenticeships combine job experience with classroom training. These programs range from one to five-years and most last four years. At the end of their apprenticeship, apprentices take an exam for their Certification of Qualification (CoQ) or Interprovincial Red Seal.

    All apprentices need to take the CoQ exam, which is needed to take a Red Seal exam. CoQs certify B.C. tradespeople to work within the province. There are 54 trades classified as Red Seal, which certify individuals to work across Canada.

    Job Outlooks for Apprentices in B.C.

    A survey conducted by BC student outcomes in 2022 said that 98 per cent of apprenticeship students were employed full-time. In the previous year, 99 per cent of apprenticeship students were working full-time. In both years, most of those respondents enrolled in electrician programs compared to other trades.

    Construction is another field that sees great promise. Apprenticeship certification saw a country-wide drop during the pandemic but a few “construction-related trades” saw stable and slightly increased certification between 2020 to 2021. Statistics Canada credits this stability to construction’s designation as essential during the pandemic, meaning many restrictions did not impact the field as significantly. B.C. sees value in the construction sector as well. WorkBC’s Labour Market Outlook for 2022-2032 forecasted approximately 72,700 construction job openings, the third-highest within major industries.

    Factors of Low Certification

    Despite the positive employment rates and outlooks, this fails to explain the low certification rates. The B.C. Chamber of Commerce in 2021 looked at ways to improve these apprenticeship completion rates. They recommended that the province should reintroduce mandatory certification, which is now in progress. Among the Chamber’s findings, they outlined circumstances around these low numbers:

    • Program registrations and certifications have increased, but these rises applied to a “small number of trades and a subset of newly established subtrades” that do not grant workers the same benefits as Red Seal trades, which require country-wide certifications.
    • The rates implied the lack of mandatory certification decreased motivation for apprenticeship completion.
    • C. faced the largest decline in Real Seal certification when comparing 2001-2004 rates with 2011-2014.
    • C. tradespeople suffered four times the amount on injuries on the job compared to those in Ontario. This implies that the BC system did not ensure the same amount of workplace safety.

    With more mandatory B.C. certification increasing its reach this year, this implementation will help push certification within the province. Though the past trend indicated low numbers, more mandatory certification seeks to equip tradespeople with the necessary training and expertise expected within the B.C. labour force. There is a future in the trades.

  • Making a Career Transition in Mid-Life

    Making a Career Transition in Mid-Life

    Choosing a lifelong career can be difficult, especially since situations can change and people can make wrong choices. However, people can change careers, even in mid-life. If they manage the transition well, a career change in mid-life can be an exciting and fulfilling time.

    People often choose a career when they are still quite young. Sometimes, they can find good jobs in that career and to stay in it for years, but not everyone is able to find work in their chosen field, or even any field at all. Precarious employment or losing a job can prompt people to look for work in something new. They might think of the new career as temporary while they wait for a better job market in their chosen field, or they might decide to make a complete break with their first career to concentrate on the new one.

    Even without a job loss, people might decide to make a career change because of circumstances in their lives. They might be injured and unable to continue in a physically demanding job. They might switch to a less time-consuming job to care for elderly parents or for grandchildren. As people age, they might want more leisure to take care of their own health or to finish projects that they started when they were younger.

    Often, a career change in mid-life happens because people have dreams of something they want to do before they are too old to enjoy it. They might want to travel, write a book, or do something else that they have always dreamed of accomplishing. Making money might not be as important to them as it once was, causing them to choose a lower-paid but more fulfilling career.

    Whatever their reasons, people making major career changes in mid-life need to be aware of both the benefits and challenges. At that stage in life, most people have already raised their children and have more freedom to travel or to take jobs with uncertain incomes. People can follow their dreams, even if these dreams do not lead to earning much money.

    Making a transition to a new career can be difficult. Often, it requires learning new skills, which can become harder as people age. Often, employers prefer to hire young people who can expect to stay in the job for many years rather than middle-aged people who might have only ten or fifteen years left before retirement.

    However, people making this kind of transition can help to make the process easier. Experience and knowledge are some of the strengths of people at this stage of their careers. Even if employers prefer the stamina of younger employees, people in mid-life can help convince others of the value of the skills that often come with age.

    The pandemic increased joblessness and made the process of finding work more difficult, but people can still make a transition to a new career, even in mid-life. With persistence and an understanding of the value of their skills, people can find careers that are fulfilling and rewarding, whether the transition comes from a long-held dream or from a change in circumstances. Making a mid-life career transition is a good choice for many people.

     

    Bibliography

    ALIS. “Over 45 and Looking for Work: Making Midlife Career Moves.” https://alis.alberta.ca/tools-and-resources/resources-for-mature-students/look-for-work/over-45-and-looking-for-work-making-midlife-career-moves/.

    Northup, Genevieve. “How To Make a Midlife Career Change (Plus Jobs to Consider).” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/midlife-career-change

    Weikle, Brandie. “Why Mid-Life Could Be the Best Time to Change Careers.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/mid-life-career-change-1.5164941.

    Wharton Online. “How to Successfully Navigate a Midlife Career Change and Avoid a Crisis.” https://online.wharton.upenn.edu/blog/midlife-career-change/.

  • Trades Industry Essentials: What You Need to Know About Careers in the Trades

    Trades Industry Essentials: What You Need to Know About Careers in the Trades

    Are you interested in a career in the trades but don’t know where to begin? Have you ever wondered about the difference between an Apprentice and Journeyperson? What about the terms Red Seal Program, Red Seal Endorsement and RSE? If all this seems confusing, read on to learn more and find out how to prepare for your career.

    What is an Apprentice?
    As an Apprentice, you’re trained to become a Journeyperson through a 1 to 4 year apprenticeship, a post-secondary education program that combines on-the-job and technical training. Approximately 80% of your learning is done on the job, so you need to find an employer who is willing to hire you as an apprentice. The other 20% is through a college or technical training institution.

    Your apprenticeship begins when you register with the apprenticeship authority at your province or territory and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with an employer who is also registered with the apprentice authority.
    Typically, you’re paid 60% of the Journeyperson’s wage rate and the rate increases as you progress through the apprenticeship period until you receive your certification. You may also receive Employment Insurance benefits and federal, provincial or territorial grants.

    What is a Journeyperson?
    Once you satisfy all the requirements of the apprenticeship program, you’re eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification exam, and if successful, you become a certified Journeyperson for your province or territory and receive the wages and benefits associated with that trade.

    As a Journeyperson, you can train and mentor a certified Apprentice, monitor their progress and sign off on whether the apprentice is achieving their key competencies on the job.

    What is the Red Seal Program?
    The Red Seal Program is the national standard of excellence for skilled trades. Its goal is to set common standards in training and certifying tradespersons across Canada.

    You must meet the requirements of your province or territory to attempt the Interprovincial Red Seal exam. The examination determines whether apprentices and experienced tradespersons meet the national standard in a Red Seal trade. Typically, the exam contains 100 to 150 multiple-choice questions and can last up to 4 hours.
    After passing the exam with 70% or higher, you receive a Red Seal Endorsement or RSE on your provincial or territorial Certificate of Qualification. The RSE recognizes the professionalism and the knowledge, skills and experience of tradespeople. With this endorsement, you can practise your trade as a Journeyperson anywhere in Canada, where it is designated, without having to attempt further examination.

    How do I Prepare?
    The first step you should take is to finish high school since the market is very competitive. Take courses related to the trade you’re interested in and participate in an entry-level training program if your high school offers one.

    Need to Learn More?
    Research the trade and speak with potential employers to learn about opportunities and find out what they look for when hiring an apprentice. By taking the steps to prepare, you’re on your way to entering an exciting career.
    ____________
    Giselle Mazurat is a resume writer living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She also writes technical and business content for government and private companies.

    Bibliography:
    Information on the Red Seal Program
    http://www.red-seal.ca/w.2lc.4m.2-eng.html
    Interprovincial Standards
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interprovincial_Standards
    Journeyperson Definition
    http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/81-004-x/def/4153355-eng.htm
    Overview of the Red Seal Examination
    http://www.red-seal.ca/resources/.2x.1ms_.1b.4.5t-eng.html
    Red Seal Designated Trades
    http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/tr.1d.2s_l.3st-eng.html
    Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) Acronym
    http://www.red-seal.ca/about/rs.2_msr-eng.html
    Red Seal Exam Preparation Checklist
    http://www.red-seal.ca/resources/pr.2p-ch.2ckl.3st-eng.html

  • Careers that will Suffer the Consequences of the Climate Crisis

    Careers that will Suffer the Consequences of the Climate Crisis

    Average global temperatures continue to increase. As this crisis worsens, the world will endure ongoing and escalating impacts. One of the many facets of human life to be affected are careers. The world of work will be dramatically altered through the course of this century as the changing climate eliminates and worsens numerous jobs and careers in Canada and around the globe. It will impact fields that you may not have expected.

    A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 80 million full-time positions will be lost in the next decade. Reduced productivity and increased heat-stress will especially impact physical jobs that primarily take place outdoors. Construction workers already have to contend with weather delays, and this will only be exasperated by the changing climate. These delays increase overall costs, while rising temperatures not only harms the health of workers, but also makes it difficult to cure concrete. Higher temperatures and heavier rainfall will also make it more challenging for mail carriers to complete their routes and deliver packages. This will impact the speedier expectations customers have for deliveries thanks to fast turnaround times promised by companies such as Amazon, as well as the sending and delivery of products that so many small businesses depend on.

    Elsewhere around the world, increased temperatures will harm workers in hotter countries with textile factories that lack air conditioning. From 2030 to 2050, the World Health Organization estimates that heat stress will result in an additional 38,000 deaths annually worldwide. In nations expected to endure higher temperature increases, this will adversely affect women and agricultural workers. The construction industry in Southeast Asia and West Africa will endure a huge loss of working hours, with 19% of hours expected to be lost globally. Sport, transportation, and tourism are all going to be worsened in geographical areas such as Africa and South Asia, more so than in North America and Europe. It is an undeniable and troubling fact that the carbon emissions carried out by major corporations and our modern way of life is going to have a harsher impact on poorer and developing nations.

    The negative impact is not only on the ground. Pilots will be affected by the changing weather conditions. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 53% of flight delays were due to weather in 2015. As the climate changes and global wind speeds are altered, this will result in expensive delays and problems such as more money needed for fuel. Travel will become increasingly challenging just as an unprecedented number of climate refugees will seek escape from those nations set to be hit hardest by the climate crisis, and who will be seeking work in countries such as Canada. Major cities such as Toronto will not only have to contend with this influx of people, but also the added heat caused by numerous buildings and lack of vegetation. This will increase temperatures in the downtown core, making both outdoor construction and indoor office jobs more difficult.

    Every single career is going to see some sort of impact from the climate crisis. Physical and outdoor jobs, as well as ones more likely to be immediately impacted by weather patterns, will suffer the most. Employers and companies must take the appropriate steps to future-proof their businesses. Governments must step in to help the most vulnerable. Employees and workers must be aware of the growing risks and what can be done to ensure safety in an increasingly unsafe work environment. With these challenges comes the opportunity for a more global and unified approach to these problems. There is the potential to radically transform the very nature of work with greater reliance on technology and artificial intelligence, more remote jobs that do not require people to be in one specific location, and strengthened social programs such as universal basic income. But 2030 or 2050 are not the times to take action. That time is now.

    Sources:

    Crandall, Diana. “Jobs That Will Be Most Affected by Global Warming.” Attn:. https://archive.attn.com/stories/3862/jobs-affected-by-global-warming

    Taylor, Lin. “80M jobs could be lost by 2030 due to climate change: UN.” Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/5449602/climate-change-un-jobs-heat/

    Vander Wier, Marcel. “Major job losses with climate change: report.” HRReporter. https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/wellness-mental-health/major-job-losses-with-climate-change-report/304957

  • 3 Unique Outdoor, Year-Round Trades Careers

    3 Unique Outdoor, Year-Round Trades Careers

    Do you enjoy spending time outdoors, getting lots of fresh air and sunshine? For those who aren’t interested in working indoors all the time, a career in a primarily outdoor trade could be a great fit!

    When deciding to pursue a trades career where you will mostly work outdoors, there are a few things you can ask yourself to figure out if this is the right path for you.

    Do you:

    • Prefer being active, rather than sitting for long period of time?
    • Enjoy being outside in nature during the different seasons?
    • Like to do physical work to stay healthy?
    • Want to experience lots of different environments and activities?

    If your answers to these questions are “Yes,” then you should consider a career in an outdoor trade! There are lots of options, including some that you might not realize are skilled trades careers.

    Arborist

    If you love being around trees, then a career as an arborist might be ideal.  Arborists are tradespeople who are responsible for cultivating, managing, conserving and studying trees and shrubs. They work to improve the health of trees, will assess damage and trim or cut down trees if required, and pursue conservation efforts.

    The job of an arborist can involve using harness systems to climb trees in order to inspect them, operating power tools such as hand saws, chain saws, and drills to trim branches or take samples, and assess trees on public or private property for safety and health.  Arborists can be employed by the government, such as the Ministry of Natural Resources, or by landscaping companies, parks, schools, greenhouses, farms and nature conservatories.

    Most of the arborist’s job takes place outdoors, but there are some indoor tasks including writing reports on assessments, maintaining project records, calling clients to arrange service visits or consulting with clients on the safety and wellbeing of their trees.

    Heavy Equipment Operator

    This is a great trades career as you can choose the industry to match the amount of time you wish to spend working outdoors.  These tradespeople operate the heavy equipment used in many industries, including mining, forestry, construction, oil and gas, and civil infrastructure.  Depending on certifications and training, these heavy equipment operators can operate cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, forklifts, excavators, tractors, skidders, dump trucks, steamrollers and many other large machines.

    Many of these machines are common to more than one industry, which means you can choose whether you want to be outdoors all year, or only part of the year, depending on the seasonal schedule of the work.  Where you live in Canada will also have an effect, as some industries will not operate in the winter in certain parts of the country.

    For example, in Toronto or Vancouver the winters are often mild with limited snow, meaning construction projects are active all year round. In contrast, some mining or forestry operations in the far north parts of Canada will shut down or significantly reduce their activity through the winter.

    Horse Groom

    While there are parts of the country where this would be an uncommon profession, horse grooms are needed wherever horses are kept.  These tradespeople work closely with the horses themselves, maintaining their health, nutrition, grooming, exercise and training.  They will also oversee the care and maintenance of stables, stalls, and riding and grooming equipment.

    This career is ideal for those who both love working with horses, and want to work outside a significant amount of their time.  Grooms are employed by racing tracks, farms, recreational riding stables, and private horse owners.

    Most training in this trade comes through apprenticeships and work experience in a variety of stables or farms, though college or trade school courses in animal handling, animal grooming, and veterinary medicine can be required for specific employers.

    SOURCES:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arborist

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_equipment_operator

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca (Job Market Report by Occupation)

    http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/outdoor-careers/

    http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2016/03/07/10-jobs-didnt-skilled-trades/

  • Emerging Green Trades in BC: The Career of the Future

    Emerging Green Trades in BC: The Career of the Future

    If you listen to people talking about the state of the world, you know that the environment is often an important concern for them. In British Columbia, as in many other parts of Canada, jobs that are “green,” or not harmful to the environment, are careers of the future.

    For many years, people used resources like water and minerals without much thought about what they were doing to the environment. Now, however, becoming involved in green jobs can help preserve the environment for the future.

    British Columbia has various options for working in a green trade. The first involves locally grown food. Although this work involves farmers more than tradespeople, every farmer needs machines such as tractors, as well as electricity to light barns and greenhouses. Water pipes and hoses are also necessary. Working in many different trades can help support agricultural work for locally grown food.

    Green building and design is a second area where the green trades are growing. Sustainable materials and better construction methods are key parts of this work. For example, some builders might look for ways to use sunlight or wind power instead of traditional electricity and heating fuels.

    Green transportation is one of British Columbia’s major projects. Electric vehicles have been in the province for at least ten years, and the first electric airplane in BC flew in 2019. Tradespeople who can work with electric vehicles are likely to have good job prospects for many years.

    Sustainability services and education are also important. Although tradespeople might not be directly involved in this work, they can provide the information that educators and others need. They need to be organized and clear about what people need to know so that others can give the public the right information. Tradespeople might even have a chance to help directly with some of the services and facts that people need.

    Land and water management and environmental consulting can also be part of a tradesperson’s job. Other people are likely to do most of the work, but tradespeople can help support the initiatives with suggestions to help preserve the environment. Finding better ways of digging wells, for example, could help preserve the environment.

    People in the trades can get involved in materials management and recycling. Repairing and upgrading old machines so that they run efficiently can help keep usable machines from being thrown out and help to make people aware of the possibilities of reusing even the most worn-out objects.

    The area where tradespeople can have perhaps the biggest impact is in clean technology, alternative energy, and green building products. Working together with scientists and engineers, tradespeople can identify areas that require better resources and make suggestions for areas to develop, such as environmentally friendly building materials or glues. They can set up wind turbines or other forms of clean energy production where possible and help to support clean technology in whatever they do.

    In the future, green trades are likely to become increasingly important. For anyone getting into one of these fields, being aware of the options is very important. If you want to work in British Columbia, you can already start to consider how you can get involved.

     

    Bibliography

    Natural Resources Canada. “Green Jobs in Natural Resources.” https://natural-resources.canada.ca/climate-change/canadas-green-future/green-jobs/87.

    Province of British Columbia. “BC’s Green Transportation Innovations.” https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/news-stories/bcs-green-transportation-innovations/.

    Skilled Immigrant Info Centre. “Fastest Growing Industries: Green Economy.” https://www.vpl.ca/sites/default/files/Fastest_Growing_Industries_Green_Economy.pdf.

    Work BC. “Green Economy.” https://www.workbc.ca/research-labour-market/bcs-economy/green-economy.

  • The Rise of Short Films in a Digital Age

    The Rise of Short Films in a Digital Age

    By Natasha Cooper

    The History of Short Films

    Short films have an incredibly long history within the world of film.  In the beginning of the art form’s inception, short films made up the entirety of film work until there was further technological development of the craft. It was until about 1913 that all films were fifteen minutes or less in duration.  While eventually, feature films that were much longer became the dominant structure of film and storytelling, comedies, documentaries and children’s animated specials mainly remained short, and were very popular.  During times when film and creators were becoming more experimental, the length of a film was often utilized to express objection to formal structures of films that had been established.  This was prevalent throughout the 1930s, when both technology and practices within the film industry had been normalized, and therefore could be challenged.  By the 1960’s, many emerging directors were using short films to start off their career.  Some famous directors who entered their careers through the creation of short films were Roman Polanski, Jean-Luc Godard and Federico Fellini.  Additionally, many film students might eventually find themselves in a class where they are asked to direct a short film, which can be both a challenging and rewarding task.

    Because of the long history of short films, and their presence from mainstream media, academia and within experimental film making, there are many perceptions of this kind of film.  In current times, the short film would generally be a film around 30 minutes or less, and this format is still holding up, and in fact seems to be growing in popularity once again.  There seems to be a few reasons for this which we will explore.

    Changes in Technology

    These days, just about everyone has a smartphone which has astonishing amounts of tools and applications to create with. A smart phone camera and video editing programs have opened the doors for many aspiring filmmakers to make films in varying durations with technology they already have access to.  This has led to an influx in short films.  Additionally, the internet and various social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok etc., make it easy to upload and share your work with others and gain exposure.

    Streaming Services

    As more and more people have begun enjoying film and media entertainment through the usage of streaming services, this has led to a larger variety of the types of film being included on different streaming platforms.  There has been a growing demand for more short films on streaming services which is being recognized and responded to.  This has led to these streaming services showcasing more short films within their collections and even having specific categories for them. Netflix is one of multiple platforms that now has different collections of short films including categories of animated short films, independent projects, and even a collection highlighting short films that have won Oscars.  This exposure of short films on popular streaming services is resulting in a growing interest in this kind of work.

    Shortening Attention Spans

    The very technology discussed previously that has made filmmaking more accessible to digital creators is also arguably to blame for people’s shortening attention spans . The American Psychological Association states that shortening attention spans is a real thing, and can mainly be attributed to the fact that it is the new norm for people to be attached to their phones and computers all day.  This can explain why sometimes audiences simply want to watch a YouTube video, or a thirty-minute episode of their favourite TV show.  However, short films are also a great option for someone who wants to sit down and watch something, knowing they do not have two hours’ worth of time or attention to give.

    The Future and Benefits of Short Films

    So, while short films have had ebbs and flows within their production and audience appreciation, recent trends in streaming platforms, growing accessibility of technology all mixed with societies shortening attention span, arguably can assure many that short films are not going anywhere, and in fact may be thriving.  They have stood the test of time this far, and it seems there are still many more ideas that can be expressed and showcased through this medium of film.  Next, are some benefits as well as a list of opportunities and tips to consider when working on a short film.

    They Are Less Costly

    For emerging filmmakers who might be tight for cash, short films are a viable option to get your work out there with a budget that works for you.  By using the accessible technology and simply spending less time in the production stages, short films are a great option to consider for those wanting to tell a story.

    The Creative Challenge

    To be able to present a plot that is both concise and resonates with an audience is a huge artistic challenge.  Being capable of this shows great talent from the creator, and the fact that short films are gaining popularity once again as well as a variety of mediums to share short films will hopefully reassure short film directors that it is possible for their work to be appreciated by the masses. Also, beginning to work on and complete short films are a great way to create or expand upon a creator’s portfolio.

    Exposure

    As said before, the internet is a great starting place for creators to get their work out there.  There are also many festivals and competitions as well that are dedicated to showing short films.  Below are a range of festivals creators can think about attending or submitting work to.

    There are many opportunities in Canada and beyond for those interested in becoming involved in the world of short films.

    Virtual Film School Canada

    If you are interested in one day creating a short film, or any other sort of captivating media, consider checking out some of the training courses offered at Virtual Film School Canada.  Courses in screenplay and script writing, new media technologies, and all stages in the production process are offered to help ensure emerging creators are equipped with all the skills they need to be successful.