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Category: Jobs and Apprenticeships

  • Career Profile: Patternmaker

    Career Profile: Patternmaker

    Patternmakers in this unit group create master patterns for the production of garments, footwear and other textile, leather or fur products.

    Examples of Occupational Titles
    -dress patternmaker
    -embroidery patternmaker
    -fur garment patternmaker
    -garment patternmaker
    -leather products patternmaker
    -shoe patternmaker
    -textile products patternmaker

    Sources of Employment
    Job opportunities will result mainly from the need to replace patternmakers who will be retiring or leaving this occupation to work in other occupations or because they have been promoted to fashion designer or management positions in the clothing industry.

    People can advance their careers somewhat within the same occupation. Thus some applicants in this occupation start out as graders responsible for adapting patterns to different sizes, before obtaining positions as patternmakers.

    Industries
    According to census data, in 2006 more than 75% of patternmakers – textile, leather and fur products worked in manufacturing, primarily in the clothing industry (approximately 68%). As well, 12% worked in the clothing retail and wholesale trade and 6% in design services. Since jobs in design services and in retail and wholesale trade are also related to the manufacture of garments, generally in companies that sell clothing, and design clothing lines and prepare their own patterns before contracting out the production, it can be concluded that in 2006 more than 85% of jobs in this occupation were related to the manufacture of clothing.

    There are proportionally many more patternmakers in the women’s and children’s clothing industries than there are in the men’s clothing industry. In fact, the men’s clothing industry usually has a much smaller selection of varieties and styles, and is characterized by mass production.

    Education and Training
    It is possible for candidates to find work in this occupation if they have extensive experience in the clothing industry. However, considering the growing use of computer tools in this occupation, successful completion of specialized training is increasingly required.

    Thus employers usually require at least a vocational diploma (DEP) in apparel design. A diploma of collegial studies (DEC) in fashion design are sometimes required. The DEC is an important asset for promotion to fashion designer or supervisory positions.

    Basic knowledge or experience of garment construction may be required, as patternmakers are sometimes asked to sew samples and to alter patterns in order to maximize the cost-effectiveness of sewing activities.

  • Choosing a Trade

    Choosing a Trade

    With more than 200 trades across Canada to choose from, finding the right one can seem challenging. Here are some tips to help you identify what would be a perfect career choice for you.

    Consider a wide range of trades
    Do you like working in the garden, or fixing your car? Do you enjoy home maintenance projects or styling hair? Get familiar with the many trade choices first, and think about what work you like to accomplish.

    Narrow your choices down to 5 or fewer trades
    Keep it manageable by narrowing down your choices. Get as familiar as you can with the work, to see if you’d like it.

    Observe a trade or participate in a youth apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program
    Some school boards offer Observe a Trade days, which will give you the opportunity to see what’s involved in your favourite trades. For something more comprehensive, you can also participate in a pre-apprenticeship program, which gives you practical, on-the-job training with hours that are often transferable to your full apprenticeship.

    Talk to people who work in the trade
    See if you can get in touch with a journeyperson who works in the trade you’ve targeted, to see what advice they can give you. This is a great way to learn some tips from those who have already been there.

  • Non-Red Seal Trades

    Non-Red Seal Trades

    There is more to the trades than you think – here are other jobs that are part of the trade industry. See if one feels right for you! Click through to see more information on select trades from Service Canada, and check back each month as we feature profiles of some of these exciting careers right here on Jobs People Do.

    Construction Sector
    –Cement (concrete) Finisher
    -Concrete Pump Operator
    –Construction Millwright
    –Electrician (Domestic and Rural)
    -Exterior Insulated Finishing Systems Mechanic
    -Hazardous Materials Worker
    –Heat and Frost Insulator
    – Heavy Equipment Operator
    – Dozer Operator
    – Excavator Operator
    – Tractor Loader, Backhoe Operator
    -Native Residential Construction Worker
    –Painter and Decorator: Industrial
    -Precast Concrete Erector
    –Precast Concrete Finisher
    –Refractory Mason
    –Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
    –Residential (low rise) Sheet Metal Installer
    -Restoration Mason

    Industrial Sector
    -Bearings Mechanic
    –Blacksmith
    -CNC Programmer
    -Composite Structures Technician
    –Die Designer
    –Draftsperson (Mechanical, Plastic Mould Design, Tool and Die Design)
    -Electrical Control (Machine) Builder
    -Electrician – Signal Maintenance (TTC)
    -Elevating Devices Mechanic
    -Entertainment Industry Power Technician
    -Facilities Mechanic
    -Facilities Technician
    –Fitter-Assembler(Motor Assembly)
    –Gas Technician
    -Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic
    -Light Rail Overhead Contact System Lineperson (TTC)
    -Locksmith
    -Machine Tool Builder and Integrator
    -Mould Designer
    -Mould Or Die Finisher
    -Mould Maker
    -Optics Technician (Lens and Prism Maker)
    –Packaging Machine Mechanic
    –Pattern Maker
    -Precision Metal Fabricator
    -Pressure Systems Welder
    -Process Operator (Food Manufacturing; Power; Refinery, Chemical and Liquid Process; Wood Products)
    -Pump Systems Installer/Mechanic
    –Railway Car Technician
    -Relay and Instrumentation Technician
    -Roll Grinder/Turner
    -Saw Filer/Fitter
    -Ski Lift Mechanic
    –Surface Blaster
    –Surface Mount Assembler
    -Thin Film Technician
    –Tool And Cutter Grinder
    -Tool And Gauge Inspector
    –Tool/Tooling Maker
    –Tractor Trailer Commercial Driver
    –Water Well Driller

    Motive Power Sector
    –Alignment and Brakes Technician
    –Auto Body Repairer – Br.2
    -Automotive Electronic Accessory Technician
    –Automotive Glass Technician
    –Marine Engine Mechanic
    -Motive Power Machinist
    -Powered Lift Truck Technician
    –Small Engine Technician
    -Tire, Wheel and Rim Mechanic
    –Transmission Technician
    -Turf Equipment Technician

    Service Sector
    -Aboriginal Child Development Practitioner
    –Agriculture – Dairy Herdsperson
    –Agriculture – Fruit Grower
    –Agriculture – Swine Herdsperson
    –Arborist
    –Baker
    -Bicycle Mechanic
    –Chef
    –Child and Youth Worker
    -Child Development Practitioner
    –Cook – Assistant Br. 1
    –Developmental Services Worker
    –Educational Assistant
    –Electronic Service Technician
    -Gem Setter/Goldsmith
    -Hardware, Lumber and Building Materials Retailer
    –Service Sector Horse Groomer
    -Horse Harness Maker
    –Information Technology (Hardware Technician,  Network Technician)
    –Institutional Cook
    -IT Contact Centre (Customer Care Agent, Sales Agent, Technical Support Agent)
    -Micro-Electronics Manufacturer
    -Native Clothing and Crafts Artisan
    -Network Cabling Specialist
    –Pool and Hot Tub/Spa Installer
    –Pool and Hot Tub/Spa Service Technician
    –Retail Meat Cutter
    -Saddlery
    –Special Events Coordinator
    -Utility Arborist
    -Wooden Boat Rebuilder/Repairer

  • Skilled Trades Workers Key Drivers of Canadian Economy

    Skilled Trades Workers Key Drivers of Canadian Economy

    Nearly half of Canadians don’t know how to install a faucet, replace a zipper or change a flat tire, a new survey has found.

    “There’s a serious underlying message here that many Canadians are lacking basic, practical knowledge when it comes to completing everyday skills, admitting they require help,” Skills/Competences Canada CEO Shaun Thorson said in a release about the survey.

    The survey, conducted April 12 to 16, asked 1,011 Canadians in telephone interviews whether they could complete certain tasks. The results are considered accurate to within 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

    The Harris/Decima survey found 46% of Canadians don’t know how to install a bathroom or kitchen faucet, while 14% said they have no idea how to turn off the water main in their home.

    When it comes to fixing their clothes, 45% of Canadians said they can’t replace a zipper. This percentage jumped to 63% when just the men were counted.
    About a third of Canadians – 31% – don’t know how to install a light fixture.

    As well, 28% of Canadians don’t know how to change a flat tire – but when looking at just the women’s answers, that jumps to 48%.

    “Industries that depend on skilled trade workers are key drivers of the Canadian economy contributing over 50% of Canada’s GDP. But the growing shortage of skilled trade workers is not only a concern for industry – it is only a matter of time before every Canadian will feel the impact in their everyday lives,” Thorson said.

    Skills/Competences Canada commissioned the survey. The organization promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies.

  • Non-Red Seal Trades

    Non-Red Seal Trades

    There is more to the trades than you think – here are other jobs that are part of the trade industry. See if one feels right for you! Click through to see more information on select trades from Service Canada, and check back each month as we feature profiles of some of these exciting careers right here on Jobs People Do.

    Construction Sector
    –Cement (concrete) Finisher
    -Concrete Pump Operator
    –Construction Millwright
    –Electrician (Domestic and Rural)
    -Exterior Insulated Finishing Systems Mechanic
    -Hazardous Materials Worker
    –Heat and Frost Insulator
    – Heavy Equipment Operator
    – Dozer Operator
    – Excavator Operator
    – Tractor Loader, Backhoe Operator
    -Native Residential Construction Worker
    –Painter and Decorator: Industrial
    -Precast Concrete Erector
    –Precast Concrete Finisher
    –Refractory Mason
    –Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
    –Residential (low rise) Sheet Metal Installer
    -Restoration Mason

    Industrial Sector
    -Bearings Mechanic
    –Blacksmith
    -CNC Programmer
    -Composite Structures Technician
    –Die Designer
    –Draftsperson (Mechanical, Plastic Mould Design, Tool and Die Design)
    -Electrical Control (Machine) Builder
    -Electrician – Signal Maintenance (TTC)
    -Elevating Devices Mechanic
    -Entertainment Industry Power Technician
    -Facilities Mechanic
    -Facilities Technician
    –Fitter-Assembler(Motor Assembly)
    –Gas Technician
    -Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic
    -Light Rail Overhead Contact System Lineperson (TTC)
    -Locksmith
    -Machine Tool Builder and Integrator
    -Mould Designer
    -Mould Or Die Finisher
    -Mould Maker
    -Optics Technician (Lens and Prism Maker)
    –Packaging Machine Mechanic
    –Pattern Maker
    -Precision Metal Fabricator
    -Pressure Systems Welder
    -Process Operator (Food Manufacturing; Power; Refinery, Chemical and Liquid Process; Wood Products)
    -Pump Systems Installer/Mechanic
    –Railway Car Technician
    -Relay and Instrumentation Technician
    -Roll Grinder/Turner
    -Saw Filer/Fitter
    -Ski Lift Mechanic
    –Surface Blaster
    –Surface Mount Assembler
    -Thin Film Technician
    –Tool And Cutter Grinder
    -Tool And Gauge Inspector
    –Tool/Tooling Maker
    –Tractor Trailer Commercial Driver
    –Water Well Driller

    Motive Power Sector
    –Alignment and Brakes Technician
    –Auto Body Repairer – Br.2
    -Automotive Electronic Accessory Technician
    –Automotive Glass Technician
    –Marine Engine Mechanic
    -Motive Power Machinist
    -Powered Lift Truck Technician
    –Small Engine Technician
    -Tire, Wheel and Rim Mechanic
    –Transmission Technician
    -Turf Equipment Technician

    Service Sector
    -Aboriginal Child Development Practitioner
    –Agriculture – Dairy Herdsperson
    –Agriculture – Fruit Grower
    –Agriculture – Swine Herdsperson
    –Arborist
    –Baker
    -Bicycle Mechanic
    –Chef
    –Child and Youth Worker
    -Child Development Practitioner
    –Cook – Assistant Br. 1
    –Developmental Services Worker
    –Educational Assistant
    –Electronic Service Technician
    -Gem Setter/Goldsmith
    -Hardware, Lumber and Building Materials Retailer
    –Service Sector Horse Groomer
    -Horse Harness Maker
    –Information Technology (Hardware Technician,  Network Technician)
    –Institutional Cook
    -IT Contact Centre (Customer Care Agent, Sales Agent, Technical Support Agent)
    -Micro-Electronics Manufacturer
    -Native Clothing and Crafts Artisan
    -Network Cabling Specialist
    –Pool and Hot Tub/Spa Installer
    –Pool and Hot Tub/Spa Service Technician
    –Retail Meat Cutter
    -Saddlery
    –Special Events Coordinator
    -Utility Arborist
    -Wooden Boat Rebuilder/Repairer

  • Career Profile: Social Worker

    Career Profile: Social Worker

    Helping people can be a satisfying experience. You probably know the good feeling you get when you help your grandparents or friends with jobs that need to be done, such as raking leaves in the yard or helping them move to a new home. You might not enjoy everything about the job itself, but in the end, you can feel good about doing something to help people in need. If you enjoy helping people, even with difficult or unpleasant tasks, a career as a social worker might be right for you.

    Becoming a social worker is a bit like helping friends and family with the things they need to have done. Not everything that social workers do is pleasant or even safe. Sometimes they have to deal with dangerous situations and  it may seem as if nothing they do can help improve people’s lives. However, all of these struggles are part of their job.

    Basically, social workers help people in crisis. They might go into the hospital to help someone who needs assistance in everyday tasks because of an accident or major illness. In Canada, about 85% of social workers are in hospitals. Others take children from dangerous homes and find them safe places to live. Social workers help unemployed people, the homeless, people with physical or mental disabilities, young people who have committed crimes, and many others. To do this, they often work with counselors, psychologists, and other professionals.

    For each person or family that social workers help, they have to make a plan. They decide what information to give on government programs or arrange for meetings with a counsellor who can help people with their family, employment, or personal problems. It usually means spending time with the client (the person in need) to see what help is necessary. People are all different, and social workers have to try to find out the best treatment for each one. Over the next months or years, the social workers have to keep on checking in with the client to make sure that everything is working and report back to other people working in the field. Often, this means that they spend a lot of time writing reports on what they have done.

    Many people do social work without ever having official training. Someone who washes the dishes at a homeless shelter, for example, is doing social work. However, becoming a full-time, official social worker usually requires university training to learn the theories and principles of the field. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or social services is often necessary for high-level jobs, although many lower-level workers often need no special education.

    A career in social work can be difficult, but it can have many rewards. If you like working with people and want to help them, it might be a good career path to consider.

  • All About Apprenticeships

    All About Apprenticeships

    What is apprenticeship?
    Apprenticeship is an agreement between a person (an apprentice) who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker — “earning while learning.” Apprenticeship is a proven industry-based learning system that combines on-the-job experience with technical training to produce a certified journeyperson. Upon completion of the specified training period, apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification. On average, 85% of the apprentice’s training, which usually takes two to five years, is spent in the workplace; the rest is spent at a training institution.

    What is a designated trade?
    Under the terms of the Canadian Constitution, each province and territory has the responsibilities for education and training which includes apprenticeship. The legislation permits each jurisdiction to designate occupations for apprenticeship.

    Designated trades are governed by regulations under the Provincial and Territorial Apprenticeship Acts. These regulations outline the administrative procedures and in some cases the standards and conditions of training for specific trades (e.g. methods of registering apprentices, curriculum, accreditation, and certification).

    Who administers apprenticeship programs?
    Apprenticeship programs are generally administered by provincial and territorial departments responsible for education, labour and training (under the direction of the provincial or territorial Director of Apprenticeship) with authority delegated from the legislation in each province and territory.

    The Program is supported by a network of advisory bodies, such as Apprenticeship and Certification Boards, Local Advisory Committees and Provincial Advisory Committees.

    Industry-driven provincial and territorial apprenticeship training boards are major policy-making and governing bodies for apprenticeship training relating to recommendations of trade designation, curriculum requirements and regulatory aspects of trades and occupations.

    Is certification compulsory or voluntary?
    The skilled trades are classified as either compulsory or voluntary. Generally, compulsory trades require workers to be certified or registered as apprentices in order to work in the occupation. Voluntary trades involve voluntary apprenticeship training and certification as workers are not required to be registered or certified to work in that trade.

    Even though many trades deemed compulsory in some of the jurisdictions are also Red Seal trades, it is not mandatory for a worker to obtain the Red Seal endorsement.

    What is the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program?
    The Red Seal Program represents industry’s recognition of an interprovincial standard of excellence for the skilled trades.

    Through the Program, apprentices who have completed their training and become certified journeypersons are able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their provincial or territorial Certificates of Qualification and Apprenticeship by successfully completing an interprovincial Red Seal examination.The Program encourages harmonization of provincial and territorial apprenticeship training and certification programs by developing and maintaining interprovincial standards of qualification for Red Seal trades, in partnership with apprenticeship and certification stakeholders. To date, there are 55 trades included in the Red Seal Program on a national basis.Legislation permits provinces and territories to designate trades and develop apprenticeship programs for their own requirements. Thus, in excess of 300 apprenticeship programs are available across Canada. The Ellis Chart, a comparative chart of apprentice training programs across Canada, is produced by HRSDC in collaboration and consultation with the provinces and territories and provides training and certification details for all of these apprenticeable programs.

    How to obtain a Red Seal?
    In certain trades, holders of provincial and territorial Certificates of Qualification can apply to write an Interprovincial Examination; if successful, they receive a distinctive Red Seal, which is affixed to their Certificate of Qualification.

    An Interprovincial Standards Red Seal can be obtained in the trades designated as Red Seal by:
    – graduating from a recognized provincial or territorial apprenticeship training program; o
    – meeting requirements established by the provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority; or
    – having the time and experience working in a Red Seal trade assessed to qualify to write the Red Seal examination.
    – passing the interprovincial standards Red Seal examination for that trade.

  • Youth Apprenticeship Programs

    Youth Apprenticeship Programs

    Youth apprenticeship programs are available in most provinces and territories. Check out the programs available in your area.

    Alberta
    The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) allows high school students to participate in an apprenticeship program while they are still attending school. RAP apprentices earn income as well as hours of on-the-job training and work experience as credit towards their apprenticeship program, and their high school diploma. Scholarships are also available for RAP students.

    British Columbia
    The Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) is a career program that provides students with the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship while still in high school, and to earn high school credits for doing so. It provides a smoother road from school to work, and a head start to an apprenticeship.

    ACE IT is an industry training program for high school students, with trade classes offered at colleges and sometimes at a high school. ACE IT programs involve a partnership of schools, employers and industry and provides funding for the first level of schooling. Local employers get involved in the development of ACE IT programs, leading to a higher employment rate following completion of the program.

    Manitoba
    The High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) combines regular high school instruction with paid, part-time, on-the-job training. Students can earn up to 8 supplemental academic credits for graduation based on 110 working/practical hours per credit.

    Youth Build is a job training and pre-apprenticeship program whereby young people are working under the supervision of a journeyperson to renovate homes and develop building skills. Young people can attend the Youth Build Program full time, as an alternative to school. In Manitoba, there is a 30 hour per week paid vocational component and a 10 hour per week unpaid academic component.

    New Brunswick
    The Career Connections Program (CCP) offers students experience, hands-on paid work experience, and expands their essential employability skills.

    Newfoundland and Labrador
    Youth apprenticeship courses are available for high school students through Skilled Trades Jump Start Your Life.

    Northwest Territories
    The Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP) is an opportunity for high school students to earn credit and pursue a career in the trades.

    Nova Scotia
    The Workit Youth Apprenticeship Initiative is open to youth between the ages of 16 and 19.

    Options and Opportunities (O2) offers students more hands-on learning experiences with a career focus. It’s designed to prepare students for successful transitions from high school to work, a career path, or a post-secondary program.

    Ontario
    The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

    Prince Edward Island
    Youth Apprenticeship or Accelerated Secondary Youth Apprenticeship Program (ASAP)Youth Apprenticeship is for students wanting to explore their trade career options and gain a head-start on the post-secondary apprenticeship training program while working toward their Grade 12 diploma.

    Québec
    Québec offers vocational and technical education programs under the apprenticeship system, which are run jointly by Emploi-Québec and the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport .

    Saskatchewan
    Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) raises awareness of apprenticeship in Saskatchewan schools by helping young people discover what rewards come with being a Youth Apprentice and working in the skilled trades.

    Yukon
    The Yukon Secondary School Apprenticeship Training program is open to Yukon secondary school students who would like to explore a skilled trade and complete high school at the same time.

  • Career Profile: Blacksmiths and Die Setters

    Career Profile: Blacksmiths and Die Setters

    Blacksmiths forge a variety of metal items, such as tools, chains, wrought iron fixtures, agricultural implements and structural components. Die setters set up forging machines, such as forging presses, drop hammers, forging rolls and upsetters. They are employed primarily by fabricated metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing companies.

    Main Duties
    Blacksmiths perform some or all of the following duties:
    -Heat metal items in forge
    -Hammer, punch, cut or otherwise form metal workpieces into desired shapes and sizes
    -Forge special tools from metal or devise special jigs or fixtures
    -Temper, harden or anneal forged items
    -Shape metal using power forging machinery.

    Die setters perform some or all of the following duties:
    -Select dies for forging according to work order and specifications
    -Position, align and bolt dies to ram and anvil of power presses and hammers
    -Check initial operation of forging machine to ensure that machine is set up properly for use by forging machine operators.

    Employment Requirements
    -Completion of secondary school is usually required.
    -On-the-job training is provided.
    -Several years of experience as a forging machine operator may be required.

  • Career Profile: Tourism Promoter

    Career Profile: Tourism Promoter

    Job Description
    A tourism promoter is someone who promotes tourism for a specific area by developing and organizing many of the events and attractions that draw tourists to that location. The other responsibilities of a tourism promoter are quite extensive and require a lot of communication and partnership with businesses, the local community and the public.
    Some of the other duties of a tourism promoter include:
    • Promoting potential and functioning tourist attractions through various advertising campaigns
    • Researching the overall approval rate of existing attractions in order to discover where improvements need to be made
    • Using the views, interests, and history of the local people to influence the development of new attractions
    • Advising local tourism businesses on what they can do to contribute to the overall tourism of the area
    • Writing press releases and articles for tourism guides, magazines, and newsletters; organizing special events, holiday shows, exhibitions, and festivals (attendance is often required)

    Salary and Conditions
    The salaries of tourism promoters differ based on factors such as the location, the employer, and the amount of tourists that the location receives. However, the average starting salary of a tourism promoter is around $26,000-$30,000. After about two years of work, the salary may increase to about $35,000-$40,000 and after five years, $45,000-$58,000. In some cases, quality of work may positively or negatively influence the salary. Typically, a tourism promoter works a 37 hour week. Since the job requires a lot of involvement with planning, organizing, and attending social events, many additional hours may be spent working. The majority of work is done in an office or a similar environment. Sometimes the job calls for work to be done at various locations around the community or at specific attraction sites. Most tourism promoters work individually but it is not uncommon for them to work in teams.

    Just like any other career, working as a tourism promoter has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the benefits are being able to travel overseas to other tourist attractions, receiving invitations to exclusive exhibitions, and events, and receiving credit for new successful attractions. Some of the disadvantages are having to meet strict deadlines, dealing with criticism from the public and the media, working late nights, and having your presence mandatory at certain events. One of the main disadvantages has to do with the fact that a tourism promoter is not necessarily needed everywhere in the world. So a job in this career may be relatively difficult to find.

    Education
    A career as a Tourism Promoter is an option for all graduates and people with a diploma. However, achievements in certain subjects can significantly increase the probability of getting a job as a tourism promoter. Some of those subjects are tourism management, archive and museum studies, business management, journalism, modern languages, marketing, media studies, town planning, urban/rural regeneration, and environmental/sustainability studies.

    Having extensive post-secondary education may not be as important for tourism promoters, but experience and communication skills play a major role in this type of job. Activities such as helping at social events, working with tourism-related businesses, and being familiar with local attractions can be considered experience.

    If you think tourism promotion could be right for you, do more research on the field and start working toward your dream career!