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Category: Jobs and Apprenticeships

  • Career Profile: Public Relations Specialist

    Career Profile: Public Relations Specialist

    Suppose that you wanted people to know something about you, such as a skill or an interest, or even to explain why you acted a certain way. You could tell them yourself, or you could ask a friend or family member to tell others. That kind of work is what public relations specialists do. These people work with companies and other organizations to explain the business to others. If you are good with words and enjoy working with others, you should consider the job of public relations specialist.

    Working as a public relations specialist requires an ability to communicate, as well as some knowledge of business. Many universities offer degrees, and colleges offer diplomas in business marketing, public relations, journalism, communications, and other subjects that can be useful. Normally, it takes about three or four years to complete this training, although some people might continue on with their studies in a subject related to their particular work. High school courses in English, writing, public speaking, and even acting can be useful for the work. Some jobs might require a license to work in this field.

    Jobs in public relations tend to be available in large companies, government departments, and major organizations. Cities are the best places to find this type of job, although much of the work can be done remotely in many cases. Basically, public relations specialists promote a company or organization. They publish documents or websites letting people know what their employers do. They might deal with complaints, and sometimes they must decide what to do when a serious scandal threatens to destroy a company or other organization.

    Public relations specialists often work as consultants for several different companies, but full-time work is also sometimes available. Consultants are often brought in when a company is in trouble, often because of a problem such as bad management because of a failing economy or similar factors. Sometimes, a new company just needs a bit of help with finding customers. Understanding what clients need in these different situations is important for public relations specialists.

    The job of a public relations specialist is not normally very physically difficult, but the hours can be long and stressful. Sometimes, these specialists might arrange press conferences, public lectures, or other events that can go all day or late into the evening. People in this field need to be friendly and welcoming to others and have a certain amount of endurance to be able to stay alert through all of these events. They also need to be quick thinkers in case they need to make a last-minute change to a program or event.

    Salaries for public relations specialists depend on the size of the organization where they work and can vary widely for freelance consultants. However, pay generally starts at about $47,000 per year and can rise to about $62,000 with experience. The job can be difficult, but people can continue in the work until retirement if they wish, especially if they have good helpers to do some of the more challenging parts, such as moving tables and chairs in a meeting room.

    Explaining the value in what others do can be an important job. If you like communicating with others and helping them understand someone else’s viewpoint, a career as a public relations specialist might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Career Explorer. “Public Relations Specialist.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/public-relations-specialist.

    Job Bank. “Public Relations Specialist in Ontario.” https://www.on.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/20976/ON.

    Glassdoor. “Public Relations Specialist Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/public-relations-pr-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,30.htm

    Ontario Colleges. “Public Relations.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/business-finance-and-administration/public-relations.

  • Career Profile: Library Technicians

    Career Profile: Library Technicians

    Libraries are full of interesting and informative books, DVDs, databases, and other materials. Before anyone can use these materials, someone must organize them so that people can find what they need. Library technicians work with librarians and other staff members to make resources available and to help the patrons in the library find what they need. If you are organized and enjoy working with books and other resources, the job of library technician might be right for you.

    People often think of libraries as quiet places where everyone speaks in a whisper if they say anything at all. However, libraries can also have children’s programs, language courses, lectures, and much more. Depending on where they work, library technicians might plan or help other staff with these programs, answer reference questions, work with a particular group of patrons, such as seniors or university students, or compile information on subjects such as computers or historical events.

    One of the main tasks that library technicians perform is cataloging materials. Before each new item goes on the shelf, someone must record information such as the author and title and then give it a number such as 398.2 or PS2858 so that people can find the item quickly and easily. Learning to catalogue is part of a library technician’s training.

    Normally, library technicians study for two years at a community college, such as Red River College in Winnipe, to get a diploma. Others might get a four-year degree first and then get the diploma or even get a two-year master’s degree in librarianship before looking for a job as a library technician. Jobs are available in schools, public libraries, businesses, universities, and government departments.

    Library work is not very closely regulated, and requirements can vary widely from one workplace to another. Some library technicians can work their way up to high-level jobs, and they might even be able to work in tutoring other students in library programs. Salaries range from $41,000 to $61,000 per year. Generally, library technicians work indoors, and weather conditions are not a problem. However, people with allergies might want to be careful since libraries can be very dusty.

    Working with people can be a large part of some library technicians’ jobs, especially if they run children’s programs or work at a reference desk. However, people who work mainly with cataloguing might never see the patrons at all and just work in a back room with one or two colleagues. In small libraries with few staff members, library technicians might put materials back on the shelves, help count the money from overdue fines, and perform other tasks.

    Career prospects for library technicians are moderate in many parts of Canada, but jobs are available for people who are willing to relocate for work. More jobs are likely to be available in cities than in small towns, but even tiny communities have opportunities for work in town offices, schools, or small museums. If you like to work with books and other resources, the job of library technician could be a good choice.

     

    Bibliography:

    Government of Alberta. ALIS. “Library Technician.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/library-technician.

    CFLA-FCAB. “Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians.” http://cfla-fcab.ca/en/guidelines-and-position-papers/guidelines-for-the-education-of-library-technicians/.

    Glassdoor. “Library Technician Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/library-technician-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.

    Job Bank. “Library Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/8072/ca.

    Skilled Immigrant Information Centre. “Working As a Library Technician.” https://www.vpl.ca/siic/guide/employment-guides/librarian-library-technician/working-as-librarian-library-technician.

  • Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Career Profile: Communications Equipment Operators

    Communicating with someone else in person is normally easy if the two people speak the same language and are close enough to hear each other. When people communicate through technology such as telephones or social media, however, it can be a bit more complicated. Someone needs to make sure that the technology is working properly before anyone can use it. Communications equipment operators help to make sure that people can use technology to communicate with each other.

    Technology changes rapidly, and communications equipment operators need to keep up with current trends to be able to use what is available. Generally, people in this trade need a high school education, although training at a trade school or obtaining a degree at a university can help people in some jobs. Salaries start at $19 per hour or $40,000 per year and can rise to $38 per hour or $83,000 per year with experience.

    Many communications equipment operators work as dispatchers for emergency services or as front desk clerks or receptionists. They might work as dispatchers for telephone or trucking companies or for other businesses. Some of these jobs can be very intense, especially at fire stations or other emergency services, but other jobs can be much more relaxed. However, people in this field should be able to handle pressure. Generally, the job is not physically difficult, although it can involve long hours and hours of sitting.

    Being able to think quickly is important in this job, especially in emergency services. Even in a job such as directory assistance, where people are generally not in danger, being able to give a quick answer is important. Generally, this job requires good vision with or without glasses and good hearing to be able to understand what people say and to find phone numbers and other information. With glasses and hearing aids, however, many people with limited vision or hearing can still do this job well.

    Depending on the job, people in this field might not need to work much with their colleagues, but they need to be able to work well with the public. Being polite and helpful is essential for the job, and knowing how to guide people to the right action is also important. If someone calls for an ambulance, for example, the dispatcher needs to get information about what the problem is and to tell the caller what needs to be done before the paramedics arrive.

    Some degree of manual dexterity is necessary for the job of communications equipment operator to be able to work with the machines. However, the main requirements are patience and the ability to diagnose and fix problems. Understanding the needs of customers and being able to anticipate problems can be helpful.

    Working hours for this job can vary. Some people might be able to work regular hours, but evenings and weekend work is common. Being flexible is important since people in this trade might have to deal with unreliable schedules and part-time work. Despite this, the job can be a good choice for many people. It could suit you well.

     

    Bibliography:

    Indeed. “Communications Officer.” https://ca.indeed.com/q-communications-operator-jobs.html?vjk=36131eb20f516ac0.

    Learn.org. “What is a Communications Equipment Operator?” https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Communications_Equipment_Operator.html.

    Payscale Canada. “Equipment Operator Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Equipment_Operator/Hourly_Rate.

  • Profiling a Career as a Psychiatrist

    Profiling a Career as a Psychiatrist

    By Olivia Condlln-Wilby

    For high school graduates, many opportunities lay ahead, including a vast assortment of degree programs and career paths. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed or even intimidated by all the options at first. But with some research, you can prepare yourself to make the best educational and professional decisions moving forward. For students interested in the field of psychology, it’s worth exploring a career as a psychiatrist. You can use this resource to understand the essentials.

    Roles and Responsibilities

    Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat people with psychological or emotional disorders. They may work in private practice or in public facilities like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. As a psychiatrist, you may perform any of the following tasks:

    • Conduct psychiatric evaluations (e.g., interviewing patients, examining medical histories, interpreting test results, observing behavioural studies, etc.)
    • Diagnose patients with psychological or emotional disorders
    • Prescribe and administer medications
    • Develop treatment plans for patients and evaluate progress over time
    • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (e.g., social workers, doctors, nurses, etc.)

    What are the Benefits of This Career Path?

    As a psychiatrist, you will have the opportunity to create a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families. You will spend your time helping people who struggle with serious mental health issues, supporting them in leading healthy and satisfying lives. For many people, such a career is emotionally rewarding.

    Psychiatrists can also expect high salaries and easy access to employment. By 2028, an estimated 32,500 jobs will become available. That means that psychiatrists will be in increasingly high demand over the next few years. For those with less than a year of experience, salaries will likely start around $68,000 annually. With ten or more years, that number could rise to more than $340,000.

    In short, psychiatrists can expect satisfying, well-paid, and secure jobs in the future.

    Education and Experience

    Psychiatrists must have extensive educational qualifications. To start, you must earn a 4-year undergraduate degree in a related field, such as psychology, nursing, or neuroscience. Then, you must complete four years of medical school and five years of psychiatric residency training. For those who want to specialize in a specific practice area, such as forensic psychiatry or administrative psychiatry, you must complete an additional 2-3 years of training. Overall, this career requires 13 to 16 years of preparation.

    Drawbacks and Challenges

    Given that psychiatrists need more than a decade’s worth of training, many people pursue a less intensive career path.

    Some people also choose to leave the field after experiencing signs of burnout (e.g., exhaustion, stress, anxiety, irritability, etc.). While helping people can be very rewarding, it can also take an emotional toll. You will likely be exposed to people struggling with trauma, abuse, and complex mental health problems. Research suggests that approximately 78 percent of psychiatrists in North America experience burnout, while 16 percent show signs of depression. Those considering this career path must brace themselves for challenging working conditions and emotionally draining labour.

    Considering Other Career Opportunities

    If you’re interested in the field of psychology, there are many career paths available. You could apply your degree to any of the following positions:

    • Teacher or guidance counsellor
    • Social worker or developmental service worker
    • Researcher or professor
    • Child and youth worker
    • Human resources specialist

     

    References 

    Canadian Job Bank. (2021, December). Psychiatrist in Canada. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/4016/ca

    Glassdoor. (n.d.). Psychiatrist Job Description. https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job-Descriptions/Psychiatrist.htm

    Gramigna, J. (2020, July 21st). Many psychiatrists experience burnout and depression. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20200721/many-psychiatrists-experience-burnout-and-depression

    Indeed Editorial Team. (2021, April 2nd). 5 Steps to Become a Psychiatrist. Indeed. https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-psychiatrist

    Indeed. (2022, January 3rd). Psychiatrist Salary in Canada. https://ca.indeed.com/career/psychiatrist/salaries

    Payscale. (2021, December 5th). Average Psychiatrist Salary in Canada. https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Psychiatrist/Salary

    Schlette, J. (n.d.). 13 Pros and Cons of Being a Psychiatrist. NursingProcess.org. https://www.nursingprocess.org/psychiatrist-pros-and-cons.html

    University of Toronto Mississauga. (2021, February). Careers by Major – Psychology. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/careers-by-major-psychology

     

  • Helping Others by Crunching Numbers: A Profile of Tax Preparers

    Helping Others by Crunching Numbers: A Profile of Tax Preparers

    Most people dread income tax time. It means a bevy of paperwork, organization, and possibly money owed to the government. Tax preparers ease that burden by handling the many documents, forms, and calculations required to complete an income tax return. It is a highly rewarding career that allows you to help countless people complete a very complicated process and even save money.

    Tax preparers often work with individuals but can also assist companies or organizations. They are tasked with completing income tax returns that are required to be submitted to the government. Tax preparers ensure these returns are finalized with the utmost accuracy. In addition, they strive to reduce the amount their client owes by utilizing deductions, claims, or exemptions as per Canadian law. This can mean the difference between a customer owing hundreds of dollars to actually receiving a refund from the government.

    In Canada, tax preparers can expect to earn an average hourly wage of $18.17. Salaries can start at minimum wage and increase to over $31 per hour. The work is heavily seasonal as tax preparation occurs in the months leading up to the April 30 deadline to submit returns. Preparers can expect to work long days in the final weeks prior to that date. Being able to handle stressful periods of many hours of work is essential, as is handling large amounts of data. You must pay attention to a plethora of details. You are rewarded with being able to work with a great variety of clients and helping make a big difference for those who seek out your help.

    There was a 2.0% growth in the tax preparation industry from 2012 to 2017. This is expected to continue and even accelerate as economic conditions improve and lead to greater employment overall. As more people work and earn salaries, more tax returns will have to be filled out. The greatest competition you will face is from the growing number of free, online tax preparation services. Tax preparers can stand out by offering a human touch, one-on-one consultation with clients, and handling more complex returns.

    The educational requirements for tax preparation vary greatly. A minimum of completion of high school is required. If you are working on tax returns for businesses or corporations, you will likely need post-secondary education and registration as a Chartered Professional Accountant. As tax preparers work seasonally, many will simultaneously work other jobs or attend school. This provides great flexibility and ample opportunity to pursue other interests or progress to higher-paying positions such as Accountant and Bookkeeper.

    Tax preparers have a daunting challenge put before them. Tax returns are long, complex, and allow no room for errors. For those up to the challenge, it is a very rewarding career with a great amount of freedom for other work or schooling. If this sounds like your ideal job, ensure you are filling out your tax return annually and offer to do the same for family. From there, you can complete the needed schooling and gain experience to find employment. In doing so, you can find fulfillment in something that many others dread.

    Sources:

    IBISWorld. “Tax Preparation Services – Canada Market Research Report.” https://www.ibisworld.ca/industry-trends/market-research-reports/professional-scientific-technical-services/tax-preparation-services.html

    PayScale. “Tax Preparer Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Tax_Preparer/Hourly_Rate

  • Marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28: Why It’s All the More Important Post-Pandemic

    Marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28: Why It’s All the More Important Post-Pandemic

    As the world gradually adjusts to the new normal post-COVD and a large number of employees are being called back to the office, there have been constant discussions on how this would influence the policies regarding workplace safety.

    Safety and health at the workplace have long been major global issues. So much so that, since 2003, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has recognized the World Day for Safety and Health at Work every April 28th. The goal has to be to advocate for accident and sickness prevention in the workplace. This issue has become even more prominent with the pandemic.

    In the beginning stages of the pandemic, offices all over the world were quick to respond and implement measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. And now that the cases have been contained, does this mean workplaces can go back to pre-COVID-19 times?

    In keeping true to the mission of the ILO to minimize the prevention of accidents and diseases at work, occupational safety and health experts suggest that efforts to have adequate safety and health measures at work still should be prioritized to contain the spread of not just COVID-19 but of any disease – and collaboration is key.

    Most employers, like the provincial governments, have signed up workplace design and safety engineers to ensure a healthy return to the office while maintaining productivity levels.

    Continuous safety measures

    An action implemented to make sure physical distancing is still observed when needed, along with capacity limits, is to do bookings of a desk, office, a meeting room in advance.

    Companies that offer shared offices aim to charge for the spaces, such as $45 to rent a boardroom for an hour.

    On the other hand, other experts suggest that workplaces should aim to improve the quality at their sites. This would prove challenging, however, for the companies situated in office buildings that have older ventilation systems, as it will most likely require an overhaul that could cost up to millions.

    More flexibility

    Companies should look into providing their staff with more flexible options with regard to the workplace, including adding more communal areas.

    Having a central hub helps in promoting social connections as well as improving productivity.

    If it’s broke, fix it.

    Some experts say that maintenance should still remain a top priority for companies. Before employees are recalled back to work, employers should call on property managers to address maintenance issues, from something minor as light bulbs not working, to something major as a malfunctioning elevator.

    Frequent cleaning measures should remain in place, as well as efforts to improve air quality. Hand sanitation stations should also be strategically placed in work environments.

    The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is just one way to advocate for these major issues. It may not be a quick road to normalcy for workplaces post-pandemic, but employers should look at the bigger picture and work on what they can do to provide a healthy and safe environment for the staff.

     

    Sources

    Brend, Yvette. “Design experts rethink the workspace as pandemic restrictions ease across Canada.” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-feb-25-2022-1.6364228/design-experts-rethink-the-workspace-as-pandemic-restrictions-ease-across-canada-1.6373245

    Ontario.ca. “COVID-19 and workplace health and safety.” https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-workplace-health-safety?_ga=2.49343206.1327791763.1647208630-246573711.1647208630

    United Nations. “World Day for Safety and Health at Work.” https://www.un.org/en/observances/work-safety-day

  • Career Profile: Geographic Information Specialists

    Career Profile: Geographic Information Specialists

    If you go on a trip with your parents or grandparents, you might see them pull out a paper map to look at when they need help with directions. Some people prefer to get directions on paper, but others prefer to look at an online map or to get directions from a computer. Either way, someone needs to know what to put on the map. Geographic information specialists gather the kind of information that goes into these documents. If you are precise and able to work with large amounts of data, this could be the right job for you.

    Making a map or chart is a complicated process. It requires exact information about the location of streets, rivers, lakes, bridges, and other features of an area. Much of this information could come from satellite or drone images, but sometimes people need to go out in person to find out about the landscape. For example, a picture cannot show whether a piece of land has soft, swampy soil or firm ground. Someone must go out to the area to find out.

    Geographic information specialists normally have at least a high school education, but most also have a diploma from a career college or a higher level of education. Many employers require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as geomatics, environmental science, or geography. Some people get a master’s degree. Normally, a bachelor’s degree takes at least three years to complete, and a master’s degree takes another year or two.

    High school students can already start preparing for a career as a geographic information specialist. English courses help one be able to read complicated information, and mathematics courses are important for making calculations and measurements. Courses in geography can help with understanding the influence of various factors on the landscape. For example, a stream or river could wear away part of its banks and change its course, requiring geographic information specialists to make a new map.

    Jobs for geographic information specialists are available in many different areas, including universities, governments, and even construction companies or tourism companies. Agriculture is also a good source for finding jobs as a geographic information specialist. Some people might also be able to specialize in an area of the field that allows them to work as consultants for several organizations. Salaries generally start at about $51,000 and can rise to $82,000 with experience.

    Usually, people in this field need to be able to work with others, but they should also be able to work on their own, especially when they are designing maps. Accuracy and attention to detail are very important in this job, and the ability to concentrate for long periods can be helpful. The job is not normally physically difficult, but it may occasionally require going out in bad weather to check the features of a location. In most cases, people can stay in this job until either they reach retirement age, or their eyes become too weak to deal with the kind of details that maps require.

    Working as a geographic information specialist can be a good choice for detail-oriented people who enjoy gathering information and sharing it with others. If you enjoy maps and charts, this job might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography

    Job Bank. “Geographic Information Systems Technician in Canada.” https://www.nl.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/3493/ca

    Ontario Colleges. “”Geographic Information Systems (GIS).” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/energy-environmental-and-natural-resources/geographic-information-systems-gis.

    Payscale Canada. “Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist: Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Geographic_Information_Systems_(GIS)_Specialist/Salary.

  • Career Profile: Wooden Boat Rebuilder

    Career Profile: Wooden Boat Rebuilder

    Suppose that you wanted to ride a boat on a lake or stream. You might choose a boat made of aluminum or steel, but you could choose a boat made of wood. Like anything else, wooden boots can break down and need rebuilding. Although opportunities can be limited in some areas of Canada, a career as a wooden boat rebuilder can be a good choice.

    Many tasks are part of being a wooden boat rebuilder. The work can include sketching the boat that is being rebuilt and making design choices, normally with the help of a computer-aided design (CAD) system. The next step is to choose the kind of wood or veneer for rebuilding the boat, and then making fastenings and other parts of the boat that need rebuilding. Following that, they use special equipment to cut pieces of wood into the right size and shape for what the project requires.

    Normally, people in this trade complete an apprenticeship that includes eight thousand hours of on-the-job training, ending with a Certificate of Apprenticeship. This process usually takes about five years. Another option is to work at least eight thousand hours in a related area and then apply for a Trade Equivalency Assessment. A successful applicant can then be certified as a journeyperson in the trade. A high school diploma is also normally necessary. Courses in English, mathematics, and drafting can be useful.

    After completing the training requirements, people can start to work as wooden boat rebuilders. Being able to read blueprints is usually necessary, as well as using hand or power tools and measuring instruments. Salaries in this trade usually begin at about $47,000 and can rise to $77,300 with experience. Doing physical work on the boats can become difficult as people age, but the task of designing boats can continue late into people’s careers.

    Like in many trades, wooden boat rebuilders need to have many skills. They might work on the restoration of historic boats for museums or universities, or they might work for a large company with clients all over the world. Some people in this trade might have their own business and work directly with customers, but others might get their work from supervisors and never meet the people whose boats they are rebuilding. Being able to follow instructions but also to think a problem through and come up with a solution is important in this trade.

    Being near water is essential for this trade. Although some people might be able to find enough work rebuilding recreational boats in the middle of the country, most work in this field is likely to be available on the east or west coast. However, becoming a specialist in historic boats could help a wooden boat rebuilder find work even in places with no lakes or oceans nearby.

    Much of the work of wooden boat rebuilders can be indoors if a large enough space is available. However, working outside is often necessary, and people need to be able to withstand the weather. The hours can be long when a project needs to be finished or when there is an emergency, but otherwise, people in this trade can generally work regular hours.

    Because wooden boats are not as common as they once were, finding enough work in this trade can be difficult. However, becoming a wooden boat rebuilder can still be a good choice for those who are interested.

     

    Bibliography:

    Economic Research Institute. Boat Builder Wood Salary in Canada. https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/boat-builder-wood/canada.

    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Wooden Boat Rebuilder.” https://oyap.ca/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=118.

    Payscale Canada. “Salary for Industry: Boat Building.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Industry=Boat_Building/Salary.

  • Career Profile: Institutional Cook

    Career Profile: Institutional Cook

    Every day, you eat food that someone has cooked, whether you eat with your family at home or buy a meal from your school cafeteria. Cooking for a family of five or six people can be difficult and time-consuming, but cooking for large groups can be even more challenging. If you enjoy working with food and want to help feed people, the job of institutional cook could be right for you.

    As the name suggests, institutional cooks work in places where many people come to eat. This could include hospitals, schools, seniors’ homes, or even prisons and jails. Depending on the types of people eating at the institution, the cook might need to know gourmet recipes, foods suitable for certain dietary needs, or other aspects of providing food for many different people at once. In some cases, institutional cooks might need to balance the needs of diabetics, people with high blood pressure, or many other factors. Being able to provide meals that are nutritious and filling without causing allergic reactions or other health problems can be a major challenge for people in this trade.

    Besides health-related issues, the food that institutional cooks make should taste good and be varied. No one wants to eat the same meal day after day, and institutional cooks need to be creative in finding new recipes or variations on their standard meals. Many institutional cooks complete an apprenticeship or culinary program before they begin to work, and many gain experience as helpers in a kitchen before they take over as the main cook. In some places, people may be required to complete a course in the safe handling of food so that they know how to avoid giving people food poisoning.

    In high school, courses in English and mathematics are helpful. Institutional cooks need to be able to follow recipes and understand what the different terms mean, and they might also need to research issues like how additives in food affect people with certain diseases or conditions. For example, finding low-salt options is important for anyone with high blood pressure. Being able to multiply or divide easily is also important for increasing or decreasing the size of recipes.

    Many institutional cooks work with helpers who might not know much about cooking. Being able to supervise and to give clear instructions can help to make the job much easier and the process smoother. Getting many different dishes done at the same time is one of the very challenging aspects of institutional cooking, and it might take several years before people can time everything to be ready for the people who have come to eat. The hours can be long, and the kitchens can be very hot and busy.

    Wages for people in this trade generally begin at about $14 per hour or $30,000 per year and can rise to $24 per hour or $51,000 per year. The work involves standing or moving around in the kitchen for long hours, and people might want to move into a more supervisory role as they age. One option is to move from doing the cooking itself to planning meals and ordering supplies, which can be much less stressful.

    Working as an institutional cook can be a high-pressure job, but it can also be interesting for people who enjoy working with food. It could be the right job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Job Bank. “Cook in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/6225/ca.

    Job Bank. “Cook in Ontario.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/6225/ON.

    Skills Competences Canada. “Cooking.” https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/skill_area/cooking/.

    Payscale. “Average General/Institution Cook Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=General%2FInstitution_Cook/Hourly_Rate.

  • Career Profile: Die Designer

    Career Profile: Die Designer

    If you look around your home, you can likely find several objects that were made with special tools. Many of those tools likely came from a die, which is a kind of mould for making tools. Designing a die that works well for its purpose can make manufacturing much easier than it might otherwise be. Working as a die designer can be a useful and rewarding career.

    Die designers are part of a whole process that goes into making furniture, building houses, manufacturing cars, and much more. Employers normally have no specific academic requirements for these tradespeople, but most people have at least a high school diploma. Many people in this trade get an associate’s degree or complete an apprenticeship, which normally takes up to four years to complete.

    Like in many other trades, being able to read and understand instructions is important for die designers. High school courses in English or writing help to learn these types of skills.  These tradespeople should also be able to calculate measurements, estimate costs, and do other tasks that require the ability to work with numbers. Taking math courses can be helpful for these tasks, and classes that teach skills like sawing or welding are also useful. Art courses, especially drawing, can help people learn the basic principles of designing an object, and computer courses also help to prepare students for this trade.

    Learning how to draft with CAD (computer-aided design) software is an important skill for this work. Many die designers create blueprints for their designs using information about what kinds of machines will use the tool and how they work. Being precise is important in this work because a badly formed die will produce faulty tools. People in this trade might also need to study several different machines to be able to suit the needs of different clients. Some designers might want to specialize in a certain type of die, such as one that produces tools for plumbers or electricians, but others might want to work with a more general clientele.

    Die designers work mainly with manufacturing, but they can also find work elsewhere, including the geology or geography departments of universities, governments, and other organizations that need special tools. The job could involve making one or two designs for many different customers or working mainly for one company, possibly making die designs for branches of the company across the country. Generally, salaries for die designers begin at about $46,000 per year and can rise to about $83,000, and jobs are likely to be easier to find in areas like southern Ontario, where much of Canada’s manufacturing takes place.

    As in many of the trades, a certain amount of endurance is necessary for the work of a die designer. Although most of the work is done at a computer, it can also involve going to factories to see exactly what is needed for the job. The hours can be long when a job needs to be done, but usually die designers work regular days in an office where the working conditions are normally quite good. If you are detail-oriented and are good at problem-solving to find the best design for the job, a career as a die designer might be good for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Glassdoor. “Gilder Guard Tool & Die: Mould Maker.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job/tool-and-die-designer-jobs-SRCH_KO0,21.htm.

    Payscale. “Average Tool and Die Maker Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Tool_and_Die_Maker/Hourly_Rate.

    Talent.com. “Die Maker Average Salary in Canada, 2022.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=Die+Die+Die+Maker#.

    Ziprecruiter. “What is a Die Designer and How to Become One.” https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Die-Designer/What-Is-How-to-Become