Category: Trades

Every machine breaks down at some point, whether from frequent use or from being badly made. When that equipment is essential, such as on a farm, a person who can repair the machinery becomes very important. Working as a farm equipment mechanic can help keep farmers working and ensure that people have a reliable source of food.

Most farms have a variety of equipment, depending on the type of work being done. Grain farms have tractors, harvesters, and other large machinery useful for working on large fields and digging up soil. Dairy farms might have equipment for milking cattle, and egg farms would have different types of equipment. For each of them, however, having equipment that functions well is important.

Farm equipment mechanics work to make sure that the equipment works as well as possible. They inspect the machinery and maintain it by cleaning it, oiling the moving parts, and doing whatever else is necessary. At least once a season, many farm equipment mechanics do a thorough overhaul of everything to find any issues that might cause problems in the future. They might tighten bolts and deal with rusty parts or any other potential problems.

Sometimes, farm equipment mechanics need to take machines apart to find the problem. Then they can replace or repair faulty parts, using welding machines, hand tools, or other equipment. Being able to put the machine together again is also very important so that the farm workers can use it again. Having a good memory and being methodical can help avoid the problem of having an extra piece left over at the end. Mechanics might also need to drive large machines to a barn or other repair facility. Having expert driving skills is helpful for this task.

A high school diploma or equivalent is normally the minimum requirement for farm equipment mechanics. Being able to communicate is important, and so English classes are helpful. Any courses in mechanics or even in physics could also be helpful. Taking classes at a technical college could give workers an advantage in looking for work.

Jobs for farm equipment mechanics are normally located in the country or in small towns near farms. Wages for people in this trade start at about $15 per hour or $33,000 per year and can rise to $34 per hour or $68,000 per year. Some people might choose to become experts in certain types of equipment, but others might prefer to deal with any type of machine that they can.

Like many other trades, the job of a farm equipment mechanic can be physically demanding, especially when people bend over machines for hours at a time. The work can be dirty, as moving parts in machines require oil to keep them moving properly. Testing the machines to see if they are working can also be loud, and the repair shops can be dusty and hot. However, the work can be rewarding for people who enjoy putting machines together or finding solutions for mechanical problems they encounter.

A career as a farm equipment mechanic can be the right choice for people who are detail-oriented and good with their hands. If that describes you, why not consider this important trade?

Bibliography:

Career Planner.com. “Farm Equipment Mechanic.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Farm-Equipment-Mechanics.cfm.

Job Bank. “Agricultural Equipment Technician in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/26452/ca;jsessionid=44CBD3300650D70B70C4EFAB1589BF53.jobsearch74

Payscale Canada. “Farm Equipment Mechanic Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Farm_Equipment_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate.

Salary.com. “Farm Equipment Mechanic.” https://www.salary.com/research/job-description/benchmark/farm-equipment-mechanic-job-description.

Suppose that your Internet connection or your phone suddenly stopped working. If unplugging the connection and plugging it back in failed, you might need the services of a network cabling specialist. These tradespeople are an important part of keeping people informed and connected.  If you are detail-oriented and good with your hands, this career might be right for you.

Communications systems like the Internet and phones use cables and data networks to send messages from one place to another. Network cabling specialists install or repair these networks and keep them working properly. They might work in residential neighbourhoods, commercial businesses, and industrial buildings. These networks can include single lines, coaxial, and fibre optic cables for voice, video, and data transmission. People in this trade need to know the best type of cable to use in each situation.

Becoming a network cabling specialist normally involves completing a program that includes theoretical work, practical experience, and a trade certification exam. Normally, this process takes about two and a half years, and training is available through career colleges like Herzing. Courses in the program teach basic skills like how to test cable connections, but also how to comply with safety standards, how to prepare cost estimates, and other skills that people in this trade need. As in many fields, high school courses in mathematics and English are useful, as well as anything related to electronics.

Trade schools are good places to learn the skills necessary for becoming a network cabling specialist.  A typical program is twenty-four weeks long, including both practical experience and theoretical work. Other career colleges have similar programs that teach people what they need to know to work in this trade.

In some cases, on-the-job training and apprenticeships can be good ways of learning the trade. The first step is to find an employer who is willing to train an apprentice. Once the apprenticeship is registered, the employer can start the process of training. This option could be a good choice for many people, since they can start on a job right away and get the experience they need.

After completing the program, people in this trade can work with telecommunications or network installation companies, construction firms, data centres, and other companies that provide phone, Internet, or television services. Some of the work is indoors, but people in this trade might need to work outside to deal with underground cables and controls.

Being detail-oriented and careful is important for network cabling specialists. Patience is an important part of the work since it can take time to find a problem and to solve it. Becoming an expert in this trade could be a good choice for people with these qualities, and job opportunities are likely to be steady in the next few years.

Working as a network cabling specialist is not necessarily very physically difficult, but it can become harder as people age. Salaries in this trade generally begin at about $46,300 per year and can rise to approximately $85,300 per year. Jobs are likely to be more plentiful in cities than elsewhere, but almost every community has at least some need for people in this field.

Network cabling specialists do important work for keeping people connected and informed. If the job appeals to you, it could be a good choice.

Bibliography:

Herzing College. “Network Cabling Specialist.” https://www.herzing.ca/programs/network-cabling-specialist#.

Network Telecom. “Network Cabling Specialist: How to Become One.” https://network-telecom.com/what-do-network-cabling-specialists-do-how-to-become-one/.

Payscale Canada. “Hourly Rate for Skill: Cabling.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Skill=Cabling/Hourly_Rate.

Skilled Trades Ontario. “Network Cabling Specialist.” https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/network-cabling-specialist/.

Talent.ca. “Network Cabling Technician: Average Salary.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=cabling+technician.

If you had to name a trade, you would likely think of something like an electrician or a plumber. These are some of the jobs that people traditionally associate with the idea of a trade. However, the trades include some jobs that you might never have thought were trades. Working in these unusual trades can be a very good choice for you.

Once every month or two, or even more often, most people get their hair cut. They might also get it coloured, permed, straightened, or braided. Unless they have a family member who can do all of this, they likely go to a hairstylist or a barber. Hairstyling is a trade that involves a variety of haircare techniques to keep people’s hair neat and healthy. Some hairstylists might choose to specialize in one or two aspects of the work, such as putting a customer’s hair into tiny braids that can last weeks or longer. Others might decide to do whatever work comes their way.

Hairstyling involves research and study to stay current. Popular hairstyles, as well as new ways of dealing with very dry or very straight hair, can be part of what people need to know. Even after qualifying as a hairstylist, people in this trade need to keep on learning more about their tasks. Hairstyling is a Red Seal trade, and so people who choose this job need to have a certain amount of knowledge before they start to work.

Landscape gardening is another trade in the Red Seal program. People in this trade work in parks, golf courses, landscape companies, plant nurseries, and garden centres. They grow a variety of plants and help plan their best possible arrangement. They have to know where plants grow best and how to take care of them. If a customer wanted a bush for a yard that faces north, for example, landscape gardeners would need to know which plants can grow well with the amount of sunlight that they would receive.

Knowing about climate, soil, and other aspects of growth is important for landscape gardeners. Although plants and soil are unlikely to change much over time, there may be new techniques for dealing with sandy soil or areas with a lot of clay. Consulting colleagues and reading the latest research can help landscape gardeners understand their trade better.

A third unusual trade is working as a cook. People in this trade can work in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, and many other places where people need a large amount of food. Cooks might specialize in gourmet cooking for expensive restaurants or even hot dog stands. They can work as caterers for events like weddings and conferences, or even occasionally work for a wealthy family.

Many tasks might be part of the work of a cook. Supervising other staff, estimating costs, ordering supplies, and planning menus can all be part of the work that a cook does. Knowing how to handle food safely is important since people can become very sick from spoiled food.

If you would like to work in a trade but the traditional ones are not what you want, one of these trades might be right for you. Why not check them out?

Bibliography:

Red Seal. “Cook.” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/c.4.4k.shtml.

Red Seal. “Hairstylist.” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/h.1.3rstyl.3st.shtml.

Red Seal. “Landscape Horticulturist.” https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/trades/l.1ndsc.1p.2.shtml.

Skills Competencies Canada. “Landscape Gardening.” https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/skill_area/landscape-gardening/.

Horses can be fun to ride, but they are good for much more. Hippotherapists work with horses to help people with physical and mental needs to recover from illnesses and injuries or to overcome other issues in their lives. If you are comfortable around horses and enjoy working with people, this job might be right for you.

For people who have trouble walking long distances, riding a horse can be a good chance to get out into nature and to enjoy the fresh air. People who have trouble using their hands can benefit from the work of putting the bridle, reins, and saddle on a horse or from brushing the horse down after a ride. Sometimes, children or adults who have trouble connecting with other people have an easier time working with animals. Being around horses can be very calming, especially with a hippotherapist to guide the process.

Hippotherapists (“horse healers”) should be very comfortable around horses and know all of the basics about how to ride, how to calm a frightened horse, what to feed the animals, and when to call a veterinarian for a sick horse. They also need to know about the different types of therapy, such as physical therapy for people with balance problems.

Often, people in this field have training in another branch of therapy before they specialize in hippotherapy. This training could be a sixteen-month occupational therapy course where they learn about ways to keep people’s minds active as they recover from illnesses. It could be a physiotherapy diploma from a college or a four-year degree in therapy from a university. Short courses specifically in hippotherapy are also available at various colleges, and training on the job is also helpful.

Most jobs in hippotherapy are likely to be away from large cities or towns, in places where there is enough room to keep several large horses. Still, they have to be close enough to people so that patients can come for their therapy. Jobs in this field are not common, but people can make their own jobs if they want. For example, they might want to offer hippotherapy in connection with riding stables at a summer camp so that the horses already have a place to stay and people to look after them.

Starting salaries for hippotherapists are just under $42,000 and can rise to nearly $63,000. The job involves a lot of work outdoors or in barns, which can be very uncomfortable in winter. Hippotherapists might need to look after and feed the horses, as well as do paperwork to keep track of the patients and their therapy. Working with other therapists, doctors, and family members might also be necessary. People in this job might need to work long hours, especially in the evenings and on weekends when patients are available to come.

Like any other job, hippotherapy can be difficult, but it can also be very interesting and useful. If you feel comfortable with horses and enjoy working with people, the job of hippotherapist might be right for you.

Bibliography:

BC Therapeutic Riding Association. “Therapeutic Writing and Hippotherapy.” http://bctherapeuticriding.com/therapeutic-riding/.

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. “A Career in Occupational Therapy.” https://www.caot.ca/site/rfs/res_for_students?nav=sidebar.

Capilano University. “Rehabilitation Associate Diploma.” https://www.capilanou.ca/programs–courses/program-profiles/rehabilitation-assistant-diploma/.

Salary Expert. “Therapeutic Riding Instructor.” https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/therapeutic-riding-instructor/canada.

Trades play an important role in the Canadian economy, but sadly, misconceptions still persist about the profession. Some people continue to believe that it’s wholly a man’s world, while some carry on with their perception that the trades are all about working in construction, complete with hard hats and work boots. While the construction industry does involve a large number of people with trades skills, it doesn’t automatically mean that all trades equal construction work.

In fact, you’d be surprised that there are a good number of jobs that you probably didn’t know were skilled trades. Let’s dive into some examples.

Landscape Artist

Landscape artists or designers are often second fiddle to architects, builders or engineers when residential or commercial spaces are mentioned. In reality, they are just as important, and as you’ve probably guessed by now, they fall under skilled trades. In commercial spaces, landscape designers make sure the landscape complements the brand’s aesthetics. In residential spaces, they ensure your home is truly your dream living space.

To succeed in this industry, one would have a good balance of creativity and practicality at the same time. Not only do they have to make sure their designs meet aesthetic purposes, but they also have to make sure they are functional. This skilled trade also requires horticultural knowledge as well as IT savviness, since there are numerous software programs available now to help them see their vision in digital form.

Child & Youth Worker

When people say they want a successful career, that usually means financially rewarding. However, for some people, career success means a chance to make a lasting impact on others, such as a child & youth worker, which is also surprisingly considered a skilled trade. Child and youth workers have the opportunity to mould young ones and get them ready for the future ahead—and you can’t put a price tag on that.

Whatever work environment they are involved in, whether recreational centres or summer camps out of the city, child and youth workers must provide a healthy and safe environment for kids, making sure it is inclusive and engaging as well. These professionals are well-versed in practice and theory pertaining to childcare and the instructional methods used to enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional development.  Advanced to expert knowledge in behaviour management strategies and overall psychology of children is also an advantage.

Educational Assistant

There are a slew of jobs that offer financial rewards, but only a few allow you to make a great contribution to change the world. Such is the role of educational assistants, who primarily work with students to understand their learning capabilities and help them with their academic goals, while at the same time building on their self-esteem and leadership skills to prepare them to thrive in the real world.

It is up to the educational assistants to truly assess students’ needs and ensure these needs are met so the students can realize their full potential when they become adults. It is an advantage to have knowledge in child development, educational psychology, and education policies.

Special Events Coordinator

If you’re fond of attending events like food festivals or film festivals, you probably don’t realize the

painstaking work behind it. But you’ve got the special events coordinator to thank for because they who ensure everything is in place before, during, and after the event. This is an exciting profession for sure, but it involves a lot of time and effort, and guess what, it also falls under skilled trades.

Special events coordinators have to be masters in planning and organizing, and should possess excellent leadership abilities and collaborative skills. While an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in any related field, such as Business Administration or Public Relations, is an advantage, much of the skills needed to succeed in this field is actual experience in customer service, communications, or public relations.

There you have it, five examples of skilled trades in disguise. Now that you’ve got an idea, which one do you think will fit you best?

SOURCES

https://talentegg.ca/

A bracelet, a ring, or etched picture can be a nice gift, especially when it is made personal. Etchers and engravers use their artistic skills to write words or draw pictures on metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. For people with artistic skills and steady hands, the job of etcher or engraver can be a good choice.

Educational requirements for people in this trade vary, but a high school diploma is usually enough to get a job. High school courses in English and mathematics can be useful, as well as any type of course that helps students learn to use their hands. Some employers might want etchers and engravers to take courses at a trade school, but not always. Taking courses in fine art, jewelry, or similar subjects can be helpful.

Besides this training, special courses in etching and engraving can be useful. In Ontario, Alberta, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories, trade certification is available but not required. The Society of Canadian Painter-Etchers and Engravers is a good place to find information on current requirements and other questions. Getting support from other people in the trade is also useful, especially since the work can often be quite solitary.

Much of the work of an etcher or engraver is learned on the job. Some employers prefer to hire people with experience in the trade, and so getting a summer position or a part-time job in an engraving shop can be useful. Often, shopping malls have small stores where this kind of work is done. Larger stores or tourist shops might also have work. Even factories sometimes hire etchers and engravers to work with company logos and other jobs.

People in this trade need to be both creative and precise. Sometimes, customers come with exact designs that they want, but sometimes they need help with ideas. Creativity and patience can help people in this trade to work with the public. The ability to follow directions is also essential. Physically, this trade requires good eyesight with or without glasses and a steady hand. Being able to use very delicate tools is important.

As people age, they might find the work too difficult, and they might want to move to the design side of the job. Generally, salaries start at about $44,000 and can eventually reach $94,000 per year.

Normally, the work of an etcher and engraver is indoors, where weather is not an issue. However, people’s backs and hands can become sore, and their eyes can become tired. Working with customers can be stressful, and it is important to be patient. Being able to work with colleagues is necessary in some cases, but being able to work alone, often for hours at a time, is also useful.

As in many other trades, keeping up to date is important. Reading about the latest design trends, tools, and other issues is essential for keeping current. Even after the initial training, some people in this trade might want to take extra courses to make sure that they know as much as possible about their work.

Working as an etcher and engraver can be a good choice for people who are both creative and attentive to detail. If that describes you, this trade might be something to consider.

Bibliography:

Best Accredited Colleges. “How to Become an Engraver: Education, Training and Career Information.” https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/how-to-become-an-engraver-education-training-and-career-information.html.

CareerOne Stop.” Etchers and Engravers.” https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/Occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Etchers%20and%20Engravers&onetcode=51919400&location=SAn%20Diego,%20CA&lang=en.

Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives Special Collections. “Society of Canadian Painter-Etchers and Engravers. http://atom.ago.ca/index.php/society-of-canadian-painter-etchers-and-engravers.

Glassdoor.ca. “Engraver Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/engraver-salary-SRCH_KO0,8.htm.

Simon Fraser University. “Laser Cutting and Etching: Media and Maker Commons.” https://www.lib.sfu.ca/facilities/make-create/maker-commons/tools-spaces/laser-cutting.

Statistics Canada. “National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011.” https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?Function=getVD&TVD=122372&CVD=122376&CPV=9472&CST=01012011&MLV=4&CLV=3.