Category: Trades

Fish and other sea creatures are an important part of our lakes, seas, and oceans, but they can sometimes have trouble surviving. Other animals eat them, people catch them, and environmental conditions can kill them. However, fish hatcheries help them survive by giving them a good start in life. Working as a fish hatchery manager can be a very rewarding job for anyone who enjoys nature and scientific research.

Billions of people eat fish and other seafood every year, besides the seals, whales, dolphins, and other animals that also depend on the same types of food. All of this, together with pollution, has made it very difficult for many species to survive. In Canada and other countries, fish farming, also known as aquaculture, has helped to reduce some of these problems. In nature, fish eggs are in constant danger. In fish hatcheries, scientists take these eggs to a safe place where they can hatch and grow enough to be able to survive on their own.

Most of Canada’s work in hatcheries happens on the east and west coasts, where most of the fish and other creatures are. The most common animals in hatcheries are salmon, mussels, oysters, trout, clams, and scallops. However, all of the provinces, as well as the Yukon, have hatcheries for trout and other varieties of fish. Depending on where you want to live, you can choose to specialize in any of these types of animals.

To some extent, managing a fish hatchery is like any other management job. Dealing with staff issues and speaking with the public, writing reports, buying equipment, and handling budgets are all part of a fish hatchery manager’s job. Having some training in business management is a good idea, since that is a large part of the duties. Still, fish hatchery managers need to know some of the specifics of the field, and getting a university degree in marine biology or a related subject can be helpful. For most people, this education would take at least four years.

Many fish hatchery managers work regular hours, mainly in offices or holding meetings with staff, scientists, and others. Many hatcheries are connected to governments or universities, and managers may spend much of their time working with these institutions. In small hatcheries, they might also get involved in going out to the oceans and streams to collect the eggs for hatching, but their role is mostly to help others do their work.

The job market in fish farming is generally growing, making it easier for people to get work in this area. Wages start at about $29,000 per year and can rise to $42,000 per year, or higher, with experience. The work can be intense at times, but it is not physically demanding, and people can stay in this career until they reach retirement age.

Working as a fish hatchery manager can be a good choice for anyone who wants to help preserve the world’s oceans and lakes. If you enjoy scientific research and like to work with people, this could be a good job for you.

Bibliography:

Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. “Products & Regions.” https://www.aquaculture.ca/products-regions.

Economic Research Institute. Fish Hatchery Manager Salary
in Ontario, Canada.” https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/fish-hatchery-manager/canada/ontario.

Economic Research Institute. “Fish Hatchery Manager Salary
in British Columbia, Canada.”  https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/fish-hatchery-manager/canada/british-columbia/vancouver.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Major SEP Projects: Fish Hatcheries.” https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/projects-projets/index-eng.html.

Work BC. “Managers in Aquaculture (NOC 0823).” https://www.workbc.ca/careers/0823

When you hear about unions on the news, it is often in the context of a strike or a conflict with provincial politicians, but with little to no explanation of what a union is or how unions operate. This leaves many young people entering the workforce confused or unsure about the role of unions and why joining a union can benefit them.

So, what are trade unions?  In simple terms, trade unions are legal entities that represent a group of workers and use what is known as “collective bargaining” to argue for the support and treatment of all the union members within the workplace, company, or industry.

Unions are especially important to people working in the trades, and there are many good reasons for tradespeople to seek out and join a trade union.

1. Unions argue for better wages and benefits

Because unions represent a group of workers collectively, they are able to fight for better wages and benefits for the union members, as opposed to individual workers each attempting to fight for their own improvements in pay.  Unionized workers typically receive higher wages than non-unionized workers in the same field.  Union members also tend to have better pension and severance packages, greater and more flexible sick time and vacation time, better rules around overtime, and an overall better work/life balance than their non-union counterparts.

2. Unions fight for safe and secure working conditions

Many jobs in the trades involve heavy physical activity, industrial machinery and equipment, power tools, electrical systems, and outdoor worksites, all of which have unique health and safety concerns.  All workers have the right to be safe in their workplace and safe in the work they are doing. While there is provincial and national Health and Safety legislation in place, unions will also work directly with industries and employers to ensure that union members have safe work environments.  For example, unions ensure that workers aren’t putting their safety at risk in an attempt to meet production goals, and support the workers’ right to refuse unsafe work without risking being fired.

3.  Unions champion diversity, tolerance, and equality in the workplace

There is a lot of news coverage about problems with equality in the workplace–pay equality between men and women, underrepresentation of racial minorities, and discrimination based on culture, gender, or sexuality, to name a few.  Unions are always fighting to improve these problems and ensure that all workers enjoy equal rights in their workplace or industry.  This includes flexible maternity and paternity leave, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination programs, equal pay for equal work, and encouraging the hiring of underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities.

4.  Unions provide job protection and job security

You’ve probably had a job with a boss you loved; chances are you’ve also had a job with a boss you didn’t like much at all.  Many companies change direction quickly these days, under the influence of many business, economic, and political factors. This can mean your great boss is suddenly replaced by someone new with a change in leadership.  Sometimes a new boss even comes in and wants to clean house and hire all new staff.  Unions provide job security by protecting workers from sudden job loss or significant changes to their employment without reason, and will defend workers’ rights against poor management behaviour and other unfair treatment.  Unions will also fight for workers’ rights to training and professional development, and support workers’ advancement in the company through promotion or lateral moves.

5.  Unions ensure fair termination and retirement for workers

Very few jobs last a lifetime, but whether you are retiring or get terminated from a job, unions ensure that workers are treated fairly and receive the appropriate severance, compensation, or retirement pension.  When it comes to layoffs, unions will make sure that factors such as experience and length of service are taken into consideration when determining who keeps their position, and that any severance packages are fair and reflect the worker’s service and history.

Sources:

http://unifor87m.org/10-reasons-to-join-a-union#:~:text=Why%20unionize%3F,a%20means%20to%20enforce%20them.

http://www.industriall-union.org/5-reasons-to-join-a-union

https://canadianlabour.ca/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_union#Canada

Every building or road has materials like concrete, stone, asphalt, or other materials. People who work as heavy equipment operators use machines to put these materials in place on roads, pipelines, mines, and wherever they are needed. If you become a heavy equipment operator, you will have an important role in helping to keep people safe and the structures sturdy and reliable.

Heavy equipment operators drive trucks, cranes, excavators, and other large machines used for surface mining, installing or maintaining oil and gas pipelines, and more. They can work in quarries, bridge building, or anywhere else related to construction. Most of the work is full time, but some part time jobs are also available, depending on the location and the economy at the time. In Ontario, for example, about 95% of all people in this field worked full time. In that province, job prospects were fair but not good in 2020.

Working with heavy equipment requires basic driving abilities but also a particular set of skills. Certification is required in Quebec and is optional in the Northwest Territories and in Newfoundland and Labrador. Elsewhere, people can either take courses if they are available or learn on the job.

Although the job of heavy equipment operator does not generally require much physical strength, people in this field need to have good hand and foot coordination. People need to be able to guide the machinery precisely to the right spot, often in very tight spaces. Otherwise, the whole project could be delayed, or parts of the structure could be destroyed. For example, if a machine drops a heavy pipe onto the corner of a building, it could damage the structure or the equipment.

One of the issues for people in this field is hearing damage. Working around loud machines can be hard on the ears, and heavy equipment operators should be sure to wear protective gear. Even then, they may be unable to avoid some hearing loss from the job.

Like most jobs related to construction, the job of heavy equipment operator is often seasonal. In much of Canada, the winter is too cold and snowy for much construction to happen, but the time between spring after the snow melts and fall when the snow comes can be very busy.

Still, repairs need to be done all throughout the year, and work is likely to be available even in winter. Job prospects tend to be better in the cities, where more people have projects that need to be done, but workers in this job can choose to work in highway building and repair or related tasks in rural areas. Depending on their location and experience, heavy equipment operators can earn between $22,000 and $77,000 per year.

Working as a heavy equipment operator is not an easy job, but it can be rewarding. If you are good with your hands and feet, and you can work with all of the gauges and dials on machines, and you can work with other people, you might want to consider this career.

Bibliography:

The Balance Careers. “What Does a Heavy Equipment Operator Do?” https://www.thebalancecareers.com/heavy-equipment-operator-job-description-4157613.

Best Sample Resumes. “Heavy Equipment Operator Job Description.” https://www.bestsampleresume.com/job-descriptions/labor/heavy-equipment-operator.html.

Careers in Construction. “Heavy Equipment Operator.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/heavy-equipment-operator.

Government of Canada. “Heavy Equipment Operator in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/15029/ca.

Job Bank. “Heavy Equipment Operator in Ontario.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/15029/ON;jsessionid=3E289D0DBFCA2232227EDB1553D6DA26.jobsearch74.

If you have ever broken an arm or a leg, you probably had to wear a cast for a few weeks. For people who need something more permanent, a medical appliance technician is the person who can help. These technicians work with plastic, metal, and other types of materials to make medical devices such as braces and artificial limbs to help people who need them.

Sometimes, babies are born without an arm or leg, and sometimes people lose limbs or develop other problems as they grow up. They might lose a hand or arm in an industrial accident or have trouble walking because their feet are no longer working properly. Together with doctors and prosthetists, medical appliance technicians build and repair artificial limbs to help people who are missing different parts. They might also design braces for people with weak legs or arch supports for people with foot problems.

Medical appliance technicians work with metals, plastics, and all kinds of other materials to make these types of devices. They need to be able to read and understand the instructions that come from doctors and others involved in care of the patient. Taking mathematics courses in high school will help prepare for taking measurements, and English classes are helpful for learning to read complicated instructions.

A high school diploma with on-the-job training is often enough for this work, although some people might prefer to get an Associates’ degree or a certificate from a university or community college. A certificate generally takes at least a year to complete, while the degree takes two or three years. Some people might also choose to specialize in this field after training in another medical career like nursing.

Being able to work alone or with people is important in this job. When medical appliance technicians receive instructions from the doctors or prosthetists, they use plaster molds to make braces or other devices out of materials like plastic. Sometimes, they weld, carve, or grind the pieces so that they fit better. Accidents with the welding and grinding equipment can cause injuries, but the job is not especially dangerous.

Since each patient is a different size, medical appliance technicians need to be careful to get the measurements right. Sometimes, this might involve getting patients to come in several times to fit the part properly and to get the colour right to match the patients’ skin.

The work of medical appliance technicians takes strength for welding and putting some of the parts together. Sometimes, people in this field have to work long hours to get a job done, although the hours are normally quite regular. Wages for people in this trade begin at about $39,000 and can rise to $80,000 per year or even more. Medical appliance technicians can continue in this job for many years, although arthritis, back problems, and other health issues may cause people to leave for other jobs as they age.

Artificial limbs and braces are important for many people. If you become a medical appliance technician, you can help them live better lives.

Bibliography:

Career Explorer. “What Does a Medical Appliance Technician Do.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/medical-appliance-technician/

Career Explorer. “How to Become a Medical Appliance Technician.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/medical-appliance-technician/how-to-become/.

Career Planner. “Medical Appliance Technician.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Medical-Appliance-Technicians.cfm.

Owl Guru. “Medical Appliance Technicians: Job Description.” https://www.owlguru.com/career/medical-appliance-technicians/job-description/.

Payscale Canada. “Biomedical Equipment Technician.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Biomedical_Equipment_Technician_(BMET)/Salary.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a watershed moment in our history. One of its biggest impacts has been and will be on the energy sector. Many have long been questioning the future of oil and gas, as well as the rise of renewables, and COVID-19 could be an accelerator for an energy revolution. But the future of energy is far from clear. There are many economic, political, and environmental factors at play when it comes to the worlds of oil and renewables.

The onset of the pandemic led to plummeting oil prices and economies forced to a standstill. Numerous jobs are now being done from home remotely, but the Dallas Fed has reported that over 60% of the workforce cannot work remotely. Many people have been laid off, furloughed, and left uncertain about their future. There are many examples of this, including Royal Dutch Shell having to cut refinery activity by up to 40%. Investors have been forced to reassess the risk in financing oil and gas. This could lead to drastic changes in the industry’s future.

Oil companies and other markets are preparing for a severe economic downturn and reduced activity that may not recover until 2021 or beyond. Companies will be restructuring themselves by closing locations and laying off employees. It is anticipated that the pandemic will help with the transition to green energy. As more workplaces opt to have employees work from home, there will be less demand for gas. Governments will be providing stimulus packages to help these companies recover in the coming years; a lot of these funds could be diverted from oil and towards renewables.

The transition from oil to renewable energy sources has been occurring for years, albeit at a very slow pace. Nevertheless, the world is far behind the Paris Climate Agreement targets needed to minimize the damage of the climate crisis. COVID-19 could help accelerate progress towards these goals. On one hand, as economies begin to reopen, governments will be providing stimulus packages to help companies remain afloat. A lot of these funds could be diverted away from oil and towards renewables.

Conversely, oil and gas are still the dominant power sources for vehicles, heating, and other facets of our day-to-day lives. As commuting, flights, and other activities resume, low oil prices may encourage companies to resort to the energy sources they are already familiar with. The clean energy sector is also facing economic struggles, and these organizations have significant costs to set up and maintain wind turbines, solar panels, and more. As the economic recession leads to increased debt, it will be harder to invest in these projects.

Even with the reduced carbon emissions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is still far short of the reductions needed to prevent catastrophe. Drastic changes are needed and the oil industry cannot continue long-term. With the growing awareness of the urgency of renewables, this is the time to invest in green energy and seek out green jobs. Humanity cannot afford otherwise. The COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately pale in comparison to the climate crisis.

Sources:

Bakx, Kyle. “COVID-19 wipes out demand for fossil fuels – will they bounce back?” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/covid-19-oil-gas-energy-transition-1.5552794

Clemente, Jude. “Why U.S. And Natural Gas Demand Will Rebound From Coronavirus.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/judeclemente/2020/05/17/why-us-oil-and-natural-gas-demand-will-rebound-from-covid-19/#77663156a065

Lorinc, Jacob. “COVID-19 brought the oil business to its knees. Is it time for investors to turn to clean energy?” The Star. https://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2020/04/27/covid-19-brought-the-oil-business-to-its-knees-is-it-time-for-investors-to-turn-to-clean-energy.html

There’s no denying that construction is a major player in Canadian economy, employing more 1.2 million men and women. In addition, it remains to be one of the sectors that can endure amidst economic challenges, as proven back in 2008 when the employment rate decreased in Canada and other parts of the world because of the recession. Even when it took a hit then, falling 5.7%, it carried on and got back on its feet by 2010.

According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s construction industries—residential, non-residential and engineering, repair and other construction services—accounted for 6.0% of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), contributing a whopping $73.8 billion. Meanwhile, those who are employed within the sector are among those who are the highest paid in the skilled trades industry, with construction project managers taking the biggest slice of the pie, earning an average of $74,883 per year plus potential for bonus, profit sharing, and commission.

Recently in Canada, initiatives to building more environment-friendly infrastructure and increase the nation’s readiness against the effects of climate change have been launched and more are likely to come. In addition, the Government of Canada have made known that it intends to build energy retrofits and multi-use path systems throughout the nation. All of these developments make the construction industry an essential component to keep the Canadian economy alive during the pandemic.

However, the construction field isn’t exactly invincible to the effects of COVID-19. Like any other industry, there have been necessary adjustments put into place to ensure that the workers remain safe and healthy while completing construction projects according to timelines and specifications.

Delays

After the novel coronavirus was declared as a pandemic and physical distancing restrictions were set up throughout the country, a large number of employees who work in industries deemed as essential services expressed their concern on how to maintain their health and safety while working onsite. This included construction workers who felt anxious about the possible transmission of the disease since construction sites don’t necessarily provide the option of physical distancing because of the nature of the tasks involved.

As a result, some construction companies put their work on hold, as the health and safety of their workers are priority. When physical distancing restrictions were gradually being lifted, construction companies resumed operations while ensuring that workers are protected and out of harm’s way of the virus by providing them with the necessary Protective Physical Equipment (PPE).

Still there was a lull with their operations, and now these companies will have to modify their timelines and specifications to coincide with the delays they have experienced.

Work hazards

Of course, the construction industry isn’t exactly a work environment free of hazards and other dangers. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, construction workers suffer accidents three or four times more than workers in any other field.

Construction workers are exposed to a long list of dangers on a day-to-day basis, including confined space access, working at heights, electrical safety, working in extreme temperatures, using tools and equipment, and others. Now, aside from these given factors, they are not facing yet another danger, which is COVID-19.

This makes it all the more critical to ensure safety measures are in place while developing and implementing new protective instructions for best practices. In addition, contractors will need to keep themselves up-to-date with COVID-19-related instructions issued by local health authorities.

There’s no doubt that construction work is physically draining. Now, with the COVID-19 threat, contractors will need to be mindful of the big responsibility of overseeing the implementation of occupational health and safety practices to ensure workers avoid job hazards, injuries, and the virus. From the look of things so far, it seems that they are well-prepared and ready. If they aren’t, people will suffer the repercussions and projects will be even more delayed, or disappear completely. If you decide to work an apprenticeship during the summer in the trades, make sure to consider the health hazards and report any when you seen them.

SOURCES:

https://www.spi-s.com/en/blog/ohs-leadership/construction-workers-3-or-4-times-more-accidents

https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/economic/2020/05/horrendous-april-labor-market-stats-for-u-s-canada

https://www.mondaq.com/canada/construction-planning/935110/legal-update-covid-19-construction

https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Project_Manager%2C_Construction/Salary

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-402-x/2011000/chap/construction/construction-eng.htm

Before the world became under siege from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic early this year, the trades industry was showing signs of great promise. Economy watchers and experts were even predicting that there will be a significant shortage for some job titles in five years’ or ten years’ time.

Now, because of the pandemic, things in the trades industry are a bit different compared to before.  Construction managers and workers continue to be in stable demand, with industry experts even saying that a career within the construction sector is probably the few ones left that are pandemic-proof.  This includes engineers, heavy equipment/machine operators, electricians, engineers, and project managers. However, for other skilled trades, the same thing can’t be said. Let’s take a quick look at the state of the skilled trades industry below.

Beyond the construction industry

Skilled trade workers are not only restricted within the construction sector. There are also skilled trades within essential services such as supermarkets and groceries because they require logistics occupations   such as truck drivers, product movers, cargo agents, warehouse workers, as well as administrative and support workers to make sure the operations are running smoothly. Hair dressers are trades people; ask yourself, when is the last time you got a haircut?!

Express entry

In Ontario alone, several skilled trades positions are up for grabs because they remain to be in high demand. As a result, the province issued a Notification of Interest (NOI) to 190 qualified individuals in end of April that targeted 14 occupations including: Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters, Ironworkers, Electricians, Electrical power line and cable workers, Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers, Carpenters, Concrete finishers, Roofers, Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews, Heavy duty equip mechanics, Refrigeration and AC mechanics, Machine fitters, Elevator constructors and mechanics, and Crane operators. Candidates were asked to submit Express Entry profiles into the federal pool within the last 12 months preceding the draw date to qualify.

The province also launched a SkillsatHome initiative to encourage aspiring skilled trade workers and current ones to participate in challenges that they can safely participate from home such as wacky hair challenge and post their work on social media.

Oil and energy sector

Canada is abundant in oil and gas resources so it’s not surprising that careers in oil and gas, particularly a career as an oil driller or pipefitter, is in high demand, especially in Alberta and British Columbia. However, there has been a very large slowdown in this sector, but all the same, these provinces will see a shift to infrastructure projects especially in BC, which will provide skilled workers job prospects in more years to come.

Looking into the future

There’s a huge potential for the Canadian government to do more within its capacity to ensure the skilled trades industry stay afloat during the pandemic. Industry experts suggest to be more reliant on domestic production and less on the world. It also helps to launch initiatives to encourage more youth to join the skilled trades.

SOURCES:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/05/05/opinion/these-10-steps-will-strengthen-canadas-economy-and-climate

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/tom-turpin/canadas-labour-market_b_7769932.html?utm_hp_ref=ca-skilled-trades

https://www.ept.ca/2020/05/skills-ontario-launches-skillsathome-series/

https://www.cimmigrationnews.com/ontario-conducts-skilled-trades-draw-of-2020-issues-190-nois/

https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/labour/2020/05/industry-perspectives-op-ed-why-the-construction-trades-are-the-pandemic-proof-career-choice

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canadian-tradespeople-1.5198394

Are you planning to apprentice in a trade after graduation?  If that’s your goal, it’s a good idea to start organizing yourself during your highschool years to make sure that you have everything you need to transition smoothly from school into your training.

Choose Your Trade

Before you can start an apprenticeship, you need to know which trade you want to pursue.  Apprenticeships are available for most trades, so whether you’re interested in becoming an auto mechanic, hairstylist, chef, dental hygienist, or something else, you can find an apprenticeship.

If you haven’t chosen a trade, explore different trades online to see which ones might fit with your interests and skills.  Your high school’s guidance counsellor will also be able to provide you with information on different trades and help you decide which path will suit you the best.  Your high school will also help you arrange a co-op placement with a local business, which gives you the opportunity to try working in a specific trade to see if you find it interesting and enjoyable enough to do as your full-time career.

Do Your Research

Once you choose your trade, it’s time to learn everything you need to know about completing an apprenticeship for that trade.  There are lots of places to look for this information, including your guidance counsellor, your province’s youth employment website, and with the local and national organizations for your chosen trade.  You can also speak with someone you know who works in a trade that interests you, so they can share what it’s like to work in that trade.

Use this research to get familiar with the requirements of your trade, including which high school credits you need, which skills or abilities you should have, and what the employment options are once you are finished with your apprenticeship.

Some questions you should answer include:

• Do you need any previous work experience, or specific high school course credits?
• What are the main skills and strengths this trade requires?
• What are the potential salary earnings in this trade?
• Where are tradespeople in your trade employed; for example, as independent contractors, or with large companies.
• Are their local opportunities for your apprenticeship, or will you need to relocate to a different town or city?
• Are there scholarships or grants available to cover the costs of courses and tools?
• What is required for the apprenticeship application process
• Arrange What You Need For Your Apprenticeship Application

Once you know your future trade inside and out, it’s time to make sure you have everything you need to apply to your apprenticeship.

If you are still in high school, first make sure you are taking credits that support the skills required for your apprenticeship.  There are a number of industries that have associated Specialist High Skills Majors available for high school students, which includes a bundle of 8-10 credits and co-op placements geared toward preparing students to work in a specific industry.

It is also possible to start on your apprenticeship path through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.  This program helps connect students in grades 11 and 12 with work placements that count as co-operative education credits toward your diploma.  These give you the chance to begin your hands-on training while still finishing school, and can be a pipeline to a full-time apprenticeship after graduation.

You need to find a sponsor who will lead your apprenticeship training.  This can be an individual, such as an independent contractor, or a company who will then assign you to a team or mentor who will train you.  If you participate in a co-op and plan to continue that trade, there’s a good chance your co-op placement will be willing to take you on as an apprentice.  If you need to find a sponsor, the guidance counsellors, government job banks and employment offices, unions and trade associations, and career fairs are all resources you can use to find an employment sponsor.

Sources:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/prepare-apprenticeship

https://careersintrades.ca/whats-an-apprenticeship/youth-apprenticeship-programs/

http://www.skillsontario.com/pathways-to-apprenticeship/

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/morestudentsuccess/SHSM.html

By the time you’re deciding on a trades career, chances are you have a good idea whether you prefer working outdoors, or indoors.  Since there is a broad range of trades available across all sectors, whether you’re an indoor or outdoor you will be able to find a trade that suits you.

Trades are divided into four main sectors: Construction, Industrial, Motive Power, and Service.  Each of these sectors contains dozens of trades, and a mix of indoor and outdoor trades.

Construction Sector

The word construction brings to mind constructing buildings, but the construction sector contains many different specific trades both indoors and outdoors, and some that are a combination.

Many trades in the construction sector involve work that is almost entirely done indoors and out of the elements, working inside partially or entirely completed houses, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings.  These include plumbers, electricians, installers of drywall and flooring, sprinkler system installers and pipefitters, to name a few.

Outdoors trades in the construction sector range from crane operators and heavy equipment operators for trucks, bulldozers, and backhoes, to hands-on trades such as bricklaying and stonemasonry, installing and finishing concrete, and working as roofers and shinglers,

There are also a handful of construction trades that can have work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the job or the company you work for.  These include glaziers installing external windows or internal glass and mirrors, carpenters building interior walls and doorways or decks and railings outdoors, and painters both inside and outside residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Industrial Sector

Trades in the industrial sector are often within industrial buildings or factories–but not always.  There are also many outdoor industrial trades.

Many of the indoor trades in the industrial sector involve work inside manufacturing plants and involve operating industrial machinery, such as CNC operators, tool and die makers, draftspersons, welders, industrial electricians, and machinists.   Cabinetmakers, elevator mechanics, and locksmiths are industrial trades that often occur on site, such as building and installing cabinetry in a commercial building, performing maintenance on an elevator in an apartment or highrise, or installing, repairing and changing locks both inside and outside buildings.

Some of the outdoor industrial trades include working at train yards as a railway car technician, inspecting and repairing power lines as an electrical power line and cables technician, transporting goods as a tractor-trailer driver, or working various trades related to quarrying and mining.

Motive Power Sector

The motive power sector of the trades encompasses those trades that have to do with motors, and spans multiple industries from agricultural to automotive to transportation.  Most motive power trades involve working mostly indoors, with the possibility of occasional outdoor work depending on the job or company.

These indoor motive power trades include automotive mechanics, auto body maintenance and repair and automotive painters, as well as  heavy duty equipment mechanics who work on large engines such as those found in buses and tractor-trailers, or agriculture tractors and combines, as a few examples.

Motive power trades which may include some outdoor work are marine engine mechanics, agricultural equipment mechanics, and heavy duty equipment mechanics who may be required to service and repair equipment outdoors on site at ports or docks, farms, mines or quarries, and construction sites.

Service Sector

Lastly, the service trades sector includes trades that involve working directly with the public to offer services to customers.  While it’s easy to think service trades will all take place indoors, there are also a variety of outdoor service trades.

Indoor service trades include educational sector jobs such as early childhood educators, child and youth workers, and educational assistants, as well as  Aboriginal child development practitioners. There are also various food service trades such as cooks, chefs, bakers, and butchers. Artisans and craftspeople, including Aboriginal clothing and crafts, jewelry and watch repair, and goldsmiths all require clean indoor workspaces. Hairstylists and barbers operate exclusively indoors, as well, as do IT technical support and customer service technicians. Special events coordinators will work mostly indoors, but may have outdoor work for events that are held outdoors.

A few of the outdoor service sector trades are agricultural herdspeople for dairy and swine, arborists and landscapers working in residential, commercial, and public parks to plant and maintain trees and greenspaces, and horse grooms and other animal care workers.

Sources:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-skilled-trades-ontario

https://fastbc.org/skilled-trades/

https://www.theworkingcentre.org/types-trades/393