Category: Trades

If you look at the walls of your house or apartment, you see paint or wallpaper. Have you ever looked behind the surface? If your home is like most buildings in Canada, it has drywall covering the surfaces between the rooms and spaces between walls. If you are strong and you enjoy working with your hands, becoming a drywall finisher and plasterer could be a good career choice.

Drywall finishers and plasterers work in the construction industry. Often, they work for building companies, but they can also set up their own businesses and help with repairing or restoring homes or small buildings. Generally, people in this trade work regular hours, but sometimes, they might have to work late to finish a project. Often, people in this trade work with construction companies, but they can also work as private contractors. In that case, they also should be able to work with accounting, ordering supplies, and possibly hiring assistants.

Much of the work of drywall finishers and plasterers is indoors, but the job still depends on the construction season, which tends to be very busy in summer but quiet in winter. Large cities tend to have much more work than small towns, although work can be available anywhere. Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia recently had the most jobs in this trade, but the COVID-19 pandemic might change that.

Salaries for drywall finishers and plasterers start at about $24,000 and can rise to $69,000. Graduation from high school and completion of an apprenticeship are normally necessary for getting into this trade. Certification is required in Quebec and is available but voluntary in most other parts of the country.

Most apprenticeships last about four years and include both classroom studies and on-the-job training. Apprentices learn to tape and finish drywall, using various tools to smooth off the surfaces and the rough edges. They apply plaster to walls and repair existing plaster if necessary. They also learn how to form decorative shapes with the plaster and to restore anything that is broken, chipped, or crumbling.

Working as a drywall finisher and plasterer requires many different skills. Both mathematical ability and creativity are useful for this job. Installing the drywall involves measuring and cutting, often calculating the amounts necessary for the job. Some people in this field might do only the finishing and plastering work while letting others install the drywall, but being able to do all parts of the job is helpful.

Even before finishing high school, you can start to prepare for work as a drywall finisher and plasterer. Mathematics courses are good for learning how to calculate amounts of materials you need, and shops classes are very useful for learning the practical skills necessary for the job. Taking English courses is also a good choice, since people in this trade need to be able to read instructions or to explain procedures to other workers.

Every construction job has its dangers because of the nature of the work. Drywall finishers and plasterers can be injured by the tools they use and the dust they breathe in, but this trade is normally less dangerous than many other jobs in the construction industry. If the tasks appeal to you, why not consider this trade? It could be ideal for you.

Bibliography:

Careers in Construction. “Plasterer/Drywall Installer and Finisher/Lather.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/plastererdrywall-installer-and-finisherlather.

Job Bank. “Drywall Installer and Finisher Apprentice near Toronto (ON).” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/21540/22437.

Red Seal. “Drywall Finisher and Plasterer.” http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/dryw.1ll_pl.1st.2r-eng.html.

Statistics Canada. “7284—Plasterers, Drywall Installers and Finishers and Lathers.” https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3VD.pl?CLV=4&CPV=7284&CST=01012011&CVD=122376&Function=getVD&MLV=4&TVD=122372.

If you look around any building, you can see many metal objects. Door handles, cabinet handles, car parts, and even picture frames can be made of metal. People who work as precision metal fabricators help to make these metal parts. If you are comfortable working with machines and enjoy making things with your hands, you should consider this field.

Working as a precision metal fabricator involves cutting and shaping metal. Being able to read and use blueprints and to make mathematical calculations is essential for the work. Welding, cutting, and operating a forklift are part of the job. Working with sharp metals and cutting or welding machines can be dangerous, and a knowledge of emergency First Aid is very useful, and necessary in this job.

Often, people in this trade work indoors in factories or manufacturing plants, but they can also work on construction sites and even for private clients. Wages start at just under $17 an hour or about $29,000 a year and can rise to almost $33 per hour or $65,000 a year. Normally, the work is full time, but it can depend on the strength of the economy and how many people are looking for new houses or metal cabinets or other objects containing metal.

Becoming a precision metal fabricator involves completing an apprenticeship of 7280 hours of on-the-job training and three sessions of in-class training that are each eight weeks long. Certification is voluntary, and people with work experience can apply for a Trade Equivalency Assessment. Experience is always very important in the trades, and if you have a friend or relative who can show you how the work is done, that could help you get a good start. In school, taking mathematics or shop classes could help you learn some of the skills you need.

Being good with your hands is essential to working as a precision metal fabricator. Patience and the ability to work through problems and to follow instructions are important. Taking English classes to learn to read and write complicated documents can be helpful. Many precision metal fabricators work with other people, but sometimes they work on their own and should be able to deal with accounting and helping customers.

Depending on where they work, precision metal fabricators might have to deal with very different conditions. The hours can be long in the middle of projects, but the job can be very quiet at certain times of the year, especially for anyone involved in construction. In areas of the country with cold winters, precision metal fabricators might want to find other work during the cold season, such as working as a boilermaker or pipefitter, since these jobs require many of the same skills. Cuts, burns, and other injuries are common in this trade, and people should prepare to take time off work to recover if necessary.

Working as a precision metal fabricator can be an interesting and rewarding job for people who enjoy working with their hands, often on small details. If this describes you, this career might be a good choice.

Bibliography:

British Columbia Institute of Technology. “Metal Fabrication.” https://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/metalfabrication.

Neuvoo. “Metal Fabricator Salary.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Metal%20Fabricator.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Precision Metal Fabricator.” https://oyap.com/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=087

Payscale. “Metal Fabricator Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Metal_Fabricator/Hourly_Rate.

Every time you turn a doorknob or use a lamp, you are using something that came at least in part from a factory. Workers in factories and small shops make all kinds of products that people use every day. To do their work, they need machines that cut or fit the parts together. The work of industrial mechanics or millwrights can help to make all of this work possible.

Industrial mechanics, also called millwrights, help to install and repair all kinds of machinery and equipment. Sometimes, they make the parts that they need to build or repair other machines. Making foundations for the machines or getting other people to build the foundations is also something that an industrial mechanic or millwright might do. Part of the work is maintenance, involving oiling moving parts or replacing anything that is broken.

Assembling machines is often one of the first steps, and workers in this job should be able to follow instructions and read blueprints. It is important to know how the different parts can break or problems occur, since people in this trade often repair various kinds of machines. One way to learn about these kinds of procedures is through an apprenticeship or through taking courses at a trade school. The basic requirement for this work is a Grade 12 education, but extra training can give people more opportunities.

It is a good idea to start preparing for this job in high school. English courses help improve reading and writing skills, which are useful abilities for reading instruction manuals and other documents. Mathematics courses can help students gain the background they need to program machines and to calculate the amount of material they will need for each job.

An ability to use welding equipment and other tools is essential in this job. Industrial mechanics should be good with their hands and be able to lift heavy objects. Having good eyesight helps, although people with glasses can also work in this job. An ability to think creatively is useful, since sometimes the trouble with a machine might not be obvious. It is important to be quite physically fit and to be able to stand for long hours in one place if necessary.

Generally, these tradespeople work regular daytime hours, normally full time, but they might sometimes need to work in the evenings or on weekends to solve problems with the equipment. Factories are the most common places where these tradespeople work, but small shops and other businesses might also be possibilities. Working for private customers is also possible. Wages start at about $32 per hour and rise to about $39, but many people might find the work too difficult as they get older. Job prospects are not very good these days, but as older workers retire, the availability of work could increase.

Working as an industrial mechanic or millwright is a good choice for people who like to make things with their hands. It could be the right choice for you. Why not consider this job for your future?

Bibliography:

ALIS. “Industrial Mechanic (Millwright).” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/industrial-mechanic-millwright/.

Careers in Construction. “Construction Million/Industrial Mechanic.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/construction-millwrightindustrial-mechanic.

Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology. “industrial Mechanic/Millwright.” http://mitt.ca/programs/post-secondary-programs/41/industrial-mechanic-millwright.

Skills Canada. “Industrial Mechanic/Millwright.” https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/skills/manufacturing-engineering/industrial-mechanics-millwright/.

All over Canada, people use water, chemicals, and other substances that come through pipes. When these liquids and gases travel in high-pressure pipes, steamfitters help to keep everything running smoothly. This job can be difficult but varied and rewarding. Working as a steamfitter is a good choice for people who are physically fit and able to manage the demands of the job.

Steamfitters have a very important role in keeping heating and water systems working properly. Their work is very much like what plumbers and pipefitters do. Steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry high-pressure liquids or gases, working with welding machines and cutting tools. Some of the work involves studying blueprints and making plans for where to install the pipes. Much of the rest of the work is outdoors, working in all weather conditions.

Strength and endurance are the main requirements for working as a steamfitter. Accuracy is also very important, since some of the material that goes through the pipes can be dangerous to people and the environment. A gas leak, for example, could kill animals and plants or even poison people.

Steamfitters generally work in factories and companies that deal with natural resources like oil and gas. Some steamfitters start their own companies. Usually, the basic educational requirement is a high school diploma. Taking courses in mathematics can help for calculating the amounts of pipe and other factors like the volume of liquid or gas. English courses are also helpful for learning to read complicated instructions.

After high school, most steamfitters complete apprenticeships with employers who train them in all of the different parts of the job. An average apprenticeship normally lasts four or five years. Some provinces also require certification, and it is a good idea to take courses to upgrade welding and technical skills.

Apprenticeships can be a good way to connect with employers. Job prospects are not very good these days, but the skills that steamfitters learn can be useful in other trades. As older workers retire in the next few years, more jobs might become available. Salaries start at about $39,000 per year and can rise to more than $123,000.  The job can be physically demanding, and it is a good idea to have another option in case the work becomes too difficult.

Working on the planning part of the job is a good option as people get older. A good knowledge of finances and bookkeeping can be useful for this part of the job, especially for people who run their own businesses. Answering phone calls and working with customers can be part of a steamfitter’s job.

Steamfitter jobs can involve working alone or with other people. Many of the pipes are too large and heavy for one person to carry alone, although machines can help. Workers can often do repairs or install small pipes alone, but many of the jobs involve at least two people. Much of the work of installing pipes happens in the warmer months, but steamfitters should be prepared to work even in the coldest months.

Working as a steamfitter can be a good choice for people who enjoy working outside with their hands. You might want to consider this career.

Bibliography:

Government of Alberta. “Steamfitter—Pipefitter.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/steamfitter-pipefitter/.

Payscale Canada. “Average Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Plumber%2C_Pipefitter%2C_or_Steamfitter/Hourly_Rate.

Sherman, Fraser. “Steamfitter Job Duties.” https://work.chron.com/steamfitter-job-duties-11064.html

Work BC. “Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers.” https://www.workbc.ca/careers/7252.

Every day, people in certain Canadian cities board light rail trains to go to work, school, or possibly to do errands or go visiting. For these people, having a reliable transit system is essential. Light rail overhead contact systems line-people can help make travel in cities easier for many residents.

Like regular trains, light rail lines need tracks, machines to lift cars onto the tracks, switches to direct trains from one track to another, and many other parts that help the trains run. Besides all of this, light rail systems have overhead lines that move them along and help with regulating speed, direction, and other factors.

Light rail overhead contact systems line-people build these systems and repair them if necessary. They might install lights in the tunnels or clear off anything that has fallen on the tracks or do other jobs that have to be done to make the trains run well. Normally, people in this trade work with others, but sometimes a linesperson might need to do a certain job alone. The work might be in tunnels or outdoors, depending on the line and where the tracks are located.

Jobs in this field are usually full time. Daytime hours are most common, but linepeople should be prepared for evening and weekend work when problems occur. Wages start at about $15 per hour and can rise to $30 with experience.

Becoming a light rail overhead contact systems lineperson (what a mouthful!) normally requires a high school education. After that, people complete a three- or four-year apprenticeship which includes 8000 hours of on-the-job training and 120 hours of in-class studies. People who complete all of the requirements receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship and can officially begin as qualified linepeople. Other certification is voluntary.

Jobs are available only in cities with light rail systems, such as in Edmonton and Vancouver, and qualifications are not necessarily valid everywhere in the country. Work in this field involves using a variety of power and hand tools, as well as electrical and lighting equipment. A good understanding of safety procedures and an ability to diagnose problems is also useful.

As with most trades, working as a light rail overhead contact systems lineperson involves physical effort, and it can be difficult for older people to do. Many people in this field might choose to move on to another job after fifteen or twenty years, but with help from others, workers can continue in this job for many years.

Steady hands and an ability to climb ladders are necessary for the work, and comfort with working in confined spaces can help make the job easier. Even when these become difficult, people might choose to work in offices, planning and coordinating the work of building or repairing light rail systems. This type of planning job likely requires more education, but the experience of working on the systems can be very valuable.

Light rail overhead contact systems linepeople have an important role in helping people get around large cities in Canada. If you want to help keep transportation systems running and you enjoy working with your hands, you might want to consider working in this trade.

Bibliography:

Apprentice Search. “Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Lineperson.” https://www.apprenticesearch.com/trades/light-rail-overhead-contact-systems-lineperson-270s.

Government of Ontario. “Electrical Power Line and Cable Workers.” https://www.iaccess.gov.on.ca/labourmarket/jobProfile/jobProfileFullView.xhtml?nocCode=7244.

Neuvoo. “Rail Transit Salary in Canada.”

https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Rail%20Transit.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Lineperson.” https://oyap.com/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=159.

Electrical machines are part of people’s everyday life, but they can often break down or need to be rebuilt. People who help to keep these machines working properly make life easier for others. If you are good with your hands and like to make machines like electric motors and transformers work well, the job of electric motor technician might be right for you.

Electric motors, gear, transformers, and other machines are usually quite complicated, with small parts that can easily break or get worn down. Tradespeople who work as electric motor system technicians assess machines for damage and maintain, test, and repair these machines as necessary. Often, these technicians need to take machines apart and then reassemble them. Being able to follow directions in instruction manuals is very important to avoid making mistakes.

Part of this work involves estimating the amount of time each repair will take and how much it will cost. Some electric motor system technicians work in large repair shops with other people, but some work alone. The work can be very messy because of the oil on the machines, and technicians might sometimes need to work long hours to get the jobs done in time. They should be able to lift heavy objects onto tables and counters where they do the repair work.

Getting a high school education is normally necessary for working in this field, and some provinces also require certification for electric motor system technicians. Taking mathematics courses in school can help with calculating costs, and English courses help with reading user manuals and other documents.

A four-year apprenticeship gives people a chance to learn what they need to know for the job. Once they begin their work, electric motor system technicians earn about $38,000 per year, with wages rising to $88,000 per year for experienced workers.

As with many trades, work in this field tends to become difficult as people age, but it is still possible to do the work later in life. If technicians are still able to use their hands well, they can find ways to deal with the heavy lifting, or they can move into the customer service area or train newer technicians to do the work. The job is not especially dangerous, but injuries are possible when people work with welding tools and large machines that can fall and injure people.

People in this field should be good at seeing problems and dealing with them. Being physically fit and strong is important. Good eyesight to spot small cracks or other flaws in motors is helpful, although people who wear glasses can also do the job. Having the patience to test various possibilities and search for problems is important. If you have these qualities, this career might be right for you. Although current job prospects are limited, the skills that people learn are valuable in many areas of life.

These days, electric motor system technicians are essential for keeping a variety of machines running. If you get into this trade, you will have a vital role in Canadian life.

Resources:

Government of Alberta. “Electric Motor Systems Technician.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/electric-motor-systems-technician/.

Neuvoo. “Electric Motor Systems Technician.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=electric+motor+systems+technician

Red Seal. “Electric Motor System Technician.” http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/.2l.2ctr.3c_t.2ch-eng.html.

Trade Secrets. “Electric Motor Systems Technician.” https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/profiles/030/.

If your family often drives on gravel roads, your car or truck likely has a few cracks or chips in the windshield. Even on paved roads, vehicles’ glass can easily be damaged. When that happens, automotive glass technicians can help. Working in this trade might be right for you if you enjoy working with your hands and repairing things that are broken.

Every car, truck, or other vehicle comes with several windows, including the windshield and the ones at the back and sides. In Canada, the back window normally has a system of veins for melting any ice that forms on it. Automotive glass technicians install and restore these windows when they are broken or need other repairs. This could include filling in chipped sections or replacing entire windows.

Working in this trade requires a certain amount of strength to lift windows into place and an ability to work carefully and accurately, even in stressful or rushed situations. Most windows come in fairly standard sizes for each type of car. Still, automotive glass technicians need to know the different types of vehicles so that they can choose the right size of glass or cut it down if necessary.

They need to know about special features like tinted glass and know where to find both regular and special glass if it is not readily available. This might involve calling suppliers at factories to order shipments of the glass or to make special requests for unusual shapes and sizes.

Most automotive glass technicians work in autobody repair shops. In larger shops, these tradespeople might work only on the installation and repair of the glass, but in smaller shops, they might need to do many other tasks, such as ordering supplies and talking with customers. Usually, the work is indoors on weekdays, but some of the work might be outside and on weekends, especially in emergencies.

People in this job should know a lot about cars, trucks, and buses. They need to be able to drive both standard transmission and automatic vehicles, and they need to have a good driving record with few or no accidents. Two-year apprenticeships with both classroom and practical work are available at career colleges and trade schools. Salaries start at about $27,00 per year and can rise to more than $58,000.

As technicians age, they might feel unable to carry large pieces of glass and decide to move on to other jobs, but as long as they can still lift the glass into place, they can continue in the job. One of the dangers in this job is the possibility of serious back problems coming from bending over and lifting heavy objects. Cuts from removing broken glass or from the sharp edges on some pieces are also possible. Repair shops can also be dusty, oily, and loud, and some people might find this difficult.

Automotive glass technician work is very precise, and people in this trade need to be able to deal with all kinds of situations. Still, this can be a very good job for people who enjoy working with their hands.

Bibliography:

Career Planner. “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairer.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Automotive-Glass-Installers-and-Repairers.cfm.

Glassdoor. “Auto Glass Technicians.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job/auto-glass-technician-jobs-SRCH_KO0,21.htm

My Plan. “Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers.” https://www.myplan.com/careers/automotive-glass-installers-and-repairers/description-49-3022.00.html.

Neuvoo. “Auto Glass Installer Salary in Canada.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=auto+glass+installer.

Okanagan College. “Automotive Glass Technician.” https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Page34916.aspx.

Payscale Canada. “Average Auto Glass Technician Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Auto_Glass_Technician/Hourly_Rate.

We’re used to seeing cabinets in every home and business — in kitchens, bathrooms, and storage spaces.  But you may not realize that not just anyone can put together a set of cabinets.  Instead, there are specific tradespeople who build and install all kinds of wooden cabinetry: Cabinetmakers.

If you enjoy wood shop in high school, like working with your hands, and have a bit of an artistic streak, then pursuing a trades career as a Cabinetmaker could be an ideal path.

One of the core construction trades, cabinetmaking encompasses designing, constructing, repairing, and installing wooden cabinets.  Cabinetmakers will also build wooden furniture and architectural millwork, and can work with various wood products including lumber, wood composites, and wood veneers.  They perform various woodworking tasks including using tools and machinery to cut, mill, carve, shape, and form wood, and joining the parts with glue, nails, or screws.  They will also be skilled in finishing processes such as sanding, varnishing, and sealing of wooden surfaces.  Some cabinetmakers can pursue additional training to learn special skills such as techniques to restore antique furniture.

This trade requires both physical strength for lifting wooden materials and using power tools or CNC milling equipment, as well as a strong attention to detail to read blueprints and perform fine carving work using hand tools.  Cabinetmakers are also skilled in drafting and designing cabinets and similar furniture projects.

Most cabinetmakers work regular daytime hours, though as with many construction trades there will be times and projects that require some overtime hours.  Most cabinetmaking work is also done indoors, whether you’re installing inside a building, or building and assembling cabinets in a factory or workshop.  Depending on the job and type of task, you may be working alone or working with a team of other cabinetmakers and construction tradespeople.

Cabinetmakers can be employed by construction companies, cabinet manufacturing facilities, and can work as independent contractors.  Since cabinetmaking is a Red Seal trade, if you earn your certification you will be able to work anywhere in Canada.

Becoming a cabinetmaker requires at least a secondary school diploma or equivalent, as well as a 4-year apprenticeship period or equivalent work experience.  Taking cabinetmaking courses at a college or trade school may also be a requirement, depending on the job or employer, and whether you want to pursue your Red Seal.

Salaries for cabinetmakers range from minimum wage up to around $25 or $30 per hour.  This comes out to a yearly salary ranging from $24,000 to around $52,000.  For cabinetmakers who develop specialized skills such as antiques restoration, or those who work as independent contractors with a reliable client list, can often earn higher salaries.

Sources:

https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/professions-and-trades/cabinetmaking

https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/cabinetmaker

http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/c.1b.3n.2tm.1k.2r-eng.html

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/16991/22437

A hundred years ago, trains were a regular part of everyday life. This type of transportation is not as popular as it once was in Canada, but trains are still very important. Railway conductors help to keep trains running on time with their passengers and cargo.

Railway conductors have very important jobs as organizers for train trips. On passenger trains, conductors help people find their seats, carry their luggage, and help them with anything else they need. For example, passengers might need help getting off at the right station. On freight trains, conductors help to load or unload boxes and other packages. The work can be hard, and conductors need to work in all kinds of weather.

Working as a railway conductor involves a lot of stamina. Being able to work long hours is important. When trains arrive at stations, workers have a limited amount of time to load and unload the cargo. Conductors can help by organizing the work and moving some of the cargo themselves. They should have good hearing and vision, and they should be able to work at heights of up to three or four metres.

Being organized and thorough is important for railway conductors. Trains are made up of many different cars that can be attached to each other at different stations and detached when they reach their destination. Conductors need to keep track of which cars need to go to each station, and sometimes they might need to do the actual work of putting the right cars on the train. For this, conductors need to know where the different tracks are and to be able to guide the cars to the right place. Other people also help with this process, but conductors take charge of the work.

Normally, a high school education is enough to become a railway conductor. Many employers also require conductors to take a six-week course, but most of the training is on the job. Salaries start at about $51,000 and can rise to $90,000. If they remain healthy, railway conductors can stay in this job for many years, but it can be difficult as people age.

Some parts of the job can be stressful. Besides the long hours at stations and the late nights dealing with problems along the route, railway conductors might have to deal with health issues if they breathe in too much carbon dioxide or other gases coming from the train or other vehicles. The schedules of the trips mean that conductors often have to miss family events, school reunions, or other special occasions.

Large companies like the Canadian National Railway are most likely to have jobs for railway conductors, but smaller companies also have work. On the Prairies, much of the railway work involves grain shipments, while other parts of the country have lumber or cattle to ship. Conductors might want to specialize in a certain kind of train, but much of the work is the same for freight trains. Passenger trains are not very common in Canada, but a limited amount of work in that area is still available.

Working as a railway conductor can be a good way to see the country. If you are strong and can handle long hours, why not consider this career?

Bibliography:

The Balance Careers. “What Does a Railroad Conductor Do?” https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-does-a-railroad-conductor-do-1361526.

CSX. “Freight Conductor.” https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/working-at-csx/job-overviews/transportation/freight-conductor/.

Indeed.com. “Canadian National Railway Employee Reviews for Conductor.” https://ca.indeed.com/cmp/Canadian-National-Railway/reviews?fjobtitle=Conductor.

Payscale Canada. “Train Conductor Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Train_Conductor/Salary?signedUp.

Suppose that your house needed a new kitchen or a larger garage. Your parents might call a home remodeler to do that work. If you like working with your hands and helping people live comfortably, this might be the right job for you.

Home remodelers work with other people in the construction industry to rebuild sections of homes that are breaking down or just looking old. Sometimes, they might even completely rework a room to turn it into a new bathroom, study, or living room. Some home remodelers work on their own, but many work as contractors for companies that specialize in building homes and other structures.

Generally, employers in this field require only a high school diploma for their workers, but extra education or an apprenticeship can be helpful. Getting training as an electrician, for example, could help increase job opportunities.

Depending on the situation, home remodelers might work a lot or very little with customers. In small businesses, the worker might need to interact with customers to find out what they want, but in other cases, only the managers of a company might work with the public.

Home remodelers who also have skills beyond their own field are likely to have a wide choice of jobs. Being able to talk with people and to explain the process to them is a valuable skill in this kind of work. Having a basic knowledge of accounting and office procedures can also be helpful and might help home remodelers to find good jobs that pay well.

Salaries for people working in home remodeling are generally quite high. Salaries start at about $33,000 per year and can rise to over $73,000 with experience. In many cases, the hourly wages are between about $21 and $28 per hour. Some people work part time in this job, but many fulltime jobs are also available.

Like many construction jobs, home remodeling work can be physically demanding. Workers need to be able to lift heavy materials and to bend, stretch, and kneel as they put up drywall, nail baseboards in place, or finish ceilings. Being physically fit is very important for this job. The work can be dangerous as accidents can easily happen when people crawl on top of roofs or possibly drop heavy objects on themselves or other people. Workers should be careful and detail-oriented but also imaginative enough to see what a project might look like when it’s finished.

Work in the home remodeling industry is almost always available, although opportunities decrease in difficult economic times. These days, residential home remodeling provides about a million jobs in Canada. The skills that home remodelers gain can also be useful for many other jobs, and people who start out in this field can often move to another trade quite easily. More work is likely to be available in cities than in small towns or rural areas, but larger communities also have more competition.

Home remodeling can be a good job for people who enjoy making something old look new. If that describes you, why not consider this trade?

Bibliography:

Careers in Construction. “New Home Building and Renovation.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/construction-industry/types-of-construction/new-home-building-and-renovation.

Indeed. “Renovation Contractor.” https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d98a65e542362cc1&tk=1ds2ljcg7p2kg801&from=serp&vjs=3.

London Home Builders’ Association. “Careers.” https://www.lhba.on.ca/en/careers/careers.

Neuvoo. “Home Renovation: Salary.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=Home%20Renovation.