Category: Trades

Farming is a core pillar of Canada’s economy, and our agricultural communities produce everything from the meat and vegetables we eat, to other natural raw materials for products such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and more.  But the agricultural industry doesn’t only depend on plants and animals, it also relies on the expert tradespeople who perform essential tasks such as maintaining agricultural machines and equipment.

Agricultural Equipment Technicians are a subset of heavy equipment mechanics and technicians, and are responsible for the maintenance and repair of large industrial farming equipment.  This can include tractors, combines, sprayers, harvesters, and irrigation systems, among other machines.  Agricultural equipment technicians are trained to assess, diagnose, repair, overhaul, and maintain the machinery used for farming, and are in high demand across the country wherever agricultural industry is in operation.

These tradespeople must be familiar with all parts of heavy farming machinery, including the engine and braking systems, electrical systems, exhaust and emission control systems, air conditioning and ventilation systems, wheels and drive systems, as well as any specialty parts such as tillage, planting, spraying or harvesting attachments.  Much of the knowledge and skills used in the agricultural industry will also be applicable to repair and maintenance of heavy equipment and machinery in other industries, such as mining, forestry, or transportation.

Pursuing a trades career as an agricultural equipment technician is an ideal choice for those who enjoy working with mechanical and electrical systems and automotive vehicles, and who have an interest in farming.  These technicians must have good hand-eye coordination and the physical strength required to lift or move large tools and heavy machine parts.  They also need a solid understanding of and ability to read technical documentation, and a strong work ethic and sense of motivation to work independently with little supervision.

Most agricultural equipment technicians are employed by heavy equipment service centres or dealerships, and will often perform most of their work indoors at these repair facilities.  However, there are also opportunities to work outdoors by performing repair and maintenance of equipment on-site at farms and other agricultural operations.  Many of these tradespeople will also be employed directly by large farms or agricultural companies, and work in an on-site garage or centralized repair location.  This is also a trade ideal for working as an independent contractor and running an independent small business performing repairs and maintenance work for a variety of farms large and small.

Depending on which province or territory you are working in, earnings will range from starting wages around $14 to $18 per hour, up to $45 to $47 per hour for experienced tradespeople or those with specialized skills.  Most positions will require an apprenticeship period to learn the trade, as well as some additional education through a college or trade school.  This trade is also eligible for certification through the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, which will enable you to work in any location within Canada.

Sources:

https://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/Agricultural-Equipment-Tech.pdf

https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-occupations/profiles/0321/

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/26452/22437

A career in the trades can be a very stable, good choice for people who have the ability and physical endurance to do the work, but it is not for everyone. You might not want to be an electrician, hair stylist, or pet sitter, but you might want to work with the people who are in these trades. If so, you should explore the various careers that are available for people who want to support the trades but not work directly in them.

When people think of the trades, the picture of construction workers or plumbers probably comes to mind, but the trades are much more diverse than that. Cattle herding, broom making, and all kinds of other jobs are also in the trades, and they all require different types of help for the people working in them.

One of the most basic types of help is working as an adviser for people considering the trades. This job could involve working at a trade school or career college, possibly going to high schools to tell students about the job possibilities in the trades or advising students on courses and apprenticeships once they have already begun their studies.

Another possibility in this area is to work at outside organizations that deal with issues related to the trades. Examples of these are the Canadian Labour Congress, unions, or other groups that help to regulate the trades or provide information for the workers. For example, the Careers in Construction website provides information on topics such as how women can get involved in the trades or what certifications are required. Writers, website experts, or event planners are some of the people who might want to consider working in these areas.

Accountants and financial planners can also work with people in the trades. Some electricians or pet sitters might be very good with money matters, but others often need help with setting up ways of keeping track of their earnings, remembering to pay bills, or setting aside funds for large purchases. Financial professionals can help with this kind of task.

Suppliers, distributors, and advertisers are also very important for the trades, since even the best product will not sell if no one knows about it or can find it. Suppliers can also be a very important link between the raw materials, such as lumber, and the manufacturers, such as furniture makers.  Once the products are made, distributors ship the items to stores or warehouses where customers can find them. Advertisers let the customers know about the products and help the businesses promote themselves and show their advantage over others in the same field.

Requirements for getting into some of these fields related to the trades vary widely, but generally at least a high school diploma is necessary. Accountants generally need university degrees, and other people working indirectly in the trades might want to have qualifications in website design or related fields. People who have left the trades for their health or other reasons can also use their skills to help in many ways. If you want to work indirectly in the trades, you should be able to find an area where you can use your own skills and abilities in unique ways.

Bibliography:

Careers in Construction. “Organizations that Help Women Get Started in the Construction Tades.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/why-construction/opportunities-women/organizations-help-women-get-started-construction-trades.

Entrepreneur.com. “How to Find and Work with Suppliers.” https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/66028.

Settlement.org. “Myths About the Skilled Trades as a Career Option in Ontario.” https://settlement.org/ontario/employment/professions-and-trades/regulated/myths-about-the-skilled-trades-as-a-career-option-in-ontario/

True North Accounting. “Trades and Truckers.” https://www.truenorthaccounting.com/trades.

Milk and foods that come from it are important parts of many people’s diet. If you eat cereal with milk every morning or have cheese on your sandwiches, you need the work that dairy herders do. This job is very important for helping to provide people with the nutrition and varied diet that they need.

For most people, milk comes in plastic jugs or paper cartons, and cheese and butter come in packages ready to slice or to spread on toast. It can be hard to realize that these dairy products originally came from cows on farms and that someone had to take care of the cattle. That’s where the work of a dairy herder becomes important.

The work of a dairy herder can vary a lot throughout the year. Generally, cattle eat grass and other plants in fields in summer, and a herder’s job would be to take the animals out to a field and to make sure that the field still has enough food for them to eat. If most of the grass is gone or if the plants have a disease, the herder should move the cattle to another spot and try to deal with the problem in the field if possible.

In most parts of Canada, the weather is too cold for grass to grow in winter. Instead, herders feed the cattle with hay and other food stored in barns. Making sure that there is enough water for the animals is also very important. Herders might also help deliver the calves in spring and make sure that the cattle have the right vaccinations to protect them against diseases.

Depending on the size of the farm and the number of cattle, herders might have very general or quite specialized jobs. Herders might help with milking the cows in some cases, especially on small farms. They should be able to follow instructions for treating sick animals and be able to deal with minor problems themselves. Being able to operate farm machinery like tractors can also be helpful.

The basic education for a dairy herder is a high school diploma, but some employers require a post-secondary education in an area like agriculture or mechanics. Most universities have three- or four-year degrees in subjects like agriculture. Trade schools and community colleges often have courses that could be helpful.

Salaries for dairy herders depends on the size of the farm or ranch, what other duties are required, and other factors. In general, however, dairy herders earn between $18 and $28 per hour, or between about $22,000 and $36,000 per year. The job involves physical labour in all kinds of weather, and it can require quite a lot of strength, especially when helping with calving. Cattle can also be dangerous if they become angry or frightened.

The most likely places for people to get jobs as dairy herders is in areas with huge open spaces. The prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are good places to try, but other areas of the country also have jobs for dairy herders. If you like farm animals, the job of dairy herder is a good choice.

Bibliography: 

Indeed.ca. “Cattle Herdsman—Grain Supervisor.” https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=F%26F-Hudon-Farms-Ltd.&t=Cattle+Herdsman+Grain+Supervisor&jk=21a4d09f25aa6e76&sjdu=vQIlM60yK_PwYat7ToXhk4ZTHug3yZN3_PPfLdD3tBRHc6Gc7vPB5rSoArdKtfvjxYynHZM-4uARKn7BrcpvTEfOSaDeG7Pk0Yg2RQWLYyQ&tk=1dp0r7h2r350u001&adid=269226970&pub=4a1b367933fd867b19b072952f68dceb&vjs=3.

Indeed.com. “Dairy Herdsman Jobs in Western Canada.” https://ca.indeed.com/Dairy-Herdsman-jobs-in-western-canada.

Neuvoo. “Dairy Farm Worker.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=dairy+farm+worker.

Tukeli, Kent. “Cattle Herd Management Job Description.”

https://work.chron.com/cattle-herd-management-job-description-27103.html.

Suppose that you made a birdhouse or a wooden cart that started to fall apart. Would you fix the problem, or would you start all over again? If you prefer to fix what you already have, the job of restoration mason might be right for you.

In most cities, construction is a big business, and people can get jobs building new homes, schools, or offices. Masons in these jobs use mortar made from cement or other substances to join together bricks, stones, or other materials to construct entire buildings or sometimes just the outer shell of a building to make it look nice.

Restoration masonry uses some of the same techniques, but the goal of the work is different. Instead of actually building something new, they might remake a wall or tear down an old one to replace it with a new structure. Restoration masons might clean the stones or bricks on a wall, or they might use special chemicals to clean the building, especially in areas where air pollution or dust has made the buildings look dirty. Sometimes, they have to find replacements for some of the bricks or stones that have crumbled.

Often, restoration masons work with old buildings that people want to preserve, such as heritage buildings that connect to the history of a city or town. For example, they might restore the walls of an old college or city hall, or they might work on a house that has been in someone’s family for many years.

Sometimes, the work includes restoring terra cotta or other materials that newer buildings might not have. Often, people in this field need to have artistic skills so that they can carve special shapes to match what is already on the building. This work can often be very detailed, but some degree of physical strength is also necessary for working with heavy materials.

Generally, restoration masons earn between $39,000 and about $83,000 per year. Since the work is often somewhat physically difficult, people might want to get into another career as they get older. Most employers want restoration masons to have at least a high school education, but some might still hire someone who has completed Grade 9 or 10. Many employers might also want restoration masons to complete a 6000-hour apprenticeship program through a trade school or other organization.

Restoration masons can find work in many places, such as construction companies or with developers. The skills that restoration masons learn can be very useful in other fields, and some people might even find work with theatre or ballet companies, as well as other places that require someone who knows how to help the appearance and strength of the inside and outside of buildings.

Restoration masons should be good at working with their hands and be able to deal with heights if they work on tall buildings. Being able to work in small spaces is also helpful. Normally, people in this job work at many different locations, depending on which buildings need restoration. The job can be solitary, but sometimes restoration masons work with other people. For people who like to make old things look new, the job of restoration mason might be a good choice.

Bibliography:

Apprenticeship Search. “Restoration Mason.” https://www.apprenticesearch.com/sectors/construction/trades/restoration-mason-244h

Career Planner. “Brickmasons and Blockmasons.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Brickmasons-and-Blockmasons.cfm

Payscale.com. Stonemason: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Stonemason/Hourly_Rate

Vanwell Masonry. “Masonry Restoration Explained.” http://www.vanwellmasonry.com/masonry-restoration-explained.aspx.

Floors are part of every building, but it can be easy to forget the work that goes into them. Floor covering installers work with tile, carpet, and other types of materials to make floors look good and stay strong.  This trade is an important part of the construction industry.

Building a house, school, or office is a complicated process with many steps. After putting in the foundation, builders make the frame and make walls, floors, and a roof.  One of the last steps is covering the floors. In the kitchen and bathrooms, that would likely be linoleum, or something else that is easy to clean. The living room might have carpet and the bedrooms might have hardwood or carpet.

Floor covering installers need good math skills to be able to measure a room and be able to calculate how much of the tile or carpet they need. They need to be able to use tools to cut the materials to fit around corners and in tight spaces. Geometry courses in school are useful for this trade, and also classes which teach students how to use tools like drills or hammers.

If you know someone who works in this trade, you could also arrange some time to follow along on some jobs to see what the job is actually like. You might find that you love the work or that it might not be the right fit for you.

A high school education is useful for people in this field, but normally only a Grade 9 education is required. Most people who work as floor covering installers go through an apprenticeship program. The length of the program varies, but usually it is three twelve-month sections with an exam at the end. Certification is necessary in Quebec but also available in most other parts of Canada.

Working as a floor covering installer can be physically difficult, as materials like carpets and tiles can be heavy. Sometimes, the glues and dust can make the work unpleasant. Most construction in Canada happens in summer, but floor covering installers can work at any time of the year since their work is indoors. Salaries start at about $24,000 and can rise to $58,000 with experience.

Most floor covering installers generally work in groups or at least in pairs, but they can also work alone. Some deal with customers and have to send bills, collect payments, and order supplies, but others do only the installation work. When customers are unsure of what they want, the floor covering installer might have to advise them about colours, styles, and the best materials for what they need. A floor for a family with pets, for example, might be different from a floor for an elderly person living alone.

If you want to become a floor covering installer, a good place to start is to practice your math skills and ability to use your hands. Increasing your ability to bend and kneel down for long periods of time is also useful. If you have some degree of physical strength and like to work with colour and style, the job of floor covering installer might be right for you.

Bibliography:

Careers in Construction. “Floor Covering Installer.” https://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/career/floor-covering-installer

Government of Alberta. “Floor Covering Installer.” https://alis.alberta.ca/media/698083/floor-covering-installer.pdf.

Red Seal. “Floor Covering Installer.” http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/fl.4.4rc.4v.2r.3ng-eng.html.

Work BC. “Floor Covering Installer (NOC 7295).” https://www.workbc.ca/careers/7295.

When it comes to forging our careers, we all have our own preferences, skills, talents, and knowledge. Some thrive in environments where numbers are the primary focus, like in finance and investment, while others find their groove in the people-centred roles, whether working in sales, customer service, social work, and human resources. Of course, there are careers for those who favour working with their hands and look forward to physically demanding work.

Careers in the trades are growing in a faster rate than ever before because most of them equal a high earning potential. If you don’t mind exerting physical effort and don’t really see yourself in the confines of an office cubicle, then the trades could be an option for you. Let’s look at some of the careers you can keep in mind.

Construction Manager

If you have an affinity for building and constructing things, look into how to get started in construction management. It’s one of the trades with the highest financial rewards, where you can earn 100k annually, and at the same time, you will see yourself in charge of state-of-the-art real estate developments and infrastructure constructions. You will need a bachelor’s degree or a post-secondary education, and of course, loads of relevant work experience and training under a prominent skilled trades school. In addition, with non-stop construction and development across the country, construction managers will be one of the careers in high demand, with a projected 28,100 openings in the future.

Electrician

With all the buildings under construction, it doesn’t come as a surprise why electricians will be in high demand as well. Buildings, regardless of whether they are for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, are useless if they lack electricity, after all. To forge ahead as an electrician, you will have to gain foundational knowledge through trade skills and afterwards complete an apprenticeship program, which employers usually provide. Once you earn the title of electrician, you can earn as much as 90,000 per year.

Oil and Gas Driller

Canada is rich in oil and gas resources so it only follows while a career in oil and gas, particularly a career as a driller, is in high demand. Drillers are not only expected to be in tiptop shape because of the rigorous and physically strenuous tasks involved, they also need to be problem-solvers and team leaders. In addition, they have to have a high regard for safety regulations as the work environment carries a high risk for major disasters if safety measures are bypassed. This career can pay as much as 100k a year as well.

Pipefitters

Pipefitters are responsible for developing sketches and blueprints for piping system installations and therefore are in high demand in industrial settings where systems carry substances such as chemicals, fuel, steam, and others. While installing and connecting pipes are their main responsibilities, pipefitters are also accountable for proper maintenance and repairs of these systems. For their work, pipefitters can earn as much as 85,000 per year.

HVAC Mechanics

Just like electricians, HVAC mechanics are greatly needed in structures—residential, commercial, and industrial—to ensure all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning functions are all going according to plan. It’s an extremely demanding job especially in emergency situations as they are required to offer solutions and repairs ASAP, but it does offer great rewards. HVAC technicians can earn as much as 80k a year as employees and more so if they have their own businesses.

Now that we’ve taken a look at these promising trades, have you decided which one you will fit in the most?

SOURCES:

https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/6-skilled-trades-that-can-pay-more-than-75000-and-even-200000/

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

https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/articles/trade-jobs.asp

Cars, trucks, and other vehicles seem very strong, but they can easily be damaged or decay. Water from rain or snow rusts the metal, and accidents dent the bumpers or smash doors or other parts of the vehicle. If you become an auto body and collision damage repairer, you can help people drive vehicles that run well and look nice.

In areas with cold, snowy winters, vehicles often get rust spots because of the salt that people put on the roads to help melt the ice and keep vehicles from skidding. Eventually, the rust can destroy an entire vehicle.

Accidents also cause damage. When vehicles crash into each other, they often cause large dents or scratches that can later cause rust or even damage the engine or other inside parts. People in this field learn to use tools to repair dents or scratches, weld parts together, match colours and repaint the damaged sections.

Apprenticeship training programs are available in most parts of Canada for this trade. Auto body and collision damage repairer education includes courses in subjects like welding and refinishing. Normally, students should already be working in the field before they start the training program. With the time they spend in work and classes, the process usually takes about four years to complete. Getting a Red Seal designation is also necessary.

Wages for auto body and collision damage repairers begins at about $13 per hour and can rise to $31 with experience. Normally, people in this field work in repair shops, but they could also work in dealerships or even on their own. Sometimes, new cars might need some repairs if problems occur in the manufacturing process, and repairers can work in factories.

Some people in this field work with customers, but others might work mainly in the back with the vehicles. They might want to specialize in a certain type of repair, such as fixing bumpers, or a certain type of vehicle.

Any kind of work with cars and other vehicles can be very dirty, and people in this field also need to be able to deal with the smell of paint. Collision damage repair people should be fairly strong, although their tools can help with the heavy work.

Most people in this field tend to be quite young, but with enough help from others, people can continue to work in this field until retirement. They might work full time or part time. The tools for making repairs can be expensive and few people in this field can afford to work alone, but it is possible for people to have their own small repair shop.

Auto body and collision damage repairers need to keep up to date with tools and procedures and know the best ways of dealing with each type of vehicle. Reading skills are important. Also, having some math skills can help with estimating costs or calculating the supplies that you need, while courses on mechanics can also help.

Accidents on the road are common, and people in this field can normally do quite well. If the idea of working as an auto body and collision damage repairer appeals to you, why not start to prepare already?

Bibliography:

College of Trades. “Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer.” https://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_AutoBody_Collision_Damage_Repairer-_Oct20151.pdf.

Centennial College. “Auto Body Repairer—Apprenticeship Training.” https://www.centennialcollege.ca/programs-courses/full-time/auto-body-repairer/.

Job Bank. “Motor Vehicle Body Repairer – Collision in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/7691/ca.

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

Red Seal. “Auto Body and Collision Technician.” http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/mvbr-eng.html.

Trees are an important part of parks, forests, and many other parts of the natural world. Taking care of them can be a complicated job, trying to keep trees healthy and growing properly. Arborists plant and take care of all kinds of trees, treating diseases and making sure that they have the best possible chance to thrive.

Suppose that a tree starts to lose its leaves in the middle of summer or showed signs of insects. An arborist would go up in a machine called a cherry picker to see what was wrong. Then the arborist would find a way to cure the disease if possible. Sometimes, arborists plant trees, use sticks and other materials to prop up trees that are falling over, and prune branches that need to be removed. The job of an arborist can involve many different tasks, depending on where they work.

Arborists can work in many different places, such as tree nurseries, landscaping companies, golf courses, and city parks. Job prospects might be limited in small towns, but people who are willing to climb to the top of trees are likely to be able to find work almost everywhere they go. Generally, arborists earn from just over $32,000 to $64,400 per year, or $16 to $30 per hour.

To some extent, the work of an arborist is seasonal since many trees in Canada are dormant and stop growing in winter. Still, arborists can use that time to research new treatments and to make plans for the next year. Arborists need to be able to work in all kinds of conditions like rain or hot sun and sometimes to work long hours. This job generally requires a basic level of physical fitness but not necessarily much strength.

Educational requirements for arborists depend on where they work, but generally a technical diploma or a degree in an area like botany or forestry is necessary. If you want to become an arborist, you should take sciences such as biology and chemistry in high school to prepare for your post-secondary studies.

Some colleges and universities have programs in arboriculture. Courses in these programs include outdoor work as well as studies in the theory of how to take care of plants. If you take one of these programs, you will learn many of the things you need to know to do your job.

The most important part of being an arborist is knowing about trees. Canada has many different types of trees, such as birch, maple, cherry, fir, and spruce. Knowing how the seasons and weather affect trees is also important. Trees in northern Canada, for example, have to survive very harsh winters, while trees on the west coast have to live with large amounts of rain.

If you become an arborist, you could choose to specialize in a certain type of tree or work with many different kinds. Your choice could affect the availability of jobs, but you are quite likely to find work in most parts of Canada.

Trees are important for many reasons, and arborists have an important job. If you choose this career, you will have a very useful role in your community.

Bibliography:

ALIS Alberta. “Arborist.” https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/arborist/.

Eco Canada. “Career Profiles: Arborist.” https://www.eco.ca/career-profiles/arborist/.

Ontario Colleges. “Arboriculture.” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/energy-environmental-and-natural-resources/arboriculture.

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