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Category: Trades

  • Why the Trades Are Great for Entrepreneurship

    Why the Trades Are Great for Entrepreneurship

    Not everyone wants to graduate from school and go on to work in an office or company owned by someone else.  Instead, these people would rather work for themselves.  If you’re someone who wants to pursue entrepreneurship, then the trades might make for an excellent career path.

    When you hear the word “entrepreneurship” it might bring to mind the idea of a “start-up” company, usually in software, gaming, or technology. While it’s true that these fields receive a lot of attention, entrepreneurship isn’t limited to these areas. There are many great entrepreneurship opportunities for people working in the skilled trades who want to own their own business.

    What makes entrepreneurship so appealing to skilled tradespeople?

    You Get to be Hands-On

    Chances are if you’re interested in the skilled trades, it’s because you’re the type of person who like to be hands-on and deeply involved in their work.  This is an essential quality of successful entrepreneurs, since (especially in the early days of a new company) you will likely be covering multiple roles and a wide variety of tasks–everything from performing the actual work, to bookkeeping and accounting, to marketing yourself.

    You Have Independence and Control

    Becoming an entrepreneur also means that you get to make the decisions, choosing how to run your business, what your schedule will be, and which jobs you accept.  For many people, this independence if preferable to working for someone else where their control over their work is limited.  You also have control over your career trajectory; rather than having to work your way up through an established company until you reach a point where you can make the decisions, as an independent business owner you’re already in charge.

    Ongoing High Demand for Skilled Tradespeople

    The job market can be tough, but there is an ongoing, increasing need for skilled trades workers, especially in areas like plumbing, electrical, metalworking, and construction.  This is from a combination of increasing infrastructure and housing projects, as well as the trend of older workers retiring with fewer young workers to take their place.  This is an ideal situation for a trades entrepreneur, because it means that there will be lots of work opportunities to choose from to keep you and your business thriving.

    Room for Your Aspiration, Whatever That Might Be

    While you may start out as a one-person operation, very few entrepreneurial businesses remain a solo employee for long.  Growing your business to increase profits will necessarily require taking on more employees to help distribute the workload. However, entrepreneurship is great because you can grow your business at your own pace, and the sky is the limit.  You want to stay small and local, with regular hours and a reliable schedule? Once you build a solid team of employees and a good roster of customers, you can maintain your business at that scale.  Or do you want to one day own a huge company that operates on a national scale? Entrepreneurship is perfect for these ambitions, too.

    Sources:

    https://start-up-booster.com/skilled-trades-entrepreneurs-next-big-thing/

    https://business.financialpost.com/entrepreneur/how-to-get-from-journeyman-to-ceo-learning-a-trade-is-a-natural-for-setting-up-a-business

  • A Look into Co-op programs for the Trades in Ontario

    A Look into Co-op programs for the Trades in Ontario

    The skilled trades industry continues to thrive in Canada, but unfortunately, there are major gaps in the workforce. For the past few years, particularly in the province of British Columbia, the labour shortage hit such a critical level that it was a major headline in all news outlets and companies started to get more creative in recruiting people such as offering thousands of dollars in bonuses to anyone who could refer skilled workers. Others truly went the extra mile and brought on workers from Ireland to fill in the gaps. TimesColonist.com reports that as of 2016, a total of 5,885 immigrants from Ireland were living in B.C. as of 2016, and majority were employed in the skilled trade sectors.

    Ontario is also affected by this crisis, and the Globe and Mail reported that in February 2018, finding welders, tool and die makers, machinists and millwrights for industrial companies in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough, are now a top concern.  Business owners affected offer a number of reasons attributed to the scarcity. One common reason they deduced is that there is a large number of skilled workers who are retiring and the number is not being replaced because today’s youth are shying away from these types of jobs because they are misinformed and are unaware that skilled trades could be a viable career path.

    Fortunately, the Ontario government has recognized the issues plaguing the skilled trades industry and thus has implemented measures to ensure its steady growth. Skills Ontario, for instance, has launched several programs like in-school presentations that promote trades among students. Some of these programs also call for the participation of the students’ parents, who plays a pivotal role in educating their kids about multi-career paths offered by skilled trades.

    Another method adapted by the Ontario government to foster growth in the skilled trades industry is to provide free education for 1,200 people to join apprenticeship programs. The program is open to all, including newcomers, high school students, graduates, or dropouts, as well as those who are already attending college.

    Here’s a closer look at these Co-op programs for the trades in Ontario:

    Pre-Apprenticeship Training 

    This program’s duration is one year with an additional work placement for eight to 12 weeks. The program also completely covers the costs of textbooks, equipment and tools and includes safety training for skilled trades, improvement to academic skills, and basic level apprenticeship in-school training.

    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

    The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is an ideal program for students aiming to get their foot in the door to work in apprenticeship occupations via the cooperative education program. Through OYAP, students gain the chance to become registered apprentices and pursue becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas. There are three types of OYAP programs, and the most common of which is the Regular OYAP which is open to any student who are over 16 years old with at least 16 credits to their name and are registered full-time in school, working on secondary school credits, and be signed up for cooperative education in one of over 150 apprenticeship trades.

    Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program

    The Co-Op Diploma Apprenticeship Program is another initiative implemented by the Government of Ontario to increase access to the skilled trades. This program aims to provide individuals opportunities to train as apprentices in a specific trade while in pursuit of an associated college diploma. Those who want to apply to the program must be attending a college program that offers the Co-op Diploma Program to see if they qualify for an individual school and the trade of their interest.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.collegeoftrades.ca/links

    http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/programs/coda.html

    http://oyaptdsb.com/

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/talent/canadian-factories-say-shortage-of-skilled-workers-is-hurting-growth/article37848454/

    https://www.narcity.com/news/ontario-is-begging-for-skilled-trade-workers-and-is-looking-to-give-free-education-to-get-1200-people-in-the-workforce

    Skilled trade shortage remains a concern

    https://www.timescolonist.com/construction-companies-get-creative-to-find-skilled-workers-1.23529071

    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/looking-for-a-job-why-you-should-consider-a-trade/article9117896/

  • Research the Trades- Start Here! Money, Security, and a Future at Your Feet

    Research the Trades- Start Here! Money, Security, and a Future at Your Feet

    Have you been thinking about starting work in the Trades? You may have heard that working in the trades can be really tough, physically, but it can also be challenging, mentally. But guess what? Every job or career path you choose will be hard! When weighing your options for steady employment these days, taking up a Trade is a very good idea. If you are looking for a certain type of job security, you must do your research before diving into it.

    The Canadian economy needs people working in the trades very badly- no exaggeration! Wages for industries like construction are rising for it is tough to find hard, skilled workers. Often times, Canada must call on other countries to help with production. If you can start working, learning and earning money right after high school, why not join a trade? It is a win-win situation. Working as an apprentice on the job, in a trade of your choice, is more than a lot of people have set up after high school. You have the great opportunity to make decent money and move up quickly if you have determination and passion.

    The following websites can help you with information and research in regards to getting into the trades-nation wide:

    1. The Government of Canada:

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

    https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices.html

    1. Types of Trades- a Run-Down

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

    1. Schools in Canada

    https://erudera.com/universities/canada/

    http://www.canadian-universities.net/Career-Colleges/

    1. Recent Articles to Read About the Trades Industry and Job Prospects

    https://globalnews.ca/news/3905609/7-in-demand-trade-jobs-in-canada/

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

    http://nacc.ca/the-5-best-skilled-trades-jobs-in-canada/?

    https://patinstitute.ca/5-most-in-demand-construction-trades-in-canada-right-now/

    https://www.livingin-canada.com/wages-for-trades-jobs-canada.html

  • Interesting Environmental and Sustainability Careers

    Interesting Environmental and Sustainability Careers

    Careers in the field of environmental sustainability are growing fast, as the increased awareness of global environmental concerns such as global warming, deforestation, agricultural production, and ocean acidification brings with it a need for more professionals working on solutions.  Whether you’re interested in helping preserve the Earth’s natural environment, fighting climate change, or making sure that humans are getting the best use of their natural resources, there is an environmental sustainability career for you.

    Biofuel Production

    Biofuel is fuel for cars and other machines that is made from natural plant matter, such as ethanol made from corn.  Most biofuel is made from non-food crops that are farmed just like food crops, but which need to be processed into a form that can be used as fuel.  Tradespeople can find jobs in this area doing work such as operating farms and harvesting the biofuel crops, operating factories and refineries where the plant matter is processed, working in labs testing samples of plants and processed fuels, or being part of the supply chain transporting the finished fuel to its destination.

    Eco-Tourism

    Travel is an important experience, and sustainable travel is often something that means a lot to people who want to see the world but also want to ensure they are having minimal impact on the environment.  People who work in eco-tourism are in charge of visiting unique natural locations and planning environmentally friendly trips for individuals and groups.  This includes making sure that transportation methods are sustainable and not damaging to the natural locations.  Other jobs include acting as a travel guide to lead a group of tourists, or working in museums and tourist information centers to inform visitors about the natural area and how they can visit without harming the local plants and animals.

    Solar Energy

    One of the most promising sustainable energy sources is solar energy, which can be used to power cars, buildings, and most other things that run on gas or electricity.  There are many careers in the solar industry, including operating solar power plants, building and installing solar panels at power plants or buildings, or working in manufacturing plants producing solar panels.  Other careers include solar engineering to develop new and better solar technologies, advising companies or municipalities on how to include solar infrastructure, and consulting for the government on solar energy policies.

    Agroforestry and Reforestation

    Reforestation is an essential aspect of environmental sustainability, which involves planting large numbers of trees in areas which have been harvested or experienced forest fires.  Agroforestry has a focus on including forestry practices alongside agriculture, such as structuring farms to include beneficial trees and shrubs in food rop farms to help maximize yields and optimize the environment.  Forestry careers include managing woodlands, planning selective cutting operations, planting trees, or working at tree nurseries.  Agroforestry jobs include managing farms, soil technicians, harvesting, and advising municipal or government agencies on reforestation projects and policies.

    These are only a few of the many possible careers in the environmental sustainability field.  Other jobs include water quality technicians, wetlands management, paper and plastics recycling, green and eco-friendly architecture, renewable wind energy, air quality technicians, environment and sustainability public relations, and landscape architecture.

    Sources:

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/sustainable-earth/11-of-the-fastest-growing-green-jobs/

    https://www.environmentalscience.org/careers/sustainability-and-green-jobs

    https://environment.acadiau.ca/Potential_Careers.html

    https://www.eco.ca/blog/5-things-youve-wanted-to-know-about-sustainability-careers/

  • Year Round Trade Scholarships and Bursaries in Canada

    Year Round Trade Scholarships and Bursaries in Canada

    Indspire Awards and Scholarships

    Apprenticeships, Skilled Trades, and Technology Programs

    Deadlines: February 1, August 1, November 1, at 11:59 p.m. PT

    Application Form : https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/49685-Indspire

    No deadline: open all year

    Application Form: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/50719-Indspire

     

    Petro-Canada Award for Indigenous Students

    (high school students who live in communities with Petro-Canada sites)

    Deadlines: June 1, at 11:59 p.m. PT

    Application Form: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/47231-Indspire

     

    Grants for Apprentices Registered in Red Seal Trades

    Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)

    Amount: $1000-$2000 for 2 years while in a Red Seal Apprentice Program

    Perks: Eligible to apply for tax credits each year!

    Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices/grants.html

     

    Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG)

    Amount: $2000

    Details: After you become certified in your Trade, you can earn $2000 for the government!

    Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices/grants.html

     

    Alberta Scholarships

    Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)/Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Scholarships

    500 RAP/CTS Scholarships of $1,000 each are available annually.

    Pre-Apprentice Scholarships

    There are 11 annual scholarships of $1,000 each.

    Apprentice and Occupational Trainee Scholarships

    More than 370 annual scholarships of $1,000 each are available.

    World Skills Legacy Scholarship

    Three scholarships are awarded: two valued at $500 and one valued at $9,000 over a period of two years.

    Address: https://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/financial-assistance/scholarships/

     

    Neighbourly: A Community of Home Experts

    Each semester: $1,500 scholarships to eligible applicants to be applied at a trade or technical school of their choice for any of the following:

    HVAC

    Plumbing

    Electrical repair

    Glass repair and replacement

    Appliance repair

    Fire and flood restoration, painting

    Landscaping

    Residential cleaning

    Handyman services

    Apply: Women entering the trades: https://www.dwyergroup.com/about-us/women-in-the-trades/

  • A Crisis in the Construction Industry: How Does This Job Shortage Benefit You?

    A Crisis in the Construction Industry: How Does This Job Shortage Benefit You?

    So many of us young people are facing an uncertain future: enormous debt, skyrocketing rent, job opportunities that are at best part-time purgatory or at worst one casual contract after another. Unlike previous generations, it may be years and years before we experience anything close to stable work with benefits and pensions.

    To all of you students unsure if your chosen major will yield a steady job after graduation, what if I told you, there is a field where the current labour shortage virtually guarantees you a job? To all of you juggling multiple part-time jobs, what if I told you, you could have one full-time permanent job? To all of you working in the gig economy, what if I told you, you could have a job with benefits and bonuses? Let me tell you about a field that will check all these boxes: the construction trade industry.

    The numbers do not lie. This year, Canada’s construction labour force has 1.4 million workers. This sounds like a lot, right? Unfortunately, even with over a million workers, the construction field currently has the second highest job vacancy rate in Canada.

    Moreover, in just nine more years, more than 20% of that 1.4 million group will be eligible to retire. The situation is even more critical in the Maritime provinces: 25% of the construction workers there are expected to retire in a decade.

    Increasing numbers of building projects is also a contributing factor to increased demand for construction professionals. Toronto, for example, has the more number of cranes on the entire continent. Who’s operating them?

    What all this translates to is: “The message is clear: if you want to work in construction, there’s a job out there for you,” as Chris Gardner, CEO of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia, so succinctly puts it.

    This presents an amazing opportunity for you. The construction labour shortage is current and impending, which means if you start your apprenticeship (which is paid!) now, your job will still be in demand by the time you graduate as a journeyperson. This eliminates the pitfall of discovering your future job is no longer wanted after spending years on the necessary education. Ontario alone needs 170,000 construction workers over the next decade.

    At the beginning of your career, you may expect an annual salary of $37,500, but as you gain more experience and/or join a unionized job, you can expect to earn more than $60,000 a year plus benefits. Salaries go even higher if you specialize in a specific construction trade, such as glazing, pipefitting, and welding.

    If these incomes do not impress you, keep in mind that due to increasing demand and desperate employers, wages for general construction labourers are expected to increase 4.5% this year and again 5.1% in 2019. For more specialized construction tradespeople, wage hikes are even bigger: ironworkers will get a 7.7% increase this year. In addition, firms will want to offer more and better incentives to hire and keep talent.

    Stop dreaming of winning the lottery. If you are looking for job certainty and stability, look no further than the construction industry. The continuing labour shortage will mean you have no difficulty finding jobs—all across Canada! Think of the traveling opportunities! When you are inevitably faced with multiple job offers, you can have your pick of the best pay and benefits.

    References:

    1. https://www.equipmentjournal.com/construction-news/canada-faces-construction-labour-crunch/
    2. https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/03/13/labour-shortage-canada-job-vacancies_a_23384818/
    3. https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/02/05/these-are-the-most-in-demand-jobs-in-canada-in-2018-according-to-randstad_a_23353385/?utm_campaign=canada_dau
    4. https://www.immigration.ca/severe-shortages-in-the-2018-canadian-labour-market/
    5. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-construction-industry-survey-1.4535411
    6. https://globalnews.ca/news/4161338/canada-labour-shortage-job-vacancies/
    7. https://www.randstad.ca/construction-jobs/
    8. http://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/careers/getting-started/apprenticeships
    9. https://globalnews.ca/news/4027263/b-c-construction-jobs-offer-entry-wages-up-to-27-31-hour-and-theyre-growing-survey/

    https://globalnews.ca/news/4027263/b-c-construction-jobs-offer-entry-wages-up-to-27-31-hour-and-theyre-growing-survey/

  • Career Profile: HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REMOVAL WORKER

    Career Profile: HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REMOVAL WORKER

    In school, you have likely heard all about WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) from your high school science class or while training for your first part-time job. It is an important part of any career that involves chemicals (which many jobs do since cleaning products and solutions tend to have many different chemicals in them), but it is especially important to the hazardous material removal worker. If you find chemistry interesting and believe that safety procedures surrounding toxic materials are important, then perhaps you should consider a career as a hazardous material removal worker.

    A HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) removal worker is tasked with observing safety procedures around the workplace, (especially as they relate to chemicals on the worksite), test cleaning procedures and determine the most effective way of cleaning certain chemical solutions, clean and neutralize chemical spills on the work site, set up a caution area around a spill or hazardous material removal area which usually involves scaffolding and caution signs, washing contaminated equipment used in the waste removal procedure, record cleaning activities on the site as well as transporting hazardous materials as safely as possible.

    What are the perks of the job?

    This career has a few benefits, starting from the median salary. In Canada, the average annual salary for the hazardous material removal worker stood around $50,770 (according to job board site Neuvoo), which is well above the national median salary of $32,970, reported by the same source. According to the career info site Payscale, there are other job titles within the hazardous material removal that make even more, like an operations manager (median salary being $62,279), operations manager ($63,000), and project manager ($82, 424). These jobs that have improved salaries show the room to grow within the industry. This career can also be very attractive to people who are passionate about caring for the environment and who have a strong sense of leadership and can rally a team together. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth in North America is 17% between 2016 and 2026 – a growth that is much faster than average.

    What are some of the setbacks?

    The biggest set back to this job is that it can be dangerous to work with hazardous materials all day, which is why a lot of protective gear is required. When safety protocols are observed, then the risk goes down significantly, though some workers have reported illnesses after years of working in industrial environments. The education level and training is also much more strenuous than the average job, requiring a bachelor’s degree and at least 40 hours of on-site training in accordance to the Occupational Health and Safety Health Administration (OSHA). An apprenticeship program is also required for most jobs in this industry.

    How can I grow with this career?

    There are a few different job titles associated with this industry, like asbestos removal, project managers related to hazardous materials removal, hazardous materials supervisors, operations managers, waste disposal removal (median salary of $42,840), waste management services ($40,610), and construction ($30,950).

    That’s all great, but could I be hired for other careers?

    Aside from the amount of jobs and careers that are available in the hazardous materials removal industry, the knowledge in chemistry and workplace safety procedures required in these careers can prime the HAZMAT worker for other careers. Any career involving environmental sustainability and cleaning (with a bit more schooling in the relevant field), construction trades, firefighters (in that they use chemical products like fire extinguishers to remove fire-based hazards and often come into contact with chemicals), insulation workers, etc.

    Reference:

    College Grad. “Hazardous Materials Removal Workers”:

    https://collegegrad.com/careers/hazardous-materials-removal-workers

    College of Trades. “Construction Sector: Hazardous Materials Worker”

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Hazardous_Material_Worker_Oct2015.pdf

    Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Hazardous Materials Removal Workers”:

    https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Construction-and-Extraction/Hazardous-materials-removal-workers.htm

    PayScale. “Average Salary for Industry: Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal”:

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Industry=Hazardous_Waste_Treatment_and_Disposal/Salary

    Nuevoo. “Hazardous Waste salary in Canada”

    https://neuvoo.ca/salary/hazardous-waste/

  • Career Profile: Transmission Technician

    Career Profile: Transmission Technician

    Some people love to take things apart and put them together to see how they work. They enjoy fixing cars, trucks, and other vehicles. If that describes you, the job of transmission technician might be right for you.

    Vehicles like cars and trucks have complicated systems that run on a machine called the transmission. Without a transmission, the engine would not work and the car would not start. Mechanics who repair transmissions have a very important task. When something goes wrong with the transmission, technicians have to find out what the problem is and try to fix it.

    Learning to repair transmissions takes education and experience. Mechanics in this field should have good computer and math skills, and they might need to be able to communicate well with customers. Being able to raise vehicles on jacks or hoists is necessary to get access to the transmission.

    Most transmission technicians, or mechanics, learn their work through a combination of experience and education. A high school diploma is normally a requirement, and some provinces also have certification for transmission mechanics. Taking classes at a trade school is a good idea, but most people in this career also go through an apprenticeship and get on-the-job training. Big cities have more opportunities for people in this field than small towns, but every place that has a garage for vehicle repairs could use the services of a transmission technician.

    Wages for transmission technicians depend on the location of the job, but they generally range from about $39,500 to $74,400 per year, or about $19.50 to $$36.80 per hour. Working only as a transmission technician is an important but very specific job, and some people might find it hard to get enough work unless they are able to do other kinds of repairs. Still, some big cities have shops that specialize only in transmission repair.

    If you decide to get into this field, you will need to develop your knowledge of vehicle repair but also work on other skills. Being able to take a transmission apart, fix the problem, and put it back together is essential. You also need to know generally how the other parts of a vehicle work so that you know how the transmission affects them. Being able to lift heavy equipment is helpful, and being able to work under a car without feeling claustrophobic and uncomfortable is essential. A certain amount of physical strength is good, although people can get help from coworkers or use machines to do some of the heavy lifting.

    One requirement for all mechanics, including transmission technicians is the ability to deal with dirt and grease. Mechanics in this field might spend some time every day in an office, making appointments or writing up bills, but most of the work is with the vehicles. Because cars and trucks use oil to keep the different parts moving, working with them for even a short time can get the hands and even the face very dirty. Also, the temperatures in the garages where technicians work might not be very comfortable.

    Working as a transmission technician or mechanic is not always an easy or comfortable job, but it can be good for people who love problem-solving and working with their hands. If you like the idea, why not explore that possibility?

    Bibliography:

    Career Planner. “Transmission Mechanic.” https://dot-job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/TRANSMISSION-MECHANIC.cfm.

    Ontario College of Trades. “Transmission Technician.” http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Transmission_Technician_Oct2015.pdf

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

    Study.com. “Transmission Repair Technician Job Information.” https://study.com/articles/Transmission_Repair_Technician_Job_Description_and_Information_for_Those_Interested_in_Repairing_Transmissions.html.

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Construction Project Manager

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Construction Project Manager

    In Canada, there are strong initiatives to building more environment-friendly infrastructure and increase the nation’s readiness against the effects of climate change. Currently, the Government of Canada are eyeing more public building energy retrofits and multi-use path systems throughout the nation.

    With these efforts on the horizon, the need for construction project managers are greater than ever. Construction project managers are the main professionals responsible for overseeing any type of building project. Without an efficient construction project manager, blueprints from architects and engineers—no matter how well-designed or well thought-out they are on paper—will not come to fruition.

    Construction Project Managers – What You Need to Know

    The construction project managers are the jugglers of any ongoing construction project as they deal with multiple tasks all at the same time, often with competing priorities. They are the ones who perform job and cost estimates, carry out quality control, plan workers’ schedules and project completion schedules, review designs, and create proposals. A construction project manager conducts all business professionally and should have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of constructions methods and requirements. They have to stay on top of every item in the project and possess top-calibre attention to detail capabilities, otherwise, everything will fall apart.

    Salary

    According to PayScale.com, a construction project manager can earn an average of $74,883 per year with potential for bonus, profit sharing, and commission. Typically, 10 years of experience as a construction project manager can lead to a role as a construction project director provided they have gained a reputation as a leader and a solid track record of directing teams appropriately through project development and project life-cycle and in the development and implementation of various project plans, including scope, schedule, risk resource and project costing.

    Skills

    To kick off a career as a construction project manager, it is a must to have a degree in either civil engineering or structural engineering. Afterwards, one will need to earn a PMP designation from the Project Management Institute or PMI. This non-profit professional membership association, founded in 1969, offers eight certifications that acknowledge competency in the project management industry. It’s also a boost to earn a Construction Project Management certificate, and Canadian educational institutions like Algonquin College and George Brown College offer those programs.

    As a construction project manager is seen as the leader on a building project, it pays to have an effective leadership style and expert communication skills to ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of their tasks and accountabilities. In most cases, construction project managers also have to draw upon their negotiation and persuasion abilities to make sure the project is completed according to timelines and specifications.

    Pros and Cons

    A construction project manager can be a financially rewarding and prestigious career. However, it can be mentally exhausting as one would have to attend to several issues or tasks simultaneous under time pressure or challenging environments. It is definitely important to have a calm demeanor to be able to cope with the expectations of the job.

    It can be physically draining since construction project managers have to often work on site to ensure everything runs smoothly. They also carry on their shoulders the big responsibility of overseeing the implementation of occupational health and safety practices, ensuring all personnel avoid job hazards or injuries.

    SOURCES:

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

    https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/new-funding-supports-better-community-infrastructure-across-canada-690274341.html

    https://www.smartsheet.com/construction-project-management-101

  • Career Profile: Roofer

    Career Profile: Roofer

    Imagine what it would be like to live in a place with no roof. Rain and snow would come in, and it would be impossible to keep the house warm in winter or cool in summer. Roofers are some of the people who help to keep buildings safe and warm in all kinds of weather.

    Building a house is a complicated process that involves many people.  Usually, the basement and walls go in first, and then the ceiling and roof go last. Roofers have to wait until almost everything else is done on a building before they can do their work, which can make it difficult to plan a schedule. A few days of bad weather can delay a construction project, and roofers might have to work very quickly to get a project finished.

    In many parts of Canada, construction is basically a summer activity, when it is warm enough to be outside for long periods of time and the concrete and other materials will not freeze. Depending on where they live, roofers might do most of their work between about April and October, although the season varies from one area to another. However, they can still find some work even in the middle of winter if they are able to do repairs to buildings that have been damaged by storms, frost, or other issues.

    Requirements for roofers depend on the part of Canada where they live. Generally, a high school education and on-the-job training are necessary, and some people also choose to do apprenticeships. Certification is required in Quebec and British Columbia but optional in other parts of the country. Shinglers require at least a year of training on the job, and individual employers might want their workers to take other courses and training before they start to work.

    Many trades, including roofing, are part of the Interprovincial Red Seal Program. This program helps maintain standards across Canada to make sure that buildings are well built and safe for people to be in. Salaries for roofers vary in different parts of the country, but wages are generally between about $15 and $34 per hour, or $33,000 to $75,000 per year.

    Roofing can be dangerous work, because people can easily fall off roofs or injure themselves or others with heavy equipment. Being physically fit and strong with good balance are essential in this job, and people are likely to move into different fields once they begin to feel the effects of age. However, even older workers can continue to be roofers if they are still able to keep up with the work.

    Roofers can choose to work for companies or find clients on their own, Generally, the work is only during the day, but it sometimes involves long hours in July or August when the sun rises early and sets late. If buildings develop sudden leaks, roofers might have to respond quickly, but generally, they can work at their own pace to finish the task.

    Being a roofer is not always an easy job, but it can be rewarding. If it appeals to you, why not think about choosing this trade?

    Bibliography:

    Ontario College of Trades. “Construction Sector: Roofer.” http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/Roofer.pdf

    Payscale.com. “Roofer.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Roofer/Hourly_Rate

    Student Scholarships/org. “What education do you need to become a Roofers and Shinglers?” https://studentscholarships.org/careers_salary/27/education/roofers_and_shinglers.php#sthash.4ul89rDj.dpbs.

    Truity.com. “Roofer.” https://www.truity.com/career-profile/roofer.