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Category: Trades

  • Grinding and Polishing Worker

    Grinding and Polishing Worker

    Sometimes, the smallest jobs can make a huge difference. Grinding and polishing workers are only a part of what goes into making objects from clay, plastic, metal, wood, or stone. Still, what they do is very important.

    When you move your hand over a rough piece of wood, you can easily get a splinter under your skin. Unpolished stone can cut your hand, but a grinding and polishing worker can help. People in this trade work with hand tools like files or small power tools to polish off the edges that might cause problems to the people who use the containers or other objects.

    Being a grinding and polishing worker involves more than just rubbing a file or sandpaper against an object. People in this trade might have to read blueprints and mark defects like cracks that need to be repaired. They might work on small surfaces like bowls or large ones like floors. They have to choose the right kind of tool for each job and be able to work with a variety of materials to make them look as good as possible.

    Working in this type of job normally involves learning on the job rather than taking courses. Still, taking a course at a trade school in how to use various tools can be useful, and looking for an apprenticeship is also a good idea.

    Salaries for grinding and polishing workers start at about $26,000 per year and can rise to about $52,000. The average salary is over $37,000, and the hourly wage is normally $19 once people have some experience.

    Some people might be able to stay in this job for many years, but others might find that they need to move on to other work after a few years. Because the job involves working with their hands, many workers might find that it becomes too difficult for them as they get older. Accidents, arthritis, and all kinds of problems might also mean that people in this type of work are unable to continue.

    Job prospects for grinding and polishing workers are not as good as they once were. In 2014, the number of jobs declined, and no one is guaranteed a spot. Having a second job option is a good idea for grinding and polishing workers, but they should not feel that their skills are useless. This type of work is very important for making products as beautiful and usable as possible. Whether in construction or in making gravestones or plaques for buildings, people in this field can find many places to use their skills.

    In addition, grinding and polishing workers develop many useful skills that they can use in other jobs. The ability to use hand tools is important for many trades, and being able to finish off a job can help others who might not have those skills. If you like to make objects look good by smoothing off the rough edges and making them shine, the job of grinder and polisher might be right for you.

    Bibliography:

    Career Planner.com “Hand Grinding and Polishing Worker.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Grinding-and-Polishing-Workers-Hand.cfm

    College Grad.com. “Grinding and Polishing Workers.” https://collegegrad.com/careers/grinding-and-polishing-workers.

    Neuvoo.ca. “Polisher Salary in Canada.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/polisher/

    Recruiter.com. “Salary for Hand Grinding and Polishing Workers.” https://www.recruiter.com/salaries/grinding-and-polishing-workers-hand-salary/.

  • Printing Machine Operator

    Printing Machine Operator

    Every day, people read books, magazines, and even the words printed on t-shirts and posters. Do you know who makes that reading possible? Printing machine operators help to make various types of writing available to the public. If you are good with machines and love words, this might be the right job for you.

    Every day at school or at home, you can see words printed on the page. Even computers usually come from the store with printed manuals, restaurants have printed menus, and schools have textbooks. Often, people need the help of a professional printer. When that happens, printing machine operators are an important part of the process.

    Many things go into producing a book or other document. After the writing is done, the publisher might make some changes, put it into the correct form on a computer, and then send the book to the printer. Then the printing machine operator gets to work.

    Being a printing machine operator involves working with complicated machines to make sure that each job is done properly. People in this field have to choose the right colours to put in the machine and the correct settings to produce the right type of document. Some books or magazines have pictures, and others have charts, diagrams, or other special features. Printing machine operators check to make sure that each page comes out looking right for what the client needs.

    Sometimes, this type of work can be complicated. Printing machine operators might need to make adjustments to the settings and fix the machines when they break down. Usually, they can learn everything they need to know on the job, but courses in computers or other related topics can be useful. People in this field can become experts in certain types or printing or choose to print whatever their clients bring.

    Depending on where they work, printing machine operators might have different amounts of control over their work. They might be part of the decision-making process about which projects to take or just run the machines. Usually, they need to know how to do at least minor repairs to the machines and be able to fix as much as possible.

    Speed is often important in printing, especially if there have been delays earlier in the publishing process. People working with these machines need to be ready with the materials necessary for keeping the process going with as few interruptions as possible. They might need to discuss timelines with the authors or publishers and to be able to estimate how long each job will take.

    This career can be physically demanding at times, but the main issues are with the noise of the machines and the pressure of finishing a job on time. Wages start at about $11.00 per hour and can rise to almost $25.00, or over $59,000 per year. Work can be available in almost any part of Canada, but it is more likely in cities or large towns.

    Working as a printing machine operator can be a good career choice for people who enjoy making writing available to the public. Does that describe you?

    Bibliography:

    CareerPlanner.com. “Printing Press Machine Operators and Tenders.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Printing-Press-Machine-Operators-and-Tenders.cfm

    Emploi Quebec. “Printing press operators.” http://imt.emploiquebec.gouv.qc.ca/mtg/inter/noncache/contenu/asp/mtg122_descrprofession_01.asp?cregn=QC&lang=angl&prov=FPT&pro=7381&Porte=1&PT1=36&PT2=17&PT3=9

    Neuvoo.ca. “Printing Machine Operator.” https://neuvoo.ca/salary/printing-machine-operator/.

    Payscale Canada. “Printing Machine Operator: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Printing_Machine_Operator/Hourly_Rate.

  • Keeping the World Safe as a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer

    Keeping the World Safe as a Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer

    Homes and offices are filled with many lives and valuable materials. These are protected by alarm systems that many people take for granted. After all, emergencies do not happen to them on a daily basis. When a fire, burglary, or emergency situation does occur, however, these systems need to be working and ready to help first responders reach the location. This is made possible by Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers, who play a critical role in the safety and peace of mind of families, coworkers, and more.

    Installers must not only complete the installation of this technology, but also service and maintain the completed systems. Each house and office is built a little differently, so they must be prepared to problem solve at the site in order to ensure the system can be completed. Different challenges will arise constantly that are unique to each location. There are specific skills that must be learned from technical or vocational schools, such as experience with different levels of voltages, connections, and insulation. In addition, there can be a great deal of physical movement involved. Installers have to bend, twist, climb ladders, and reach out-of-the-way spots. Being physically agile is very important.

    Installers also need good people skills, as they deal directly with customers in their homes or place of work. In addition, each person will have their own questions they want answered, and often ask that the systems be explained in a way they can understand. Customers will need invoices and warranty documents, as well as other paperwork related to the installation. Certain sites may be more challenging than others due to its layout or the people being dealt with. Installers get to enjoy a great variety of locations and people that changes daily, and have the satisfaction of completing projects and knowing they are protecting families and businesses.

    Besides the vocational training, installers often have to complete exams and be licensed to conduct work. Onsite training with specific systems is needed in order to work on them. Minor requirements include a valid driver’s licence and passing a background check. Even in areas with lots of competition, there are always different sites in need of system installation or maintenance. The beginning salary can be an hourly wage of about $15, or a total annual pay of around $31,000. These can increase to about $32 and $72,000 respectively. Installers with greater than 20 years of experience will often move on to other jobs or roles. These can include managerial positions that are less physically demanding as workers age. As a result, this can help to ensure your own growth into other jobs and fields, and also helps to limit competition from Installers with many years of experience.

    Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers are constantly facing new challenges, both mentally and physically, on a daily basis. Some sites may be bigger challenges than others, but Installers are helping to ensure a site’s safety each and every time. This is an ideal career for those looking for variety and those wanting to deal directly with people. Installers get to experience a great deal of satisfaction in seeing projects come to completion. More importantly, they get to leave a site knowing that they have helped ensure its protection. Thanks to them, families and businesses get to live out their lives with peace of mind.

    Sources:

    PayScale. “Security or Fire Alarm Systems Installer Salary.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Security_or_Fire_Alarm_Systems_Installer/Hourly_Rate

  • Career Profile: Construction Supervisor

    Career Profile: Construction Supervisor

    Every project needs organization. When people build houses, offices, and schools, they need someone to keep track of progress and to make sure that everything is going according to the plan. Construction supervisors are in charge of making sure that all aspects of building projects have the right workers and materials and that the result is what the client needs.

    When you go to the beach, you might build a sandcastle with moats and maybe a bridge and a few towers. How do you plan your structure? You might decide what to do as you go, but construction supervisors need to have a plan for how to get to the kind of building they need. They have to find the right materials and the workers who can put the building together. They will need to hire plumbers, electricians, and other tradespeople, including bricklayers and others who can do the work.

    The first step is to find out what the clients need and then to decide what is possible. This involves a lot of discussion and research. Suppose that someone wanted to put a library onto the second floor of a building. A construction supervisor would need to know how strong the floor needs to be for heavy books without collapsing. If someone wanted to turn an old warehouse into apartments, the construction supervisor could give advice on how to plan the building.

    Depending on where they work, construction supervisors might not need much education beyond high school. In some cases, they might need a degree in an area like engineering from a university, but they often learn much of the work on the job. Salaries start at about $47,000 but can climb to over $100,000 with experience. If people start as general labourers, it can take longer to get to the high salaries, but taking courses or specializing in an important field can help.

    Sometimes it can also help to have knowledge or abilities that very few other people have so that clients with those requirements are likely to come to you for help. Being able to work with special materials or different types of architecture can help a construction supervisor find work.

    Being a construction supervisor can give people the chance to pursue special interests, such as a certain kind of architecture or working with recycled materials. The can specialize in working for sports organizations or housing projects, or they can work more generally on whatever project happens to come up.

    Almost every kind of management job involves being able to deal with people. Besides working with the clients, construction supervisors need to be able to hire good workers and to settle any problems that come up. The hours can be long, and supervisors have to spend a lot of the time at the building site rather than in an office. They should be able to read blueprints and to be able to see what needs to be done. Being a construction supervisor involves a lot of responsibility, but it can be a good career for the right person.

    Bibliography:

    Academic Invest. “How to Become a Construction Manager: Career Path Guide.”
    https://www.academicinvest.com/business-careers/management-careers/how-to-become-a-construction-manager.

    Canadian Business. “Construction Manager: Canada’s Best Jobs 2016.”
    http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2016-construction-manager/.

    Monster.com. “Construction Supervisor Job Description Sample.” https://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/job-descriptions/construction-supervisor-job-description-sample.aspx.

    Tukeli, Kent. “Site Supervisor Construction Job Description.”
    https://careertrend.com/facts-5801156-supervisor-construction-job-description.html.

  • Current Trade Scholarships in Ontario

    Current Trade Scholarships in Ontario

    The Digital Revolution may be more evident than ever with more and more well-known retail establishments like Shoppers Drug Mart and Sobey’s embracing automated checkouts, leaving little room for live cashiers. However, it can’t be denied that there are some skills and talents that simply can’t be replaced by automated devices, and this is true about the skilled trades industry.

    In fact, according to a report titled Talent in Transition: Addressing the Skills Mismatch in Ontario prepared by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, the province currently has an unemployment rate of 5.8 per cent as businesses that deal with skilled trades are finding themselves in a bind to locate qualified professionals who can fill in the gaps. As a result, there is a shortage of professionals in the skilled trades industry.

    If you’re considering you’d like to do your part to help address this shortage, the good news is there are numerous options for trade scholarships to get you started. Here is a look into some of them:

    Employment Ontario

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

    With funding in part by the Government of Canada, Employment Ontario provides taxable cash grants of up to $1,000 per year to a maximum of $2,000 per year for those who are training in a Red Seal trade. A Red Seal qualifies aspiring skilled trades professionals to work in provinces and territories they prefer without having to do additional tests and paperwork. For more information, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices/grants.html

    Skills Ontario

    http://www.skillsontario.com/scholarships-and-awards

    Skills Ontario is dedicated to building the province’s skilled trades and technologies workforce. They provide a $1,000 scholarship to students who are pursuing a career in the skilled trades and technologies through a post-secondary education. For more information, visit http://www.skillsontario.com/scholarships-and-awards

    Horticultural Trades Association

    https://horttrades.com/

    Those who aim to enter the horticultural trades such as landscaping and gardening can look into this association. The group provides a $600 apprenticeship scholarship for students who are in a horticulture apprenticeship program at an accredited college or university. For more details, you can go to https://horttrades.com/upper-canada-chapter-scholarships-now-available

    Canadian Association of Women in Construction

    http://www.cawic.ca/page-494148?

    This organization is determined to help dispel the myth that skilled trades, particularly construction, are only meant for males. They provide bursaries to females with the same headstrong mindset that women can succeed in the skilled trades as their male counterparts regardless of the physical differences. CAWIC holds several fundraising events throughout the year to raise amounts for bursaries which are provided to a short list of candidates who meet their criteria. Those who are interested to apply or know more about the bursaries can go to http://www.cawic.ca/resources/Pictures/Criteria_2017.03.13.pdf for application requirements and http://www.cawic.ca/resources/Pictures/Application%20Form_2017.03.13.pdf for the application form.

    Dwyer Group

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

    The Dwyer Group is another organization holding a strong belief that women can excel in the skilled trades industry. The company is founded by Don Dwyer, Sr. who envisioned a corporation that specialize in buying and building businesses centred on high-quality residential and light commercial services. Although based in Texas, the group awards a $1,500 worth of scholarship to deserving applicants from both the US and Canada who aspire to go into HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical Repair, Glass Repair, Appliance Repair, Fire and Flood Restoration, Landscaping, Residential Cleaning, and Handyman Services. For more information, interested applicants can go to https://form.jotform.com/73037194507154.

    There you have it, a brief look into the available trade scholarships in Ontario. Be sure to check on the links provided so you can prepare the requirements accordingly and meet the deadline. Good luck!

    SOURCES:

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/resources-for-women

    http://www.cawic.ca/page-494148?

    http://www.thewhig.com/2017/06/20/skilled-trade-workers-in-short-supply-report

  • Career Profile: Hazardous Materials Worker

    Career Profile: Hazardous Materials Worker

    The world is full of dangerous materials. Chemical spills, asbestos in older buildings, waste from nuclear reactors, and other dangerous substances can harm people, animals, and the environment. A hazardous materials worker can help make things safer for everyone.

    Working as a hazardous materials worker is not an easy job, but it is very important. Otherwise, people would get sick from the toxic chemicals around them, and they might not be able to grow food or have any water to drink. People who work at removing hazardous materials need to learn how to deal with all different kinds of materials in water or on land. Usually this requires a high school education and a certificate in waste disposal.

    An important skill that people in this field need to have is the ability to be able to calculate how much they need of the cleaning chemicals to clear up the problem. A basic background in mathematics is usually necessary, and some people might require more than that.

    People can learn a lot about being a hazardous materials worker on the job, but usually special training and certification are necessary. Most trade schools would have information on where people can go to get the training they need. An apprenticeship can give hazardous materials workers the background and training they need to get jobs in their field.

    For many people, a background in construction is also helpful, since that way they learn where to look for dangerous materials and how to get rid of them. They need to know how to deal with the different types, such as oil, radioactive waste, and even lead paint. Besides all of that, hazardous materials workers need to be calm in emergencies. They need to be good at working with their hands and they should be physically strong.

    Experience is very helpful in this field. At the beginning, workers in this field might earn about $12 per hour, but they can quickly increase their salaries if they know their work well. After ten years, workers can often earn over $50,000 per year, and after twenty years, they might earn close to $80,000. If the workers know how to drive trucks and use special earth-moving equipment, those skills can also help them get good jobs.

    Working in this field usually requires going to where the problem is rather than staying in one place. Hazardous materials workers might have an office where they keep records of the work that they have done, but they might need to travel to remote areas to do their work. Oil spills, for example, happen mainly in the oceans, and workers might have to travel far to get to where the work needs to be done. Sometimes, however, workers can find enough work to do with cleaning up lead paint or asbestos close to home.

    Being a hazardous materials worker is not for everyone, but it can be a fulfilling job for people who enjoy excitement and feel good about cleaning up messes. If that describes you, why not consider getting into this very useful kind of work?

    Bibliography:

    Apprentice Search.com. “Hazardous Materials Worker.” http://www.apprenticesearch.com/AboutTrades/GetTradeDetails?tradeId=250&TradeName=hazardous-materials-worker.

    My Plan.com. “Hazardous Materials Removal Workers.” http://www.myplan.com/careers/hazardous-materials-removal-workers/description-47-4041.00.html

    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Hazardous Materials Worker.” http://oyap.com/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=157

    Payscale.com. “Hazmat Technician.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Certification=Certified_DOT_HAZMAT_Technician_.

  • Career Profile: Brick and Stone Mason

    Career Profile: Brick and Stone Mason

    Imagine being part of building something like the CN Tower in Toronto or the Empire State Building in New York. Not everyone has the chance to work with something that famous, but brick and stone masons have a chance to work on all kinds of buildings. They help people find places to live, work, and go to school.

    Brick and stone masons work with different kinds of materials that are part of many buildings. They might help build a brick or stone wall, install concrete steps, or build fireplaces, smokestacks, or chimneys. To do that work, they need to be able to read blueprints and to calculate how much they will need of each material for the project. For most jobs in this field, a Grade 12 education is required, although some require only Grade 8. To prepare for the work, people need mathematics courses to learn to do the calculations of the amounts of materials they need and English classes for reading and writing skills. Certification is not usually necessary, but some employers might ask for special training.

    Experience with tools and construction is important in this type of job. Brick and stone masons do much of the work by hand, using hammers, chisels, and masonry saws, as well as some power tools. They put mortar between bricks and build up walls by hand, sometimes indoors and sometimes outside. The work requires some strength, but it mostly needs stamina to stand for long periods of time, to bend down and stand up, and to lift heavy objects. Some of the work can be quite complicated, especially when masons work on skyscrapers or install ornate section of outdoor walls.

    Salaries for brick and stone masons usually start low, often at minimum wage. For the next five or ten years, pay can increase a lot, but after that the salary increases are usually quite slow. In Canada, the average wage is just under $26.00 per hour, although that varies from one region to another.

    Finding work in this field depends on many factors. When the economy is slow, people are less likely to do much building, and this means fewer jobs for brick and stone masons. Large cities are likely to have more opportunities for people in this type of work, but also more competition. Small towns are likely to have a slower pace of life, but also not as many jobs.

    One advantage for brick and stone masons is that they are likely to have skills that they can use in other types of work, such as working on road construction or similar areas. For people who are willing to work at the tops of tall buildings or to do other jobs that others might be unable or unwilling to do, finding work might be relatively easy.

    Being a brick and stone mason involves many skills and abilities that you can already start to practice. Keeping yourself physically fit is important, and being able to work with your hands is essential. If you like the idea of working with brick and stone to help construct towns and cities, you can already start to practice for the future.

    Bibliography:

    Apprentice Search.com. “What Does a Brick and Stone Mason Do?” http://www.apprenticesearch.com/AboutTrades/GetTradeDetails?TradeName=brick-and-stone-mason&tradeId=3

    Canada Masonry Centre.com. “Building the Future: What We Do.” http://canadamasonrycentre.com/.

    Manitoba Masonry Contractors’ Association. Association. “What We Do.” http://www.manitobamasonry.ca/content.php?navigation_id=2289.

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

  • Being an Entrepreneur

    Being an Entrepreneur

    When people are young, they might dream of the freedom that they will have as adults. For some of them, part of that dream might be to become an entrepreneur, living a risky but exciting life with a lot of freedom but also responsibility. Although entrepreneurship can be very satisfying, it involves risks that people should consider before they begin that life.

    The first thing to consider is the difference between an entrepreneur and a freelancer. Working as a freelancer can often lead people to become entrepreneurs, but they can be two very different things. Basically, a freelancer has no official employer but instead works for many different people, whether the work is pet care, house painting, or something completely different.

    An entrepreneur builds a company and often employs other people to work there. A freelance dog walker, for example, would go to different places and take the dogs out, but an entrepreneur might organize the schedule but hire others to do the actual pet care. Often, entrepreneurs ask people to invest money in the company, and they get a portion of the profits.

    People can be entrepreneurs in almost any area of work. They might help others buy and sell houses, start a restaurant, or even run a dental office. The hours can be very long, and the amount of money they make depends on how successful they are. If you want a regular schedule and dependable pay, the life of an entrepreneur is probably not for you.

    Being an entrepreneur can also be very stressful. There can be tight deadlines to finish projects, and other people’s jobs often depend on the entrepreneur’s abilities. As the business becomes established, entrepreneurs can take more time off, but the first few years or even longer can be very busy.

    Why would anyone become an entrepreneur with all of the stress and hard work that it involves? This type of work can be very exciting, and it can pay well for people with good ideas and the ability to work hard. Entrepreneurs generally have a lot of freedom to choose their own hours, and once the business is going well, they can decide how much of the work they want to do themselves. They can take holidays whenever it works for them, and they can move on to another project when they want.

    Some people are well suited to being entrepreneurs. The ability to talk with other people and to persuade them to invest in the company is essential to entrepreneurs, making this type of work very difficult for shy people. However, almost anyone can learn to give presentations and to talk to investors, as long as they can manage the stress.

    Two very important aspects of being an entrepreneur are patience and persistence. Starting a business can be a very slow process, and it can take years before an entrepreneur will really be successful. If you want to be an entrepreneur, the best place to start might be freelancing in an area that you would like to pursue later. Then, if you have a great idea for a new business, you’ll already be a step ahead of others.

    Bibliography:

    Entrepreneur.com. “Entrepreneurship vs. Freelancing: What’s the Difference?” https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/285804.

    Future of Working.co. “8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Entrepreneurship.” https://futureofworking.com/8-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-entrepreneurship/.

    First Institute. “The Good and Bad of Being an Entrepreneur: The Pros and Cons Explained.” https://www.first.edu/the-good-and-bad-of-being-an-entrepreneur-pros-and-cons-explained/.

    South University.edu. “Pros and Cons of Being an Entrepreneur.” http://source.southuniversity.edu/pros-and-cons-of-being-an-entrepreneur-96101.aspx.

  • Career Profile: Arborist

    Career Profile: Arborist

    Many students have the chance at some point in their early years to plant a tree. They might not do much with their trees after that, but taking care of trees and other woody plants as an arborist can be a good job for people who enjoy outdoor work.

    Growing healthy trees involves more than just planting them in the ground. Many trees require pruning to get rid of dead branches or to keep them looking nice and growing properly. Arborists examine trees and bushes for disease and apply treatments to help get rid of caterpillars, flies, and anything else that might cause problems. They might take soil samples to see if that is the issue. If necessary, they might remove entire trees to keep them from infecting others.

    People who want to become arborists usually get either a technical diploma or a university degree as part of their training. Courses in fields such as botany, forestry, horticulture, and environmental sciences are good for people entering this type of work, and experience in growing plants at home can be helpful.

    Some special skills can also be part of the job description of arborists. Anyone in this field who wants to be able to apply pesticides to trees has to be licensed because of the dangerous chemicals that are involved. The job of arborist can also include examining dead trees to see what killed them, and taking courses in plant pathology is useful for people in this field of work.

    The job of arborist varies a lot from one place to another, and it can have regular hours or be very unpredictable. Many arborists spend at least part of their time doing office work, but they also have to respond to emergencies, such as when trees are knocked down during storms. They might conduct research either in the office or outdoors and later give presentations about their discoveries. Arborists usually start at about $15 per hour, but they can eventually receive about twice as much later in their careers.

    The work of arborists is both an art and a science, and many types of people can enjoy a career in this field. They might end up working at a tree nursery, a park, or even a university or other kind of school. They might be involved in planning what a garden should look like or just look after one that has already grown. Arborists need to know what trees will look good together, when they blossom if they are fruit trees, how tall or wide they grow, and anything else that might affect the health and appearance of the place where they are working. A lot of this knowledge also depends on what part of the country they live in, since the trees are not the same everywhere.

    Some arborist jobs involve a lot of physical activity, but there are also opportunities for people who are older or who prefer office work rather than outdoor labour. If you like to study how trees and bushes grow and what makes them thrive, becoming an arborist might be the right choice for you.

    Bibliography:

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

    International Society of Arboriculture. “Careers in Arboriculture.”http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/benefits/careerpaths.aspx

    Payscale.com. “Arborist Salary (Canada). https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Arborist/Hourly_Rate.

    Study.com. “Arborist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements.” http://study.com/articles/Arborist_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html

  • Career Profile: Tile Setter

    Career Profile: Tile Setter

    So you know that you want to enter the trades, but you’re still not sure what trade you might like the most. Here’s one to think about: the terrazzo (which is a funny word for a speckled floor made out of chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass), tile and marble setter. What these tradesmen do is they set different terrazzo, tile, and marble patterns down in buildings to cover the inner walls, the floors, or the outside walls. To take up this job, you need to be able to mix and place mortar (a paste that helps tiles stick to walls and floors) and cement down to keep tiles in place when setting them down; be able to measure a workable area before laying tile down; be able to remove and replace broken tiles; know how to use power tools that are needed in the job – and how to do all of this work safely.

    What are the perks of the job?

    As a novice terrazzo, tile, and marble setter, you can expect an entry-level salary of around $37,473 and an intermediate salary of about $74,611. As with any trade, a career like this also has a very positive outlook, meaning you will very likely get a job after training in this field. Most marble setters enter the building finishing industry where workers join a union. Terrazzo, tile, and marble setters can also be self-employed, which means they work at their own business and make their own money. Another perk that most people entering the trades enjoy is that the education and training not only costs you nothing – but you actually get paid while taking an apprenticeship program!

    What are some of the setbacks?

    There are a few issues people might have with the idea of becoming a terrazzo, marble, and tile setter and that’s the amount of work involved. The working day isn’t the usual 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM work day, you only get to go home after the job is done. The lack of certainty in the hours and the amount of hard work in this career could be a problem for some people. The industry could also do poorly sometimes which would cause marble setters to go unemployed for certain periods of time.

    How can I grow with this career?

    There are a few ways to be promoted in this career: being hired by a construction company, residential and industrial building developers and masonry contractors presents its own chain of promotion capabilities. Another way to move up in this career is to become your own boss and start a tile setting business. Being self-employed has its own risks, but the reward can be very high if your business does well. You can even hire your own group of terrazzo, tile, and marble setters and expand your business.

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

    The skills that you gain from working as a terrazzo, tile, and marble setter can be used for many other trade-related careers like bricklaying, cement masonry, marble masonry, cement and concrete finishing, drywall finisher, floor covering installer, construction craft-worker, and restoration mason.

    All in all, being a terrazzo, tile, and marble setter has a very good future in the trades industry and requires a lot of physical work, which can appeal to a lot of people.

    Reference:

    Truity, “Tile or Marble Setter”: https://www.truity.com/career-profile/tile-or-marble-setter

    ApprenticeSearch.com, “What does a terrazzo, tile and marble setter do?”: http://www.apprenticesearch.com/AboutTrades/GetTradeDetails?tradeId=101&