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Category: Trades

  • Five Examples of Non-Physical Skilled Trades

    Five Examples of Non-Physical Skilled Trades

    The Ontario College of Trades recognizes 156 distinct skilled trades. One of the persistent myths surrounding careers in the skilled trades is that these jobs are physically demanding. While most trades require hands-on work, there are 156 skilled trades. You can choose a less physically demanding one.

    The following are just five examples of non-physical skilled trades:

    Child Development Practitioner

    Child Development Practitioners are trained to design and provide programs that help children develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team, skilled in communicating with children, colleagues, and families. You will have opportunities to work in childcare facilities, preschools, and Ontario Early Year Centres.

    Child and Youth Worker

    Child and Youth Workers support vulnerable children and youth and their families by building healthy relationships, promoting healthy physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. They are trained to identify childhood and adolescence disorders and to provide counselling and aggressive behaviour management. This is also a career where you will work in a multidisciplinary team.

    Developmental Services Worker

    Developmental Services Workers support individuals with developmental disabilities, including children. Your training in behavioural intervention strategies, safety, abuse prevention, and wellness allows you to create and maintain a safe, healthy environment for your clients.

    Educational Assistant

    Educational Assistants support students with special education needs. You work in a multidisciplinary educational team that designs and implements individual learning plans. Your training will involve learning introductory and development psychology, child education, and classroom skills.

    Hairstylist

    Hairstylists are trained to cut and style hair, as well as perform colour services and chemical treatments that wave, relax, and straighten hair. You may also work with wigs, hairpieces, and extensions.

    These are just five examples of non-physical skilled trades. Given the many possibilities, you may do further research and find more. It is also important to keep in mind that while your career may start off more physical, you may move up to a more managerial or supervisory role. If you consider it like that, then all the skilled trades are potentially non-physical!

    References

    http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/156trades

    http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/media/video_centre/ts_skilledtrades.shtml

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_CDP_Nov2015.pdf

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_CYW_Nov2015.pdf

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_DSW_June2015.pdf.pdf

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Educatoinal_Assistant_Nov2015.pdf

    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Hairstylist_Oct2015.pdf

  • Challenges for Women Working in the Trades

    Challenges for Women Working in the Trades

    Are you the creative and hands-on type? Do you welcome a challenge? Does the idea of travelling for work appeal to you? If so, you might consider a career in the skilled trades.

    There are many options available, from construction and transportation to manufacturing and service. Trades pay well, the average salary being double that of a retail position. Not to mention, there is a shortage of skilled workers in Canada, meaning plenty of employment opportunities.

    Skilled workers are the backbone of society and the economy. What can be more satisfying than that? That said, like any career, the trade industries are not without obstacles, especially if you’re a woman entering the field.
    These days more women are pursuing skilled trades more commonly associated with men. There are also bursaries, apprenticeships, and training programs geared to women. Companies are even encouraged by the government to hire female workers.

    Nevertheless, women are still underrepresented in the trades, making up less than 10 percent of the workforce according to Statistics Canada. Being a visible minority on a job site often comes with feelings of isolation and alienation. Hypatia, a Nova Scotia women’s organization conducted several focus groups with female skilled workers (Working It Out, 2008).

    Here are some of the issues that were raised:

    • Lack of accessible washrooms for women.

    • Ill fitting work attire and safety equipment.

    • Inappropriate images of women displayed on work premises.

    • Being downright ignored by male co-workers.

    One of the more obvious challenges a woman might face is discrimination. Remember, the skilled trade industries are male dominated.

    Several women have reported discrimination from male co-workers, supervisors and even clients who are more used to dealing with male workers. According to the Hypatia study, discrimination can range from passive criticism, like a male co-worker telling a female co-worker she should pursue a more traditional line of work, to being denied the same rights and privileges given to male workers (i.e. Equal pay). Other women have reported harassment from male co-workers. This can range from insults and intimidation to catcalling and even sexual assault. Remember that under no circumstances are any of these behaviours to be tolerated. It is important to speak up and get help if this happens.

    A company should have a strong policy in dealing with discrimination and harassment. It is their duty and responsibility, by law to provide a safe and supportive environment for all employees. This is a basic human right.
    Of course, many female workers have also reported positive experiences on the jobsite. Before accepting a position, it’s always a good idea to find out about a company’s policies to ensure that they accommodate the needs of a female worker and that they promote safe and supportive work practices.

    It’s important to remember that, with these challenges, comes great support. Female workers can reach out to one another through professional associations, annual conferences, mentorship programs, and even social networking platforms. By taking advantage of these resources you can and will succeed!

  • How to Stay Safe at Work: The Trades

    How to Stay Safe at Work: The Trades

    If you’re a young person working in the trades, you deserve to be safe. However, every day someone like you gets injured on the job. In fact, hundreds of young workers are injured every year; and sometimes their lives are altered forever. All injuries are preventable so getting injured should never be a normal part of going to work. By being observant and using common sense, you can be safe on your job. Every. Single. Day.

    Know Your Rights

    If you think your work is unsafe for you or someone else, you can refuse to do it. Your supervisor cannot fire or punish you. That is the law.

    You have the right to know the risks of doing a job that can hurt you. The company is obligated to tell you all the hazards and how to protect your safety and health.

    You have the right to protect yourself by asking questions on safety, reporting unsafe conditions, following safety rules and participating in safety activities.

    Don’t Consume Alcohol or Drugs

    Number 1, you can get fired. And, number 2, they can alter your sense of perception and judgement and cause you to seriously injure yourself or someone else. Alcohol and drugs contribute to 3% of workplace deaths. Don’t be a statistic.

    Make Sure You’re Properly Trained

    Ask your supervisor what training you need to perform your job safely. Attend all the training sessions and always arrive on time. Take lots of notes and be very attentive to the company’s safety rules, standards, procedures and policies. If you’re given reading material, review it carefully and make sure you understand everything. When doing a task for the first time – especially a complex task – ask your supervisor to check if you’re doing it properly and safely. If your supervisor will be away, find out who you can turn to if you have any questions.

    Ask Questions

    There are no “dumb” questions. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your supervisor to explain something you don’t understand. Never assume you can do a task without proper instruction, guidance or supervision. And, if a task is over your head, say so! Don’t attempt a task that you can’t handle or never done before.

    Report Hazards and Risks

    Learn to spot hazards and risks. If you notice anything that can hurt you or a co-worker, report it to your supervisor immediately. Similarly, speak up if you notice a co-worker breaking the safety rules. You may feel like a snitch, but the few minutes you take to talk to your supervisor is nothing compared to the impact of a devastating injury. Besides, your supervisor will thank you for it.

    Wear Proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

    PPE includes steel toe boots, hard hats, hair nets, gloves, aprons, safety glasses, masks, ear plugs, etc. It will protect you from injury and can even save your life. Ask your supervisor about the required PPE and learn to use it properly. Make sure it’s the right size and comfortable to work in.

    Lift Heavy Objects Carefully

    Always protect your back when lifting heavy objects. Keep heavy loads close to your body, avoid twisting your body and use your thigh muscles when carrying or lifting heavy loads. Take advantage of mechanical aids like a forklift or conveyor belt to help you move or lift heavy objects.

    Many companies have work safety programs and are vigilant in protecting their employees. By obeying their rules and keeping the safety conversation going, you’ll do your part in maintaining a safe workplace.

    Giselle Mazurat received her designation as a Certified Resume Strategist from the Career Professionals of Canada. She also writes technical and business content for government and private companies.

  • Why Women Should Go Into the Trades

    Why Women Should Go Into the Trades

    If you’ve ever thought, or heard someone say, that working in the trades “isn’t for women,” it’s important to know that this simply isn’t true.  It can even be difficult to ignore this idea, when you see that most professions in the trades right now do employ mostly men.

    However, young women who are planning their future should give serious thought to entering a trade, because anyone with the skills and determination can excel at and make a great living for themselves in the trades.

    But why are there so few women working in the trades?  There are several misconceptions that can contribute to women not entering the trades.  Among these misconceptions is the idea that either trades careers are not challenging, or that they require specialized skills that are difficult to acquire.  As it happens, both of these ideas are incorrect.  Trades careers offer challenging, engaging work with sophisticated equipment, large projects, and diverse groups of people.

    For those young women who think that they don’t have the right skills, the fact is that many trades use transferable skills you likely already possess, such as leadership and teamwork.  Everything else can be taught, through education and training opportunities such as a college program, internship, or apprenticeship in your chosen trade.

    The other common concern of many young women considering the trades is the perception that because a skilled trade is currently made up of mostly men, that this means female workers will be unwelcome or unappreciated.

    The truth is that yes, it can be hard to be the only woman in your workplace, and yes, there can be difficulties where you have to “prove yourself.”  But by breaking this ground yourself, you will make it easier for the young women who enter the trades after you – and you may even be able to mentor a young woman entering your trade in the future, as well.

    It’s important for more women to enter the trades for several reasons, but perhaps the most important is that all jobs, from the trades to the CEO’s office, will benefit from a diverse mix of employees.  Women bring unique thoughts, methods, and ideas to the workplace, which enriches everyone in the company, and the trade itself.

    So if you’re considering a trades career, do your research.  Learn what is involved in the trade, what skills or schooling you will need, and what kind of living you can make from a trades career.  Then go for it!  Every trade will be the better for having more women involved.

    Sources:

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

    https://www.conestogac.on.ca/trades/women/

    http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/03/12/women-working-skilled-trades

  • What Trade is for You?

    What Trade is for You?

    It’s no secret that there is some good money to be made in the trades. But there are so many different trades, so how does one choose? If you are completely at a loss for where you want to place your work focus, but know for sure that the trades world is the world for you, ask yourself these basic questions:

    Do you prefer to work outdoors or indoors, regardless of the season or the weather?

    Construction workers are often required to work in some pretty heavy winter and rainy conditions. If you are someone who enjoys the outdoor elements no matter what, this trades job might be for you. Other outdoors trades include rotary drill operator, pipefitter and steamfitter. Inside trades jobs include work like plumbing, electrician (although sometimes this might take you outside) and boilermaker. Welders can have work days that are either outdoors or indoors depending on the job and the geographical location.

    Do you like stability and working at the same place every day?

    Moving to a new job site every day can be exciting for those who like variety—for these people construction work and electrician work is ideal. But if you would rather stay put for the most part, apply for a base company as their handyman or on-site mechanic etc. Aircraft mechanics and avionics technician also tend to have a base work place.

    Do you think heavy equipment and big machinery is cool?

    Do you want to be at the helm of some pretty cool, and often high-tech large machinery? Than try the following trades: crane operator, industrial machinery mechanic, mobile heavy equipment mechanic, and construction equipment operator. These positions require a lot of training as they can be very dangerous, but with all the technological advancements it is an excitedly realm to be in.

    Do you like building things or would you rather install equipment?

    If you like building things than any job within the construction and carpentry sphere is ideal for you. Those who rather install equipment tend to lean more towards being diesel mechanics, auto body repairers and any jobs under the computer trades umbrella. Both areas are meticulous in their own way.

    For general pay information on the above listed jobs, visit www.trade-schools.net/articles/trade-school-jobs.asp

  • Eco Trades

    Eco Trades

    Imagine helping to save the environment, just by going to work. Working in an eco-trade might not help you to change the world, but it could make a difference. Working in an area such as solar energy, for example, can be a good career while also helping to improve the world.

    How much do you know about the trades? When your home or school has a problem with lighting, an electrician can help fix the issue. If the sinks are plugged, a plumber is the one who knows what to do. Tradespeople deal with all kinds of issues related to the buildings that we live in and the machines that we use.

    Plumbing and electrical work are some examples of regular trades, but eco-trades are different. Although they still deal with the places where people live and work, they use materials and techniques that leave the earth as unharmed as possible. The might work with natural materials or energy-efficient sources of power, but they try not to use up too many resources or to create problems for the natural world.

    One of these eco-trades involves solar energy. You probably know that some of the traditional types of energy, such as coal or gas, can be very dirty. Fossil fuels produce a lot of pollution, and they will eventually run out since the world’s supplies are limited. Solar energy is part o the solution. The sun warms the earth, but its rays can also be converted into energy for heating buildings or running machines. People who work with solar energy help to provide a very important option for our society.

    Becoming a solar energy specialist usually requires both education and experience. Certification as an Environmental Professional is available for people who have at least five years of experience in environmental work and who have a diploma or degree in the field.  Many universities or colleges have courses related to eco-trades, including the Canadian Solar Institute in Ontario. Online courses are possible, but students also need to get practical experience through working with other tradespeople.

    People working in this field can make good salaries. Solar energy system installers earn about $49,000 per year, and the system designers can make about $55,000 per year. Installation work is more physically demanding, and it can involve work in bad weather conditions. Solar panels are often on the roofs of buildings, and installers should not be afraid of heights. Design work is mostly indoors, but people in this area might sometimes have to visit the places where the solar panels are installed.

    Solar energy and other eco-trades are growing fields, although jobs are likely to be limited to bigger cities in only certain areas of the country. Ontario has a lot of work related to solar energy, but other provinces might have fewer opportunities. If you are willing to move to where the jobs are, working in eco-trades such as solar energy can be a good career choice.

    Bibliography:

    Blackwell, Richard. Solar Power Surging to Forefront of Canadian Energy.”

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/solar-power-surging-to-forefront-of-canadian-energy/article19786759/

    Canadian Solar Institute. “About.” http://solarinstitute.ca/about.html.

    Eco Canada. “Environmental Professional (EP®) Certification.”

    http://www.eco.ca/certification/.

    Payscale.com. “Solar Energy System Installer Salary (Canada).”

    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Solar_Energy_System_Installer/Hourly_RatePayscale.com. “Solar Energy Systems Designer Salary (Canada).”

    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Solar_Energy_Systems_Designer/Salary.

  • Transferable Skills that Make Valuable Employees

    Transferable Skills that Make Valuable Employees

    The skilled trades encompass a wide range of jobs, from construction trades such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers to industrial trades such as machinists, tool and die makers, and millwrights.  There are also service trades, such as dental hygienists, automotive technicians, large equipment mechanics and culinary chefs.

    At first glance, many of these careers in the trades don’t have much in common, and it is true that every trade has its own specific set of technical skills and knowledge.  But whether you want to advance in your current trade, or change trades to work in a different field, there are some skills that carry over to any job.

    These are called “transferable skills,” which are skills and experience gained through school, internships, and jobs that are useful no matter what trade you work in.

    Communication Skills

    Whether you are a roofer, an electrician, or a crane operator, communication skills are one of the most essential transferable skills.  While it is important to hone your technical abilities, every successful workplace relies on strong and clear communication between coworkers, clients, and supervisors.  You have to be able to both explain a problem and understand the solution, write reports and maintain records, and communicate with many different people each day, all of whom will have different levels of knowledge.  Being a strong communicator is a transferable skill that will always serve you well.

    Listening Skills

    Usually going hand in hand with communication skills, having solid listening skills is something that will be useful in any trade.  This involves being able to listen to clients and coworkers when they share knowledge or explain a problem, paying close attention when being trained on a new task, and will help you become a more knowledgeable employee.

    Teamwork Skills

    Another essential transferable skill is knowing how to work well in a team.  Every workplace involves working with many diverse people in order to complete tasks and projects.  This means cooperating, being considerate and respectful of other people and their ideas, and both doing your part to the best of your ability as well as helping others as needed.  Employers want tradespeople with strong teamwork skills because they know these people will make good employees.

    Leadership Skills

    This is a vital skill for any job, and one of the primary qualities necessary for people working in the trades who want to advance in their career.  For people in the trades, having strong leadership skills means that even if you change the trade you’re working in, you will still make a good team leader, project manager, or supervisor.

    Sources:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradesman

    https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/job-tips/archives/transferable-skills-that-are-useful-in-any-job_474/

    http://cds.sdce.edu/Assessment/Understanding-Skills

  • What are the Benefits of Working in the Skilled Trades? Part 2

    What are the Benefits of Working in the Skilled Trades? Part 2

    A previous article discussed three benefits of working in the skilled trades: the plentiful options as to which trade you would like to pursue and practice; the enviable salaries; and the job satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that come with working with your hands. Part two of this article series will go over three more benefits.

    Pursuing trade school and apprenticeships is cheaper and faster

    Depending on which trade you pursue, the corresponding program at a trade school is likely less expensive than a program at an academic institution. Once you become an apprentice, you actually earn as you learn. Plus, the Canadian federal and provincial governments offer financial incentives in the form of grants during and after your training.

    This path is also a faster way to land not just a job, but a career, as trade school programs and apprenticeships tend to be shorter (depending on the trade). The immediate benefit of this is that you can start finding work sooner. The more years of experience you have, the greater the demand will be for your skills.

    Opportunities to do more

    What does it mean for a job to have growth potential? If a job does not have growth potential, you are stuck doing that job until you quit or retire. This may appeal to some of you, but for others, you would probably like to be able to move up, take on management roles or training roles, for example. The great thing about skilled trades is that the job is what you make of it. If you want to be doing the exact same thing day after day, you can!

    And if you want to be move into more adjacent roles, like management or training, you can! If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and some work experience, you may even consider opening your own business. Doesn’t being your own boss sound exciting?

    You are unlikely to be replaced by robots any time soon

    Job security is no longer a reality of today’s workplace, but people will always need the skills of mechanics, plumbers, and locksmiths, just to name a few. These are jobs that only trained professionals with their specific skillset can do, not robots. (Or at least not yet). Moreover, work requiring tradespeople cannot be outsourced to another country. There is just no way.

    It is past time for the stigma attached to skilled trades to die, because given the many benefits to working in this industry, it is a practical option for many people, regardless of background. Consider your own circumstances and interests, the skilled trades may even be your best option.

  • Spotlight: ACCESS ‘Your One Stop Shop’ for Aboriginal Apprenticeship

    Spotlight: ACCESS ‘Your One Stop Shop’ for Aboriginal Apprenticeship

    Via http://accesstrades.accessfutures.com/

    Who?

    “ACCESS Trades is committed to providing apprentices with the resources and support necessary to successfully complete the full term of their apprenticeship.  Our only goal is to help Aboriginal men and women attain Red Seal or Provincial certification in a trade.”

    How?

    Join the hundreds of ACCESS Trades apprentices who have found rewarding careers in the trades.

    Check out this link for instructions and process of obtaining your apprenticeship:

    http://accesstrades.accessfutures.com/apprenticeship/

    Training Schedules ( Updates Regularly) :

    http://accesstrades.accessfutures.com/training/

     Types Programs:

    Electrical Foundation
    Piping Foundation
    Metal Fabrication
    Welding Level B
    Sheet Metal Foundation
    Machinist Foundation

    Contacts:

    ACCESS Trades Office
    #109 – 100 Park Royal
    West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2
    TEL:  604 922-4077
    FAX: 604 922-4088

    Helen Boyce
    Director of Access Trades

    Rob Egan
    Training & Apprenticeship Counsellor

    Larry Webster
    Training & Apprenticeship Counsellor

    Pauline Hanuse
    Administrative Assistant

    Donna Anderson
    Job Coach

    For more information on Aboriginal Employment and Programs, visit the main website at http://www.accessfutures.com/ .

  • Which Skilled Trades are Most in Demand in Canada?

    Which Skilled Trades are Most in Demand in Canada?

    The skilled trade industry in Canada could be facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially as the Baby Boomer generation retires . This shortage may apply to all the hundreds of skilled trades, but below are some of the most in demand trades.

    Industrial Technician

    Canadian Business lists industrial technician as one of the best jobs in 2015. According to the article, this role experienced a 17% increase in salary and a 19% increase in employment growth from 2008 to 2014. The role of the industrial technician can focus on either the manufacturing process or the individual machines and equipment necessary for manufacturing.

    Truck and Diesel Mechanics

    Huffington Post describes truck and diesel mechanics as one of the jobs that trended upwards most in 2015. The number of job postings for this trade increased 80% in 2014-2015. These individuals inspect and repair all vehicles with a diesel engine, such as buses and trucks. It is also worthwhile to note that the more general role of mechanic experienced a similar growth of 64% in the same amount of time.

    Tool and Die Makers

    Huffington Post lists tool and die makers as another job that trended upwards most in 2015. The number of job postings for this trade increased a whopping 305% in 2014-2015. Tool and Die makers professionals create and repair special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges. The vast majority of tool and die makers work in the manufacturing industry, manufacturing transportation equipment, machinery, and fabricated metal products.

    If you are considering a career in the skilled trades, you have many to choose from. You should choose a trade based on your personal interests—but it is smart to look at which ones are most in demand.  This article describes three that are currently in high demand.

    References:

    1. http://www.careersintrades.ca/why-the-trades/
    2. http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2015-industrial-technician/
    3. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/23/most-in-demand-jobs-canada-2015_n_8807024.html
    4. http://www.truity.com/career-profile/diesel-service-technician-or-mechanic
    5. http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/qc/job_futures/statistics/7232.shtml