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Category: Trades

  • Trade Scholarships for Indigenous Students in Canada

    Trade Scholarships for Indigenous Students in Canada

    Indspire Scholarships

    Oil and Gas Aboriginal Trades & Technology

    Extra incentive for one to achieve their dreams in trades as a First Nations, Inuit or Metis student, Two deadlines annually on April 30th and November 30th. These awards are for both status and non-status aboriginal individuals pursuing education, professional development and technical training within the Albertan oil & gas industry. This scholarship is only available to those studying in Alberta at an accredited training institute, college or university with plans to work within the industry upon graduation.

    www.ammsa.com

    Apprenticeships, Skilled Trades, and Technology Programs

    Indspire offers chances at funding for those seriously immersed in trades. Deadlines and twice a year in February and November and will depend on grades, references, and cultural background.

    www.indspire.ca/for-students/bursaries-scholarships

    Petro Canada Education Awards for Native Students

    Open to any Canadian native or Inuit students either entering or enrolled in post-secondary programs somehow involved in the industrial setting of the gas and oil industry, this scholarship has five education awards of to $5,000. If you are interested, these awards will be distributed based on academic performance, financial need and the specifics of your studies as related to future aspirations within the industry.

    www.canadian-universities.net/Scholarships/P/Petro-Canada-Education-Awards-for-Native-Students

  • Do I Need to be an Apprentice to Get Into a Trade?

    Do I Need to be an Apprentice to Get Into a Trade?

    The short answer is yes!

    The long answer is: according to Employment Ontario, you must complete an apprenticeship in order to work in the corresponding skilled trade. There are no shortcuts. Think about it: would you allow a surgeon to operate on you if he or she didn’t go through medical school?

    There is a clear roadmap for individuals who want to work in the skilled trades. First, you become an apprentice. An apprentice is a student of a specific trade and he or she has a Registered Training Agreement with a sponsor (a person or organization who is training the apprentice).

    The apprenticeship is your medical school. The regulatory body of tradespeople in Ontario is called the Ontario College of Trades, and it has developed two important documents: the Workplace Apprenticeship Training Standards and the Curriculum Training Standard. Both these documents ensure consistency and accountability in the education apprentices receive from their sponsors. Just as the medical school curriculum prepares its students to succeed as physicians, these training standards ensure apprentices follow set guidelines and similarly prepare its students to succeed.

    Another way to think of the apprenticeship is getting your foot in the door. Not only will you receive hands-on education, you will be paid while you learn. You will be working with people who know the ins and outs of the trade—these will be valuable contacts when you go onto the next stage of your training, as a journeyperson (2).

    A journeyperson is basically a working tradesperson. You have now been certified to work in the skilled trade you apprenticed in. Moreover, you can now take on apprentices of your own!

    There are no shortcuts in becoming a tradesperson. Find a sponsor, become an apprentice, put in the work, earn your certification, and then you may call yourself a tradesperson.

    References:
    http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/apprentices/
    http://www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca/faq
    http://www.collegeoftrades.ca/training-standards

  • Career Profile: TV Repair Technician

    Career Profile: TV Repair Technician

    Watching television can be fun and relaxing, at least until something goes wrong with the TV. Sometimes, the problems are easy to fix, such as when a cord is unplugged or a switch is turned off. At other times, people need to call an expert in television repair. Learning to repair televisions is a valuable skill which can lead to a good career.

    Televisions are complicated machines with many different parts that could be broken or worn out. However, they are also a lot like other machines, such as dishwashers and lawnmowers. Some people who get into this field never take formal courses, but it is usually a good idea to study appliance repair through a trade school or community college. These schools usually offer courses in television repair, including topics like circuit analysis.

    If you get into television repair, you will need to know about batteries, electricity, and other related subjects so that you understand how all of the different parts work together. You should also know how to keep yourself safe from electric shocks and any dangerous materials that you might need to touch. A good program in appliance repair should teach you these things, but you can also learn some of them on the job.

    Getting practical experience is part of many appliance repair programs. The whole process can take only a few weeks, but some programs are a year long. At the end, students receive certification as repair technicians. An official certificate is not always necessary, but it is a good idea to get one, just in case an employer requires it. If you are unsure about television repair as a career, you can also try working at a repair shop for a short time to see if you enjoy it.

    Working conditions can vary widely in this field. Some television repair work happens in shops where people bring their broken machines to be fixed, but many technicians go to people’s homes to do repairs. They need to know how to deal with customers and be polite and patient. Technicians could be busy all day, especially working for a large company, or have only a few hours of work each day. They can earn between $15 and $40 per hour, depending on their skill and experience.

    Going out to people’s homes means that television repair technicians should be prepared to do a lot of driving and to carry around a lot of equipment. They should have some of the basic replacement parts that they might need either with them or very close by so that they can repair the televisions as soon as possible instead of driving back and forth. Technicians should be well prepared for most situations, and they also need a certain amount of strength to move televisions or carry equipment.

    If this sounds like the job for you, why not start planning for your future as a television repair technician?

    Bibliography:
    Careers.org. “Career Occupational Profile for : Telephone and Cable Television Installation and Repair Technician.” http://www.careers.org/occupations/28711/telephone-and-cable-television-installation-and-repair-technician.
    Educhoices.org. “TV Repairman: How to Become a TV Repairman.” http://educhoices.org/articles/TV_Repairman_How_to_Become_a_TV_Repairman.html
    Learn.org. “TV Technician: Salary and Career Facts.” http://learn.org/articles/TV_Technician_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html.
    Payscale Canada. http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Telecommunications_Technician/Hourly_Rate.
    Study.com. “TV Repair Certification and Certificate Program Options.” http://study.com/articles/TV_Repair_Certification_and_Certificate_Program_Options.html.

  • Exploring the World of the Trades in High School

    Exploring the World of the Trades in High School

    High schoolers can explore a myriad of subjects and ideas before taking the next steps into adulthood. With so much focus placed on core academic subjects such as math, science, and English, other paths can fall by the wayside. For those looking to pursue the trades industry, there are multiple options to investigate. It is important to start early to ensure you expose yourself to as many opportunities as possible. In doing so, you can find the experiences, networking connections, and organizations that form the foundation of a successful career.

    For example, those in British Columbia may want to take a look at the many training partners within the province. Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey offers the ACE-IT Transition Program. High school students have the opportunity to commence training in the trades before graduating from secondary school and beginning their post-secondary studies. In north-eastern British Columbia, students can turn to the Northern Opportunities organization for apprenticeships. These opportunities include work in the oil and gas fields, industrial instrumentation mechanics, automotive services, carpentry, and more. The South Island Partnership and Tru Start offer similar programs, and these types of organizations can be found elsewhere.

    Over in Orillia, Ontario, students can head to Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School for a very unique trade show. “Explore the Trades” fills the gymnasium with displays by local manufacturers. Young people have the chance to talk to professionals and learn about the different career paths in the industry. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program in Simcoe takes on approximately 150 students annually for apprenticeship programs, providing them hands-on experience before they even enter the workforce. Opportunities like these are open to students in different provinces, and although the industry is represented by men at a staggering 97%, opportunities abound for women as well.

    Co-Op & OYAP, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, helps girls in Niagara, Ontario find chances to succeed in the industry. These experiences includes the Skills Work for Women Networking Dinner with tradeswomen that also provides hands-on activities. There are also grants, such as one that offers free registration to the Southern Ontario VEX Robotics Championship. As youth become more knowledgeable and resourceful with technology and research, as well as less defined by outdated gender norms, that 3% of women in the trades is sure to grow. The District School Board of Niagara is just one organization looking to help young people find their way in the trades industry.

    If the industry intrigues you, then the best thing you can do is start researching. You may be surprised at all of the grants, apprenticeships, shows, and networking opportunities that exist near you. As you continue to pursue your high school diploma, you can combine that education with invaluable experience that will ensure you have a bright path forward in the trades industry.

    Sources:

    Bleasby, John. Explore the Trades event promotes our industry to high schoolers in Orillia, ON. http://www.canadiancontractor.ca/canadian-contractor/orillias-explore-trades-brings-business-education-communities-one-roof/1003278431/

    Co-Op & OYAP. Women in Trades. http://oyap.dsbn.org/skilled-trades/women-in-trades

    Discover Skills BC. Trades Training in High School. http://discoverskillsbc.ca/training/trades-training-in-high-school/

  • Why We Need Tradespersons

    Why We Need Tradespersons

    Can you imagine a world without tradespersons? Without electricians, there would be no electricity to light our homes at night and we would use candles like back in the Stonehenge days. Without plumbers, there would be no running water in our homes and we would bathe in rivers or lakes. Without HVAC people, we would have no heating, and for us who live in cold climates, I can’t imagine how uncomfortable that would be. Without tradespersons, the world would be a very different place.

    Opportunities are increasing in the trades. By 2020, we’ll be short of one million tradespersons, with the residential housing industry alone needing nearly 100,000 more by 2023. The average age of welders is 57, and many trade workers across all categories are also in their 50s. So, if you prepare yourself for a trades career with the proper schooling and training plus you’re willing to relocate, you would find a job more easily than people in non-trade occupations.

    Tradespersons will always be needed. How many times have you heard complaints from family or friends about not being able to find a reliable renovator, plumber or roofer? As a tradesperson, you’ll have less worry about boom-and-bust cycles, offshoring or automation. Not only homeowners need reliable trade workers, but you’ll also be needed in schools, offices, plants, factories and more.

    Increased freedom and mobility is another perk of being a trades worker. You can either work fulltime in a unionized or non-unionized environment or be your own boss. Although self-employment varies by trade, it has increased steadily and at a higher rate in the trades than in other occupations. In 1987, only 9% of tradespersons were self-employed compared with 15% in 2007. Today, it’s probably higher.

    For some trades, wages have increased steadily especially for those in unionized positions such as electricians, crane operators and plumbers. For employees in unionized trades, salaries averaged $22.36 per hour, 6% higher than the $21.02 in other occupations.

    A career in the trades is not just about being a carpenter, plumber or electrician. Service careers like hair stylists, chefs and painters also classify as skilled trades; and a lot of them make good money and enjoy a high standard of living. A hair stylist can make as much as $49K per year or $16.29 per hour, and even more if they have their own salon. A kitchen chef earns, on average, $14.97 per hour or $49K per year, and salaries increase if they move up the ladder to executive chef or head chef. And, if you have a bit of a flair for art and colour, as a painter you can make even more: $19.85 per hour or $61K per year, depending on your location.

    Like other careers, you need to be willing to work hard and do what it takes to succeed. If you want an interesting career where you can help build a better world and increase quality of life, a trades career may be the right path for you.

    ____________

    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. You can reach her at giselle@experttechnicalwriter.com.

    Bibliography:

    Apprenticeship competition aims to draw attention to looming shortage of skilled trades workers in Canada
    http://news.nationalpost.com/toronto/apprenticeship-competition-aims-to-draw-attention-to-looming-shortage-of-skilled-trades-workers-in-canada

    Five basics you need to join the skilled trades
    http://www.vancouversun.com/business/2035/Five+basics+need+join+skilled+trades/8452245/story.html

    PayScale – Hair Stylist
    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Hair_Stylist/Hourly_Rate

    PayScale – Kitchen Chef
    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Kitchen_Chef/Hourly_Rate

    PayScale – Painter
    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Painter/Hourly_Rate

    Statistics Canada – Skilled Trades Employment
    http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-001-x/2008110/article/10710-eng.htm#a7

    The 5 Best Skilled Trades Jobs in Canada
    http://nacc.ca/the-5-best-skilled-trades-jobs-in-canada/

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

    What are the Benefits of Working in the Skilled Trades?

    Nowadays, a university education no longer guarantees a reliable job with career growth potential. This is not the case with the skilled trades and it is just one reason that a career in the skilled trades industry is looking more and more appealing. Perhaps you are at the start of your career or at a career crossroads and considering something different—give the skilled trades some thought….

    Hundreds of Options—Literally

    Did you know that there are over 200 skilled trades practiced in Canada? This staggering list is organized into four categories: construction, transportation, manufacturing, and service. You are bound to find something that fits your interests! For example, if you are interested in airplanes, consider becoming an aviation technician (a transportation skilled trade). And did you know that chefs, hairstylists, and horticulturists are all considered skilled trades? They are examples of service trades.

    Show Me the Money

    Everyone wants to know about the money, right? You’ll be happy to know that Statistics Canada reports a declining wage gap between tradespeople and people with bachelor degrees. Between 2000 and 2011, tradespeople aged 25 to 34 working full-time saw a 14% increase in their weekly wage. On the other hand, university graduates of the same age experienced a 1% increase.

    Let’s take a close look at workers in the construction trades, which include electricians, plumbers, roofers, and welders. Income levels and employment benefits will vary depending on the specific trade and where you work, but on average, construction workers earn $61,762 annually—compare that to the average in all other industries: $47,359. The difference is enough to buy 15 iPhone 7s!

    Job Satisfaction: You’re Happy, I’m Happy

    The money is great, but according to Matthew Crawford, author of Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work, the satisfaction of seeing a job well done is the number one reason people consider a career in the skilled trades. A tradesperson works with their hands, uses their knowledge and experience to build something tangible: a two-story house, an elaborate meal, a stunning haircut. Tradespeople rightly take pride in what they accomplish day after day. They know someone is benefiting from their work—and that satisfaction may be the greatest benefit to working in the skilled trades.

    The skilled trades offer an appealing alternative to the tired, increasingly elusive narrative of go to university, graduate, get a job. A career as a tradesperson offers many benefits, three of which are described above. You will have your pick of multiple trades, major earning potential, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

    References:

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/why-the-trades/what-are-the-trades/

    http://www.careersintrades.ca/why-the-trades/

    http://www.careersinconstruction.ca/en/why-construction/8-good-reasons

    http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/17/skilled-trades-jobs-business-crawford.html

  • Tips For Attending a Career Fair

    Tips For Attending a Career Fair

    Career fairs can be great places to look for your first job or a summer position. Regardless of what specific job you are aiming for, there are some general tips to remember that will help you make a good impression and increase your chances of getting an interview or offer of employment.

    Update Your Resume and Bring Copies With You

    Making sure your resume is current should be the first step to any job hunt, but it is especially important for situations such as career fairs. You should have professional looking and up-to-date copies of your resume. Include your latest education, any additional training, and your work history. Internships or volunteer work should also be included. Having a resume to leave with recruiters is the best way to ensure they have the information they need to consider you for the job. It also shows them that you are organized and motivated – two qualities that make a good impression on prospective employers.

    Research the Companies You’re Interested In

    When you decide to attend a career fair, make sure you check out the list of exhibitors beforehand to see which companies you will be most interested in approaching. You don’t have to know every detail, but being able to discuss the company, their projects, and how you believe you would fit into the job shows recruiters you’re interested, and that you’re serious about the job and the company.

    Dress and Behave Professionally

    This is perhaps the most essential, but often the most overlooked aspect of attending a career fair – just because it is called a “fair” doesn’t mean that casual is the way to go. Essentially, treat attending a career fair the same way you would treat a formal interview. Dress professionally in a suit and tie, or nice blouse and slacks or a skirt. Speak politely to the recruiters at the booth, ask them questions, and listen to their answers. Also, ensure you smile, make eye contact, and project yourself confidently.

    Ask About Other Positions

    Just because a company you’re interested isn’t hiring specifically for a job you want doesn’t mean there won’t be future opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about other positions at the company, and request contact details to a specific department or the main Human Resources office. You can also leave your own resume and contact information for the recruiter to pass on to the appropriate people.

    Lastly, Remember to Follow Up

    In the same way you would follow up after a formal interview, it is important to follow up with the recruiters you spoke with at a career fair. During the fair, you should be getting business cards or otherwise noting down the contact information of the recruiters you speak with. The day following the event, you should send a quick email or phone call thanking them and briefly reiterating what you spoke about and which position you are interested in. This makes sure that the recruiter knows you’re sincerely interested, and gets your name in front of them one more time.

    Sources:

    http://www.news.gatech.edu/2016/09/01/how-avoid-most-common-career-fair-mistakes

    http://www.success.uwo.ca/careers/networking/preparing_for_career_fairs.html

    http://www.sfu.ca/olc/blog/csi-blog/tips-succeed-career-fair-employers-perspective.

     

  • Career Profile: Ski Lift Mechanic

    Career Profile: Ski Lift Mechanic

    Imagine what it would be like to carry someone up a mountain slope. Very few people could do that on their own, but they can if they work as ski lift mechanics. These skilled workers help to keep downhill skiers going up hills and mountains so that they can enjoy their sport.

    Normally, people go skiing only in winter and early spring, but ski lift mechanics work all year to keep the lifts working in good order. Have you ever gone skiing? If you have, you might have seen two types of ski lifts. One type has long wires called cables close to the ground where people can hold on as their skis slide up the slope. The other has bench-style chairs attached to cables, which carry people far above the ground to the top of the hill. Both types of lifts need people to look after them.

    During the snowy season, ski lift mechanics can be very busy. With people using the lifts every day except in bad weather, mechanics have to make sure that all of the equipment is working well. It is very important that the lifts are safe for people to use because otherwise they might fall and get hurt. Mechanics need to check the cables and other parts to make sure that they will work smoothly and not fail in the middle of the day. They might need to work in the dark to make sure that the lifts are working when people want to use them. Sometimes, they also first install the lifts and then continue to take care of them later on.

    Even when ski season is done, mechanics still have a lot of work to do.  They need to repair or replace parts and test the lifts to make sure that they are working. On high mountains which have snow all year, mechanics have to work hard to keep the lifts working all the time. Often, mechanics also operate  and fix the lifts.

    Getting work in this field usually requires a combination of training and experience. Some ski lift mechanics need certificates, and many people also work in an apprenticeship to learn from experienced mechanics. Some employers are willing to train their workers, but others might want people to get some education or experience before they start. A career college might be a good place to start looking for any necessary training.

    Ski lift mechanics people should be able to work well with others in all kinds of weather conditions, including blizzards and extreme cold. Generally, they earn between about $26 and $28 per hour. In Canada, most of the jobs would be in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia, but other areas might need mechanics, as well. Do you love to ski? Maybe you can combine that interest with your future job.

    Bibliography:

    Apprentice Search.com. “What Does a Ski Lift Mechanic Do?”  http://www.apprenticesearch.com/AboutTrades/GetTradeDetails?tradeId=81&TradeName=ski-lift-mechanic.

    Go Ski Alberta. “Jobs.” http://www.goskialberta.com/jobs/.

    Go 2 Tourism HR Society. “Lift Mechanic.” https://www.go2hr.ca/careers/lift-mechanic.

    Technical Standards & Safety Authority. “Ski Lift Mechanic Certification.” https://www.tssa.org/regulated/ski/skiLiftCertification.aspx

  • Skilled Trades Schools in Ontario

    Skilled Trades Schools in Ontario

    This article will highlight three Ontario schools that provide training in the skilled trades. Remember that in-school theoretical training is a mandatory part of your apprenticeship, and these schools are excellent options. They are well-known, established post-secondary education options for anyone interested in a career in the skilled trades.

     

    George Brown

    The School of Apprenticeship & Skilled Trades at George Brown offers apprenticeship programs in trades such as construction and maintenance electrician, general carpenter, industrial mechanic, plumber, residential air conditioning systems mechanic, and steamfitter. In addition, if you are not yet ready to start an apprenticeship, you may look into programs that teach you foundational techniques. Examples include construction trades techniques, electrical techniques, and plumbing techniques.

    Humber College

    The School of Applied Technology at Humber College—like George Brown—offers the necessary classroom component for the following trades: arborist, cabinetmaker, electrician, heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technician, industrial woodworking technician, plumber, and welder. These programs expose students to in-school training and practical job experience. Humber also offers Skilled Trades Certificates: these 11 continuing education programs equip you with the skills you need to become a home inspector, project manager, or gas technician among others. Note that these programs are stand-alone—when you graduate, you can start working.

    Sheridan College

    Sheridan College’s Apprenticeship Training Programs are offered for the following skilled trades: construction and maintenance electrician, industrial electrician, construction millwright, tool and die maker, and general machinist. Note that a student must be sponsored by the tradesperson they will be working with during their apprenticeship in order to take these programs.

    These three schools are all excellent options for anyone considering a career in the skilled trades who live in or will live in Ontario. To decide between the three, consider location, tuition, and faculty—as well as program availability.

    References:

    http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/apprentices/faq.html

    http://www.georgebrown.ca/apprenticeshipskilledtrades/

    https://www.humber.ca/appliedtechnology/skilled-trades

    https://www.humber.ca/appliedtechnology/continuing-education/certificates/skilled-trades

    https://academics.sheridancollege.ca/programs/apprenticeship-training-programs

  • Atlantic Canada Trade Schools and Programs

    Atlantic Canada Trade Schools and Programs

    Do you live in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or PEI? Are you interested in moving to the East Coast? Are you interested in a career in the trades industry? It can be overwhelming when trying to decide on a career path, but seeking out as many options as possible is the best way to start. Atlantic Canada has some great training and apprenticeship programs and finding the best program for you is just around the corner.

    Below are some great schools that will help and train you on the path to a great career in the trades:

    Newfoundland:

    Ashworth College

    Trades & Technical:

    Basic Electronics

    Carpentry

    Electrician Training

    Gunsmithing

    Heating & Air Conditioning

    Home Inspection

    Locksmithing

    Motorcycle Repair

    Plumbing

    http://www.trade-schools.ca/ashworth-college/form.aspx

    Academy College

    Faculty of Construction, Trades & Mining:

    Automotive Service Technician (Entry)

    Baker

    Carpenter (Pre-Employment)

    Computer Aided Drafting

    Construction/Industrial Electrician (Entry)

    Cook (Pre-Employment)

    Geological Engineering Studies

    Insulator (Heat & Frost) (Entry)

    Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Entry)*

    Occupational Health and Safety

    Plumber (Entry)

    Renovation Technician*

    Scaffolding*

    Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Entry)

    Supply Chain & Logistics

    Welder (Pre-Employment)

    https://www.academycanada.com/faculty-of-construction-trades-mining/

    Prince Edward Island:

    Holland College

    Trades and Industrial Technology:

    Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Repair and Overhaul Technology

    Automotive Technology

    Carpentry

    Commercial Diving

    Construction Electrical

    Electromechanical Technology

    Energy Systems Engineering Technology

    Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology

    Heritage Retrofit Carpentry

    Industrial Electrical

    Plumbing

    Power Engineering

    Precision Machinist

    Steamfitting Pipefitting

    Welding Fabrication

    Welding Level 1

    Wind Turbine Technician

    Wood Manufacturing Cabinetmaking

    http://www.hollandcollege.com/programs/

    Eastern College

    Programs:

    Construction Electrician

    Industrial Electrician

    Plumber

    Steamfitter / Pipefitter

    Welder / Metal Fabricator

    http://easterncollege.ca/?Section=trades&campaignid=2068

    New Brunswick:

    Eastern College

    https://www.easterncollege.ca/?Section=trades

    New Brunswick Community College

    Career Possibilities:

    Bricklayer

    Maintenance Person

    Carpenter

    Electrician

    Fuels Technician

    Plumber

    Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

    Gas Fitter

    Oil Burner Mechanic

    Oil Heat System Technician

    Steamfitter/Pipefitter

    Sprinkler System Installer

    http://www.nbcc.ca/programs-courses/program-areas/trades-building-and-construction

    Nova Scotia:

    Nova Scotia Community College

    Programs: School of Trades & Technology ( list)

    Eastern College

    (Eastern College has campuses and programs across Atlantic Canada)

    http://easterncollege.ca/?Section=trades&campaignid=2068