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Category: Trades

  • Women in the Trades, Statistics and Perceptions

    Women in the Trades, Statistics and Perceptions

    When you picture a construction worker, plumber, electrician or pipefitter, what image comes to mind? Most people imagine a burly, middle-aged man, wearing overalls, covered in dirt or grease. Trades jobs have been predominantly dominated by men throughout history. Across Canada women are still under-represented in the industry.

    The Status of Women in Canada factsheet (http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/initiatives/wesp-sepf/fs-fi/es-se-eng.html) stated, “In 2014 women represented 47.3 % of the labour force. Women aged 15 years and over were most likely to be employed in sales and service occupations (27.1%).” It also states, “Women continue to have low representation in the skilled trades and other traditionally male dominated professions. For example in 2012, women held just 11.8% of the construction jobs, 19% of forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas jobs, and 30.5% of agriculture jobs. In 2011 women accounted for only 2% of carpentry apprentices, 1.9% of plumbing apprentices and 1.5% of heavy equipment apprentices.”

    So why are there so few women working in the trades? An article on the website TalentEgg.com (http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/03/12/women-working-skilled-trades/) suggests “even in this day and age, women can be discriminated against in the skilled trades workforce. Women are usually in the top 10-15% in their class, but they are almost always among the last 10% to get hired.”

    The Government of Canada Skilled Trades website points out another reason there are fewer people in general working in the industry. It says there is a “negative perception towards skilled trades among youth and their influences, with many believing that these jobs are low paying, involve physical work, are dirty, and are less academically challenging.”

    Though this may be a common perception, it isn’t entirely true. The work may be more physical than an office job, but it can also be rewarding. Imagine being able to drive by a building, knowing you helped construct it. Stats Canada stated on average trades employees make $22.36/hour. Canadianbusiness.com stated in 2014, Electrician and Telecommunications Contractor held the number 10 spot on the Top 10 Best Jobs in Canada, with a median salary of $72,800/ year.

    Many skilled trades’ workers are hard-working individuals. Although a lot of people feel the trades are for students who are less academically inclined; this is also another myth. Trades workers need to have a good academic foundation with knowledge in math, literacy, problem solving and analytical skills. Depending on the type of trade you pursue you could be deciphering complex blueprints on a construction site, operating technical equipment, or installing intricate plumbing systems at an industrial site. There are a number of apprenticeship programs geared toward women. You can search online to see what’s available in your area. In Ontario there is a website with information on Women in Skilled Trades and Information Technology: http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantOpportunities/OSAPQA005168.

    Careersintrades.ca (http://www.careersintrades.ca/) has information on how to get started.

    If you think you might be interested in pursuing a career in a skilled trade, it’s always a good idea to talk to someone who currently works in the field. They will be able to explain the ins and outs of the job, tell you what is involved, and what it is really like to work on a job site. They can also give you an idea of job availability and pay. You could also do a work study or internship, which will provide you with the hands on training and experience. This will be a great way to see if you like the job and the work environment, and to decide if the trades are the right field for you.

     

  • De-Myth-tifying Skilled Trades

    De-Myth-tifying Skilled Trades

    You hear it all the time. To get a good job, you need to get a degree from a University and that those who cannot get into a school have to fall back on trades like plumbing or carpentry. A university degree will be useful to you for certain careers, but the myths surrounding the skilled trades should be examined when deciding on which path to take after high school. Here are five common myths, and the realities behind them:

    Myth: Skilled trades are for the uneducated, or unintelligent.

    Reality: Skilled tradespeople apprentice for years and have numerous certifications under their belts. While it’s true that many trades don’t require a university or college degree, the certification process for each trade can take years. Often, the education is paid for by an employer, and while studying apprentices are paid for the work they do, leaving very little student debt to carry into later life.

    Myth: Women can’t do skilled trades.

    Reality: Many skilled trades don’t rely on sheer physical strength; what they do require is dexterity, stamina, good hand-eye coordination and balance, all traits women possess. Technology has changed the tenor of this industry also, allowing many tradespeople to work with computers and advanced electronics.

    Myth: Going into a skilled trade makes you a failure. University is the only path for success.

    Reality: A degree from a University is a prerequisite for careers like medicine, law, or education. However, tradespeople have so many opportunities for success. These include entrepreneurships, mastering the trade, and generally being in high demand. Anyone who has ever needed a plumber in the middle of the night can attest to this. These days the definition of success is changing. A degree will not always guarantee job security, or even work within your chosen field. Education is important, but the way we attain it has become less elite over time.

    Myth: Skilled trades offer very few choices in careers.

    Reality: The trades are always in demand, in every sector of business. A plumber could be called upon to work in a basement, a movie set, or even a cruise ship! The sky is the limit when you think outside the box. In addition, many skilled tradespeople own their own business, becoming an entrepreneur. This opens a lot of doors for different opportunities, but is also a lot of work. Being independent is something a lot of trade-oriented people take pride in.

    Myth: Skilled trades do not pay very well.

    Reality: The average salary for a plumber in Ontario is $26/hour (2009 Labour Force Survey). Considering minimum wage is $11/hour this is more than double! In addition, as a plumber gains certifications and experience, her wage will only increase. Also in economic downturns, skilled trades are always in demand, so layoffs are very rare. People always need toilets fixed! Many skilled trades are also unionized, providing another layer of job security. However, some industries like welding pipeline and oil-related trades have economic downturn periods. The oil industry goes up and down and tradesmen and women may be laid off for months at a time. Some don’t mind taking the risk of entering this particular field for it pays well once you have received all your certifications ( 60-120,000 per year).

    Hopefully this shows that thinking of a skilled trade as less valuable than a university degree, is flawed. Take a look at the Jobs People Do Trade listing and see if anything strikes you as a possible path for a career. Talk to your Guidance Counsellor for more info!

  • Career Profile: Motorcycle Mechanic

    Career Profile: Motorcycle Mechanic

    If you go out to the street where you live, you are likely to see several different methods of transportation. Cars and bicycles are two popular choices, but many people prefer to ride something that is halfway in between, like a motorcycle. Have you ever heard of a job called a small engine mechanic? People sometimes refer to motorcycle mechanics by that term because most other mechanics work with much larger machines, such as cars or airplanes.

    Becoming a motorcycle mechanic involves putting motorcycles together, maintaining and repairing them, and sometimes restoring old machines. Some mechanics might also work with other small vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Anything other than bicycles that has controls in the handlebars can be part of a motorcycle mechanic’s work.

    Becoming a motorcycle mechanic takes good physical coordination, a good grasp of details, and the ability to handle small objects. The job is not suitable for people who tend to be clumsy and to drop things, although practice in working with motorcycle parts can help. You can already start to train yourself by taking your bicycle apart and putting it back together, or possibly by working on an old engine that is no longer being used. That way, you can learn about how machines work as early as possible.

    Once you finish high school, you can start training to become an official motorcycle mechanic. Training programs are available at several different career colleges in Canada, and some schools also offer distance education programs that allow students to complete their courses at home. Some employers might also require mechanics to complete an apprenticeship program in which they work together with experienced people who can show them what to do; this is highly recommended.

    After the training period is over, new mechanics can find work on their own as freelancers or get jobs with repair businesses. In many parts of Canada, the work tends to be seasonal because of the cold winter weather, but there is likely to be at least some work throughout the year. If you want to be a motorcycle mechanic, it is a good idea to find another type of machine to fix during the coldest months of the year.

    Salaries for motorcycle mechanics can vary, depending on where and how much they work. The average hourly wage in Canada is almost $21 per hour, and most mechanics earn between $30,000 and $65,000 per year. Knowing about many different types of motorcycles can help, since then the mechanic can work on machines that were made both in North America and in other parts of the world.

    If you like motorcycles and working with machinery, this might be the right career for you!

    Bibliography:

    Alberta Learning Information Service.” Occupational Profile Motorcycle Mechanic.”

    http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71003095.

    Career Opportunities.net. “Motorcycle Mechanic.”

    http://www.career-opportunities.net/career_profiles/motorcycle_mechanic.

    Enginecycle.ca. “Motorcycle Technical Training Schools—Canada.” http://www.enginecycle.ca/motorcycle-technical-training-schools-directory.

    Payscale.com. “Motorcycle Mechanic Salary.” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Motorcycle_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate

    PCDI.com “Motorcycle Mechanics.”

    https://www.pcdi.ca/career-programs/motorcycle-mechanics/job-outlook/.

     

  • Career Profile: Automotive Painter

    Career Profile: Automotive Painter

    Cars and trucks come in all kinds of colours; from plain white or black to blue, yellow, and green. When the vehicles come from the factory, the paint is bright and unscratched. Once people start driving the vehicles, however, the paint may get scratched or chipped due to accidents, weather damage or age. Automotive painters are the people who can help make cars look nice and protect them from rust and other damage.

    Paint on cars makes them look nice, but it also helps protect them from the kind of damage that comes from rain and the salt that keeps drivers from sliding on icy roads. It also helps people to identify their own cars quickly and easily. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to find your car if every vehicle were painted the same colour?

    The first step in the process is to repair any damage like dents or broken parts. Automotive painters sometimes do the repairs themselves, but if they lack the knowledge or facilities for this type of work, the might let others finish that part before they begin their work.

    Since vehicles come in many different colours, painters have to try to match the exact shade of red or blue or green that the original paint contained. They mix different kinds of paint and add special protective chemicals like sealers.

    Next, workers might have to sand around the area that needs paint or use chemicals and power tools to remove any loose chips or anything else that could make the surface uneven. They put protective tape around the area to keep other parts of the vehicle clean and then start to paint.

    Painters might use many different tools for this part of the work, including spray painters and small brushes. Then, painters blend the newly done colour in with the old so that it all looks the same and then, after the paint is dry, they use a special tool to buff the area so that it shines.

    Being an automotive painter usually involves a combination of formal training and on-the-job experience. It can be creative work, especially in trying to match paint colours to each other, but it also involves some knowledge of mathematics for calculating the amounts of each paint to use. It sometimes includes some accounting or bookkeeping, especially in small repair shops with few employees. There is also specialty automotive painting where people request a specific design unique to their personality; this requires talent and knowledge in art. Auto art is like getting a tattoo but on your car instead of your skin. Average wages for automotive painters in Canada are about $21 per hour, and annual salaries are between about $33,000 and $66,000.

    A career as an automotive painter can be rewarding and interesting job for anyone who loves to work with vehicles; does that describe you? If so, check it out!

    Bibliography:

    Careers.org. “Occupation Profile for Automotive Body and Related Repairers.” http://www.careers.org/occupations/49-3021.00/automotive-body-and-related-repairers

    Industry Training Authority. “Automotive Painter (Automotive Refinishing Technician).”

    http://www.itabc.ca/program/automotive-painter-automotive-refinishing-technician.

    Monster.ca “Automotive Paint Technician.”

    http://my.monster.ca/job-profiles/Automotive-Paint-Technician.aspx.

    Payscale.com. “Painter Automotive Salary (Canada).” http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Painter_Automotive/Hourly_Rate.

  • Career Profile: Water Well Driller

    Career Profile: Water Well Driller

    Everyone needs water for all kinds of purposes, such as drinking, taking showers, washing clothes, and watering plants. People who live in cities usually get their water from a central system that takes water from a lake or river, purifies it, and sends it through pipes to homes and businesses,. When those systems are unavailable or not working properly, people get their water from wells; that’s when water well drillers can help.

    The first step in drilling a well is to look for the best place to find water. Some areas might be too rocky, or the soil might not be right, or the water level might be too low. Water well drillers need to know the most likely places to find enough clean water and to do tests to find out whether or not the location is good for a well.

    After finding the right spot, water well drillers use large machines to drill the well and install pumps and other equipment to help draw the water out of the well. This step can take a lot of knowledge and possibly some physical strength if the drillers have to move heavy equipment around. In remote areas where many machines are unavailable, the drillers might even need the strength to do some digging with hand-held tools like shovels.

    No special education is necessary to become a water well driller, although it helps to know about soil, rock, and other environmental factors. Most people in this trade learn on the job through apprenticeships, working together with experienced drillers.

    However, it can be helpful to take courses in equipment maintenance or environmental topics to gain a better understanding of the job. Some knowledge of accounting is also useful for estimating costs for customers and keeping track of expenses. Many water well drillers are self-employed, and they might need to learn the basics of running a small business and of supervising other people on the job.

    The way that water well drillers work changes with new technology and different environmental conditions, but the basic need for water means that there will always be a need for this trade. However, if people in this field can transfer their skills to a similar field, such as oil and gas extraction, that will help them to find work to keep them going throughout the year.

    Salaries for water well drillers can be high, especially after they gain some experience. Generally, people in this trade start at about $20 per hour and they can get to $45 per hour with experience. Many drillers work fairly long hours each week, and they have to be prepared for all temperatures but also be willing to cancel work in case of bad weather.

    If you decide to become a water well driller, you will be able to earn a good living by helping people find something that can sustain an entire community.

    Bibliography:

    Alberta Learning Information Service. “Water Well Driller.”

    http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71003107.

    Careers.org. “Career Occupational Profile for: Water Well Driller.”

    http://www.careers.org/occupations/26025/water-well-driller

    Industry Training Authority. “Water Well Driller.” http://www.itabc.ca/program/water-well-driller.

    Payscale.com. “Driller Salary (Canada).”

    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Driller/Hourly_Rate.

  • Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    Job Shadowing for a Day with a Skilled Trade

    So, you are getting close to the end of your schooling, and you have decided to go into one of the skilled trades for your career. You may even already have an idea of what trade industry you want to work in – that’s great!

    Whether you have already decided on a career path, or are still looking at options, a great way to learn more about what it’s like working in a specific trade is to do a job shadow with someone in that field.

    Job shadowing is when you accompany a professional during their workday, to see what sort of tasks and activities their job involves. When you are learning about a prospective career, internet research, books, and other resources are very useful, but there are always some aspects of a job that need to be seen and experienced in person to give you a real sense of what it would be like to work in a specific trade.

    Spending time with a working professional makes it easier to get accurate, first-hand information about the job responsibilities, and the industry itself. You also have the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one with someone who is an expert in the field. As well, even though you will be shadowing with one person, you will have the opportunity to meet other people working other positions and in other departments. This is a great chance to network and make connections in the company and trade industry, which can be valuable contacts later on when you are looking for an internship or other career opportunity. Seeing how the employees of a company interact will also give you an idea of the company culture and dynamics.

    Not sure how to find and arrange a job shadow opportunity? Your first option is to check with your school guidance counsellor or careers teacher, as they likely have a good idea of people or companies suitable to hosting a student job shadow. You can also ask someone you know personally, such as a family member or family acquaintance, if they or someone they work with would be interested in taking a job shadow with them for a day. You may also feel more comfortable spending the time with someone you are familiar with, and therefore be more relaxed and willing to ask questions or participate in work activities.

    Lastly, you can approach someone at the company directly, such as through their human resources department, to inquire if they have done job shadowing opportunities before. Many companies in the trades also have co-op and youth apprenticeship programs, and so are likely to have someone willing to take you as a job shadow- don’t be afraid to ask!

    Most importantly, when you are out on your job shadow, remember to be enthusiastic and interested. Whomever you shadow with, they are willing to spend valuable time in order to share their job, their experience, and their interest with you, so be sure to return the favour. Have fun shadowing!

  • Career Profile: Small Engine Mechanic

    Career Profile: Small Engine Mechanic

    A Small Engine Mechanic repairs and services small gasoline and diesel-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, motorcycles, boats, zero-turn mowers, snow mobiles, garden tractors and chainsaws. Mechanics can specialize in generators and power sports motors that include outboard motors, ATVs and dirt bikes.

    Typical responsibilities include prioritizing work orders, inspecting and testing engines, estimating repair costs, diagnosing and isolating faults as well as adjusting and replacing parts. Customer service is an important role for the mechanic. They advise customers on the work performed and show them how to take care of the equipment.

    No day is routine in the life of a Small Engine Mechanic. In the morning, either the mechanic or foreman reviews and prioritizes the work orders. The day can start with a simple problem such as an oil change and end with a highly complex problem such as the motor not starting due to a carburetor problem.

    To be a successful mechanic, you need a strong mechanical and electrical aptitude as well as excellent problem solving abilities. You need to figure out if the problem is as simple as needing an air filter change or as complicated as the engine suddenly stopped running. Good manual dexterity is a must since you’ll manipulate a lot of small parts and use a variety of tools.

    You may get a customer like me who knows absolutely nothing about machinery and they may not explain the problem properly. They may just tell you “my lawnmower won’t start” which doesn’t say much, so you need imagination to picture what could have happened. For example, did the customer neglect or abuse it? Did they fill the machinery while the engine was running? Or did they use it improperly? Answers to questions like these will help you diagnose the problem.

    The job of a Small Engine Mechanic is very cerebral because you have to focus on a lot of detail for complex tasks like taking a carburetor apart. A carburetor has a lot of small parts. If you take it apart in the wrong order or get the parts mixed up, you may have a very hard time putting it back together and your carburetor could end up like Humpty Dumpty who fell of the wall.

    If you’re in high school, you can take courses in electronics, mechanics, business math and science to prepare for a Small Engine Mechanic career. You can get experience by working part-time or during the summer at a mechanic shop then further your education in a certificate program at your local college.

    Most Small Engine Mechanics work full time during regular business hours, but they may work more hours during peak times. Employers who hire mechanics include shops, marinas, motor vehicle dealers, garages, boatyards, equipment rental companies, wholesale distributors, and parts dealers. An experienced Small Engine Mechanic can earn about $59,288 or $16.50 per hour.

    If you’re mechanically inclined, practical and love problem solving, a Small Engine Mechanic career may be a step in the right direction for you.

    References:

    Education Experience For Motorcycle And Small Engine Repair Worker http://www.careerexplorer.net/education-experience/education-experience-motorcycle-and-small-engine-repair-worker

    Payscale.com – Small Engine Mechanic (Canada) http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Small_Engine_Mechanic/Hourly_Rate

    Small Engine Mechanics http://job-outlook.careerplanner.com/Small-Engine-Mechanics.cfm

    Small Engine Technician http://www.ycdsb.ca/departments/instructionalservices/scp/documents/smallenginetech.pdf

  • Career Profile: Locksmith

    Career Profile: Locksmith

    Locks and keys have been around for thousands of years, almost as long as people have had belongings they wanted to protect. Ancient Egyptians and Assyrians had locks, and many wealthy Romans would wear key rings around their fingers as a sign of wealth. Locks have changed a lot over the centuries, and electronic locks are adding new challenges to the task of keeping belongings safe. Throughout all of these changes, however, the locksmith trade has been essential.

    Whenever people have locks, they need a locksmith to keep everything working the way that it should. Some locksmiths in Canada learn the necessary skills by studying at a school like the Academy of Locksmithing in Ontario. They learn about different types of locks and about the hardware (doorknobs, etc.) that goes along with a lock. They learn how to duplicate and cut keys and find out how to fix problems, such as when a key breaks off in a lock. Through an official program like this one, students learn the basics of what they need to know to get work in their field.

    Getting experience on the job can be just as important as learning in a classroom. Many people work as apprentices with experienced locksmiths so that they can learn on the job and see what it is really like. That can be especially important for locksmiths who install security systems or other complicated devices.

    Once they learn the necessary skills and become known to their clients, locksmiths can make quite a good living. In Canada, the median (middle) wage is $32,000 per year, but some people can make a lot more or a lot less. If you want to become a locksmith, it is important to develop your skills as much as possible so that you can advance in your trade.

    Besides the basic knowledge of how locks work, locksmiths need to develop other skills. Because they work with their hands on very small objects, they need to have good coordination and abilities with their fingers. They should be able to work alone but also to be able to communicate well with customers. They should be prepared to work all kinds of hours, sometimes even at night when there are emergencies and people need to get through locked doors.

    Locksmithing is very detailed work, and people in this trade have to be able to make sure that every part of each lock is in place. Keeping detailed records of customers is also essential, especially for locksmiths who run their own businesses. Problem-solving is a good skill to have for repairing locks, and patience is important for taking the time to make sure that everything is working properly.

    Working with locks can be a good job for people who have the types of skills and personal characteristics that the job requires. Do you think that you would have enough patience and attention to detail? If so, maybe you should consider becoming a locksmith.

     

    Bibliography:

    Canadian Universities.net. Profile of Academy of Lockmithing.” http://www.canadian-universities.net/Career-Colleges/Academy_of_Locksmithing.html

    Careers.org. “Occupation Profile for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers.”

    http://www.careers.org/occupations/49-9094.00/locksmiths-and-safe-repairers.

    Government of Alberta. “Occupational Profile: Locksmith.” http://occinfo.alis.alberta.ca/occinfopreview/info/browse-occupations/occupation-profile.html?id=71003092.

    Joblense.com. “Career Profile: Locksmith.” http://www.joblense.com/career-description/technical-careers/career-profile-locksmith-2/.

    Monster.ca. “Locksmith.” http://jobview.monster.ca/Locksmith-Job-Oshawa-ON-CA-151563375.aspx?jobPosition=1.

    Wikipedia.org. “Lock (security device).” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_%28security_device%29

  • Energy Conservation; How it can affect our pockets, and our Planet.

    Energy Conservation; How it can affect our pockets, and our Planet.

    During winter, what happens? We stay inside because it is cold. What do we do while we are inside? We watch TV and ‘serf’ the internet. We don’t do much else, just relax and stay warm inside. While we crank up the heat and keep the Wi-Fi going; the bills get higher. Our consistent inside activities seem to really put a dent in our pockets.

    So when summer comes barreling around, it’s time to leave the house and soak up all the vitamin D you can. That’s also the time to either crank up the air conditioner; veg-out on the couch with an ice-cream or watch Netflix for so long that the days and nights blur together. Seems like a good time, binge watching seasons of your favourite shows and re-watching your favourite movies. Not only will you get the luxury of watching Netflix’s finest, but you will also keep dishing money out for your bills, losing all your hard earned cash.

    So instead of being a loner and keeping the lovely air conditioning on consistently, why not go swimming? Or camping, hiking, boating with your friends. Do something you have never done before, something you have always wanted to do. Go to a museum, art gallery, farmers market! Get out of the house and have fun in the sun! Now, saying that doesn’t mean you have to do something large. You can create change by shutting your lights off when leaving the house; instead of using a dryer you can hang your clothes outside; carpooling or even walking to your destination (if it is a reasonable distance).

    Now, not only should we try to conserve energy on our own, but the Trades industries have also started trying to conserve energy. Since the economy has started falling due to our focus and dependence on oil, we have started trying to create jobs that help reverse the effects of environmental damage, leading to climate change. Since the oil industry causes such vast pollution problems, it is time we start switching our focus. As new technologies are created and processed, skilled trades are targeted to help create jobs and careers to create a sustainable resources; careers in manufacturing, construction and operation, as well as maintenance of projects in wind turbine farms and solar panel installation.

    So, while you are enjoying the summer, remember that it is also a time to help the planet- We can all help the planet together.

  • Career Profile: AV Technician

    Career Profile: AV Technician

    Do you like being on the scene? Enjoy figuring out how things work, and finding new ways to make them work? Maybe a career as an audio visual technician is for you.

    Audio visual technicians are the ones that work behind the scenes at theatres, concerts, fashion shows, and anywhere else you need amplified sound, lighting or video. There are many college courses that you can take to begin your journey in this career. There are also many opportunities to begin work without any experience i.e. learn as you go. There is no set path in this career choice and most work comes in the form of “gigs”. As you develop relationships with production companies they may offer you a full time position, but most work in this trade is on a freelance basis.

    In Canada, the most lucrative sector of the event production industry is in corporate events (conferences, meetings, product releases, etc.). A corporate events AV tech can expect to make $25-45 per hour based on the event and the competence level that particular technician brings to the production team. One can be simply an AV tech for their entire career, working on smaller live productions but most will pick a special discipline; audio, video, or lighting, and work on larger productions with larger teams. Some productions can have hundreds of techs working the many aspects of the show!

    Being an AV tech has its’ challenges. The hours worked can be very long and at odd times of the day. When it is very busy, the hours can be very long; I once worked for 40 hours straight (not recommended!) When it is slow, usually from Christmas until spring, there is no income; when it is busy a good tech keeps this in mind. All people that work as freelancers understand this. Being an AV tech also carries many privileges. If you enjoy concerts, or any type of show, you will see a lot! If you enjoy travel this career can take you around the world.

    An audio visual technician must be able to work well under very high pressure situations with many people watching. They must work long hours at any time of the day. They have a certain pride that is hard to explain after running a show to completion, without any technical errors, that most people will never know. Working in this field is hard work, but it is unlike any other.