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Category: Trades

  • Why Trades? Labour Shortages in Canada

    Why Trades? Labour Shortages in Canada

    The trades are one of the fastest growing sectors in Canada and, as such, there are projected labour shortages in the coming years. This means there are more jobs than there are people to fill them. For this reason, a career in trades is a great way to ensure you will have employment when you leave school.

    Red Seal Trades:
    Based on the Canadian Occupations Projections for Red Seal trades, there are 24 Red Seal trades with projected labour shortages.

    Construction:
    The national construction labour force is estimated to rise by 100,000 workers between 2012 and 2020. The industry will need to replace 219,000 workers that are expected to retire over the next decade.

    To address expansion and replacement demand requirements, industry will need to recruit an estimated 319,000 new workers to construction.

    Growth in construction will be concentrated in the non-residential sector related mostly to resource projects. Trades required for this type of construction work include: boilermakers, carpenters, construction estimators, construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, crane operators, electricians, gasfitters, ironworkers, plumbers, sheet metal workers, steamfitters and pipefitters, and welders.

    Oil and Gas:
    By 2015, employment in the oil sands sector is projected to increase by 29 per cent over 2011 levels, or approximately 5,850 jobs.

    The pipeline sector will add about 530 jobs over the same period.

    The industry will need to do significant hiring to replace retiring workers and for turnover.

    Mining:
    The mining industry will need 112,000 new workers by 2020.

    Forty per cent of the industry are 50 years old or older. One third of the workforce will be eligible to retire by 2015.

    In Ontario, for example, employers will have significant hiring requirements– almost 16,000 workers over the coming decade will be needed just to replace retiring workers and people who leave the mining workforce in Ontario for other reasons.

    Automotive:
    In the automotive industry, cumulative shortages over the next ten years are projected to range between 43,700 to 77,150 positions.

    Overall, almost one-half (48.1%) of employers reported that the insufficient supply of qualified staff to hire was a significant or very significant issue for their organization.

    Labour shortages were seen as a major problem among employers in the motorcycle repair sector (57.1%) and auto body/collision repair sector (54.3%).

    Tourism:
    By 2030, demand for labour in the tourism sector will grow to 2.1 million jobs, an increase of 33 per cent.

    The growing gap between labour demand and the number of available workers will cause a significant number of jobs to go unfilled over the next 20 years.

    By 2030, shortages in the tourism sector could grow to 228,000 jobs, leaving 10.7 per cent of potential labour demand unfilled.

    If the expected shortages are not mitigated, the sector could forgo $31.4 billion in potential revenues by 2030.

  • A Career in Trades: Automotive Service Technician

    A Career in Trades: Automotive Service Technician

    Do you…
    • Enjoy working with your hands?
    • Enjoy fixing cars, trucks, motorcycles or small engines?
    • Want to learn more about electrical, hydraulics (fluid power), pneumatics (air power) and mechanical components in machines?

    If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then a career as an Automotive Service Technician may be right for you!

    What Is An Automotive Service Technician?
    An Automotive Service Technician is a certified and skilled tradesperson who diagnoses and repairs motor vehicles (e.g. cars, minivans, SUV’s, light duty trucks and medium duty trucks).

    An Automotive Service Technician performs various duties that help maintain a vehicle as well as repair it. Some of these job activities include:
    • Engine maintenance and repair
    • Transmission maintenance and repair
    • Exhaust system repair
    • Body repair and adjustments
    • Brake maintenance and repair
    • Steering, suspension and alignment repairs

    Where Does An Automotive Service Technician Work?
    An Automotive Service Technician may work in:
    • Dealerships
    • Independent automotive shops, repair shops and garages (owned by other people or themselves)

    Some Automotive Service Technicians may prefer to work as:
    • Teachers in high school teaching automotive class
    • Teachers in colleges that offer an accredited Automotive Service Training program

    What Does A Typical Day For An Automotive Service Technician Look Like?
    A typical day for an Automotive Service Technician in a dealership or automotive shop usually begins when a customer brings their vehicle to the shop. The customer tells the service advisor what the problems are with their vehicle. The service advisor documents the problems on a work order. The vehicle and corresponding work order is then given to an Automotive Service Technician who begins to work on this particular job.

    An Automotive Service Technician follows a certain procedure when working on a new job. He/she:
    1. Reads the work order written up by the service advisor.
    2. Examines the vehicle to further assess the problems mentioned on the work order.
    3. Provides the service advisor with an estimate on how much it will cost to fix the problems.
    4. Waits for the service advisor to confirm that the customer is OK with the repair costs before fixing the problems.
    5. Fixes the problems once the service advisor gives the go ahead.
    6. Takes the vehicle for a test drive and/or performs operational checks to ensure that the customer’s concerns are resolved.
    7. Informs the service advisor that the customer can pick up their vehicle.

    How Do You Become An Automotive Service Technician?
    1. Attend a college that offers a certified Automotive Service Technician training program.
    2. Complete the Automotive Service Technician program successfully.
    3. Find a suitable employer who will hire and train you as an Automotive Service Technician apprentice. (Complete your apprenticeship booklet/hours/activities at work and get it signed off by your employer).
    4. Write the Automotive Service Technician certification exam put out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
    5. Pass the exam, obtain your 310S license and become a licensed Automotive Service Technician!

  • A Look at the Trades from Insiders

    A Look at the Trades from Insiders

    With a plethora of career paths available to students once they leave high school, it can sometimes be difficult to determine where you should turn. You can go to university and spend four years gaining a Bachelors degree, you can obtain a diploma through college, or you can decide to study a trade. Increasingly, the latter option is becoming more and more popular with young people. But why?

    According to Line Breton, counsellor with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, a job in a trade is a stable career path. “Trades will always be needed in any economy,” she told us, “and your certification will always be recognized.”

    While going to school to obtain your certification, you will have the opportunity to work as an apprentice in your chosen field. JobsPeopleDo.com spoke with Bob Benner, owner of Hamill Machine Shop in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Benner has been regularly hiring apprentices for over 14 years and gave us the scoop on why the experience is so valuable.

    “An apprentice has the benefit of watching how the job is done and being able to go back to class with that experience,” said Benner. “They go to school to learn the right way to do things, but then get the practical experience and learn new methods while on the job.”

    Another often-overlooked benefit of a career in the trades is your ability to move up quickly and earn more money.

    “Once you start working, it gives you a chance to prove your worth,” says Benner. “In our shop, you may start at $14 per hour but can move up to as much as $27 per hour. If you work hard and keep your certification up-to-date, there is really nothing holding you back from earning more money. That is a big incentive for many students interested in trades.”

    The trades cover a wide array of different career paths, from mechanics to hairdressers, electricians to carpenters. No matter what path you decide on, both Benner and Breton agree that you need to follow your natural instincts.

    “Spend a semester working in a trade that interests you. It will expose you to both the positive and negative aspects of the job,” says Breton. This will help you to decide if this is the right trade for you.

    “Love what you do,” says Benner. “If you like working in trades, there will always be a place for you if you have your papers.”

    So why not discover the different options available to you in the trades sector? Check out all of the editorials and career profiles that we have for you right here on the JobsPeopleDo.com trades page!

  • Defining Internships and Apprenticeships – Your Rights

    Defining Internships and Apprenticeships – Your Rights

    There are few laws in Canada defining or regulating internships directly. Each province has its own employment standards legislation, regulations and/or guidelines that may apply to interns.

    ONTARIO
    Ontario’s Employment Standards Act states that all employees must be paid at least the Ontario minimum wage ($10.25 per hour for most employees). An “employee” includes a person who receives training from an employer. A person is not considered an employee if these six conditions are met:

    – The training is similar to that which is given in a vocational school
    – The training is for the benefit of the individual
    – The person providing the training derives little, if any, benefit from the activity of the individual while he or she is being trained
    – The individual does not displace employees of the person providing the training
    – The individual is not accorded a right to become an employee of the person providing the training
    – The individual is advised that he or she will receive no remuneration for the time that he or she spends in training

    BRITISH COLUMBIA
    BC’s Employment Standards Act states all employees must be paid at least the BC minimum wage ($10.25 per hour for most employees). An “employee” is a person receiving or entitled to wages for work performed for another, who was hired and receives training from an employer. ”Work” is defined as labour or services an employee performs for an employer whether in the employee’s residence or elsewhere.

    According to the Interpretation Guidelines Manual, an “internship” may be considered “work” and therefore is subject to the minimum wage. An internship is defined as follows:

    “An “internship” is on-the-job training offered by an employer to provide a person with practical experience. Often internships are offered to persons who have completed a diploma or degree program and are seeking employment. Completing an internship does not itself result in an academic certificate or diploma. If the duties performed by interns fall within the definition of “work” contained in the Act, the intern falls within the definition of “employee”, and the agency using the services of an intern falls within the definition of “employer”, internships will be considered “work” for the purposes of the Act.”

    BC has distinguished an “internship” from a “practicum.” A practicum is “hands-on” training that is part of a formal education process and done for school credit. A practicum is not considered “work” and therefore not subject to the minimum wage.

    QUEBEC
    Under Quebec’s Labour Standards Act, most employees are entitled to the minimum wage of $9.90 per hour. An employee is deemed to be at work “during any trial period or training required by the employer.” A person is considered an “employee” if these criteria are met:

    – the person performs work that is defined by an employee
    – the person’s tasks are clearly defined
    – the person receives renumeration
    Therefore, an unpaid intern (commonly called an Stagiaire in Quebec) are generally not considered employees, but this can be evaluated on a case by case basis.

    ALBERTA
    Alberta’s Employment Standards Code provides for a minimum wage of $9.40 for most employees (Reg 14/97). An “employee” is an individual employed to do work who receives or is entitled to wages. It is unclear what “entitled to wages” means and therefore unclear whether interns in Alberta should receive a minimum wage.

    MANITOBA
    Manitoba’s Employment Standards Code states that employees must be paid the minimum wage of $10 per hour, subject to some exceptions. An “employee” is defined as “an individual who is employed by an employer to do work.” ”Work” is defined as “skilled or unskilled manual, clerical, domestic, professional or technical labour performed or services provided by an employee.” In Manitoba, it appears that any intern is entitled to the minimum wage.

    SASKATCHEWAN
    Saskatchewan’s Labour Standards Act provides for a minimum of wage of $9.50 for most employees. An “employee” is defined as someone who receives or is entitled to remuneration for labour or services performed for an employer. It is unclear what “entitled to remuneration” means and therefore unclear whether interns should receive a minimum wage.

    NEW BRUNSWICK
    New Brunswick’s Employment Standards Act provides for a minimum wage of $10,00 for most employees (Reg. 2011-54). An “employee” is defined as a person who performs work or supplies services to an employer for wages. It is unclear whether unpaid interns are entitled to the minimum wage in New Brunswick.

    NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
    Newfoundland & Labrador’s Labour Standards Act provides for a minimum wage of $10,00 for most employees. An “employee” is defined as a person who works under a contract of service for an employer. This definition of employee is sufficiently broad to include unpaid interns, meanings that all interns in Newfoundland & Labrador are entitled to minimum wage.

    NOVA SCOTIA
    Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code provides for a minimum wage is $10.15 for most employees. An “employee” is defined as a person employed to do work. Based on this broad definition, it appears that an unpaid intern would be entitled to minimum wage in Nova Scotia.

    PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
    PEI’s Employment Standards Act provides for a minimum wage of $10 for most employees (Reg EC139/96). An “employee” is a person who performs any work for or supplies any services for an employer for pay, and includes “a person who is being trained by an employer to form work for or supply services to the employer.” It is unclear whether unpaid interns are entitled to the minimum wage in PEI.

  • Women in the Trades

    Women in the Trades

    Let’s be honest how many of us girls grew up dreaming of being a mechanic or a welder? The answer is probably not many, and if you did you probably didn’t tell anybody because of the possibility of them thinking you were weird. When I was little I first wanted to be a marine biologist, I loved animals and wanted to work with them very badly. Then my life goal changed from a stunt car driver, to a photographer, to a mechanic and finally a welder.

    One of the things I was most excited about going to high school was that I was now able to take the auto mechanics and construction classes. I took them all through high school and loved every minute of it. I learned, fixed and made things that a lot of people didn’t, how many of you can honestly say you are comfortable with changing a flat tire on your own? I can say with all honesty I am and that’s because of my awesome auto teacher. My technology teachers not only gave me the skills and knowledge about their trades but also the courage to love the trades. To not be scared of trying something totally out of my comfort zone and to not care about what people think.

    I got the smart remarks in class “Girls can’t do that” and the classic “Don’t break a nail!” Taking those courses gave me the courage to pick something not many girls pick for a college program, Welding Technician. I knew two things that I wanted for sure out of what I picked for a program, I wanted to be able to get a job and I wanted to make money. I know those are not the best driving reasons for someone to pick a program, but they were honest. I had originally wanted to be a mechanic because of how much I loved my auto class but I soon realized there were a lot of mechanics and not a lot of jobs. So I had cut up an exhaust pipe about two times in auto with an old oxy-acetylene torch and I knew welding was an in demand job, so I decided on being a welder. The only knowledge I had on welding was what I learned from those two experiences using the torch, so not a whole lot.

    I remember showing up for my first welding class and them telling me that I would need safety boots, safety glasses and a welding helmet for tomorrow. The first thing I thought to myself is, “What have I done?! I have gotten myself into something I can’t handle, I know nothing about welding this is a horrible idea”. Then it got worse after I got all my equipment and they asked me to actually weld something, I don’t think I have ever sweated that much for a school assignment and it wasn’t from the heat of my torch. But with practice, some really great teachers and perseverance I got the hang of it and now I am actually a good welder. I am able to weld in shielded metal arc welding in flat, horizontal and vertical positions. I can use gas metal arc and flux core arc welding machines and I am learning tungsten arc welding at the moment.

    For those of you out there wondering what kind of woman I am, I would say I am not your typical looking welder, but then again isn’t that what we are trying to change? The notion of what the “typical” welder looks like? So this is what the typical welder looks like, a petite 19 year old woman, who stands at five feet and 2 inches, has a boyfriend and loves to go shopping just as much as anyone. The moral of the story is look at trades when you are deciding on college programs, any trade, believe me it’s a rewarding experience, that is challenging but if I can do it, you can do it.

  • Making the Case for Trades

    Making the Case for Trades

    Times have changed in the world of jobs. You might have heard from your parents or teachers that the best way to get a high-paid, reliable job is through a university education. Sometimes that still holds true. These days, however, a better choice for both men and women might be a skilled trade, where there are many opportunities for a rewarding career.

    What comes to your mind when you hear the term “trade”? Do you think of low-paid labourers, barely making enough money to pay their bills and never sure how much longer their jobs will last? Many unskilled labourers work under these conditions, but the situation is different for skilled tradespeople. They are often well-educated, with diplomas or certificates in their fields.

    Tradespeople might have as much education as university graduates. Unlike many university programs, however, training in the trades is geared specifically to learning the practical skills needed on the job. Tradespeople might be trained as carpenters, auto mechanics, electricians or any of the other trades. Through practical work and classroom studies, they learn everything they need to know to work in their trades. Another important part of the training process in the trades is an apprenticeship, in which students work together with an experienced person to learn practical skills for the job. For some trades they might also need to get an official license or certificate.

    Becoming qualified in a trade can take from one to three years of classroom education, between two and four years of apprenticeship, and two or three years of on-the-job training. Many university programs are just as long or even longer and more expensive. Graduates can also have trouble finding work in their field. In contrast, tradespeople can usually find work soon after they finish their studies and can easily pay off any loans they received for their school tuition.

    Almost anyone can become qualified to work in a trade. Most tradespeople, about 97 % in 2007, are men. However, more women are joining the trades and becoming qualified to work in carpentry, welding and other skilled trades. Possibly up to 320,000 people in Canada currently working in construction alone will be retiring in the next few years and that could open up good opportunities for both men and women. Becoming a journeyperson (someone with official qualifications in a skilled trade) could be a wise career move.

    How do you know if you could be successful in skilled trade? Natural ability and interest are important places to start. If you love to take things apart to see how they work, you might want to choose to be a mechanic or electrician. If you have a fear of heights, on the other hand, you might not want to choose the construction industry. The best way to decide whether or not a trade would suit you is to research it and to talk with people about it. Then, if you decide to pursue a trade, you’ll have a good basis for a stable and rewarding lifelong career.

  • Learning about the Red Seal Program

    Learning about the Red Seal Program

    What is the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program?

    The Red Seal program was established to provide skilled workers with greater mobility across Canada. Through the program, certified journeypersons are able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification by successfully completing, where applicable, an interprovincial standards examination. The program encourages standardization of provincial and territorial apprenticeship training and certification programs. The Red Seal allows qualified persons to practice their respective occupation in any province or territory in Canada where it is designated, without having to attempt further examinations. To date, there are forty-five occupations included in the Interprovincial Red Seal Program.

    What other benefits come from enrolling in a “Red Seal” Trade Apprenticeship?

    You have probably heard the radio commercials from the Government of Canada recently about the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant program. Right now there is a very high demand for tradespeople of all varieties. This is why the Government of Canada created the Incentive Program to attract people to learn a trade.

    That’s right – you can get paid twice to learn a trade, instead of running up high tuition bills while you learn! To learn more about the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant Program, please visit the Service Canada website.

  • Apprenticeships: Finding An Employer

    Apprenticeships: Finding An Employer

    Finding an employer is the first and often most difficult step in an apprenticeship. If the employer you’re interested in approaching doesn’t employ apprentices, check out our list of resources for employers and know your facts when you go meet with them. They might be willing to consider hiring an apprentice, once they are aware of the business case that supports apprenticeship training.

    Network
    Just like any job seeker, talking with people who are already employed in the trade for a good source of information about becoming a skilled tradesperson. Some apprentices find employers through family and friends. Another good place to meet potential contacts is through organizations such as trade unions, professional association or training institutions. Don’t forget to consider local employment offices, programs and agencies, especially those that specialize in trades-related training and employment. You may also want to consider approaching an employer or training instructor to ask for an informational interview. This is a great way to learn about job opportunities and connect with potential employers.

    Upgrade your job
    Some skilled tradespeople start working for an employer in a different capacity, then apply for a trades position when one becomes available. For example, one man began working as a general delivery person for a construction company. After a year or two, he decided to approach his employer about hiring him as a plumbing apprentice. Today, several years later, he is a fully qualified journeyperson plumber working for the same construction company and earning more than twice the pay.

    Search job boards/internet
    Job leads can also be found on major job boards, such as Monster.ca, Workopolis and working.canada.com. Search using terms such as “trades,” “construction” and “manufacturing” or go to sections designed for jobs in these fields. While you’re there, check out their resources for résumé and interview tips.

    Once you’ve found an employer, you still have to:
    – Register at your local apprenticeship office
    – Apply for grants and supports

  • Five Biggest Trends in the Job Market

    Five Biggest Trends in the Job Market

    Aging Baby Boomers
    The largest demographic group in Canada is heading for retirement. Of course, this will mean something very different for many Baby Boomers than for older generations. Boomers have maintained their health and stayed in the job market longer than any other generation of citizens in our country’s history.

    As they grow older, Baby Boomers will require more frequent, specialized medical care. They will also want to maintain connections with careers and family for as long as possible. Therefore, expect to see continued growth in fields that cater to their wishes. Growing teams of social workers and nurses will help care for the needs of these Boomers.

    Better Medicine
    The high output of the pharmaceutical industry, combined with constant innovation in the rest of the medical field, helps us live longer, more productive lives. New treatments for previously fatal diseases require new approaches for rehabilitation. Likewise, many adults expect to work far beyond the traditional retirement age. Therefore, patients demand a new generation of physical therapists and other specialists to help prolong their quality of life.
    Child Care
    As today’s parents demand higher quality from their child care providers, the marketplace has responded with a variety of programs to help meet parents’ needs. The explosive growth of pre-kindergarten educational programs call for highly trained educators who command more competitive salaries than their predecessors. Therefore, especially in major cities, the cost of caring for young children has skyrocketed. As a result, early childhood education has become a more lucrative and more stable profession than ever before. Though it has traditionally been a low-paying job, child care specialists today can expect to earn far more money today than peers who entered the field even a few years ago.
    Rapid Technology Growth
    Despite fears that many companies look overseas for development of new technology, the rapid advancement of ideas and the need for constant upgrades assures technology professionals of consistent job security over the next ten years. Businesses of all kinds have found themselves locked into the equivalent of an arms race with their competitors. Companies must provide their teams with the best equipment and resources, or face defeat.

    Likewise, continual innovation assures technology workers that new machines, cables, and other equipment will have to be installed every few years. Even Internet infrastructure, which was designed to provide nearly limitless connections, is being overhauled to accommodate a previously unimaginable number of new devices. Therefore, IT professionals who specialize in networking installation, and support will remain in demand as more businesses rely on new technology to help them compete.

    Distributed Work
    The giant factories and smokestacks of a hundred years ago are fading into the pages of history books. Many of today’s workers report for duty at smaller offices or manufacturing plants, connected by information networks and sophisticated shipping infrastructure.

    A growing number of employees, especially specialized consultants and leaders, divide their time among multiple locations at companies or client organizations. This trend has led to the use of “hot desking,” where workers report to a different workstation at the start of each shift, instead of keeping their own desk or cubicle. Many workers telecommute, allowing them to reinvest time spent commuting into more productive work or family time.

    As a side effect, more workers are relocating to larger homes, farther away from city centers. Whether they want to enjoy more peaceful surroundings or they simply want to reconnect with family or friends, these shifting workers create demand for home construction, renovation, and infrastructure development.

  • Career Profile: Baker

    Career Profile: Baker

    We’ve all been unsure about where we want to go in life, and some of us don’t figure it out for years. The trick is that you can’t sit around, and expect it to come to you. You have to get out there and give things a try, explore all of your options. Let me help you, and introduce you to the world of culinary arts, where you can really Bake Your Cake and Eat it Too.

    The culinary industry is really something different, designed for special individuals with various talents. If you’re saying to yourself “Oh, I know how to cook, I can do this,” that’s simply not enough. However, on the other side of this you don’t have to know how to cook, or bake to be successful. I find that the real keys to be successful in the culinary arts are to have passion, and creativity. The industry is always growing and taking in new restaurant and bakery owners, but there is a trick to becoming successful at it.

    I find that the culinary industry is taking a turn in a new direction. Sure you can run a successful restaurant serving the same old basic dishes that another restaurant has up the street from you, but why not try to achieve something different? If you’re into science, let that combine with the culinary arts- you’ll be whipping up dishes that will be the talk of the town. Or if you’re more into baking, science is already a key role in making successful recipes.

    Most of you have seen movies like Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, and I’m sure some of you have dreamed of having your own chocolate wonderland. Well guess what, if you put forth passion, dedication, and outstanding creativity- you can! The culinary industry leads to extraordinary career paths and dreams. You can take a simple concept of a cake, and create a whole new culinary business that will have people travelling for miles, just for your creations.

    No one wants a job that they don’t enjoy. Working is soon going to be one of the most important aspects of your life. Why not do something you’re going to love, and get paid for it! Let the joy of creativity flow with the feel of accomplishment and pride when you serve customers your delightful creations. The look of amazement on people’s faces when they check out your products is something that will keep you motivated, positive, and ready for more.

    The culinary arts have such a rewarding career path- you can do anything you dream of. Become a food scientist, a food taster, or a famous TV Chef. Design your own bakery or restaurant that becomes internationally famous. Or let’s live the dream here, and create a candy workshop or chocolate wonderland where you get paid to design, make, experiment with and eat candy! Let your ultimate dreams guide you to be wherever you want, and become whatever you want. With a step into the career path of culinary arts, there are no limitations- just your imagination.