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Category: Trades

  • Ambulance Attendants and Paramedics

    Ambulance Attendants and Paramedics

    On the front line

    Ambulance attendants include emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and first aid attendants. They are on the front lines of Canada’s emergency health care system. They work with police officers, fire fighters, and hospital emergency department personnel. They’re the first medical personnel on the scene when there’s an accident or other medical emergency. They provide life support care to the sick and injured at the scene of the accident and transport them to hospitals or other medical facilities.

    Ambulance attendants work mainly for hospitals and ambulance services. Many industrial, construction and mining companies employ first aid attendants or paramedics to care for workers who are injured or become ill on the job.

    This job is physically, mentally and psychologically demanding. Shift work is a normal part of the job. Frequently, you perform your duties under crisis conditions, often in extreme situations, where there is little room for error. In such circumstances, you are making critical life-saving decisions and have to do so quickly and accurately.

    Do you have what it takes?

    You use the latest medical technology to assess the extent of an injury or illness and to manage or treat the patient’s condition on their way to the hospital. You are also responsible for taking control of accident scenes in order to protect the patient and to alert other rescue personnel and public bystanders. It is essential that you communicate clearly and accurately with your co- workers, the public and the patient’s families, some of whom may be very upset.

    Along with the many challenges are the rewards. Ambulance attendants are well respected in the health care system, and you have the satisfaction that comes from knowing that the medical help you provide can make a difference in saving lives.

    Potential employers will be impressed with you if you are reliable and cool in a crisis. You should take pride in your work and deal well with other people, especially in conditions of extreme stress. Perhaps most importantly, you need an ability to react quickly and accurately in emergency situations. And you must have a great deal of compassion for the sick and the injured.

  • Apprenticeships!

    Apprenticeships!

    Apprenticeship is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a skill, (an apprentice), and an employer who needs a skilled worker. Apprenticeship is a proven industry-based training system that combines on-the-job experience with technical training to produce a certified journey person. Upon completion of the specified training period and successful writing of an examination, apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification. On average, 85% of the apprentice’s two to five years is spent in the workplace, the rest is spent at a training institution. Apprenticeship training begins when a student first registers at a training institution, or signs a Contract of Apprenticeship with an employer, and continues until such time as the apprentice has completed all of the required technical training and has received the required industry experiences necessary to write an interprovincial examination.

    What is the Interprovincial Standards “Red Seal” Program?

    The Red Seal program was established to provide greater mobility across Canada for skilled workers. Through the program, apprentices who have completed their training and certified journey persons, are able to obtain a “Red Seal” endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification by successfully completing 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 the occupation in any province or territory in Canada where it is designated, without having to write further examinations.

    To date, there are forty-five occupations included in the Red Seal program on a national basis. Because legislation permits each province and territory to designate apprenticeship programs for their own requirements, there are in excess of 150 apprenticeship programs available across Canada. Human Resources Development Canada, in collaboration and consultation with the provinces and territories, produces an Ellis Chart which is a comparative chart of these apprenticeship training programs across Canada.

    What are the entrance requirements for apprenticeship?

    To gain entry into the occupation as an apprentice, you are required to:
    – complete the designated first year courses specific to the occupation; or indenture into the occupation by an employer, who agrees to provide the appropriate training and work experiences as outlined in this plan of training.
    – be enrolled in a program of study that includes all entry and advanced level skills and required work experiences, as approved by the Provincial Apprenticeship Board.

    Each candidate must have successfully completed a high school program or equivalent and in addition may be required to have completed certain academic subjects as specified in particular plans of training. Mature students, at the discretion of the Director of Institutional and Industrial Education, may be registered. A mature student is defined as one who has reached the age of 19 and who can demonstrate the ability and the interest to complete the requirements for certification.

  • Choosing A Trade

    Choosing A Trade

    With more than 200 trades across Canada to choose from, finding the right one can seem challenging. Here are some tips to help you identify what would be a perfect career choice for you.

    Consider a wide range of trades

    Do you like working in the garden, or fixing your car? Do you enjoy home maintenance projects or styling hair? Get familiar with the many trade choices first, and think about what work you like to accomplish.

    The Government of Canada also offers a comprehensive, searchable catalogue of trades you may want to check out.

    Narrow your choices down to 5 or fewer trades

    Keep it manageable by narrowing down your choices. Get as familiar as you can with the work, to see if you’d like it.

    Observe a trade or participate in a youth apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program

    Some school boards offer Observe a Trade days, which will give you the opportunity to see what’s involved in your favourite trades. For something more comprehensive, you can also participate in a pre-apprenticeship program, which gives you practical, on-the-job training with hours that are often transferable to your full apprenticeship. Check out our list of youth apprenticeship programs.

    Talk to people who work in the trade

    See if you can get in touch with a journeyperson who works in the trade you’ve targeted, to see what advice they can give you. This is a great way to learn some tips from those who have already been there.

  • Career Profile: Hairstylist

    Career Profile: Hairstylist

    Every day, you brush your teeth and wash your face. You eat your meals, go to school, maybe play some sports or go to a music lesson. Maybe you even have a routine of activities that you do each month or every two months. If you’re like most people, at least every month or two, you go to visit a tradesperson. That tradesperson is not an electrician or a plumber or any of the jobs that people think of when they talk about the trades. This is the person who cuts and styles your hair – most often known as a barber, hairdresser, or hairstylist.

    Training as a hairstylist is similar to other trades training. In Canada, people who want to become hairstylists have to complete high school or have an upgrading certificate like a GED. After that, they can either go to a college where they learn the techniques they need to know or go through a two- or three-year apprenticeship where they learn on the job. Once they finish this training, or if they have enough experience without it, they can apply for a license to practice their trade.

    Once they have their training and licences, hair stylists can begin to work. People working in this field go by many different names. They can be called barbers, hairdressers, or hairstylists if they spend most of their time dealing with hair. Cosmetologists deal with hair, skin and nails, although they often specialize in a particular area (such as keeping fingernails and toenails healthy and looking good). Believe it or not, someone who helps prepare the bodies of people who have died might be called a mortuary beautician. As you can see, there is a wide range of careers within this field!

    Like any other type of work, a job as a hairstylist has both good and bad points. The career is good for anyone who likes to be with people, since it involves dealing with customers all day. It usually involves a lot of standing, which can be tiring, and the workload can vary a lot from day to day. Many hairstylists also answer phones, book appointments, and keep track of payments. Unless they join an already established shop, they need to find a place to work and then to buy the tools of the trade: scissors, chairs, shampoos, lotions, and anything else they normally use. With advertising and a few good customers, becoming successful is possible.

    Generally, hairstylists can do fairly well once they become established. In 2010, the average salary was about $25,000 a year, although people in management positions made more. If you love to help people look their best and enjoy one-on-one customer service, becoming a hairstylist might be the right career for you!

  • Train to Be a Wind or Solar Technician

    Train to Be a Wind or Solar Technician

    One of the fastest-growing segments of today’s job market are “green careers,” such as wind and solar technicians. These careers are perfect transitions for those with previous construction experience who are seeking a career with potentially unlimited job growth. As more businesses and homeowners become more concerned about protecting natural resources and using alternative energy sources, these careers will be in high demand.
    People who are interested in becoming solar technicians can begin by researching online green energy courses. One of the best available resources is Solar Energy International, or SEI. This online training resource lets those who have previous construction experience or have completed an apprenticeship program gain access to training resources prior to beginning their studies.

    Solar Installation Careers
    There are many areas of interest that solar technicians can choose to specialize in such as:
    – Photovoltaic installation (PV)
    – Solar thermal installation
    – Sustainable building

    Photovoltaic installation, also known as PV, involves the placement and repair of solar panels. Solar thermal installation involves installing solar water heating equipment, mostly for homeowners. Sustainable building involves designing and implementing long-term solar energy systems for residential and commercial properties.

    Selecting a Training Program
    The key to beginning a career in solar energy is selecting a training program that is properly certified and offers a combination of coursework and hands-on training. When searching for online green energy courses, it’s a good idea to select programs that work with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Technicians who become certified usually have more work opportunities available to them, so it’s important to make sure the training program selected meets the desired certification standards. Most introductory training programs last six weeks, with one of those weeks designated for hands-on training at a solar energy facility.

    What Skills Do I Learn?
    Once a person is registered for a solar technician training program, it’s time to start learning the specific skills needed for the job. Since most technicians have previous construction experience, they are already skilled in blueprint reading, basic math and safety procedures associated with construction. Most solar technicians begin by taking classes in Solar Electric Fundamentals and Grid-Direct Design, introducing them to the basics of solar energy installation and repair. These courses provide information on renewable energy resources and how to measure solar electrical efficiency and load analysis. After learning the basics, students move on to learning basic PV system applications, system components and site and safety analysis.

    Hands-on Training
    Many community colleges are leaders in solar energy training, offering combinations of online and hands-on training. Students should sign up quickly for classes, because they can fill up fast. Solar energy programs are popular with military veterans who have been discharged and are seeking civilian jobs.

  • A Career as an Electrician

    A Career as an Electrician

    A career as an electrician provides a fair amount of job security whether you are self-employed or hired within a company. Electricians are required across the board, from domestic to commercial settings. Due to the dangerous nature of the work involved, electricians must be highly qualified and trained. If a career as an electrician appeals to you, read on to find out what steps you will need to take to become qualified as an electrician.

    Education
    In order to become an electrician you first need to get qualified, which requires you to enroll in an apprentice program. In order to apply for an apprenticeship program you will most likely be expected to possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Apprenticeship programs will provide classroom instruction as well as on-the-job training. Expect the apprenticeship to last a duration of 4 years, with approximately 144 hours of classroom based instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training. Classroom instruction will consist of learning about electrical theory, mathematics, electrical code requirements, blueprint reading, and safety practices. Some specialized training may be received, such as working with elevators and fire alarm systems. As for on-the-job training, expect to be work under the supervision of an experienced electrician who will set your tasks and guide you until you can master the tasks given on your own.

    Graduating
    Once you have graduated there are a variety of routes you can go down. Many electricians choose to work for construction firms, service companies or utility companies. Most graduates will be involved in some kind of maintenance work, where they will be expected to primarily maintain and upgrade existing electrical systems. If you enter into the construction field, you will be part of a team responsible for installing new wiring systems within new buildings. Alternatively you can go down the self-employed route, but that would require a lot of self-promoting and an understanding of registering your self-employed status for tax purposes. You would also need to pass a licensing exam in order to obtain a trading license. Check with your local authority about what is required to set yourself up, if you are interested in becoming a self-employed electrician.

    Earning potential
    Electricians are expected to command very good base wages. However, much of this depends on the company you work for and the perks they offer. If you are self-employed you will set your own hourly rate or job rate, but keep in mind that you will need to factor in promotional costs, transport costs and parts costs.

    Advancement
    Once experienced, electricians can advance to positions such as a supervisory roles. Within the construction field they can become employed as construction superintendents or project managers.

    If this sounds like a career that would suit you, check online via your local job center or career center in order to inquire about local apprenticeship programs. Find out what apprenticeship opportunities there are with local electrical contractors and local electricians. In order to become qualified you will need to study in the apprentice role for 4 years, so make sure you this is the right career choice for you before becoming committing.

  • Career Profile: Aviation Inspector

    Career Profile: Aviation Inspector

    Job Summary
    An aviation inspector is responsible for making sure that an aircraft is ready to fly. He or she performs safety checks, testing and carefully inspects all components of a plane before it is cleared for takeoff. Any repairs or maintenance work is also checked by an aviation inspector, who will report any damage or request further repairs if necessary. He or she is ultimately one of the last lines of defense in preventing aircraft malfunctions and accidents.

    A typical day for an aviation inspector is focused on inspecting aircrafts. There are several safety regulations that a plane must pass in order to be allowed to fly and aviation inspectors ensure aircrafts pass these measures. Much of an inspector’s responsibility lies in diagnosing mechanical issues and providing a recommendation for repairs. He or she may also observe an aircraft’s inflight performance as well as the pilot’s ability to fly with respect to flight regulations. If an inspector believes changes should be made to flight regulations, he or she is expected to make recommendations for amendments to the board of flight safety.

    Education
    If aviation inspection is a career that interests you, it’s best to get on the right track as soon as you can. In high school the best courses to take are physics, computer science, algebra and geometry. Technology and mechanic courses are also good options. Even if you decide aviation inspection isn’t for you, these courses will give you a good start in any other STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) career you might want to pursue.

    After high school there are a few different options available to you. A Bachelor’s degree in engineering followed by vocational training specific to aviation inspection and maintenance will give you a good educational base to begin your career. In some cases, going right to the vocational training from high school may also be an option. Most inspectors start out as aircraft mechanics which is likely to require a 2-4 year degree.

    Skills Required
    There are some basic skills that every aviation inspector should possess. Interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with different kinds of people is essential. Problem solving, thinking critically, mechanical aptitude and a keen eye for detail are also crucial skills to cultivate. As the job title suggests, aviation inspection relies heavily on the inspection aspect. Well-developed skills of observation are paramount.

    Salary
    Most aviation inspectors make anywhere from $40,000- 60,000 a year.

    For anyone with mechanical talent, keen observation skills and knack for staying organized, ‘aviation inspector’ is a career path worth considering.

  • Career Profile: Horticulturist

    Career Profile: Horticulturist

    Many people like to grow flowers and vegetables in their houses and yards. They take care of the grass on their lawns, water their plants in dry weather, and pull weeds from among the plants. Sometimes, they put special fertilizer on the plants to help them grow better. When they take care of plants in this way, they do some of the work of a horticulturalist.

    The work of a horticulturalist can take many different forms. Some horticulturalists do very basic labour, such as digging up the soil in gardens to prepare them for planting or mowing and trimming lawns. They also prune trees by cutting off extra branches and prune smaller plants by removing dead leaves and flowers.

    These horticulturalists need only a basic education, such as a high school diploma. They do all of the basic jobs that keep the plants healthy and growing. Horticulturalists at this level are normally not paid very well, and usually they work only in the growing season from late spring until early fall. However, this kind of job can be good for students or for people who prefer not to spend years studying.

    Some horticultural work requires much more knowledge than a basic labourer needs. People working at this level often have degrees in agriculture, botany, or related fields. They research new plant species for different climates or try to find ways of making plants stronger and easier to care for. Some horticulturalists at this level also help design gardens or advise people on the best methods of plant care. Others become crop inspectors for large farms or work with small, local groups. Still others become professors and teachers in colleges and universities. These horticulturalists are generally fairly well paid, although the salary can vary according to what kind of work is available.

    Either of the two levels of horticultural work could be good choices for anyone who enjoys working with plants. They can work in edible horticulture, growing plants for food. Employment in this area is generally quite secure since people always need food. However, the low pay and seasonal work for some horticultural workers are disadvantages, as well as exposure to dangerous chemicals. Some of the work, such as digging up flower beds, can also be physically difficult. Another option is to work in ornamental horticulture, growing plants like flowers or shrubs for show rather than for food. Work in this area is often less physically difficult, although dealing with chemicals is still a problem.

    Do you love to work with plants and to see them grow? If so, maybe a career as a horticulturalist is right for you.

  • Trick of the Trade

    Trick of the Trade

    With so much attention brought to the business and management industries during Canadaʼs rekindling economic climate, many core fields of work are being overlooked by the students; one of these being the trades.

    The skilled trades are a growing field of work that is in constant need of well-trained workers.

    What exactly is a skilled trade? It can be defined as an expertness of a specific skill, usually attained through years of training and commonly related to construction and repair. The skills that are considered “trades skills” range broadly from carpenter, electrician, automotive technician, plumber, pipe fitter, welder and much more.

    There is a common misconception that the trades are considered “blue collar” jobs done through informal training. In reality there are a plentitude of academic institutions that provide education and preparation in the trades.

    Although it is common to get into the trades through practical training, it doesnʼt mean you will be making less money than someone who attended university. Tradespeople are some of the highest paid employees in Canada.  Not only is a customer paying for your knowledge about a trade, but they are also paying for expert performance.

    If you enjoy learning new lessons everyday and arenʼt afraid to be challenged, a career in the trades might suit you. Trades jobs are considered demanding and will put your mind and body to the test daily. If you enjoy a hands-on work environment, and are interested in how things work, this field may be what you want to look at.

    There is an increasing shortage in the skilled trades. According to careersintrades.ca, 67% of young adults choose university over a college education in the trades because it was encouraged more by friends and family. There were also instances in which a lack of information about the trades swayed students away from the sector.

    So, what exactly are the steps to take to become a tradespeople? The most efficient and reputable manner to becoming certified in the trades is an apprenticeship. This way, you are getting one-on-one experience with a master in the trade who can help you further your knowledge and skills. Many college programs that deal with the trades have their own apprenticeship training programs. So go and check out your local college to see what they offer, or look on Jobs People Do to see what colleges offer certain apprenticeships.

    The best thing to do in your early years of education is to look at high schools that provide introductory training of a trades skill you are interested in. Julian Finbow Westlane graduate, claims that:

    “Taking the refrigeration course at such a young age was extremely beneficial for the jobs I am interested in.”

    Julian is looking to develop his trade skills in refrigeration, and is planning on either taking a apprenticeship or going to college.

    Become involved and research trade skills you think will peak your interest. It may be beneficial to shaping your career path! So put on that thinking cap (or hardhat for this situation) and immerse yourself in the trades.

  • Facts on Apprenticeships

    Facts on Apprenticeships

    Are you young and still in high school? Maybe you’re finished school and are looking for a new direction? Or, you are already working and looking for a career that suits you better?

    If any of this applies to you, an apprenticeship could be what you’ve been looking for. Thousands of people like you register as apprentices every year. Why? It’s simple. An apprenticeship is your ticket to a challenging and rewarding career in skilled trades.

    RESPECT
    Skilled trades play an important role in Canada’s knowledge-based economy. Think about it. They touch almost every aspect of our lives from the homes we live in, to the cars we drive, to the food we eat.

    OPPORTUNITY
    With over 200 careers to choose from, there is a skilled trade for everyone. The demand is high, you get to travel, and you could become your own boss!

    GOOD PAY
    Tradespeople are rewarded with great pay – often better than average!

    The BARE FACTS on Apprenticeship Training
    Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education like university or college. But there’s a big difference. Apprentices not only learn skills in
    a classroom, but receive paid on-the-job training with an employer.

    • Depending on the trade, an apprenticeship can take two to five years to complete.
    • Apprentices usually spend 40 to 44 weeks a year on the job and go to school for six to eight weeks.
    • Apprentices must find an employer and may need to pay tuition fees for in-school training.
    • Apprentices earn a salary on the job from their first day.
    • Apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification in a designated trade.

    Did You Know?
    Pre-apprenticeship training is available in some regions. These work placements allow students who are still in high school to get a running start on their careers in skilled trades – not to mention earn school credits at the same time!

    Work Anywhere in Canada!
    Depending on their trade, apprentices who have obtained their certificate can write an inter-provincial exam to obtain a Red Seal endorsement and practice their trade across the country.

    • The “Red Seal” allows qualified tradespersons to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated without having to write further examinations.
    • To date, there are forty-five trades included in the Red Seal Program on a national basis.