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Category: Trades

  • Three Great Careers You May Not Realize Are Trades

    Three Great Careers You May Not Realize Are Trades

    What do you think of when you see the phrase “skilled trades?”

    Many people’s thoughts will go straight to a few of the most recognizable trades, such as electricians, carpenters, mechanics, or plumbers.  But there are actually many different jobs you see every day that are considered skilled trades, but which may not be obvious at first glance.  This means that even if you aren’t interested in working a job related to construction, there are lots of other exciting and profitable careers to choose from that still fall under the category of skilled trades.

    Hairstylists and Makeup Artists

    If you’re interested in fashion trends and using your artistic skills on other people, then developing a career as a hairstylist or makeup artist is a great way to go. Considered a service trade, these jobs require a keen eye for detail, steady hands to wield a makeup brush or stylists’ scissors, and a desire to help people feel great about themselves by giving them a great look.

    Hairstylists will often work in a salon, taking regular appointments, but both hairstylists and makeup artists can also work independently in their own business.  Often, these tradespeople will choose to specialize their business toward a specific type of work, such as wedding hairstyles and makeup.  They can also be employed freelance or with a studio doing hair and makeup for movies and television.  Most hairstylists and makeup artists take a combination of college or beautician trade school courses, as well as working apprenticeships, to learn the skills they need.

    Chef

    Do you have a love of food, cooking, and creating new recipes to share with friends and family?  Working as a chef is a perfect career for someone who loves learning new things about the food we eat, and making others happy and healthy by cooking them great meals.

    Chefs are skilled tradespeople who work in kitchens, restaurants, event venues, cafeterias, hospitals, and many other places where meals are required to be prepared and served.  They can be employed by these places directly, or chefs can establish themselves as independent catering businesses and hire on for specific events.  Many trade schools and colleges offer culinary programs designed to train chefs, but you can also start directly in a kitchen as an apprentice to learn the ins and outs of this trades career.

    Dental Hygienist

    Working as a dental hygienist is a great career choice for those who are interested in the medical field, but who may not want to become a doctor or nurse.  These skilled tradespeople perform the initial part of a standard dentist’s visit, including cleaning a patient’s teeth, examining their gums, administering fluoride or mouthwashes, and assessing a person’s overall oral health.  They work alongside dentists and medical receptionists to manage patient information, and must have excellent interpersonal skills to work smoothly with both coworkers and the patients they are examining.

    Dental hygienists typically complete a college degree to learn the necessary medical and dental background and develop their hands-on skills.  There will also be training and other practical practice before working on an actual person.

    And Many More!

    Of course, these are only three examples out of dozens of skilled trades.  However, these three very different trades demonstrate the breadth of trade careers available.  Whatever your interests–whether you want to do something artistic and creative, something that nurtures other people, or something related to healthcare and the wellbeing of others–there’s a trades career out there for you!

  • Getting Your Hands Dirty May Be Your Proudest Moment

    Getting Your Hands Dirty May Be Your Proudest Moment

    Much has been said about the trades industry and how it’s an industry that solely relies on physical strength. However, if there’s anything that the pandemic made us realize is that those who work in the trades are essential workers and are the ones who work the hardest, making them valuable in any community. Without them, we would not have been able to survive the challenges brought about by the virus that affected all of us on a global scale.

    These Jobs Are Essential

    One of those who rally behind opposing the general idea that the trades industry is something to frown at is Mike Rowe, the star of the show “Dirty Jobs” on the Discovery Network. Rowe is extremely dedicated to the cause that he launched his own nonprofit organization that promotes training for skilled trades, like welders, plumbers, pipefitters, carpenters, and auto repair technicians.

    So far, the organization has awarded $5 million in scholarships over the last 12 years. Rowe was inspired by his grandfather, who, although he finished only seventh grade, was already a master electrician by the age of 30. Rowe strongly believes that people should do away with the notion that only those with four-year degrees can lead to jobs with six-figure annual salaries. In addition, some of the famous billionaires today weren’t able to earn their degrees, including Michael Dell and Bill Gates, as well as the late Steve Jobs. As they say, for every rule, there is an exception.

    It’s Not Just a Man’s World Anymore

    Skilled trades in Canada are currently under a shortage of qualified workers as the younger generation continues to be lured into jobs that provide them with the convenience of being able to work from the comfort of their own homes. It has especially gotten more difficult to convince college- or university-bound students to carve their career path in skilled trades instead.

    With this labour shortage in the skilled trades, BuildForce Canada reports that Ontario, in particular, will need to hire 103,900 in the construction and maintenance industries over the next decade as the Ontario government predicts that one in five new jobs in the province over the next five years is expected to be in the trades.

    There’s no easy way to fill in the gaps, but embracing the idea that women can also be instrumental in answering the labour shortage in the skilled trades industry is a good start. After all, the misconception that trades are merely for men is as outdated as fax machines. And there are various organizations who are determined to break down these barriers, including the recently launched Women in Steel Toes or WIST. WIST has its own website and Facebook page where women share their experiences working in the trades, particularly in construction. They intend to inspire the younger female generation to consider career paths in the skilled trades, where they will have a plethora of options, something that wasn’t promoted before.

    The Women in Skilled Trades and Information Technology Training programs are also determined to further the cause of inspiring women to get into skilled trades. They provide free training for small groups of women in specific trades at various colleges throughout Ontario. The provincial government is a huge supporter of this, and one program, announced last fall, hopes to fund 24 women to receive training as horticultural technicians or arborists at Humber College. The federal government is not far behind with backing the idea, as it also provided funding for a countrywide roll-out of an outreach for teen girls.

    Brain Power

    With the false impressions about the skilled trades industry slowly dissipating as the case should be, it’s interesting to note that these fallacies have little basis in the first place.

    For example, working in construction is no mean feat, and it’s not merely about physical strength or endurance. A construction worker has to be an excellent problem solver, or how else can you erect a building from nothing at all?

    Other skilled trades work like plumbing and electrical require an impeccable sense of attention to detail; otherwise, all homeowners will see are flooded bathrooms and faulty electrical wiring.

    Skilled trades require mental prowess and physical dexterity, and those who are up for a challenge can truly feel at home in this career path.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.equipmentjournal.com/on-the-job/women-in-steel-toes-aims-to-normalize-women-on-jobsites/

    https://www.tvo.org/article/you-wouldnt-be-interested-in-that-fighting-stereotypes-about-women-in-the-trades

    https://www.startribune.com/dirty-jobs-host-will-make-the-case-for-hands-on-work-at-home-garden-show/568081402/

    https://www.leaderonomics.com/articles/leadership/why-it-pays-to-get-your-hands-dirty

  • Get Sun and Exercise by Working an Outdoor Trades Job This Summer (French version available)

    Get Sun and Exercise by Working an Outdoor Trades Job This Summer (French version available)

    Summer break is coming up, which means it’s time for many students to start looking for a summer job.  While most towns and cities will have the usual restaurant and retail opportunities, not everyone is cut out for – or interested in – these jobs.  If you prefer being active and outdoorsy, then summer is a great time to find a job that lets you work outside and stay physically active.

    Luckily, there are lots of outdoor trades that hire high school and college-age students during the summer.

    Gardening, Horticulture, Landscaping, and Forestry

    Some of the most common outdoor summer jobs for students can be found in the areas of gardening, horticulture, landscaping, and forestry.  You’ll find a wide variety of opportunities, all of which involve working outdoors with plants for contract companies, municipal governments, and businesses such as golf courses or nurseries.

    Gardening and landscaping companies are busiest in the summertime, with busy work schedules and many customers.  Working for a gardening or landscaping company includes tasks such as mowing lawns, planting flowers, shrubbery, and grass for commercial and residential customers; installing and maintaining specialty features such as fountains, ponds, or ornamental landscaping; and assessing or treating diseased plants and trees.

    Horticultural businesses such as plant nurseries and greenhouses need workers to water plant stock, move and arrange the plants available for purchase, and assist customers with choosing their purchases and loading plants and supplies into their vehicles.

    Forestry jobs that hire students over the summer include tree planting, brush trimming, assisting with tree surveys and assessments, and working in tree nurseries.

    You will find these jobs under titles such as Arborist, Landscape Gardener, Horticultural Technician, Conservation Technician, Lawn Care Specialist, Forestry Technician, Tree Planter, and Groundskeeper, to name a few examples.

    National and Provincial Parks

    Canada’s national and provincial parks system is a popular destination during the summertime, with events, campers, and day visitors coming to enjoy our country’s natural beauty.  Student summer workers are an integral part of the parks system, fulfilling roles including trail and campsite maintenance, guided tours and customer support for park guests, or setting up before and cleaning up after events.

    Many parks also need tradespeople skilled in water and wastewater management, equipment operators for forklifts or ATVs, maintenance and operation of boats and marine equipment, as well as general mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians.

    Working in the parks system also provides lots of opportunities to interact with people, both your coworkers and the park visitors.

    These summer jobs can be found under titles such as Park Staff, Park Interpreter, Maintenance Technician, General Labour, Groundkeeper, Tour Guide, and more.

    Green Energy

    Green energy is a growing industry, with a great deal of energy generation from renewable sources involving at least some work outdoors.  Trades jobs in this industry can include installing and maintaining green energy equipment or technologies such as solar panels or energy-efficient HVAC systems, as well as working with power generation stations dealing with hydro or wind turbines.  Other opportunities could include assisting with site surveys for future green energy projects.  While some jobs in this industry require technical training or certification, if green energy is a career you’re interested in, there are internships and co-op positions that are suitable for students.

    Jobs in green energy can be found under titles such as Solar Panel Installer, HVAC Technician, HVAC Installer, Sustainability Technician, Wind Turbine Technician, and others.

     

    Sources

    Become. “Get Outside! Careers in the Great Outdoors.” https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/outdoor-careers/.

    Indeed. “Jobs That Help the Environment That Require No Degree.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-that-help-the-environment-no-degree.

    Job Bank. “Forest technologists and technicians.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/17904/22437.

    Job Bank. “Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/22564/22437.

    Ontario Parks. “Careers at Ontario Parks.” https://www.ontarioparks.com/careers/.

    Taylor, Philip. “40 Summer Jobs for Teens and College Students.” Part-Time Money. https://ptmoney.com/10-fun-summer-jobs-for-teens-and-college-students/.

  • What’s an Apprenticeship?

    What’s an Apprenticeship?

    Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary training that teaches the skills and competencies necessary to perform tasks to an industry standard. Apprenticeship training provides the opportunity for hands-on learning under the direction of a certified journeyperson, with the ability to earn while you learn. The training combines alternating periods of on-the-job (80 to 85%) and technical training (15 to 20%). Technical training can occur at a college, a union training centre, a private trainer or online. Once the apprentice has completed the required hours and/or modules for the trade, the apprentice can write a certification exam. Apprenticeship is regulated by the provinces and territories, creating 13 unique systems geared to the labour market needs and conditions in each region of Canada.

    Canada also has a standard of excellence known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. It is offered in 55 trades. Through the Program, tradespersons obtain an endorsement on their provincial/territorial certificates by successfully completing an interprovincial exam, making it easier for them to move between provinces or territories and employers.

    How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship program and become a certified tradesperson?
    The length of the training varies depending on the trade, but generally takes between 2 and 5 years. Most of the training is provided in the workplace. Normally, an apprentice works for 40 to 44 weeks a year and goes to school for a six-to-eight week “block” of training.

    How much does it cost to complete an apprenticeship?
    Apprenticeships cost very little compared to most post-secondary training options. Tuition costs vary depending on the trade and the province/territory. There may be additional costs for books, equipment, tools and living expenses. However, apprentices are paid during their on-the-job training. There are also a number of grants and tax credits available to reduce the cost of apprenticeship training. Consult your local apprenticeship office to learn more about both federal and provincial/territorial supports.

    Another big benefit of apprenticeship training is that it allows apprentices to “earn while they learn,” significantly reducing student debt loads. University undergraduates left school with an average debt load of $25,000 in 2005, with much higher rates of debt in the eastern provinces. As paid employees, apprentices are generally able to cover their costs without substantial student debt.

    Does an apprentice receive an income while attending a technical school?
    If apprentices have been employed for long enough to qualify, most are eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) while they are in school. Some employers pay their apprentices while they’re in school or “top up” EI benefits so apprentices continue to receive the equivalent of their wages while they’re in school. It is recommended that apprentices have this discussion with their employers upfront. Apprentices serve only one two-week waiting period per apprenticeship and are not generally required to wait in subsequent training periods. It is important to understand the regulations surrounding Employment Insurance eligibility, so be sure to contact Service Canada for more information.

    Are apprenticeships regulated by the government?
    Apprenticeship programs are regulated by provincial and territorial governments. Each province and territory is responsible for deciding whether a trade is designated “compulsory” or “voluntary.” If a trade is compulsory, legislation generally requires someone working in that trade to be a qualified journeyperson or an apprentice working under the supervision of a journeyperson. This typically comes into play in areas involving public safety (i.e. an electrician). Check with your provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority to learn more about designated trades in your jurisdiction.

  • Career Profile: Traffic Technician

    Career Profile: Traffic Technician

    When you look at a street full of traffic, you might think that no one is in charge and that people just drive wherever they want. However, the way that traffic works is the result of careful study and analysis. Traffic technicians work with information from traffic studies to monitor patterns and find better ways of helping people get to their destinations quickly and easily. If you are good at seeing patterns and using data to find better ways of organizing people, the job of traffic technician might be right for you.

    For drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, it can be difficult to see how much work goes into making sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Sometimes, dangerous curves need to be straightened out, crowded intersections need better coordination of traffic lights, or crosswalks need to be moved to make them safer.

    Traffic technicians work with engineering companies, government agencies, city planners, and even the army to make sure that traffic moves as safely and smoothly as possible. This might involve changing the timing of traffic lights at intersections to make sure that the largest amount of traffic can get through as smoothly as possible. Traffic technicians might suggest narrowing the lanes on the road to encourage people to drive more slowly or look for sections of road that drivers find especially difficult.

    Working with data is a large part of a traffic technician’s job. First, technicians need to conduct surveys to find the information they need. This might involve counting vehicles that pass by certain spots or looking at accident statistics to see what happens in an area without a clear view of the road ahead. Traffic technicians need to know what the problems are and be able to think of potential solutions.

    Being able to see and analyze overall trends is important for traffic control technicians, but seeing the details is also very important. People in this job need to know how small changes can make a difference in the way that traffic works. For example, understanding how people respond to yield signs versus stop signs could help traffic technicians recommend the most useful changes to how the system works. These technicians might work with engineers and road builders to alter the design of roads if necessary.

    Traffic control technicians can work in almost any area that has a large amount of traffic, but jobs are more likely to be available in large towns or cities. Government departments and universities are the most likely places to find work. Salaries start at $53,000 per year and can rise to $72,000 per year.  Much of the work is indoors, but some people in this job might work outside on occasion to see the traffic flow firsthand.

    Being able to learn and work with others is important in this job. People with more experience in a certain area of the city, for example, might know more about the area than the traffic technician does. Receiving advice from those people could be important. Traffic patterns can also be different in the morning than they are in the evening and can change at different times of the year. Doing research into factors that affect traffic is important.

    Traffic technicians are important for keeping people safe and vehicles moving on the road. If you are detail-oriented and organized, this job could be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Career Explorer. “What Is a Traffic Technician?” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/traffic-technician/.

    Glassdoor. “Traffic Technician Salaries in Canada.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/traffic-technician-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm.

    Government of Canada. “Traffic Technician.” https://forces.ca/en/career/traffic-technician/.

    Owl Guru. “How To Become a Traffic Technician.” https://www.owlguru.com/career/traffic-technicians/requirements/.

  • Career Profile: Geographic Information Specialists

    Career Profile: Geographic Information Specialists

    If you go on a trip with your parents or grandparents, you might see them pull out a paper map to look at when they need help with directions. Some people prefer to get directions on paper, but others prefer to look at an online map or to get directions from a computer. Either way, someone needs to know what to put on the map. Geographic information specialists gather the kind of information that goes into these documents. If you are precise and able to work with large amounts of data, this could be the right job for you.

    Making a map or chart is a complicated process. It requires exact information about the location of streets, rivers, lakes, bridges, and other features of an area. Much of this information could come from satellite or drone images, but sometimes people need to go out in person to find out about the landscape. For example, a picture cannot show whether a piece of land has soft, swampy soil or firm ground. Someone must go out to the area to find out.

    Geographic information specialists normally have at least a high school education, but most also have a diploma from a career college or a higher level of education. Many employers require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as geomatics, environmental science, or geography. Some people get a master’s degree. Normally, a bachelor’s degree takes at least three years to complete, and a master’s degree takes another year or two.

    High school students can already start preparing for a career as a geographic information specialist. English courses help one be able to read complicated information, and mathematics courses are important for making calculations and measurements. Courses in geography can help with understanding the influence of various factors on the landscape. For example, a stream or river could wear away part of its banks and change its course, requiring geographic information specialists to make a new map.

    Jobs for geographic information specialists are available in many different areas, including universities, governments, and even construction companies or tourism companies. Agriculture is also a good source for finding jobs as a geographic information specialist. Some people might also be able to specialize in an area of the field that allows them to work as consultants for several organizations. Salaries generally start at about $51,000 and can rise to $82,000 with experience.

    Usually, people in this field need to be able to work with others, but they should also be able to work on their own, especially when they are designing maps. Accuracy and attention to detail are very important in this job, and the ability to concentrate for long periods can be helpful. The job is not normally physically difficult, but it may occasionally require going out in bad weather to check the features of a location. In most cases, people can stay in this job until either they reach retirement age, or their eyes become too weak to deal with the kind of details that maps require.

    Working as a geographic information specialist can be a good choice for detail-oriented people who enjoy gathering information and sharing it with others. If you enjoy maps and charts, this job might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography

    Job Bank. “Geographic Information Systems Technician in Canada.” https://www.nl.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/3493/ca

    Ontario Colleges. “”Geographic Information Systems (GIS).” https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/energy-environmental-and-natural-resources/geographic-information-systems-gis.

    Payscale Canada. “Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist: Salary in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Geographic_Information_Systems_(GIS)_Specialist/Salary.

  • Career Profile: Wooden Boat Rebuilder

    Career Profile: Wooden Boat Rebuilder

    Suppose that you wanted to ride a boat on a lake or stream. You might choose a boat made of aluminum or steel, but you could choose a boat made of wood. Like anything else, wooden boots can break down and need rebuilding. Although opportunities can be limited in some areas of Canada, a career as a wooden boat rebuilder can be a good choice.

    Many tasks are part of being a wooden boat rebuilder. The work can include sketching the boat that is being rebuilt and making design choices, normally with the help of a computer-aided design (CAD) system. The next step is to choose the kind of wood or veneer for rebuilding the boat, and then making fastenings and other parts of the boat that need rebuilding. Following that, they use special equipment to cut pieces of wood into the right size and shape for what the project requires.

    Normally, people in this trade complete an apprenticeship that includes eight thousand hours of on-the-job training, ending with a Certificate of Apprenticeship. This process usually takes about five years. Another option is to work at least eight thousand hours in a related area and then apply for a Trade Equivalency Assessment. A successful applicant can then be certified as a journeyperson in the trade. A high school diploma is also normally necessary. Courses in English, mathematics, and drafting can be useful.

    After completing the training requirements, people can start to work as wooden boat rebuilders. Being able to read blueprints is usually necessary, as well as using hand or power tools and measuring instruments. Salaries in this trade usually begin at about $47,000 and can rise to $77,300 with experience. Doing physical work on the boats can become difficult as people age, but the task of designing boats can continue late into people’s careers.

    Like in many trades, wooden boat rebuilders need to have many skills. They might work on the restoration of historic boats for museums or universities, or they might work for a large company with clients all over the world. Some people in this trade might have their own business and work directly with customers, but others might get their work from supervisors and never meet the people whose boats they are rebuilding. Being able to follow instructions but also to think a problem through and come up with a solution is important in this trade.

    Being near water is essential for this trade. Although some people might be able to find enough work rebuilding recreational boats in the middle of the country, most work in this field is likely to be available on the east or west coast. However, becoming a specialist in historic boats could help a wooden boat rebuilder find work even in places with no lakes or oceans nearby.

    Much of the work of wooden boat rebuilders can be indoors if a large enough space is available. However, working outside is often necessary, and people need to be able to withstand the weather. The hours can be long when a project needs to be finished or when there is an emergency, but otherwise, people in this trade can generally work regular hours.

    Because wooden boats are not as common as they once were, finding enough work in this trade can be difficult. However, becoming a wooden boat rebuilder can still be a good choice for those who are interested.

     

    Bibliography:

    Economic Research Institute. Boat Builder Wood Salary in Canada. https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/boat-builder-wood/canada.

    Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. “Wooden Boat Rebuilder.” https://oyap.ca/trades/?fuseaction=Profile&appnum=118.

    Payscale Canada. “Salary for Industry: Boat Building.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Industry=Boat_Building/Salary.

  • Career Profile: Institutional Cook

    Career Profile: Institutional Cook

    Every day, you eat food that someone has cooked, whether you eat with your family at home or buy a meal from your school cafeteria. Cooking for a family of five or six people can be difficult and time-consuming, but cooking for large groups can be even more challenging. If you enjoy working with food and want to help feed people, the job of institutional cook could be right for you.

    As the name suggests, institutional cooks work in places where many people come to eat. This could include hospitals, schools, seniors’ homes, or even prisons and jails. Depending on the types of people eating at the institution, the cook might need to know gourmet recipes, foods suitable for certain dietary needs, or other aspects of providing food for many different people at once. In some cases, institutional cooks might need to balance the needs of diabetics, people with high blood pressure, or many other factors. Being able to provide meals that are nutritious and filling without causing allergic reactions or other health problems can be a major challenge for people in this trade.

    Besides health-related issues, the food that institutional cooks make should taste good and be varied. No one wants to eat the same meal day after day, and institutional cooks need to be creative in finding new recipes or variations on their standard meals. Many institutional cooks complete an apprenticeship or culinary program before they begin to work, and many gain experience as helpers in a kitchen before they take over as the main cook. In some places, people may be required to complete a course in the safe handling of food so that they know how to avoid giving people food poisoning.

    In high school, courses in English and mathematics are helpful. Institutional cooks need to be able to follow recipes and understand what the different terms mean, and they might also need to research issues like how additives in food affect people with certain diseases or conditions. For example, finding low-salt options is important for anyone with high blood pressure. Being able to multiply or divide easily is also important for increasing or decreasing the size of recipes.

    Many institutional cooks work with helpers who might not know much about cooking. Being able to supervise and to give clear instructions can help to make the job much easier and the process smoother. Getting many different dishes done at the same time is one of the very challenging aspects of institutional cooking, and it might take several years before people can time everything to be ready for the people who have come to eat. The hours can be long, and the kitchens can be very hot and busy.

    Wages for people in this trade generally begin at about $14 per hour or $30,000 per year and can rise to $24 per hour or $51,000 per year. The work involves standing or moving around in the kitchen for long hours, and people might want to move into a more supervisory role as they age. One option is to move from doing the cooking itself to planning meals and ordering supplies, which can be much less stressful.

    Working as an institutional cook can be a high-pressure job, but it can also be interesting for people who enjoy working with food. It could be the right job for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Job Bank. “Cook in Canada.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/6225/ca.

    Job Bank. “Cook in Ontario.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/6225/ON.

    Skills Competences Canada. “Cooking.” https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/skill_area/cooking/.

    Payscale. “Average General/Institution Cook Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=General%2FInstitution_Cook/Hourly_Rate.

  • Career Profile: Die Designer

    Career Profile: Die Designer

    If you look around your home, you can likely find several objects that were made with special tools. Many of those tools likely came from a die, which is a kind of mould for making tools. Designing a die that works well for its purpose can make manufacturing much easier than it might otherwise be. Working as a die designer can be a useful and rewarding career.

    Die designers are part of a whole process that goes into making furniture, building houses, manufacturing cars, and much more. Employers normally have no specific academic requirements for these tradespeople, but most people have at least a high school diploma. Many people in this trade get an associate’s degree or complete an apprenticeship, which normally takes up to four years to complete.

    Like in many other trades, being able to read and understand instructions is important for die designers. High school courses in English or writing help to learn these types of skills.  These tradespeople should also be able to calculate measurements, estimate costs, and do other tasks that require the ability to work with numbers. Taking math courses can be helpful for these tasks, and classes that teach skills like sawing or welding are also useful. Art courses, especially drawing, can help people learn the basic principles of designing an object, and computer courses also help to prepare students for this trade.

    Learning how to draft with CAD (computer-aided design) software is an important skill for this work. Many die designers create blueprints for their designs using information about what kinds of machines will use the tool and how they work. Being precise is important in this work because a badly formed die will produce faulty tools. People in this trade might also need to study several different machines to be able to suit the needs of different clients. Some designers might want to specialize in a certain type of die, such as one that produces tools for plumbers or electricians, but others might want to work with a more general clientele.

    Die designers work mainly with manufacturing, but they can also find work elsewhere, including the geology or geography departments of universities, governments, and other organizations that need special tools. The job could involve making one or two designs for many different customers or working mainly for one company, possibly making die designs for branches of the company across the country. Generally, salaries for die designers begin at about $46,000 per year and can rise to about $83,000, and jobs are likely to be easier to find in areas like southern Ontario, where much of Canada’s manufacturing takes place.

    As in many of the trades, a certain amount of endurance is necessary for the work of a die designer. Although most of the work is done at a computer, it can also involve going to factories to see exactly what is needed for the job. The hours can be long when a job needs to be done, but usually die designers work regular days in an office where the working conditions are normally quite good. If you are detail-oriented and are good at problem-solving to find the best design for the job, a career as a die designer might be good for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Glassdoor. “Gilder Guard Tool & Die: Mould Maker.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Job/tool-and-die-designer-jobs-SRCH_KO0,21.htm.

    Payscale. “Average Tool and Die Maker Hourly Pay in Canada.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Tool_and_Die_Maker/Hourly_Rate.

    Talent.com. “Die Maker Average Salary in Canada, 2022.” https://ca.talent.com/salary?job=Die+Die+Die+Maker#.

    Ziprecruiter. “What is a Die Designer and How to Become One.” https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Die-Designer/What-Is-How-to-Become

  • Career Profile: Powerline Technician

    Career Profile: Powerline Technician

    Turning on a light, using the oven, or recharging a phone seem like simple actions, but they require power, often from electricity. That power uses overhead and underground lines that technicians put in place and maintain. Working as a powerline technician can be a good choice for people who enjoy precise technical work, repairs, and maintenance. If this describes you, why not consider working as a powerline technician?

    Powerlines can be overhead, such as the lines that you see along most streets and highways. Others are underground, where no one can see them. Installing or repairing overhead lines can involve climbing ladders or utility poles to reach spots high above the ground. Sometimes powerline technicians place poles in the right places for attaching wires to them. They splice cables together or cut them into the right length for what they need.

    Work as a powerline technician involves the ability to continue even in difficult conditions. High winds or other bad weather can make the work unpleasant or even dangerous. Underground powerlines can be easier to work with, but technicians still need to be careful to avoid potential problems such as hitting sewer lines and water pipes.

    Working as a powerline technician often involves irregular hours, especially in emergencies. These technicians sometimes get help from other people, but they might work alone at times. Being able to work without supervision and to get jobs done on time is essential. These technicians often find jobs with power, Internet, or telephone companies. They might work as employees or establish their own businesses where they work as contractors for others.

    Most people in this trade have at least a high school education, and many have a three- or four-year apprenticeship or a combination of education and work experience. Learning from other people is important since the equipment people work with can be dangerous. Even in high school, students can begin to prepare for the job. Mathematics courses can help with calculating the amounts of pipe or wire needed for each job, and English studies can help with reading complicated instructions.

    After high school and an apprenticeship, powerline technicians might want to continue with their training. Trade certification and Red Seal qualifications are available but voluntary in most of Canada. However, getting these designations can help with finding work and advancing to higher levels of responsibility.  Career prospects vary, but they are reasonably good in many areas of Canada. Wages start at about $30 per hour and can rise to $57 per hour with experience.

    Like in many trades, work as a powerline technician can be physically demanding. People need to be outside in all kinds of weather conditions, which can be difficult. Even when the work is indoors, it can be difficult. Steady hands and a basic level of physical strength are important. An ability to see potential problems and work out solutions is also helpful. Problem-solving can be a large part of the job in many cases. For people who have their own businesses, a knowledge of accounting is useful.

    Powerline technicians do important work that can help keep other people’s lights and heat on, their computers running, and much more. If you like to work with your hands and find solutions to problems, the job of powerline technician might be right for you.

     

    Bibliography:

    Job Bank. “Powerline Technician in Canada: Job Prospects.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/4740/ca.

    Job Bank. “Powerline Technician in Canada: Employment Requirements.” https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/4740/ca.

    Payscale Canada. “Powerline Technician: Hourly Rate.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Powerline_Technician/Hourly_Rate.

    Red Seal Recruiting Solutions Ltd. “Power Line Technician Salaries.” https://redsealrecruiting.com/salaries/power-technician-salary-information/.

    Red Seal. Sceau Rouge. “Powerline Technician: Red Seal.” https://www.red-seal.ca/trades/p.4w.2rl.3n.2_t.2ch-eng.html.