While it’s true that when most people think of “the trades,” the first things to come to mind are jobs like metalworking, electricians, millwrights and plumbers. But physical careers like these aren’t the only option for students thinking of pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Not every trade requires working with large tools, performing heavy lifting or high levels of physical activity.
Service trades are also skilled trades, but can be less physically demanding. They require similar levels of education and work experience, such as college courses, co-ops and apprenticeships, and offer lots of opportunities to advance and build a strong, life-long career.
Chef
Chefs in the food service industry are skilled tradespeople, and they have the education and work experience to back this up. They can work in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools and many other places, and are responsible for overseeing food preparation, creating menus, catering events, hiring and managing kitchen staff, and purchasing kitchen equipment. Becoming a chef requires a combination of college education, apprenticeships and work experience, culminating in the Red Seal exam for certification to work anywhere in Canada.
Bakers
Another skilled service trade in the food industry, bakers work in bakeries, catering companies, hotels, hospitals and other institutions that serve food. Bakers are also often self-employed and run their own bakery or baking services business. They prepare baked goods including pies, breads, rolls, muffins, cakes and cookies, and often experiment to create new recipes. Red Seal certification is also available to bakers who complete the required experience hours and examination.
Barbers and Hairstylists
The neighbourhood hairstylist and barber are obviously skilled, but not everyone realizes that this profession falls under the trades. But like other trades, hairdressers and barbers are required to complete a college program, as well as an apprenticeship. There is a Red Seal certification available to hairdressers and barbers as well.
Child and Youth Worker
Another career that doesn’t immediately look like a skilled trade is that of being a child or youth worker. These service workers work with young children and youths in order to improve their social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. A college program is usually required, as this career covers a wide range of skills from nutrition and diet management, assessing the progress of a child’s development, assisting with learning, including reading, writing and math, assisting children with disabilities and more.
Horticulture and Landscape Technician
These tradespeople are responsible for beautifying outdoor spaces for both private homes and public areas. Horticulture technicians will study and cultivate plants for use in landscaping and will provide treatment to sick or damaged plants. Landscape technicians will design and plan landscape projects, oversee the planting and maintenance of trees and other plants, and advise on solutions for irrigation and land use. This career features a lot of self-employment by owning and operating their own business, but these professionals can also work for golf courses, landscaping companies, greenhouses and national parks.
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