Tag: career in trades

  • The Importance of STEM Education

    The Importance of STEM Education

    STEM education. What is it? STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It is applied to academic fields that use these studies. This type of education implements both hands on and problem based approaches.[1] So why STEM? What is its significance? It is a guide line to help further grow our engineering and innovation industry. It helps students apply these skills both to profession based and everyday problems. With the ever growing technology industry, we need to help individuals recognize the importance of STEM and encourage them to follow this path.

    The STEM Education Coalition[2] is a non-profit organization that advocates the importance of STEM education. They raise awareness throughout the United States to schools and other organizations. Scouts Canada[3], the country’s leading youth organization has a STEM program that allows youth to play and experiment with science and technology through a hands-on interactive approach. The programs are collaborations of Scouts Canada, Imperial Oil Foundation and Exxon Mobile Canada. These major energy companies depend heavily on engineers of many kinds.[4]

    Major tech companies such as Google, Cisco and Microsoft have made generous contributions to programs in Canada regarding STEM.[5] A major part of these programs is programming and creating software. This will allow future students to be comfortable with modern day technology while it gives them the skill and confidence to create it. As other nations continue to invest in STEM, Canada must also follow suit in order to stay ahead of the times. As a developed country, Canada cannot afford to fall behind in educating our youth about STEM.

    Research shows that the majority of STEM participants are male.[6] The University of Waterloo has signed on to the HeForShe campaign[7] which is a gender equality campaign that raises awareness for the equal treatment of women. In part, this campaign hopes to encourage females to join STEM fields. STEM education should be supported by both governments and families. All Children should be encouraged from a young age to engage in science-related activities as we will always depend on engineers and scientists to evolve our technological world.

    Footnotes & Resources:

    [1] http://www.cslnet.org/our-agenda/what-is-stem/

    [2] http://www.stemedcoalition.org/

    [3] http://www.scouts.ca/ca/about-scouts-canada

    [4] http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2010/11/22/careers-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-from-start-to-finish/

    [5] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/why-tech-giants-are-investing-in-stem-programs-for-students/article21329798/

    [6] http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/06/20/stem-fields-and-the-gender-gap-where-are-the-women/

    [7] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/waterloo-joins-un-program-promoting-women-at-universities/article24250455/

  • 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.

  • Types of Careers in Trades

    Types of Careers in Trades

    Are you wondering what types of careers are available to you in the trades sector? There is literally thousands to choose from. Check out just a few of the careers we found on CareersInTrades.ca!

    Construction
    Construction and Maintenance is the best known skilled trades sector. These jobs are available across Canada in both urban and rural areas. Some of its apprenticeable trades are:
    – Bricklayer
    – Heavy equipment operator
    – Painter and decorator
    – Ironworker
    – Mechanic
    – Plumber
    – Welder

    Transportation
    Transportation trades cover vehicles ranging from automobiles and motorcycles to airplanes and cranes. These jobs are anywhere vehicles can be found, which can be a farm, an airport, a harbour or any street! Some of the apprenticeship trades include:
    – Agricultural Equipment Technician
    – Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic
    – Auto Body Repairer
    – Motorcycle Mechanic
    – Transport Trailer Technician

    Manufacturing
    Manufacturing trades can lead to careers in many different sectors, including cars, textiles and even food production. These careers can secure a job in many manufacturers and bring you to the root of product development. Some of the apprenticeable trades include:
    – Automotive Machinist
    – Graphic Arts (Pre-Press, Press and Bindery)
    – Industrial Electrician
    – Power System Operator
    – Sawfiler/Fitter
    – Tool and Die Maker

    Service
    The service sector offers jobs for those interested in working more closely with the public. From chefs to hairstyling, this sector offers many career opportunities. Some of the apprenticeable trades include:
    – Arboriculturist
    – Baker
    – Barber
    – Graphic Arts Technician
    – Hairstylist
    – Jeweler and Goldsmith
    – Upholsterer