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  • Why Canada Needs More STEM Students

    Why Canada Needs More STEM Students

    As a wealthy, diverse and constantly growing nation, Canada needs students and workers going into the valuable fields of engineering, technology, science and mathematics. While these can be some of the most challenging career paths, they can also be some of the most rewarding. The acronym STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

    There are many other subcategories within the STEM fields like biology, geology, psychology, robotic engineering, aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, software design, computer hardware design, anthropology, sociology and a whole lot more! STEM fields are the backbone of society and new students are always needed to design, improve, innovate and create.

    Graduates of STEM programs are extremely valuable to Canada and make great contributions to the Canadian economy and culture. The achievements of Canadians in STEM fields are known worldwide and it’s up to the next generation of students to continue that legacy of greatness. Engineers are responsible for buildings and structures and are required for just about any major project, from bridges to houses to high rise condominiums. Scientists and mathematicians are needed for a huge variety of jobs, from biologists and chemists to the robotics experts that created the world famous Canadarm or some of our leading bio medical doctors and researchers.

    STEM graduates are needed in almost every field, be it politics, conservation, law enforcement, architecture or military. Former STEM graduates create and plan the roads we drive on, the planes in the sky, the computer programs we use, and they even helped to design your home or school. This wide variety of STEM-based careers is integral to the functioning of society. Simply put, if there were no more STEM students the world would be a much more chaotic place to live!

    Not only do STEM graduates benefit their country, they also benefit themselves. They can open the doors to a wide variety of jobs and careers that put your intellect and creativity to the test as well as paying out steady incomes. Unfortunately, Canada currently isn’t producing as many STEM students as it once did, according to data from the Conference Board of Canada’s website.

    Now more than ever, Canada needs students to step up and study STEM programs and career paths. Take a look at STEM today!

  • What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

    What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

    “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

    It’s the classic question that every kid has heard at some point, usually before they are finished kindergarten. You’ve probably heard it at every birthday, every get-together, every parent-teacher night you’ve ever been to. And you may or may not be able to answer it. That’s okay – it’s difficult to know what you want to do when you grow up. What most kids don’t know is that they don’t need to choose just one thing.

    In today’s world, many jobs require a wide variety of skills, and it is becoming more and more common for adults to do several different jobs rather than just one. The best thing that you can do is figure out what you like to do, then work on getting good at it – even if you don’t know what kind of job you want to do. That way, you’ll be ready for anything.

    You might enjoy video editing, computer programming and writing. You might start off with a job in programming, and then decide later that you’d prefer to work in video editing. Maybe you’ll write for a magazine in your spare time. It’s always possible to change careers, or to take on a side-job in order to do everything that you enjoy.

    Never limit yourself to only one option – if you have a wide variety of interests and skills, you’ll have a wide variety of job opportunities by the time you’re old enough to choose one (or two, or three)!

  • What Kind of Jobs Are Really Out There?

    What Kind of Jobs Are Really Out There?

    The job market is changing all the time, but there are a few rules to follow that will ensure your survival/success. Firstly, there is the importance of including work and volunteer experience on your list of activities and subsequent job applications, then there is the importance of engaging in some sort of entrepreneurial activity, and then generally accumulating activities, courses, or experiences that show you are progressive and have an opinion on what your field needs to succeed.

    Remember that it is important to build practical experience and community involvement into whatever career path you are building. Even if you don’t know what you want to do, it is important to get experience doing a variety of practical tasks (work/volunteer) or other interesting activities (work/volunteer). When you have work or volunteer experience to supplement your school activities, you are ahead of the game and that much closer to getting a job because you show that you are actively engaged in your world and care about helping your community.

    Recently, the importance of entrepreneurial activities has been brought to the attention of popular media such as CBC Radio 1. They have reported on the importance of having entrepreneurial activities to supplement or even replace education in an unpredictable market like today’s, where an education doesn’t necessarily mean a job. This aspect has been brought to the foreground due to the 13.5% unemployment rate among young people (Career Options, 2013). There are many people who have graduated with university degrees and are left without a job. This situation is not something you would expect when you look at all the advice supporting a university education, so beware and consider initiating or joining some sort of entrepreneurial activity. Consider your interests and search for something well-suited that will teach you new things and increase your hire-ability.

    Also, accumulating some experience that shows that you are aware of current issues in your field of interest is important for getting jobs that are really out there, like the trades. If you need to take an environmental studies course to show your employer that you are aware of the realities of a changing climate and an emerging “green economy”, do this. It is important to show that you are current and aware of a changing world when you are trying to get the jobs that are out there.

    Remaining a competitive candidate on the job market and getting the jobs that are out there can be assured by accumulating volunteer/work experience in your field of interest, taking on some entrepreneurial activities and taking a few courses relevant to important topics for your field of interest. Good luck!

  • Trades Make the Grade!

    Trades Make the Grade!

    With so much attention brought to the business and management industries during Canada’s 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 doesn’t 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 aren’t 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.

  • Renewable Energy – A Trade for the Future

    Renewable Energy – A Trade for the Future

    Are you seeking a future-centric career? Looking to make a difference in the world? Want to join an industry destined to flourish significantly within your lifetime?

    With a growing awareness of the negative impacts humans have had on the environment, the increasing concern of environmental problems such as global warming, and the fight to preserve and find alternative ways to sustain the environment and human life, the renewable energy sector provides many opportunities for a rewarding career.

    As more alternative energy options are unveiled, more positions within the renewable energy sector are becoming available. Perhaps you’ll be the person responsible for energy audits, a technician working on solar panels, a designer of wind farms, or working to promote more sustainable building practices. The opportunities are endless and will continue to grow thanks to government initiatives to improve energy practices.

    In 2009, Ontario introduced a Green Energy Act, which was committed to promoting and supporting green energy projects and supporting energy efficiency province-wide, joining in a worldwide initiative to move toward renewable practices.

    The Ministry of Energy has also introduced many incentive programs, including tax rebates, to encourage Canadians to make energy updated to their homes. This could include installing solar panels or wind turbines, geothermal heating or cooling, and more.

    As the renewable energy sector grows, more programs are being offered at post secondary institutions throughout the province and country. Programs are for energy technicians, renewable energy technicians, sustainable building construction, sustainable agriculture, wind turbine technicians and more.

    If you’re looking to explore a rewarding career with opportunities for further growth, development and innovation, then a renewable energy career is perfect for you.

    Depending on the type of renewable energy career you’re interested in pursuing, there are apprenticeship, diploma, and degree opportunities available to suit your wants and needs. The opportunities are endless.