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  • Jobs Robots Do: Changes in the Workforce

    Jobs Robots Do: Changes in the Workforce

    The Industrial Revolution saw amazing changes to the world of manufacturing. It also saw many trained, capable people lose their jobs. In a world of automation, self-driving cars, and increasingly complex artificial intelligence, we stand on the cusp of another revolution. In Canada, almost 42% of labourers are at a very high risk of losing work due to these changes within the next two decades. The idea of work and having jobs has been around in human civilization for millennia. What will happen when the very foundation of this concept is shaken to its core?

    In the United States, three million people can expect to lose their jobs as self-driving vehicles take care of deliveries and transportation. Fleets of self-driving trucks have already made treks across Europe. The fields of accounting, health care, policing, education, and more are expected to soon utilize artificial intelligence in increasingly significant ways. Unlike the Industrial Revolution, it could be much more difficult for people to simply transition into other lines of work. Despite the dystopian vibes that this future brings about, there is the potential for humans to enter a whole new era of work.

    For the first time in human history, it will not be necessary for the vast majority of people to work long hours. One very likely situation, and a possibility already being discussed in Ontario, is to provide a basic income to everyone that would replace all current welfare programs. Some may criticize this simplistic form of welfare as encouraging laziness, but it could do just the opposite. Creative, artistic, and socially-driven jobs will be in high demand. With our basic needs met through a guaranteed income, we will be free to pursue jobs out of passion as opposed to pressure. The need for creators, teachers, and social workers will continue for many years to come.

    Many other lines of work are not expected to disappear entirely. Instead, humans will work alongside ‘cobots’. These robots will perform the less ideal tasks in many lines of work, including the dull and the dangerous. The work left for humans will be more specialized and far less monotonous. It also allows for more free time outside of one’s career. According to the Canadian Occupation Projection System, high-skilled and low-risk careers are expected to become a significant part of the workforce. Approximately 712,000 new jobs are expected between 2014 and 2024 amongst occupations unlikely to be fully automatized.

    The idea of jobs, which was remained essentially the same throughout the history of civilization, could be about to undergo a major shift. This is definitely scary, and there will be those who suffer because of it. However, we are on the verge of creating a world of work driven by passion instead of working just to survive. This would be a world full of specialized jobs, in which we use utilize our strengths as humans to our full potential with the assistance of robots. Jobs people do will never be the same.

    Sources:

    Cixin, Liu. The Robot Revolution Will Be the Quietest One. The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/07/opinion/the-robot-revolution-will-be-the-quietest-one.html

    Lamb, Creig. The Rise of Robots: Why the Future of Jobs in Canada Isn’t All Doom and Gloom. Brookfield Institute. http://brookfieldinstitute.ca/

     

  • Put Down Your Device; Taking a Break from Your Phone

    Put Down Your Device; Taking a Break from Your Phone

    I received my first cell phone when I was 10 years old. It was an old-fashioned flip phone with a traditional number pad (the kind you have to press repeatedly to switch letters around if you want to text). It was to be used to contact my parents and let them know where I was, or otherwise, in emergencies… not that I really had anyone else to call, anyway. At the time, few kids my age had—or really needed—their own phone. I faithfully carried the device around in my backpack, but seldom took it out of its pocket.

    Years later, I have upgraded to more modern smartphone technology. My device allows me to organize meetings, set schedules and due dates, and synchronize and back up data with my other devices. With my phone, I can get in touch with anyone I want at any time, whether by calling, texting, or using social media. I have incorporated this device so seamlessly into my daily routines that when something goes wrong—lack of battery power, signal loss, etc.—I am left completely disoriented. Truth be told, it is now very difficult to imagine life without my phone.

    “Unplugging”, or taking a break from your device, might seem like more of a burden than a blessing; however, powering down offers its fair share of benefits. Spending hours playing games on your device (and likely avoiding other more important tasks) is not a very productive use of time. Furthermore, texting or scrolling down newsfeeds can actually be an extremely impersonal way to communicate with another person. You might find that you enjoy someone else’s company much more without your device to distract your attention all the time.

    There is nothing wrong with using a cell phone, but consider turning it off or leaving it at home every once in a while. Here are some suggestions for avoiding cell phone dependency:

    Set your limits. Decide how long you want to go off the grid. If a whole day without checking your phone seems daunting, start with an hour (which shouldn’t be too hard!).

    Have alternatives ready. Your phone is supposed to make certain things easier for you, but there’s no reason you can’t find ways to do these things on your own too. For instance, you might not necessarily need to add a couple things to your electronic shopping list—try to remember what you need or just jot it down instead.

    Make it fun. Ever heard of the dinner-table game that makes the first person to check their phone pay the cheque? You can turn powering off into a fun activity or competition. This is also a great way to involve your friends (and let them know you aren’t just ignoring their texts).

     

  • Career Profile: AV Technician

    Career Profile: AV Technician

    Do you like being on the scene? Enjoy figuring out how things work, and finding new ways to make them work? Maybe a career as an audio visual technician is for you.

    Audio visual technicians are the ones that work behind the scenes at theatres, concerts, fashion shows, and anywhere else you need amplified sound, lighting or video. There are many college courses that you can take to begin your journey in this career. There are also many opportunities to begin work without any experience i.e. learn as you go. There is no set path in this career choice and most work comes in the form of “gigs”. As you develop relationships with production companies they may offer you a full time position, but most work in this trade is on a freelance basis.

    In Canada, the most lucrative sector of the event production industry is in corporate events (conferences, meetings, product releases, etc.). A corporate events AV tech can expect to make $25-45 per hour based on the event and the competence level that particular technician brings to the production team. One can be simply an AV tech for their entire career, working on smaller live productions but most will pick a special discipline; audio, video, or lighting, and work on larger productions with larger teams. Some productions can have hundreds of techs working the many aspects of the show!

    Being an AV tech has its’ challenges. The hours worked can be very long and at odd times of the day. When it is very busy, the hours can be very long; I once worked for 40 hours straight (not recommended!) When it is slow, usually from Christmas until spring, there is no income; when it is busy a good tech keeps this in mind. All people that work as freelancers understand this. Being an AV tech also carries many privileges. If you enjoy concerts, or any type of show, you will see a lot! If you enjoy travel this career can take you around the world.

    An audio visual technician must be able to work well under very high pressure situations with many people watching. They must work long hours at any time of the day. They have a certain pride that is hard to explain after running a show to completion, without any technical errors, that most people will never know. Working in this field is hard work, but it is unlike any other.

  • 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!

  • Jobs of the Future: What to Expect When You Graduate

    Jobs of the Future: What to Expect When You Graduate

    Graduation is a major event for students; it’s a milestone in your life and an accomplishment that can’t be taken away. After you graduate you’ll be thrown into the adult world of jobs and careers.

    This is a major time of change and can be scary. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for what you want to do and what sort of education you need to do it. The path to personal success is a rough and bumpy ride, sometimes with many twists and turns.

    Don’t have any what you want to do? Don’t freak out. People change college and university programs multiple times. Most people will cycle through several jobs and careers in their lifetime. Education can help you discover what fits with your personality and what career path suits you the most. Working a job you don’t like, especially for many years, is not a fun experience and it’s important to find a comfortable balance between your working time and recreational time. Nobody likes to be stressed out all the time!

    We live in an exciting and rapidly changing world, and the job market reflects this. Many traditional careers are being changed or ended due to constantly evolving technology. This is why its important to research what sort of career path you want to take and keep up with new developments and changes in your chosen field. Statistics on the employability of certain graduates and the availability of jobs can be found in many online resources. In other words, keep informed!

    STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs, are very important. As technology improves so does the need for dedicated workers in these fields. There are a massive variety of STEM jobs, each field containing a huge variety of careers. A few examples include:

    Science: energy conservationist, agricultural worker, and industrial biotechnologist.

    Technology: construction, automotive manufacturing and economics.

    Engineering: civil engineers, structural engineers, and mechanical engineers.

    Mathematics: architect, high school mathematics teacher, and physicist.

    As you can see, STEM jobs are incredibly diverse and it’s up to you to find what suits you best. STEM jobs can be some of the toughest but also some of the most rewarding, both financially and personally. So keep an open mind and stay up to date on the evolving fields. Getting a STEM job isn’t for everyone, but they can be some of the most exciting and important jobs.

  • How to Prepare for a STEM Career

    How to Prepare for a STEM Career

    Ever wonder how Albert Einstein got started? How about Isaac Newton or even Steve Jobs? If you’re interested in learning about the world around you and how it works, STEM careers might be a good fit for you. Made up of the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, STEM careers are personally rewarding and a great outlet to explore your interests. You may not be at the stage where you have to set yourself on a career path (or you may have already decided to go down the STEM road), but there are things you can do to ensure you’re on the track to success in the field you choose.

    Almost every college and university out there offers a multitude of STEM programs for potential applicants. These programs often have rigorous requirements for admission (for example, in fields like Life Sciences), and the competition can be tough. To properly prepare for post-secondary education in STEM, make sure you take all the necessary prerequisites for the program you’re looking at—and make sure you study hard to meet the mark cut-offs.

    There are so many opportunities out there to get involved with STEM, even apart from post-secondary education. If you’re looking for some great job experience, you can investigate the opportunity for a STEM internship or apprenticeship, which could be a great way to put your practical skills to use. Volunteer positions with certain organizations can be very valuable as well, especially if they’re directly linked to your field of study (to continue the Life Sciences example, look into volunteering at a local hospital). Not only are these sorts of experiences good for your own personal fulfillment, but they look great on a resume, which can really set you apart.

    If you aren’t quite committed to a STEM field but want to learn more, a school club or organization is a fantastic place to start. This gives you the added bonus of being able to meet equally motivated students that share your interests without the serious responsibility of any of the above opportunities. STEM extra-curriculars also look good on post-secondary applications but, more importantly, they give you the chance to explore your options. You are considering pursuing a career that focuses on discovery, after all—why not take the opportunity to discover some of your own STEM-based interests?

    Though it may be a little early to start job-hunting, preparing for a STEM career can mean working on your academics, finding a volunteer or internship position, or even just joining a club. You may be surprised to see how truly valued these types of experiences turn out to be in the workforce. Good luck on your STEM path, whatever you decide it to be. Maybe you’ll be the one making all the discoveries one day!

  • STEM Jobs of the Future

    STEM Jobs of the Future

    Most of you probably know who Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison were, but you might not have heard of the famous mathematicians, John Nash or the ancient Greek scholar, Archimedes. Do you know what these people have in common? They were all part of a field of work often known as STEM, which includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Work in these fields has always been important, and they are a good choice for anyone with a creative but disciplined mind and the ability to see how far their work can go.

    People like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison are famous for a very good reason. They knew a lot of theory, but they also helped to change people’s everyday lives. Long winter evenings would be very different without Edison’s light bulb, for example. The value of work that mathematicians do is less obvious, but their discoveries make all kinds of other work possible. Without mathematics, for example, engineering would be impossible. Without engineers, we would have no bridges or tall buildings. Their calculations make it possible to build many of the towers and other structures we now have.

    Training for work in STEM jobs normally involves a high level of education. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is normally necessary for work in these fields, and usually a master’s degree or PhD is required. The most specialized training is in engineering, where students learn to apply their education to building bridges and other structures. Other STEM fields of study lead to work in areas such as computer sciences, statistics, and agriculture. For many people, this involves further studies beyond a basic bachelor’s degree. With this training, they can become qualified to work in many different areas of society.

    Workplaces for people in STEM jobs can be in offices, universities, and laboratories. They might work with test tubes inside a building or travel around the country, collecting samples of soil or testing the water for anything that might harm the environment. Many people with training in STEM fields also become teachers or university professors, where they pass on their knowledge to others.

    STEM training can help in many areas of life. In biology and biomedical sciences, for example, research results can affect how doctors treat illnesses. Studies in mathematics can lead to work in gathering and analyzing statistical information, which can help people in government and many other fields to plan for the future. With so much variety in workplaces, salaries also vary. Low-level STEM jobs start at about $36,000 per year, but high-paid jobs can reach over $120,000 per year.

    What kinds of people work in STEM jobs? In the past, men tended to take most of the jobs in this field, and that can still often be the case. However, women are starting to become more involved in the work, and many of them are becoming well known in their fields.  Do these kinds of jobs appeal to you? Working towards a career in STEM fields can be a good choice for the future.