career directions (canada career consortium) - ccdf.ca · career directions 2 tact or discretion....

Copyright - Canada Career Consortium, 1999

Cat. No. CCC-CD-99E

ISBN 1-895813-84-0

Photocopies are permitted for non-profit educational purposes only.

Career Directions is a publication of the Canada Career Consortium (CCC) —an alliance to help Canadians better access the information they need to makesound decisions for the future. For more information about the CCC, visitwww.careerccc.org onthe Internet.

Research and Writing: CareerWorks Inc. and Life-Role Development Group Ltd.

Editing and Production Management: Canadian Career Development Foundation

Design: Initial Design and Production Inc.

Website Development: Tecsult Eduplus Inc.

1 CAREER DIRECTIONS

INTRODUCTION PAGE #

What Do I Do After High School 2

Finding Occupations Alphabetically 4

Finding Occupations by Field of Work 9

Interest Checklists 14

FIELDS OF WORK PAGE #

Agribusiness, Natural Resources & Environment 25

Arts, Culture & Communication 43

Business & Administration 63

Computers & Technology 89

Health 109

Manufacturing 135

Sales & Service 157

Tourism, Recreation & Sports 191

Trades & Construction 213

SKILLS INVENTORIES PAGE #

Agribusiness, Natural Resources & Environment Skills Inventory 26

Arts, Culture & Communication Skills Inventory 44

Business & Administration Skills Inventory 64

Computers & Technology Skills Inventory 90

Health Skills Inventory 110

Manufacturing Skills Inventory 136

Sales & Service Skills Inventory 158

Tourism, Recreation & Sports Skills Inventory 192

Trades & Construction Skills Inventory 214

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PAGE #

Acknowledgements 236

Order Form 237

Tell Us What You Think 238

Table of Contents

Career Directions is On-Line.Check it out on the Canada Career Consortium website at:

www.careerccc.org

2CAREER DIRECTIONS

tact or discretion. Read the section“Who’s the right person?” carefully,and imagine yourself in that position.Could you be the right person?

What are employers looking for inapplicants for this type of work? The“What does it take?” section will giveyou information about work require-ments. Will you need formal trainingor a high school diploma? Do youneed a community college back-ground? What experience would be anasset? Also find out what high schoolsubjects would be an asset to you inpreparation for this occupation.

Finding more informationEach profile gives you a list of

related occupations - if a specificoccupation interests you, maybe you’llfind something of interest in therelated occupations as well. Alloccupational profiles have tips onwhere you can goto find out moreabout the work.Some providecontactinformation forprofessionalassociations. Ifyou are interestedin working for thegovernment, youshould contact the local office of thefederal Public Service Commission or itsprovincial/territorial equivalent.

SalariesSalaries are provided to give you an

idea about the wages to expect.Salaries provided for the occupationsrepresent: the average of all workers inthe occupation or occupational group;the average of the top 10% of allworkers in the occupation oroccupational group; and the average ofthe bottom 10% of all workers in theoccupation or occupational group.

Important reasons you need to dosome investigating and check outsalaries for yourself are:

Some salaries may seem extremelylow because the salaries of self-employed people who have lostmoney are included in the averages.

Some of the salaries given for aparticular occupation are thesalaries for a group of similaroccupations and one occupation inthe group may be pulling theaverage up or down.

These averages are national and thesalaries may vary in differentregions.

Working in a rural vs. urban settingmay have different salaryimplications.

The size of the organization youwork for may have salaryimplications - e.g. smallindependent vs. large national orinternational organization/chain.

Some organizations with lowersalaries may offernon-monetarybenefits thatcompensate forthis lower salary(e.g. healthbenefits, extraholiday time,flexible hours,etc.).

Educational background andprevious work experience can affectsalary levels.

Some positions offer employees theopportunity to supplement incomewith commission and gratuities.

The source for the salaryinformation is Statistics Canada,Census, 1996.

How to find interestingoccupationsYou can find occupational profiles thatinterest you in two different ways:

AlphabeticallyFinding Occupations Alphabetically

organizes all the occupational profiles

Interested in full-time work,apprenticeship or college aspart of your future? Checkout the occupational optionsin Career Directions!

Thinking about what to doafter high school?

Career Directions containspractical information to help youthink about what to do after

high school. Use Career Directions toexplore your skills and interests, toinvestigate a variety of occupations,and to think about how to shape yourskill sets to lead you to the work youwant to do.

This guide gives you common-sense(and a step beyond common-sense!)information about 186 occupations,ranging from Agricultural Technician toWelder. It focuses on six paths forcontinued learning: communitycollege, CEGEP, trades/technicaltraining, apprenticeship, on-the-jobtraining and other specialized training.It points out some of the paths thatdifferent occupations can lead to. Ifyou’re worried about making the“wrong decision,” you’ll find out thereis always something to move on to.

Occupational profilesEach occupation starts with a

description of what the work is reallylike - what your typical day might belike. The section “Work conditions andtraining” tells you where you’re likelyto work and what kind of workconditions to expect. Is there shiftwork? Are you likely to earn hourlywages or an annual salary? What sortof on-the-job training can you expect?

Is the work right for you? Are youright for it? Will your heart be in it?Many occupations require specificskills, like computer expertise or goodvisual sense; others require qualities like

Also available: a Parent’s

Brochure and a Facilitator’s

Guide. Fill out the Order Form

at the back of the book to

order these products.

“What do I do after high school?”

3 CAREER DIRECTIONS

in alphabetical order. If you want tofind a specific occupation quickly,this is the list to use.

By Field of WorkFinding Occupations by Field of

Work at the beginning of CareerDirections lets you quickly identify theoccupations within each field. TheField of Work is important because intoday’s changing world, occupationscan change quite quickly. However,work fields change much less quickly,so it’s worth paying attention to thefields that interest you.

The Fields of Work are:

Agribusiness, NaturalResources & Environment

Arts, Culture &Communication

Business & Administration

Computers & Technology

Health

Manufacturing

Sales & Service

Tourism, Recreation & Sports

Trades & Construction

How to use what you findThere are a few things to keep in mindas you use Career Directions:

Think overview. There are over40,000 occupations in North America.Remember that Career Directionsprovides a sampling of occupations.Make sure you explore occupationsrelated to the ones that you readabout, and talk to people in the fieldsyou’re interested in.

Think fields of work. Occupationschange every day. What’s hot onemonth can be cold the next. Whatchanges less quickly are fields of work.For example, you know the Arts,Culture and Communication field isgoing to be around for a while, even ifoccupations within it change. If youfind out about the field - the skills that

are common to several occupations,the different types of companies thathire, the related occupations, etc. -you’ll have an idea of where else tolook in the case where you face majorchanges in your work.

Think pathway. In a world of rapidchange, you’ll likely be doing manythings throughout your life. So,instead of looking at the occupationsin Career Directions as endpoints ordestinations, look at them as startingpoints for your own pathway. Askyourself these questions aboutoccupations that interest you:

Will this occupation launch me into afield that interests me? There are veryfew “dead-end” occupations in thisworld. You can look at any occupationas an entry-point or launchpad into afield of work. For instance, you areinterested in working in tourism. Bussperson may not be your first choice,but what if it leads to food andbeverage server, which leads to maitred’, which leads to restaurant manager,which leads to restaurant owner inBanff? Buss person turns out to be agreat launch into the field of tourism.

Will this occupation help me learnabout other work that might beinteresting? Is it a gateway to the worldof work? Think about the work thatyou’re doing for its ability to show youother kinds of work. For example,doing service work (e.g., pumping gas,selling jeans, serving tables, fillingvending machines, driving delivery)can be a terrific way of getting to talkto people about the work they do andthe field they work in.

Will this occupation be a bridge to afield I’m really interested in? You can’talways get what you want the firsttime. You may be really interested inthe area of entertainment in the Arts,Culture and Communication field, butnothing seems available in yourcommunity. A scan through CareerDirections might help you find anoccupation (like skin care/make-upconsultant, fashion buyer, interiordesigner) that is in a different field (like

Sales and Service) that could bridgeyou to the area of entertainment.

Take the time to read the career-building tips scattered throughoutCareer Directions and look at someof the interest checklists and skillsinventories. The interestchecklists can give you a startingpoint for your exploration. Theskills inventories in each sectioncan show you areas where youalready have some relevant skillsand areas where you may want toincrease your skills.

Career Directions Terms

Following are explanations of howterms are used in Career Directions.The meaning of the terms may beslightly different in other resources.

Occupation = what a person does(e.g. accountant)

Industry = where a person performsthe occupational work (e.g. anaccountant in the shoe manufacturingindustry, or in the health care industryor in the agriculture industry)

Occupational Profile = descriptionof an occupation

Field of Work = name for a group ofclosely related industries (e.g. theAgribusiness, Environment and NaturalResources Field of Work includesoccupations in forestry and fishing andfarming among others)

Sector = Industry (for our purposes -may differ in other resources)

Sector Council = an associationresponsible for providing humanresources information about a field ofwork, an industry or a group of similaroccupations - (e.g. Software HumanResources Council or the NationalSeafood Sector Council). The councilsmay be a very good resource foranyone interested in a certain industryor occupation within that industry.Contact information can be found inthe profiles.

Combine what you are passionate about with your career choices

and you will be on your way to an exciting, fulfilling work future.

4CAREER DIRECTIONS

OCCUPATIONS N.O.C. PAGE #

A Accounting Clerk 1431 65Actor 5135 45Advertising Sales Representative 6411 66Agricultural Technician 2221 27Air Pilot 2271 159Air Traffic Controller 2272 91Announcer/Broadcaster 5231 46Applied Chemical Technologist 2211 92Aquaculture Technician 2221 28Auctioneer 6411 160Autobody Technician 7322 215Automotive Service Technician 7321 216

B Bank Teller 1433 67Bartender 6452 193Boiler Operator 7351 217Broadcast Producer 5131 47Bus Driver 7412 161

C Cable Television Service Technician 7247 162Carpet Cleaner 6662 163Cashier 661 164Chef 6241 194Child and Youth Care Worker 4212 165Civil Engineering Technician/Technologist 2230 93Claims Adjuster 1233 68Computer Animator 5241 94Computer Programmer 2163 95Computer Systems Technician/Technologist 2163 96Conservation Officer 2224 29Cook 6242 195Correctional Service Officer 6462 166Court Officer 1227 69Crane Operator 7371 218Customer Service Representative & Information Clerk 1453 167Customs Broker 1236 168Customs Inspector 1228 169

D Dancer 5134 48Day-Care Worker’s Assistant 6473 170Delivery Driver 7414 171Dental Assistant 3411 111Dental Hygienist 3222 112Dental Technician/Technologist 3220 113

N.O.C. = National Occupational Classification

Finding Occupations Alphabetically

5 CAREER DIRECTIONS


D Dispatcher 1475 172Diver, Commercial 7382 173Draftsperson 2253 97Driller, Construction 7372 219Drywall Installer and Finisher 7284 220

E Editorial Assistant 1452 49Electrical Engineering Technician/Technologist 2241 98Electrician 7241 221Electronic Engineering Technician/Technologist 2241 99Elevator Constructor and Mechanic 7318 222Executive Assistant 1222 70Executive Housekeeper 6471 196

F Fashion Buyer 6233 71Film/New Media Editor 5131 50Firefighter 6262 174Fish and Fish Products Inspector 2222 30Fitness Instructor 5254 197Flight Attendant 6432 198Food and Beverage Server 6453 199Food and Beverage Supervisor 6212 200Food Processing Technician 2211 100Food Products Sales Representative 6411 72Forest Technician 2223 31Foundry Worker 9412 137Front Desk Agent 6435 201Funeral Assistant 6272 114Furnace Operator, Steel Mill 9411 138Furniture Finisher and Refinisher 949 223

G Gas/Oil Burner Technician 7253 224Gas Plant Operator 9232 139General Office Clerk 1411 73Geological Technician/Technologist 2212 32Glass Cutter 9413 140Graphic Designer 5241 51

H Hairstylist 6271 175Hazardous Waste Management Technologist 221 33Health Record Technician 1413 115Heavy Equipment Operator 742 225Heritage Interpreter 5212 52Hockey Player 5251 202


6CAREER DIRECTIONS


H Home Support Worker/Home Health Aide 3414 116Horticulturist 2225 34

I Illustrator 5241 53Industrial Engineering Technician/Technologist 2233 101Industrial Instrumentation Technician/Technologist 2243 102Insurance Agent 6231 176Insurance Underwriter 1234 74Interior Designer 5242 54Inventory Control Clerk 1474 75Ironworker 7264 226

J Jeweller 7344 177

L Legal Assistant 4211 76Lighting Technician 5226 55

M Machinist 723 227Maitre d’Hotel 6451 203Massage Therapist 3235 117Medical Lab Technologist 3211 118Medical Transcriptionist 1244 119Merchandise Facilitator 6622 178Messenger and Courier 1463 179Midwife 3232 120Mine Service and Supply Worker 841 141Mining Machine Operator 8231 142Motorcycle Mechanic 7334 228Musician 5133 56

N Nanny 6474 180Network Security Specialist 2162 103Nuclear Medicine Technologist 3215 121Nursing Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse 3413 122

O Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator 2263 35Office Manager 1221 77Optical Laboratory Technician 3414 123Optician 3231 124Orthopaedic Technologist 3414 125Outdoor Guide 6442 204



7 CAREER DIRECTIONS


P Painter/Decorator 7294 229Paramedic/Ambulance Attendant 3234 126Parts Clerk 961 143Patternmaker 7232 144Payroll Clerk 1432 78Personal Banking Representative 1232 79Pet Groomer 6483 181Petroleum Engineering Technologist 2212 36Pharmacy Technician 3414 127Photographer, Commercial 5221 57Plastics Processing Machine Operator 9422 145Plumber 7251 230Police Officer 6261 182Power Linesman/woman 7244 231Power System Operator 7352 146Printing Machine Operator 9471 147Printing Press Operator 7381 148Process Panel Operator 9234 149Promotions Assistant 1122 80Property Manager 1224 81Psychiatric Aide 3413 128Public Health Inspector 2264 129Publicist 5124 82Purchasing Officer 1225 83

R Radiological Technologist (X-ray Technologist) 3215 130Real Estate Salesperson 6232 183Receptionist 1414 84Recording/Sound Engineer 5225 58Recreation Leader 5254 205Reflexologist 3232 131Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic 7313 232Rehabilitation Assistant 663 132Respiratory Therapist 3214 133Roofer 7291 233Rubber Processing Machine Operator 9423 150

S Sales Manager 0611 85Sawmill Machine Operator 9431 151Scientific Equipment Sales Representative 6221 104Secretary 1241 86Security Guard 665 184Service Rig Operator 8232 152Service Station Attendant 6621 185


8CAREER DIRECTIONS



S Sheet Metal Worker 7261 234Shipper/Receiver 1471 87Ski Lift Operator 6670 206Skin Care/Make-up Consultant 6482 186Social Services Worker 4212 187Special Effects Technician 5226 59Special Events Co-ordinator 1226 207Survey Technician/Technologist 2254 105Swine Technician 8253 37

T Taxi Driver 7413 208Teacher Assistant 6472 188Telecommunications Equipment Technician 7246 106Telemarketer 6623 189Textile Dyer 9443 153Textile Machinery Mechanic 7317 154Tool Designer 2232 155Tourism Small Business Owner/Operator 0632 209Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor 1453 210Transportation Manager 0713 190Travel Counsellor 6431 211

V Veterinary Technician 3213 38Video Camera Operator 5222 60

W Water Resources Technician/Technologist 223 39Water Treatment Plant Operator 9424 40Web Designer 2163 107Welder 9510 235Wildlife Technician 2221 41Writer 5121 61


9 CAREER DIRECTIONS

OCCUPATION N.O.C. PAGE #

Agribusiness, Natural Resources & EnvironmentAgricultural Technician 2221 27Aquaculture Technician 2221 28Conservation Officer 2224 29Fish and Fish Products Inspector 2222 30Forest Technician 2223 31Geological Technician/Technologist 2212 32Hazardous Waste Management Technologist 221 33Horticulturist 2225 34Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator 2263 35Petroleum Engineering Technologist 2212 36Swine Technician 8253 37Veterinary Technician 3213 38Water Resources Technician/Technologist 223 39Water Treatment Plant Operator 9424 40Wildlife Technician 2221 41

Arts, Culture & CommunicationActor 5135 45Announcer/Broadcaster 5231 46Broadcast Producer 5131 47Dancer 5134 48Editorial Assistant 1452 49Film/New Media Editor 5131 50Graphic Designer 5241 51Heritage Interpreter 5212 52Illustrator 5241 53Interior Designer 5242 54Lighting Technician 5226 55Musician 5133 56Photographer, Commercial 5221 57Recording/Sound Engineer 5225 58Special Effects Technician 5226 59Video Camera Operator 5222 60Writer 5121 61

Business & AdministrationAccounting Clerk 1431 65Advertising Sales Representative 6411 66Bank Teller 1433 67Claims Adjuster 1233 68Court Officer 1227 69Executive Assistant 1222 70Fashion Buyer 6233 71Food Products Sales Representative 6411 72

Finding Occupations by Fields of Work


1 0CAREER DIRECTIONS


Business & AdministrationGeneral Office Clerk 1411 73Insurance Underwriter 1234 74Inventory Control Clerk 1474 75Legal Assistant 4211 76Office Manager 1221 77Payroll Clerk 1432 78Personal Banking Representative 1232 79Promotions Assistant 1122 80Property Manager 1224 81Publicist 5124 82Purchasing Officer 1225 83Receptionist 1414 84Sales Manager 0611 85Secretary 1241 86Shipper/Receiver 1471 87

Computers & TechnologyAir Traffic Controller 2272 91Applied Chemical Technologist 2211 92Civil Engineering Technician/Technologist 2230 93Computer Animator 5241 94Computer Programmer 2163 95Computer Systems Technician/Technologist 2163 96Draftsperson 2253 97Electrical Engineering Technician/Technologist 2241 98Electronic Engineering Technician/Technologist 2241 99Food Processing Technician 2211 100Industrial Engineering Technician/Technologist 2233 101Industrial Instrumentation Technician/Technologist 2243 102Network Security Specialist 2162 103Scientific Equipment Sales Representative 6221 104Survey Technician/Technologist 2254 105Telecommunications Equipment Technician 7246 106Web Designer 2163 107

HealthDental Assistant 3411 111Dental Hygienist 3222 112Dental Technician/Technologist 3220 113Funeral Assistant 6272 114Health Record Technician 1413 115Home Support Worker/Home Health Aide 3414 116Massage Therapist 3235 117Medical Lab Technologist 3211 118



1 1 CAREER DIRECTIONS


HealthMedical Transcriptionist 1244 119Midwife 3232 120Nuclear Medicine Technologist 3215 121Nursing Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse 3413 122Optical Laboratory Technician 3414 123Optician 3231 124Orthopaedic Technologist 3414 125Paramedic/Ambulance Attendant 3234 126Pharmacy Technician 3414 127Psychiatric Aide 3413 128Public Health Inspector 2264 129Radiological Technologist (X-ray Technologist) 3215 130Reflexologist 3232 131Rehabilitation Assistant 663 132Respiratory Therapist 3214 133

ManufacturingFoundry Worker 9412 137Furnace Operator, Steel Mill 9411 138Gas Plant Operator 9232 139Glass Cutter 9413 140Mine Service and Supply Worker 841 141Mining Machine Operator 8231 142Parts Clerk 961 143Patternmaker 7232 144Plastics Processing Machine Operator 9422 145Power System Operator 7352 146Printing Machine Operator 9471 147Printing Press Operator 7381 148Process Panel Operator 9234 149Rubber Processing Machine Operator 9423 150Sawmill Machine Operator 9431 151Service Rig Operator 8232 152Textile Dyer 9443 153Textile Machinery Mechanic 7317 154Tool Designer 2232 155

Sales & ServiceAir Pilot 2271 159Auctioneer 6411 160Bus Driver 7412 161Cable Television Service Technician 7247 162Carpet Cleaner 6662 163Cashier 661 164




Sales & ServiceChild and Youth Care Worker 4212 165Correctional Service Officer 6462 166Customer Service Representative & Information Clerk 1453 167Customs Broker 1236 168Customs Inspector 1228 169Day-Care Worker’s Assistant 6473 170Delivery Driver 7414 171Dispatcher 1475 172Diver, Commercial 7382 173Firefighter 6262 174Hairstylist 6271 175Insurance Agent 6231 176Jeweller 7344 177Merchandise Facilitator 6622 178Messenger and Courier 1463 179Nanny 6474 180Pet Groomer 6483 181Police Officer 6261 182Real Estate Salesperson 6232 183Security Guard 665 184Service Station Attendant 6621 185Skin Care/Make-up Consultant 6482 186Social Services Worker 4212 187Teacher Assistant 6472 188Telemarketer 6623 189Transportation Manager 0713 190

Tourism, Recreation & SportsBartender 6452 193Chef 6241 194Cook 6242 195Executive Housekeeper 6471 196Fitness Instructor 5254 197Flight Attendant 6432 198Food and Beverage Server 6453 199Food and Beverage Supervisor 6212 200Front Desk Agent 6435 201Hockey Player 5251 202Maitre d’Hotel 6451 203Outdoor Guide 6442 204Recreation Leader 5254 205Ski Lift Operator 6670 206Special Events Co-ordinator 1226 207Taxi Driver 7413 208





Tourism, Recreation & SportsTourism Small Business Owner/Operator 0632 209Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor 1453 210Travel Counsellor 6431 211

Trades & ConstructionAutobody Technician 7322 215Automotive Service Technician 7321 216Boiler Operator 7351 217Crane Operator 7371 218Driller, Construction 7372 219Drywall Installer and Finisher 7284 220Electrician 7241 221Elevator Constructor and Mechanic 7318 222Furniture Finisher and Refinisher 949 223Gas/Oil Burner Technician 7253 224Heavy Equipment Operator 742 225Ironworker 7264 226Machinist 723 227Motorcycle Mechanic 7334 228Painter/Decorator 7294 229Plumber 7251 230Power Linesman/woman 7244 231Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic 7313 232Roofer 7291 233Sheet Metal Worker 7261 234Welder 9510 235

Remember, in exploring work you’ll learn something more about

yourself, and in exploring yourself you’ll learn something more

about the work that interests you.



Interest Checklists

Interests and skills are closely related - what you are

skilled at, you are more likely to be interested in -

what you are interested in, you are more likely to

become skilled at.

Choosing for PassionWorkers can expect to change the type of work they do

seven to fourteen times in a lifetime. Wouldn’t it be nice tobe able to work in an area that IS your PASSION? Or to usesome of the talents and skills you have a PASSION forDOING in your paid work? It isn’t unusual for people todayto develop or shape some of their own job duties, or tomanouevre their way into a field that they have greatinterest in.

Gino, an office clerk with an interest in publishing and areal love of computers can learn some page layoutprograms. Then he can offer to format letters, memos,pamphlets and even newsletters as part of his job. He isacting to shape his job to include something he is PASSION-ATE ABOUT.

Shawna, a welder from the automotive industry HAS APASSION for gardening. She begins to design and buildwrought iron garden furniture as a hobby. She is applyingthe knowledge and skills she uses at her paid work tosomething she really loves doing.

So, when you are looking at different work options, don’tforget to think about what you love. And when you aremaking a list of your skills and talents, watch for ways to usethe skills you love in the work you are considering.

Where to start?You may not know what occupations you are interested

in. Maybe they all look interesting or maybe none of themseem interesting.

The Interest Checklists can help you get started. Thechecklists are organized into nine Fields of Work.

Scan the Fields of Work (the titles in bold) and choose afew that are the most interesting to you.

Fill in the checklist for the ones you chose as interesting.Wherever you have the most checks is a good place tostart exploring some occupations.

Look at the occupations listed at the bottom of thechecklist and choose a couple to investigate.

For a more detailed list of skills in each Field of

Work look at the Skills Inventories on the back of

the divider pages.

Agribusiness, NaturalResources & Environment

Arts, Culture &Communication

Business &Administration


Health

Manufacturing

Sales & Service

Tourism, Recreation &Sports



INTERESTS: Check the things you like:

working outside the environment performing experiments

biology plants and animals working with your hands

examining things travelling

working with equipment and computers chemistry

SKILLS: Check the things you can do and would like to be able to do:

use computers apply mathematical knowledge keep detailed records

investigate collect and assess data analyze

communicate (oral and written) find solutions to problems

work independently or as a team member apply knowledge of safety

QUALITIES: Check below if you are:

inquisitive patient able to work long hours

precise able to use good judgement able to work under pressure

able to pay attention to detail able to do hard, physical labour

able to see a job through to completion conscientious

TOTAL CHECKMARKS

If you have a lot of checkmarks in this category, you may want to explore some of the occupations listed below.

Interest ChecklistThese are some of the interests, skills, and qualities that frequently apply to occupations in:

Agribusiness, Natural Resources & Environment

These occupations may interest you: N.O.C. Pg #

Agricultural Technician 2221 27Aquaculture Technician 2221 28Conservation Officer 2224 29Fish and Fish Products Inspector 2222 30Forest Technician 2223 31Geological Technician/Technologist 2212 32Hazardous Waste Management Technologist 221 33Horticulturist 2225 34Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator 2263 35Petroleum Engineering Technologist 2212 36Swine Technician 8253 37Veterinary Technician 3213 38Water Resources Technician/Technologist 223 39Water Treatment Plant Operator 9424 40Wildlife Technician 2221 41



Arts, Culture & Communication


current events music promoting ideas or artforms

arts and crafts entertaining/performing variety/the unpredictable

different cultures writing/telling stories communicating experiences to others

promoting yourself interacting with people working with video and audio equipment


think creatively handle constructive criticism memorize large amounts of material

depict ideas respect others’ likes and dislikes think visually and in three dimensions

express yourself well organize - set goals and priorities

think critically work independently or as a member of a team


able to notice detail able to cope with pressure able to meet deadlines

able to work long, irregular hours able to think on your feet enthusiastic

a person with broad general knowledge dramatic confident

self-motivated a person with a flair for design self-disciplined

TOTAL CHECKMARKS



Actor 5135 45Announcer/Broadcaster 5231 46Broadcast Producer 5131 47Dancer 5134 48Editorial Assistant 1452 49Film/New Media Editor 5131 50Graphic Designer 5241 51Heritage Interpreter 5212 52Illustrator 5241 53Interior Designer 5242 54Lighting Technician 5226 55Musician 5133 56Photographer, Commercial 5221 57Recording/Sound Engineer 5225 58Special Effects Technician 5226 59Video Camera Operator 5222 60Writer 5121 61





new challenges routine or repetitive work money and banking interacting with people

persuading others working with numbers sales and marketing

business new products and services planning or conducting meetings


use computers make decisions communicate (oral and written)

plan and organize negotiate deal with difficult people

use numbers manage projects conduct marketing research

analyze use logical thinking skills compile and assess data


competitive confident honest able to use good judgement

able to act professionally self-disciplined tactful adaptable to change

efficient and accurate able to meet deadlines

TOTAL CHECKMARKS



Accounting Clerk 1431 65Advertising Sales Representative 6411 66Bank Teller 1433 67Claims Adjuster 1233 68Court Officer 1227 69Executive Assistant 1222 70Fashion Buyer 6233 71Food Products Sales Representative 6411 72General Office Clerk 1411 73Insurance Underwriter 1234 74Inventory Control Clerk 1474 75Legal Assistant 4211 76Office Manager 1221 77Payroll Clerk 1432 78Personal Banking Representative 1232 79Promotions Assistant 1122 80Property Manager 1224 81Publicist 5124 82Purchasing Officer 1225 83Receptionist 1414 84Sales Manager 0611 85Secretary 1241 86Shipper/Receiver 1471 87





computer games puzzles/challenges reading technical reports and manuals

installing and fixing graphics/animation helping people with their computer problems

troubleshooting working with electronics

science learning about new technologies


interview to identify problems apply mathematical principles use computer software

apply scientific principles manage projects work independently

handle difficult situations brainstorm to problem solve conduct research

apply technical and electronic knowledge


trustworthy flexible patient able to take the initiative

responsible persistent observant able to work to a deadline

systematic detail-oriented precise able to concentrate in any environment

TOTAL CHECKMARKS



Air Traffic Controller 2272 91Applied Chemical Technologist 2211 92Civil Engineering Technician/Technologist 2230 93Computer Animator 5241 94Computer Programmer 2163 95Computer Systems Technician/Technologist 2163 96Draftsperson 2253 97Electrical Engineering Technician/Technologist 2241 98Electronic Engineering Technician/Technologist 2241 99Food Processing Technician 2211 100Industrial Engineering Technician/Technologist 2233 101Industrial Instrumentation Technician/Technologist 2243 102Network Security Specialist 2162 103Scientific Equipment Sales Representative 6221 104Survey Technician/Technologist 2254 105Telecommunications Equipment Technician 7246 106Web Designer 2163 107



Health


interacting with people healthy living working with technical equipment

research science helping people

investigating the human body reading about health issues working in a laboratory


gather and assess patient data act quickly and accurately in emergencies

reassure people apply knowledge of ethics

apply knowledge of first aid deal with difficult or delicate situations

use laboratory equipment analyze problems and find solutions

use health-care related software programs use medical/technical equipment

communicate accurately (oral, written, reading) organize - set goals and priorities


caring/compassionate able to use good judgement precise

sensitive to other cultures accountable for your actions able to remain calm under pressure

decisive willing to keep learning about new things

TOTAL CHECKMARKS



Dental Assistant 3411 111Dental Hygienist 3222 112Dental Technician/Technologist 3220 113Funeral Assistant 6272 114Health Record Technician 1413 115Home Support Worker/Home Health Aide 3414 116Massage Therapist 3235 117Medical Lab Technologist 3211 118Medical Transcriptionist 1244 119Midwife 3232 120Nuclear Medicine Technologist 3215 121Nursing Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse 3413 122Optical Laboratory Technician 3414 123Optician 3231 124Orthopaedic Technologist 3414 125Paramedic/Ambulance Attendant 3234 126Pharmacy Technician 3414 127Psychiatric Aide 3413 128Public Health Inspector 2264 129Radiological Technologist (X-ray Technologist) 3215 130Reflexologist 3232 131Rehabilitation Assistant 663 132Respiratory Therapist 3214 133



Manufacturing


building or constructing things inventing working with your hands

methodical or careful work designing and drawing engineering and computers

disassembling and assembling things machines


assess mechanical problems use computerized settings on machines fix machines

assess for quality in production work individually or in a team record data on quotas

read schematics and diagrams apply knowledge of safety regulations

listen to follow instructions monitor measurement instruments


able to meet deadlines a person with good hand-eye co-ordination able to use good judgement

punctual a person who doesn’t mind getting dirty able to do physical labour

precise able to concentrate even with distractions

detail-oriented able to remain alert for repetitive tasks or long shifts

TOTAL CHECKMARKS



Foundry Worker 9412 137Furnace Operator, Steel Mill 9411 138Gas Plant Operator 9232 139Glass Cutter 9413 140Mine Service and Supply Worker 841 141Mining Machine Operator 8231 142Parts Clerk 961 143Patternmaker 7232 144Plastics Processing Machine Operator 9422 145Power System Operator 7352 146Printing Machine Operator 9471 147Printing Press Operator 7381 148Process Panel Operator 9234 149Rubber Processing Machine Operator 9423 150Sawmill Machine Operator 9431 151Service Rig Operator 8232 152Textile Dyer 9443 153Textile Machinery Mechanic 7317 154Tool Designer 2232 155



Sales & Service


selling things helping people find what they need learning about new cultures

persuading people meeting and greeting new people providing good public service

negotiating promoting products and services explaining things

travelling being creative in providing people with what they want


listen to understand prepare and submit invoices give presentations and do demonstrations

write reports find solutions to problems quickly research new product/service information

set goals and priorities use word processing programs deal diplomatically with difficult people

negotiate organize consumer databases use electronic inventory programs


persuasive competitive able to be decisive and firm able to act in a confident manner

energetic courteous observant of non-verbal cues a person with integrity

honest persistent able to work well under pressure a good judge of character

TOTAL CHECKMARKS


These occupations may interest you: N.O.C. Pg #Air Pilot 2271 159Auctioneer 6411 160Bus Driver 7412 161Cable Television Service Technician 7247 162Carpet Cleaner 6662 163Cashier 661 164Child and Youth Care Worker 4212 165Correctional Service Officer 6462 166Customer Service Representative & Information Clerk 1453 167Customs Broker 1236 168Customs Inspector 1228 169Day-Care Worker’s Assistant 6473 170Delivery Driver 7414 171Dispatcher 1475 172Diver, Commercial 7382 173Firefighter 6262 174Hairstylist 6271 175Insurance Agent 6231 176Jeweller 7344 177Merchandise Facilitator 6622 178Messenger and Courier 1463 179Nanny 6474 180Pet Groomer 6483 181Police Officer 6261 182Real Estate Salesperson 6232 183Security Guard 665 184Service Station Attendant 6621 185Skin Care/Make-up Consultant 6482 186Social Services Worker 4212 187Teacher Assistant 6472 188Telemarketer 6623 189Transportation Manager 0713 190





meeting new people sports and sporting events being outdoors co-ordinating events

educating people physical fitness and activities speaking to groups entertaining people

challenges and adventure helping people answering questions travelling


co-ordinate and organize events develop marketing strategies listen to understand

deal with customers, including difficult ones analyze data provide instructions

manage equipment and supplies lists respond and adjust to feedback

apply knowledge of first aid and safety assume leadership when appropriate

use computer software for schedules, records and billing


friendly and outgoing a person with a sense of humour courteous

a person with strength and stamina adaptable to many situations able to cope well with stress

conscientious able to pay attention to detail able to motivate self and others

positive in attitude determined competitive

TOTAL CHECKMARKS



Bartender 6452 193Chef 6241 194Cook 6242 195Executive Housekeeper 6471 196Fitness Instructor 5254 197Flight Attendant 6432 198Food and Beverage Server 6453 199Food and Beverage Supervisor 6212 200Front Desk Agent 6435 201Hockey Player 5251 202Maitre d’Hotel 6451 203Outdoor Guide 6442 204Recreation Leader 5254 205Ski Lift Operator 6670 206Special Events Co-ordinator 1226 207Taxi Driver 7413 208Tourism Small Business Owner/Operator 0632 209Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor 1453 210Travel Counsellor 6431 211





working with your hands learning new techniques working outside or in workshops

working alone routine activity working with tools and machines

solving problems building or constructing things

physics fixing and repairing things


use electric and hand tools apply knowledge of safety

operate heavy equipment work independently

follow instructions - verbal or written sketch plans and solutions

read equipment and regulations manuals measure and estimate

think in three dimensions prepare and submit invoices

apply technical and mechanical knowledge use computer-assisted design programs

read blueprints and job specifications


patient reliable able to work long hours

accountable for your actions physically fit adaptable to change

able to keep cool in critical situations able to do physical labour consistent in quality of work

a person with good hand-eye co-ordination able to notice detail

TOTAL CHECKMARKS



Autobody Technician 7322 215Automotive Service Technician 7321 216Boiler Operator 7351 217Crane Operator 7371 218Driller, Construction 7372 219Drywall Installer and Finisher 7284 220Electrician 7241 221Elevator Constructor and Mechanic 7318 222Furniture Finisher and Refinisher 949 223Gas/Oil Burner Technician 7253 224Heavy Equipment Operator 742 225Ironworker 7264 226Machinist 723 227Motorcycle Mechanic 7334 228Painter/Decorator 7294 229Plumber 7251 230Power Linesman/woman 7244 231Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic 7313 232Roofer 7291 233Sheet Metal Worker 7261 234Welder 9510 235

2 5

Agribusiness, Natural Resources & EnvironmentIf you get cabin fever after being inside for 10 minutes, then this is the

field for you!

Please Note:Salaries in each profile represent: the average of all workers in the occupation or occupationalgroup; the average of the top 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group; and theaverage of the bottom 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group. The figures caninclude earnings of self-employed people who may have lost money. This may lower the averagesalaries significantly.

SOURCE OF SALARIES: Statistics Canada, Census, 1996.

OCCUPATION N.O.C. PG #

Agricultural Technician 2221 27

Aquaculture Technician 2221 28

Conservation Officer 2224 29

Fish and Fish ProductsInspector 2222 30

Forest Technician 2223 31

Geological Technician/Technologist 2212 32

Hazardous WasteManagement Technologist 221 33

Horticulturist 2225 34

Occupational Healthand Safety Co-ordinator 2263 35

Petroleum EngineeringTechnologist 2212 36

Swine Technician 8253 37

Veterinary Technician 3213 38

Water ResourcesTechnician/Technologist 223 39

Water Treatment PlantOperator 9424 40

Wildlife Technician 2221 41

Interested in the environment? Always examining things and performingexperiments to find out the why and the what? Like being outside and working withplants and animals? You may find some interesting work in the Field of Agribusiness,Natural Resources and Environment.

In many of these occupations the work also involves using mathematical knowledge,using computers to organize data, and solving problems related to science andnature. If these types of occupations attract your attention, you need to do someserious investigating to find out how to get the work you want and where you mayhave to go to get it.

TIP: Sell your product: Yourself!In order to get hired by an employer or by a client (if you are in business for yourself)you have to sell yourself just like a company sells its product. You have to let theemployer or customer know not only what you can do - but how you can do it!

What do you tell a future employer as a newly graduated horticulturist, for example,or a wildlife technician?

From a big list of any skills, qualities and knowledge you have from school,volunteer work, recreation activities, or part-time work - pick out those that wouldapply to the work you want.

Examples are:

work-specific skills you have - use spreadsheet, analyze data, handle snakes andbirds safely, etc.

people skills you have - make wildlife presentations to the public, explain parkrules to visitors, handle complaints, etc.

results of your activities to prove you do them well - asked to take presentationsinto schools by a teacher, less park rules broken after your explanations, supervisorpraised your work with animals, etc.

qualities that will help in getting the work done - accurate, persistent, noticedetails, etc.

Don’t forget that almost every job needs good communication skills and yourmarketing tools (résumé, flyer, portfolio, phone and personal interview) are goodways of showing off some of your skills in this area.

2 6

Place a ✔ beside the skills you already have. Place a ★ beside the skills you would like to develop to prepareyourself for work in this field.

1. Thinking:

Be logical, scientific Be inquisitive Be critical, use judgement

Solve problems Make decisions Be detailed

Find information Use memory Plan and organize job tasks

2. Oral Communication:

Listen to concerns Provide information to customers Present evidence in court

Interact with co-workers Communicate highly complicated concepts in easily understandable language

3. Technical and Computer Use:

Operate agricultural machinery Be familiar with electronic lab equipment

Use computerized treatment and protection systems Use specialized computer software

Use word processing, database, and spreadsheet software Use measurement instruments

4. Numeracy:

Perform calculations Use ratios Use budgeting and scheduling math

Make numerical estimations Use statistics Analyze data (compare, contrast, predict; averages,summaries, rates)

5. Working with Others:

Be respectful of others Give presentations Make suggestions for improvements

Work on a team Participate in discussions

Be able to work independently Take direction and/or assign tasks to others

6. Writing:

Write reports Use statistics Transcribe data Take notes

Draw maps Develop procedures Make sketches/diagrams

7. Reading:

Read: Maps Cross-sections Letters Graphs

Journals Memos Reports Charts

These subjects can help me developsome of the skills I need:

These types of volunteer work can helpme develop some of the skills I need:

These leisure and recreation activitiesand hobbies can help me developsome of the skills I need:

Think about the skills you need. Use the spaces below to figure out where you can get them.

Skills InventoryThese are some of the skills that frequently apply to occupations in:

Agribusiness, Natural Resources & Environment

CAREER DIRECTIONS

2 7

The figures include the earningsof self-employed people who mayhave lost money, which may lowerthe average salaries significantly.

CAREER DIRECTIONS

Agricultural technicians are trainedfor today’s modern farm andagricultural businesses. Most of

them work on a family farm orcorporation. Many others are employeesin areas such as: chemical or fertilizercompanies, farm machinery dealerships,banks that lend to farmers, credit unions,insurance companies, federal andprovincial/territorial governmentagencies and research stations.

You have the skills needed to run afarm or agri-business. You know how toseed, control weeds, harvest, storeproduce and market crops. You canselect appropriate crops or livestock forspecific soil and weather conditions whiletaking into consideration the currentfarm market trends. You know enoughabout mechanics to operate andmaintain farm machinery. You also knowenough about accounting andmanagement to run a modern farm.

Depending on the type of farm ororganization that you work for as atechnician, you can specialize in one ofthe many differing areas of agriculture.For example, if you develop your abilityto repair farm machinery, you maybecome a farm equipment mechanic. Onthe other hand, if you concentrate onlivestock, you can learn enough to keepanimals healthy and to recognize disease.This might involve handling injections,birthing, dehorning and castration, andrecognizing a situation serious enough tocall the veterinarian. Some of the areasyou can specialize in include: milkproduction, research, agriculturalchemicals or elk ranching.

Work conditions and trainingMost areas of agriculture require that youwork outdoors, sometimes in harshweather conditions. Your work may alsobe in remote areas. Agriculture is not anine-to-five job. With the manyuncertainties involved in agriculture, youmust be willing to take some risks. Thesemay be financial or physical.

Agricultural technicians are usuallypaid an hourly or a monthly wage.Depending on the agri-business,technicians are sometimes paidcommissions.

Many agri-businesses will provide on-the-job training, but you should keepyour knowledge up-to-date by talking tofarmers, reading agricultural publicationsor attending seminars. You must befamiliar with the broader issues such asworld markets, and you need to have agood understanding of these. Thisknowledge will assist you in getting otherjobs in different areas of agriculture.

Who’s the right person?You need a great deal of skill in yourparticular area of agri-business. Youknow how to use a computer to keeprecords and analyze data for productionand business purposes. For example,livestock producers use computers tokeep track of animals for breeding andanimal selection.

You will do well in this work if you area self-starter who wants to work outdoors.You often work without supervision,making and carrying out your owndecisions.

What does it take?a high school diplomaa two-year agricultural technologyprogram at a community college maybe required

Next steps?seasonal or part-time work can lead tofull-time worksales positionssupervisory and management levelpositions

Agricultural Technician

Relevant high schoolsubjects

Chemistry, Biology,Computers

Want moreinformation? Try…

Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanadawww.agr.ca

The Canadian Federation ofAgriculturewww.cfa-fca.ca

What are some relatedoccupations?

agricultural technologisthorticulturistfarm managerbotanical technician

“I mostly help farmers

with concerns they have

about weed control. It’s

challenging to look at

different situations and

help farmers make the

best decision possible.”

Paul W.

Average salary $37,312low average $20,827high average $52,223

2 8


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Aquaculture technicians raise andharvest fish, shellfish, crustaceansand plants in both fresh and salt

water. The marine and plant life theygrow are sold for food or used toreplenish wildlife stocks for recreationalor commercial fishing. The majority ofaquaculture farms in Canada raisesalmon, trout, Arctic char, crustaceans orshellfish.

As an aquaculture technician, you arethe first to see and respond to anyproblems with production. You areresponsible for feeding the stock andfiguring out how much food is needed.A key task is to maintain optimal waterquality. You check the stock for diseaseand apply treatments when necessary.You also collect and record growth andproduction data and are involved in theharvesting for distribution.

You install, operate, maintain andclean pumps, filters and otherequipment. You clean and maintain thenets used to hold the fish in theenclosures. You might also scuba dive toinspect sea farm operations. You maydesign and construct pens, floatingstations and collector strings or fences forsea farms. If you are working in anoperation that sells the fish forconsumption, you also slaughter, gut andprepare the fish for market.

Work conditions and trainingAquaculture technology is more than ajob; it’s a way of life. You may often findyourself working seven days a week.Shift work is common, includingweekends and holidays. Aquaculturetechnicians are employed by privateaquaculture operations, government fishhatcheries and experimental aquaticfarms. Many technicians are self-employed and own and operate theirown aquaculture farms.

Aquaculture technicians work bothindoors and outside. The work outdoorscan be in all kinds of weather. The workcan be physically demanding andincludes some lifting and carrying. Once

you are employed, your training will bemostly on the job.

Who’s the right person?You must be ready to do a variety of worktasks. You are given a good deal ofresponsibility and much of the time youare unsupervised. You need goodobservational skills and plenty of patience.You also need to be a good planner sinceit may take two to three years before youcan sell the stock you raise. You must beready to continue to learn on the job asthis field continues to change and grow.

In the course of your career, you maybecome manager or owner of anaquaculture operation, supervisingtechnicians and others. To become amanager or owner, you need goodadministrative skills and you must knowhow to deal with people.

What does it take?a high school diplomaa two-year aquaculture program at acommunity collegeself-employed aquaculture operators ormanagers need a provincial/territorialcommercial fish hatchery licence orpermitmembership in associations andproducers’ groups is optionalcomputer literacy is essential

Next steps?manager or owner of an aquaculturebusinessresearcher

Aquaculture Technician


Biology, Chemistry,Computers


Aquaculture Association ofCanadawww.ifmt.nf.ca

Canadian AquacultureIndustry Alliancewww.aquaculture.ca

Canadian Council ofTechnicians andTechnologistswww.cctt.ca


sea farm attendantfishing vessel skippershellfish harvesteroyster growerfish tagger


“I really have a farming

job – I care for fish. I do

everything from counting

to processing. I probably

most enjoy the feeding

though.” Dave B.

2 9


CAREER DIRECTIONS

ShortTIPS

Conservation officers enforcefederal and provincial/territoriallaws established to protect fish,

wildlife and other natural resources.They use several forms of transportationto patrol different areas including lakes,mountains, streams, marshlands, etc.One day you may take water samples ordo resource inventories and the next dayarrest a lawbreaker for a firearm offence.Because of the varied nature of the workit is important that you are a“resourceful,” well-rounded individual.

Work conditions and trainingWorking as a conservation officer isdemanding and requires that you be infairly good shape and able to performvarious skills. A driver’s licence will verylikely be required as well as otherlicences. These could range from apesticide applicator’s licence to anexplosives licence – it all depends onwhich, of many different areas, you getinto.

Completion of a one- to three-yearcollege program in renewable resourcesmanagement is required, as well as on-the-job training. Sometimes you mayrequire membership in a professionalgroup for technologists in appliedsciences. An extra year in resource law isvery beneficial for the would-be officer ina highly competitive environment.

You must love the outdoors, as youwork year-round, out-of-doors in all kindsof weather conditions. You may giveclassroom lectures in trapper educationor conduct firearms safety courses. Youmay end up in court giving evidence in acase or investigation. There are manydifferent kinds of work conditions in thischallenging field.

Who’s the right person?You are concerned about theenvironment and have a strong interestin nature. You are in good health andphysical condition and can handleperiods of isolation. You have excellent

communication skills, both verbal andwritten, and have the tact and diplomacyto handle difficult people and situations.You should have the flexibility to workmany different hours, particularlyholidays.

What does it take?high school diploma with third yearMathematicsone to three years in a college resourcemanagement programlove of the wilderness and wildernessskills are a definite advantageability to pass an in-depth backgroundor reference checkattention to detail as data gatheringwill likely be a part of the job

Next steps?wildlife managementdistrict fish and wildlife officersuperintendentchief of enforcement or director

Conservation Officer


Biology, Chemistry, English,Mathematics


Federal Wildlife OfficersAssociationwww.fwoa.org

Parks Canadawww.parkscanada.pch.gc.ca

Canadian Council forHuman Resources in theEnvironment Industrywww.cchrei.ca


game wardenpark rangerfish and fish productsinspectoragricultural productsinspectorforestry technicianforest rangerby-law enforcement officer


Does information about jobavailability in Canada apply towhere you live? It may and it maynot - which is why it is soimportant to check it out - in yourlocal newspaper, chamber ofcommerce, unions and associations,and human resources departmentsof the local companies andindustries.

“This is a great job –

you make a difference

being a steward of the

environment. You have

to love the work...”

Bob C.

3 0


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Federal fish and fish productinspectors are employed by theCanadian Food Inspection Agency

(CFIA). They monitor Canadian seafoodprocessors that are registered to exporttheir products outside of their homeprovince/territory. These processorsmust follow Canadian standards in theirproduction. Inspectors also monitor fishand fish products that are imported intoCanada.

You conduct an inspection calledHACCP (Hazard Analysis and CriticalControl Points). Inspections involveevaluation of production plants,processing equipment, processingpractices, products and qualitymanagement programs.

Imported fish products must beinspected when they arrive in Canada.You visit the importer and take samplesfrom selected shipments of imported fish.These are brought to the laboratorieswhere a series of physical, chemical andbacteriological tests measure productsafety and wholesomeness. Products thatmeet Canadian standards are allowedinto the Canadian market, while thosethat do not must be destroyed orremoved from Canada.

You may find violations and illegalactivities that require you to hold upshipments, make seizures and take legalactions. You must have knowledge ofcrisis management.

You also act as the principal point ofcontact for advice and guidance toconsumers, other governmentdepartments and industry clients such ascommercial processors, exporters,importers, commercial and recreationalfishers and aquaculturists.

Work conditions and trainingYou spend time in meetings with seafoodprocessing managers and quality controlemployees and you observe productionareas on site.

Your work can be stressful since theindustry and the general public closelywatch your actions and words. The

physical work environment includes theinside of processing plants from freezingfacilities to canneries. Inside can haveextreme temperatures, humidity, andslippery surfaces. In-house training isextensive.

Who’s the right person?The work will appeal to you if you havean interest in auditing techniques, foodprocessing technology, food chemistry orfood microbiology.

You have to be knowledgeable andskilled in interpersonal relationships. Youmust be observant to effectively evaluatethe activity of others and assertive towork with them to make improvements.Colour blindness or an impaired sense oftaste and/or smell can block youreffectiveness in this profession.

What does it take?a college diploma in an area such aschemistry, microbiology or foodprocessing technology is required. Thetrend is towards the requirement of auniversity degreeno licences, certificates or registrationare required

Next steps?supervisory and managementopportunitiesgeographic mobility

Fish and Fish Products Inspector


Biology, Chemistry, English,French, Mathematics


Canadian Food InspectorAgencywww.cfia-acia.agr.ca/english/directory/maindir.html

National Seafood SectorCouncilwww.nssc.ca


safety inspectoroccupational health andsafety officeragricultural productsinspectorfish graderlivestock inspector


“I make sure that our

products are safe for the

consumer. We have to

consider everything from

the lake to the counter.”

Bob U.

3 1


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Forest technicians perform technicaland supervisory duties in forestresearch, forest lands management,

and forest conservation. They areemployed mainly by federal andprovincial/territorial governments and byprivate companies in the forestryindustry.

As a forest technician, you conductand supervise forest inventories, surveys,and field measurements using acceptedscientific methods. You prepare or assistin the preparation of forest managementand harvest plans. You may plan andsupervise construction of access routesand forest roads; operations involving sitepreparation, planting and nurturing ofyoung trees; or forest harvestingoperations.

If you work for the government, youcheck the activities of logging companiesand contractors, looking atenvironmental protection, the proper useof forest resources and fire safety. Youmay supervise tree nursery operations.You might also provide technical supportto forestry research programs in areassuch as tree improvement, seed orchardoperations or experimental forestryresearch.

Work conditions and trainingThe work of a forest technician can bephysically demanding. You spend muchof your time outdoors, sometimes inisolated areas. You divide your timebetween office work and field work. Inthe field, experience, caution, and propersafety measures and equipment—such ashardhats, eye and ear protection, andsafety clothing and boots—are importantto avoid injury. Safety training is veryimportant.

Once on the job, you develop skillsthrough work experience and othertraining opportunities. You are likely towork under the direction of a seniorforester or forestry scientist. You arenormally paid a monthly salary.

Summer work related to research andreforestation often improves your chancesof future employment opportunities.

Who’s the right person?Forest technicians share a strong concernfor the natural environment. You oftenwork independently, but you must alsobe able to work as part of a team madeup of foresters, scientists, loggers andadministrators from government and theprivate sector. You need good writtenand verbal communication skills. Goodjudgment is important in making quick,intelligent decisions in dealing withhazards as they arise.

Computers and computer systems areconsidered to be essential tools inmodern forest management.Computerized geographical informationsystems are used, especially in themapping of forests. You enjoy and havesome aptitude for the sciences,mathematics and computers.

What does it take?a high school diploma - some collegesrequire high school Physicsa two- to three-year communitycollege program in forest technologyor forest management, though someone-year programs are also availablecertification in forestry technology maybe requiredthere are professional associations ineach province/territory affiliated withthe Canadian Council of Technologistsand Technicians. Membership isvoluntary, but strongly recommended

Next steps?natural resource and wildlifemanagement positionsparks management

Forest Technician

“There is so much

diversity in my job - one

day I am supervising a

logging operation, and

the next I am doing

reforestation or land use

reporting.” Ginger H.


Mathematics, a LaboratoryScience (with researchmethods and statisticalanalysis) Computers, English

Want moreinformation? Try…The Canadian Council ofTechnicians andTechnologistswww.cctt.ca

The Canadian Wood Council(CWC)Tel. 1-800-463-5091www.cwc.ca

What are some relatedoccupations?primary products inspector,plantsagricultural technologistbotanical technologistbotanical technicianforester


3 2


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Geological technicians/technologists work on geologicalsurveys, prospecting field trips,

exploratory drilling projects, and well,logging and underground mine surveyprograms. You may work on your own orprovide technical support for geologists,geophysicists or engineers.

Your duties will vary depending on thefield you choose. For example, you maywork in oil and gas exploration andproduction, geophysics, mineralogy,metallurgy, geology, mining, orenvironmental assessment. However, ingeneral, you collect and prepare rock,mineral and metal samples, performlaboratory tests, analyze and report testresults, and maintain testing equipment;or, you supervise others who perform allor some of these tasks.

You may analyze core samples fromdrilling, prepare sketches or geologicalmaps, analyze seismic and other surveydata, supervise oil and gas well drillingactivities, evaluate possible mininglocations, help hydro-geologists evaluategroundwater and well circulation, ordevelop specifications for the heattreatment of metals.

Work conditions and trainingGeological technicians/technologistswork for petroleum and miningcompanies, geological and engineeringconsulting firms, governmentdepartments, and manufacturing,construction and utility companies. Youmay spend most of your time workingindoors in a laboratory or officeenvironment, or spend some of your timeworking outdoors, collecting samples.Most offices and laboratories are locatedin or near cities but, for some jobs, youmay have to travel and work in remotelocations. In the mining industry, youmay work in an underground mine, openpit mine, concentrator facility, smelter orrefinery.

To get started in this occupation, youneed a college or technical institutecertificate or diploma in a geological,

petroleum, mining, mineralogy,metallurgical or related technology. Afteryou graduate, you will probably startworking in an entry-level technicalsupport position. You can progress topositions with additional responsibilitiesas you gain experience.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in science andtechnology, and enjoy working withequipment and computers. You alsoenjoy analyzing information and solvingproblems. You pay attention to details,are organized, work effectively underpressure (alone and with other people),and resolve problems logically.

You need good communication skills,in person and in writing, and you mustwork well with other people in a teamenvironment.

What does it take?a high school diplomaa college or technical institutecertificate or diploma in a geological,petroleum, mining, mineralogy,metallurgical or related technology isrequiredyou must be physically able to handlesampling/monitoring equipment andconduct field worka driver’s licence and WorkplaceHazardous Materials InformationSystem (WHMIS), Standard First Aid,Wilderness First Aid and/or FirearmsAcquisition certification may berequired

Next steps?supervisory positions

Geological Technician/Technologist

“The most appealing

part of my work is being

responsible for a variety

of tasks. Variety and

responsibility build

confidence and make

your work day more

interesting.” Laura M.


Chemistry, Computers,Physics, English,Mathematics


Canadian TechnologyHuman Resources Boardwww.cthrb.ca

Mining Industry Trainingand Adjustment Councilwww.mitac.ca

Natural Resources Canadawww.nrcan.gc.ca/gscwww.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/school/jobs/jobbis.htm


surveyorapplied chemical technician/technologistenvironmental technician/technologistwater resources technician/technologist


3 3


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Hazardous waste managementtechnologists help to reduce theuse and production of hazardous

materials, ensure the safe disposal ofhazardous wastes, and identify and cleanup contaminated sites. You provideinformation and advice on toxic wastematerials, inspect waste-producingoperations and write reports. You maybe employed by an industrialorganization or consulting firm, or by agovernment regulatory agency.

You work closely with engineers andscientists. Depending on where youwork, you may help to develop and carryout environmentally-friendly industrialprocesses and procedures; collect air,water and soil samples and conduct teststo monitor production operations; helpclean up toxic waste spills; or measurethe extent of environmental impact.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for a regional solid wastemanagement facility, a municipal publicworks department, an engineering orenvironmental consulting firm, agovernment department, amanufacturing firm, a pulp and paperprocessing company, a petrochemicalcompany, or a mining company. Workconditions vary depending on the type ofemployer. You may work on a widevariety of work sites or in an officeenvironment. Travel and outdoor work isoften required, in all kinds of weatherconditions.

To get started in this occupation youneed a college or technical institutecertificate or diploma as a minimum, or auniversity degree in a related field such asnatural resource or environmentaltechnology, or civil engineering,chemical or biological technology.

Who’s the right person?As well as being interested in science,technology and the environment, youenjoy working with computers,instruments and other devices, and

finding out how things work. You areorganized, work effectively underpressure, and are very safety conscious.You pay attention to details and can keepaccurate, detailed records. You resolveproblems by analyzing informationlogically.

You can work independently but alsowork well as part of a team, and enjoymeeting and working with a wide varietyof people. You have good communica-tion skills, verbal and written.

What does it take?high school diplomacompletion of a related college ortechnical institute certificate or diplomaprogramyou must be physically able to handlesampling/monitoring equipment andconduct field worka driver’s licence is usually required

Next steps?supervisory positionsindependent consultant

Hazardous Waste Management Technologist

“Hazardous waste

management is a close-

knit community – if you

have a question,

somebody’s going to know

the answer.” Jason H.


Mathematics, Chemistry,Biology, Physics, Computers,English


Association for CanadianRegistered SafetyProfessionalswww.acrsp.ca

Canadian Council forHuman Resources in theEnvironment Industrywww.chatsubo.com/cchrei



environmental technician/technologistapplied chemical technician/technologistoccupational health andsafety officerpublic health inspectorwater resources technician/technologist


3 4


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Horticulturists work with plants,people and the environment totransform or maintain areas for

recreation or relaxation. They areemployed by retail garden centres,production nurseries, landscapeconstruction contractors, landscapemaintenance contractors, lawn carecontractors, sod production companies,landscape architectural firms, themunicipal, provincial/territorial andfederal governments, public parksystems, botanical gardens, horticulturalgardens, colleges and universities.

You can combine various gardening,construction and business skills todevelop careers in widely divergent areas.You can grow plants for landscapecontractors and retail garden centres.You can design, build and look aftergardens and parks working with plants,soil and water, and materials such asstone and timber. You may act as aconsultant, giving advice to businessesand homeowners on how to createbeautiful gardens.

You may provide technicalinformation to farmers; fruit, vegetableand flower growers; nursery operatorsand commercial firms who markethorticultural products. You may chooseto concentrate on areas such as care oftrees, turf or exotic plants.

Work conditions and trainingHorticulturists may work outdoors in avariety of weather conditions. You arephysically active and may lift and bend,handling a variety of equipment. Youwork at a frantic pace especially in thespring and fall. Most of the industryfunctions on a ten- to eleven-month workyear, so most workers get one to twomonths off annually.

You can take advantage of upgradingcourses offered by the nursery industry atthe local association level. Also, you canbe evaluated and achieve your CanadianCertified Horticultural Technician (CCHT)in either landscape construction,maintenance or retail garden centre.

This requires at least 2000 hours ofindustry experience (1000 hours creditgiven for related education), and passinga written examination of technicalknowledge and a series of practical skillstests.

Who’s the right person?You are well organized, responsible andartistic. You seek diversity and continualchange and are interested in beauty,environmentally friendly products, energyconservation, and protection of wildlife.

You will enjoy field work if you likephysical activity in an outdoor setting.You will succeed as a salesperson if youare friendly, possess good communicationskills, and are very familiar with landscapeplants and their uses. If you are self-motivated, display initiative, enjoyworking with people and are willing todevelop a good business background,you are an excellent candidate for anadministrative career in horticulture.

What does it take?a high school diplomaa community college course of one tothree years in horticulturea four- to five-year university programin areas such as botanical research orlandscape architecture isrecommendedsome provinces/territories offer two-year apprenticeship programs inhorticulturecourses are also available throughhorticultural professional associations,botanical gardens and private schoolscorrespondence and part-time coursesare availableexperience through a summer job isgood preparation

Next steps?supervisory positionsmanager or business owner

Horticulturist

“The challenge of

creating something

beautiful from very little

is a real challenge. You

have to have a serious

interest in working with

plants and helping them

grow.” Leslie H.


Sciences (Biology, Botany),Drafting


The Canadian NurseryLandscape AssociationTel. (905) 875-1399

Horticultural HumanResource CouncilTel. (506) 363-3310


arboristagricultural techniciangardenerbotanistmycologistgrounds keeper


3 5


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Occupational health and safetyco-ordinators, sometimes calledrisk management specialists,

promote safety awareness and worktoward making workplaces injury-free.You may be employed by a company toreduce safety hazards and promotepositive attitudes toward safety measures,or you may represent a governmentagency as an inspector.

As a company employee, you observework practices and inspect companywork environments to identify potentialsafety hazards. To eliminate or reducehazards, you advise workers andmanagers about safety standards andregulations and proper methods andequipment for injury and accidentprevention. When injuries do occur, youinvestigate to determine what happenedand how similar injuries could beprevented. You may also design safetyawareness programs, co-ordinate safetycommittees and instruct safety courses.Your programs and courses may covertopics ranging from accident preventionto proper ventilation.

As an inspector, you visit a widevariety of work environments todetermine if safety laws and regulationsare being followed, and identify unsafe orunhealthy working conditions. You mayspecialize in inspecting construction sites,mines, manufacturing facilities, officeenvironments, or other types ofworkplaces.

Work conditions and trainingYou may be employed by a largeorganization such as a school board orhealth care authority, a construction,transportation, mining or electrical utilitycompany, or a government department.At least part of your time will be spentworking in an office setting preparingreports and attending meetings. The restof the time, you may work outdoors or inan institutional or industrial building. Asan inspector, driving from one work siteto another may be a routine part of yourday.

You need a combination of relatededucation and experience to work in thisoccupation. You must have several yearsof related work experience plus a collegeor technical institute diploma,journeyman trade certificate or universitydegree. First aid training or health care-related training is a definite asset. Youshould also have taken safety-relatedcourses and become a registered memberof a local safety association or council.

Change is a constant in this work. Asnew safety-related information andequipment becomes available, and lawsand regulations are changed, you have tokeep up to date through reading,consulting other safety professionals,attending conferences and otherprofessional development activities.Computer skills are essential.

Who’s the right person?You have a positive attitude and anoutgoing personality. You enjoy workingwith managers, workers, engineers andother professionals. Your communicationskills are excellent. You are a goodlistener, can explain things clearly, aregood at motivating people, and can writereports that are clear and concise.

What does it take?a combination of related workexperience and trainingcertification generally requires severalyears of related experiencehigh school diplomaa driver’s licence may be required

Next steps?Depending on your background:

specializations in health and safetymanagerial positions

Occupational Health and Safety Co-ordinator

“This is a very diversified

and interesting field—

you never get bored! I get

a great deal of personal

satisfaction from helping

to prevent needless

suffering.” Allan D.


Industrial Arts, Biology,Chemistry, Physics,Mathematics, Computers,English


Canada Safety Councilwww.safety-council.org

Canadian Centre forOccupational Health andSafetywww.ccohs.ca

Canadian Registration Boardfor Occupational Hygienistswww.crboh.ca


hazardous wastemanagement technicianenvironmental technicianapplied chemical technicianbylaw enforcement officerpublic health inspector


3 6


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Petroleum engineeringtechnologists may work in avariety of jobs related to oil and

gas production including: operation andmaintenance of oil wells, reservoiranalysis, and exploration.

Drilling technologists supervise drillingoperations and represent the oilcompany at the well location. You makesure that drilling operations instructionsare carried out.

Geological technologists supervisedrilling operations for exploration. Youtake readings from electrical instrumentsthat are lowered into the ground todetermine how dense the rock structureis and whether it contains water, oil orgas. You work with the drilling engineerto determine where to punch holes in thewell to make the gas or oil flow.

In production operations youdetermine the rate that oil should bepumped from wells. You might spendabout half your time in the office and halfin the field.

Reservoir technologists usually work inthe office. You decide whether or not it iseconomical to drill more wells in alocation, and how many wells should bedrilled. You analyze data to estimatehow large the oil reserves are at aparticular location.

You may be employed by:exploration, geological and geophysicalcompanies; oil, gas and resourcecompanies; engineering consulting firms;petroleum service companies; gas andchemical plant operations. Most majoremployers are located in Western Canadaor in other countries.

Work conditions and trainingWork conditions will vary greatlydepending on the specialization that youchoose. Sometimes you will travel toremote drilling locations and work longdays away from home. You may alsowork in some harsh weather conditions.You may work 10-20 days at one timebefore getting time off.

New full-time employees are givenextensive on-the-job training under thedirect supervision of a scientist or a moreexperienced technologist. After aminimum of two years of suitable workexperience you can become a certifiedengineering technologist. Certificationwith provincial/territorial associations isvoluntary, except in Quebec, but it isviewed as a sign of dedication to theprofession.

Who’s the right person?The skills you need vary depending uponyour position. If you are supervisingworkers at the well-site during drillingoperations you will need good peopleskills. The work of the reservoirtechnologist is intellectually challengingand requires strong mathematical skills.

You will need a good memory and theability to think logically. You require goodwriting and drawing skills as well as anability to pay attention to small details.Computer skills and good skills inmathematics are essential for mostaspects of your job. The ability to workindependently is also required.

What does it take?a high school diplomacompletion of a two- to three-yearprogram in petroleum engineeringtechnology at a community college ortechnical institutionsome previous experience in the oilindustry is recommended, usuallyacquired through summer jobs


Petroleum Engineering Technologist

“We look at the pressure

data from existing (oil)

wells to determine size

and potential for future

wells. I really enjoy my

work.” Brad S.


Mathematics, Sciences,Computers, English


The Canadian Council ofTechnicians andTechnologistswww.cctt.ca

Society of PetroleumEngineerswww.speca.org

Petroleum Society of theCanadian Institute ofMining, Metallurgy andPetroleumwww.petsoc.org


geological technologistcivil engineeringtechnologistgeophysical technologistenvironmental technician


3 7


CAREER DIRECTIONS

30% of students in many collegesalready have a university degree.They go to college because theywant practical skills.

ShortTIPS

Swine technicians feed, care for andpromote the well being of swineherds. You may be involved in all

aspects of hog production or specialize ina particular area such as breeding.

In general, you feed, water and carefor pigs at various stages of growth anddevelopment, clean barns, operate andmaintain machinery, coordinate dailybarn activities and assist during birthing.To prevent and control the spread ofdisease and parasites, you have to followgood animal hygiene practices andrecognize health problems early. Forexample, before you enter a barn wherepiglets are born, you shower and changeinto clean coveralls and boots. Youvaccinate piglets and mix feed to providebalanced nutrition. You use computers tokeep detailed production records. Youmay consult veterinarians, marketingpersonnel, engineers, air qualityconsultants, nutritionists or otherspecialists in the hog productionindustry.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for swine producers whokeep breeding stock for producingpiglets, raise piglets to market weight, orraise purebred hogs for sale as breedingstock. Modern pig barns are orderly andclean, and may have sophisticatedventilation and heating systems. Manureis regularly flushed out and stored inholding tanks or lagoons until it isrecycled as fertilizer. You usually start as ageneral farm labourer and work your wayup to positions with more responsibilities.Hours of work may vary.

It’s a good idea to get someexperience working in a modern pig barnbefore you decide to train as a swinetechnician. Agricultural colleges,agricultural organizations and provincial/territorial government departmentsresponsible for agriculture offer distanceeducation and apprenticeship-styletraining programs for swine technicians.To keep up with technological advancesin swine production, you have to be

prepared to keep on learning after youcomplete a training program.

Who’s the right person?You would rather live in the country thanin the city. You are patient with animals,and enjoy working with pigs in particular.You are interested in learning how to runa profitable hog production operation.

What does it take?experience working with pigscompletion of a swine productiontraining program

Next steps?supervisory positionsowner/operator of a swine productionoperation

Swine Technician

“I like working with

animals. You can see the

results of your work fairly

quickly.” Shawn C.


Sciences (Biology, Botany),Mathematics


A Swine Producer’s CareerGuidewww.manitobapork.com/careers.html

Canadian Federation ofAgriculturewww.cfa-fca.ca

Canadian Swine BreedersAssociationwww.canswine.ca


animal care attendantanimal health technologistbeef producerpoultry producersheep producer


3 8


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Veterinary technicians, under thesupervision of a veterinarian, carefor sick or injured animals. Tasks

would include taking blood samples andx-rays, giving medication, performingdental work, performing single diagnosticlaboratory tests, providing anesthesia,assisting in surgery and caring for animalsrecovering from surgery.

You might work for an individualveterinarian or as part of an animal healthcare team. You could work in laboratoriesand research centres, small or largeanimal clinics, humane societies,breeding operations, feedlots, race tracksor zoos. In fact, you may even work as ameat inspector, teacher in a college or asa manager of a veterinary clinic.

The work has become very technicaland more specialized. Some veterinarytechnicians have gained the professionaltitle of dental technicians and others havespecialized to become research assistants.As a result, veterinary technicians aredeveloping a strong sense of professionalidentity and pride.

Work conditions and trainingPeople who love animals get satisfactionfrom working with and helping them.Some of the work may be unpleasant andphysically and emotionally demanding.You may clean animal cages and lift,hold, or restrain animals, risking exposureto bites or scratches. Your work ofteninvolves kneeling, crawling, repeatedbending, and lifting heavy supplies. Youtake precautions when treating animalswith germicides or insecticides.

You may have to care for dozens ofanimals at any one time and you areoften on your feet all day. Animals haveto be fed every day, so caretakers mustwork weekend and holiday shifts. Insome animal hospitals, research facilities,and animal shelters, someone is on duty24 hours a day. Sometimes you care forabused animals or assist in the euthanasiaof unwanted, aged, or hopelessly injuredanimals. This can be emotionallystressful.

Who’s the right person?You need to be patient, understandingand compassionate with animals andtheir owners. Customer relations are veryimportant. You need good organizationalskills and an ability to communicate bothin writing and verbally.

This is a medical field, so neat habitsand cleanliness are essential. Since youdeal with the public, your appearance isimportant. Allergies to animals, hay,straw or dust would seriously limit yourabilities to perform a variety of theseduties.

What does it take?a high school diploma with marks of atleast 70% in the relevant subjectsa two- or three-year college diploma asa veterinary technicianthere is no minimum age although bylaw you can only take x-rays if you areover 18in all provinces/territories, exceptQuébec, there is a mandatoryregistration exam that must becompleted after graduationin some provinces/territories you mustbe a member of the provincial/territorial associationmost colleges and employers ask forprevious experience in working withanimals

Next steps?supervisory positionsother specialties within the veterinaryfield

Veterinary Technician

“I enjoy working with

large animals the most.

Their health and well-

being depends on you,

and how you care for

them really makes a

difference.” Sandy H.


Biology, Chemistry,Mathematics, English


Canadian Association ofAnimal Health TechnologistsTel. (306) 329-4956Fax (306) 329-4700



laboratory animal attendantzoo attendantpet groomeranimal health technologistanimal nutritionist


3 9


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Water resources technicians/technologists investigate thedistribution, circulation and

quality of water in the air, on the earth’ssurface and below its surface. You maywork on your own, or provide technicalsupport for scientists and engineers.

Your duties will vary depending on thefield you choose. For example, you maybe involved in hydrological (water)studies, environmental protection orpublic health protection. In general, youuse instruments to measure and recordinformation. You use computer softwareto process and analyze data to preparereports, track long-term changes andidentify trends.

Depending on the field in which youwork, you may predict floods, developflood protection plans, evaluate anddesign irrigation systems, design waterdevelopment projects, or analyze ordesign structures such as culverts ordrainage canals. To assess water quality,you examine water samples and carry outphysical, chemical and microbiologicalanalyses. You may also take samples ofsediment and survey lake bottoms.

In the public health protection field,you may be involved in the design,construction or operation of water andwastewater treatment plants, municipalwater distribution systems andwastewater collection systems. Inenvironmental protection, you mayconduct environmental impactassessments and suggest methods thatcould be used to lessen the affect ofdevelopment.

Work conditions and trainingYou may be employed by anengineering, geological or environmentalconsulting firm, a large water or electricalgeneration utility company, a researchorganization or a government agency.You may work primarily in an officeenvironment, in a laboratory or outdoors,or work in several types of environments.

To get started in this occupation, theminimum education requirements are acollege or technical institute certificate ordiploma, or a university degree, related towater resources engineering technology,watershed management, groundwaterengineering technology, natural resourcesor environmental technology. After yougraduate, you will probably start workingin an entry-level technical supportposition. You can progress to positionswith more responsibilities as you gainexperience.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in science, technologyand the environment. You enjoy workingwith equipment and computers, workingoutdoors and analyzing information tosolve problems. You pay attention todetails, work effectively under pressure(alone and with other people), andresolve problems logically.

What does it take?a related college or technical institutecertificate or diplomahigh school diploma is recommendedyou must be physically able to handlesampling/monitoring equipment andto conduct field worka driver’s licence is usually required foremployment

Next steps?supervisory positionssales representative

Water Resources Technician/Technologist

“I enjoy the field work

most, but the office work

is interesting too because

I work with some very

complex computer

programs.” Gerry W.


Mathematics, Chemistry,Physics, Computers, English






geological technician/technologistenvironmental technician/technologistapplied chemical technician/technologistmeteorologistwater treatment plantoperatorcivil engineering technician/technologist


4 0


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Water treatment plantoperators work in waterfiltration and treatment

plants. They monitor and operatecomputerized control systems to regulatethe treatment and distribution of water.Municipal governments usually employthem.

You are responsible for monitoring,adjusting and maintaining the systemsthat control a city or town’s drinkingwater. Raw water from a natural watersource is pumped into the watertreatment plant and must undergochemical treatment and filtration beforeit is fit to go into a community’s watersystem.

You monitor the computerizedsystems that control the pumping,filtering and chemical treatment of thiswater and make sure the systems areworking correctly. You read flow metersand the pressure and water level gaugesto measure water output and waterlevels, and to calculate chemical dosages.Bacterial content, algae, chlorine andfluoride levels are other factors that youmust check carefully. You collect watersamples for chemical and bacterialanalyses and make the requiredadjustments.

Work conditions and trainingYou often work outdoors and sometimeswork in remote areas. You also work in anenvironment that can be noisy. Shiftwork may be required. Overtime may benecessary during spring run-off or foremergencies.

Safety precautions and training willhelp to reduce the risk of injury fromworking with dangerous gases, opentanks, chemicals, confined spaces andslippery walkways.

Most employers prefer to hireoperators who have been certified by aprovincial/territorial environmentalprotection branch. There are four levelsof certification, each with differenteducation, work experience andexamination requirements.

Who’s the right person?You must pay attention to many kinds ofinformation as you check meters andgauges and monitor computer-operatedcontrol systems.

You should be physically fit to do yourjob properly. You may be required to liftheavy objects, such as pumps, generatorsand air compressors or climb into tanks orvalve chambers to perform routinemaintenance and cleaning duties.

You not only have to work closely withco-workers in the field, but you must alsoanswer the phone and deal with requestsor complaints from the public. Goodcommunication skills are important.Accurate record-keeping and informationreporting are also an essential part of thejob.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredcommunity college courses in waterpollution control and treatment, as wellas science and laboratory coursesprovincial/territorial certification isrequired in some provinces/territories

Next steps?supervisory positionsadvancement to managementpositions in large facilities may requirea degree in science or engineering

Water Treatment Plant Operator

“Operating a small plant

gives you a chance to get

involved in a variety of

responsibilities.” Jim H.


Mathematics, Biology,Chemistry, Physics


Canadian Water andWastewater Associationwww.cwwa.ca

Canadian Water QualityAssociationwww.cwqa.com



waste water collectionsystem operatorwater distribution systemoperatoroperator, water purificationplantwater and waste-water plantoperator


4 1


CAREER DIRECTIONS

W ildlife technicians providesupport and services toscientists working in wildlife

management and animal biology. Federaland provincial/territorial governmentdepartments and agencies, colleges anduniversities, environmental consulting orresource companies and utilities usuallyemploy them in field settings.

You do field research on animalpopulations. You might, for example,monitor the effects of hunting on wildlife.Or you might do a bird survival study,observing and counting birds, studyingpredators, and trapping the birds in orderto attach tags or radio transmitters.

You conduct or supervise operationalprograms, such as restocking elk in thearea. You also study wildlife habitats andland areas. Occasionally, you may beinvolved in programs to buy and improveland so wildlife can live there.

You assist scientists in analyzing dataand preparing reports. You usecomputers to develop models of habitatsor to analyze the data you collect. Youmay also enforce regulations regardingwildlife and fisheries habitat andpopulation protection.

Work conditions and trainingMost of your summers are spent workingin the field. During the winter monthsyou analyze data in the office or in thelab and prepare for the next summer’swork. You may be required to use avariety of means to collect data onwildlife. You are usually paid a monthlysalary.

Who’s the right person?This work appeals to independent peoplewho have a real love for plant and animallife and who enjoy being outdoors in allkinds of weather. To do the work well,you need to work hard, show enthusiasmand be willing to apply what you learn.The wide range of skills you develop inthis work will give you a deeper

understanding of the naturalenvironment.

You are an accurate collector of data.You need an eye for detail and enoughmathematical skill to develop a fairlygood grasp of statistics. You arecomfortable writing reports. You have theability to communicate well and enjoyserving as a contact with other groups,dealing with land owners, or simplyproviding environmental and wildlifeinformation to interested members of thepublic.

What does it take?a high school diplomaa two- or three-year communitycollege diploma in a wildlife programvoluntary certification with provincial/territorial associations

Next steps?opportunities to move between publicand private organizationssupervisory and management positions

Wildlife Technician

“There is a lot of variety

in this job. I do

everything from aerial

surveys to monitoring

disease outbreaks to

assessing bird

populations.” Floyd K.


Mathematics, Biology,English


Canadian Wildlife Servicewww.ec.gc.ca/cws-scf/



zoological technologistfish farm technologistagricultural technicianbiological technician


How do you become valuable in theworkplace and learn new skills foryour résumé? Take the initiativeand volunteer to take on newprojects.

ShortTIPS

4 2


CAREER DIRECTIONS

4 3



Actor 5135 45

Announcer/Broadcaster 5231 46

Broadcast Producer 5131 47

Dancer 5134 48

Editorial Assistant 1452 49

Film/New Media Editor 5131 50

Graphic Designer 5241 51

Heritage Interpreter 5212 52

Illustrator 5241 53

Interior Designer 5242 54

Lighting Technician 5226 55

Musician 5133 56

Photographer, Commercial 5221 57

Recording/Sound Engineer 5225 58

Special Effects Technician 5226 59

Video Camera Operator 5222 60

Writer 5121 61

Expressing yourself - that’s what these fields have in common whether thatexpression takes the form of visual or performing arts; verbal, visual or printcommunications; or statements made with decor, or clothing. With an eye fordesign, an interest in current events, a tendency towards the dramatic, people inthese occupations entertain the general public in industries such as film, broadcast,publishing, fine arts, and music.

TIP: Volunteer your way into your preferredoccupation!No matter which area you are most attracted to, volunteering your time andexpertise is one terrific way to work your way into work. Volunteering lets you tryout new experiences, meet people and build relationships as well as gain confidenceand more skills. Illustrating a poster for live theatre, broadcasting a public serviceannouncement or booking dancers for a multicultural festival are just a few of theways that volunteers try out new pathways while contributing to their communities.

Contributing in this way tells prospective employers a great deal about youremployability skills such as commitment and ability to work with a team.

Please Note:Salaries in each profile represent: the average of all workers in the occupation or occupationalgroup; the average of the top 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group; and theaverage of the bottom 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group. The figures caninclude salaries of self-employed people who may have lost money. This may lower the averageearnings significantly.


If you have a message to get across or want to help others with their

message, this is the area for you!

4 4








1. Thinking:

Be creative, original, suggest new ideas Be visual, 3-dimensional Make decisions Prioritize tasks

Find information Use memory Solve problems Use imagination


Give oral presentations Listen to understand and learn Answer inquiries

Consult with clients Conduct interviews Interact with visitors

Give demonstrations Interact with co-workers Listen to constructive criticism

Consult on advertising Maintain contact with media Advise customers


Use: Graphics software Desktop publishing Editing machines

Word processing Database/spreadsheet software Electronic communications software

Photo packages Digital imaging software

Internet Software to keep schedules, plans, records

4. Numeracy:

Make numerical estimations Use ratios Prepare budgets and schedules for projects

5. Working With Others:

Be flexible and adaptable Conduct and participate in meetings Give and attend workshops

Co-ordinate fundraising activities Develop relationships with others Develop contacts (networking)

Work independently Be respectful of others Respond to individual personalities,experiences and interests

6. Writing:

Write: Reports Press Releases Write and design newsletters Answer written inquiries

For enjoyment Plays Write and design brochures Prepare presentations

Speeches

7. Reading:

Read: Research results Press Releases Bibliographies Magazines and newspapers

Briefs Reports Letters Advertisements Proposals

CAREER DIRECTIONS

4 5


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Actor

“I can’t think of any job

I would rather have. You

pretend to be something

you are not—it’s fun!”

Chad K.


Literature, Drama, Fine Arts


Alliance of CanadianCinema, Television andRadio Artistswww.actra.com

Canadian Actors’ EquityAssociationwww.caea.com

Cultural Human ResourcesCouncilwww.culturalhrc.ca


announcermodeldrama teachercomediandancermusicianplaywrightstunt performerclownpuppeteer


Actors entertain us by portrayingcharacters in dramaticproductions such as plays,

movies, soap operas and commercials.You may narrate a documentary oneweek and play the role of a villain thenext. You may work in theatre, film, radioor television, or specialize in one area.

Unless you are a well-establishedartist, you must compete for parts byauditioning. You spend many hoursstudying scripts to learn lines and cues,and doing background research to “fillout” characters. Some roles will requireyou to learn new skills such as how tojuggle or handle exotic animals, or howto speak, sing or move in particular ways.In rehearsals, you work with others(directors, other actors, even playwrights)to fine-tune your interpretation of a role.

Work conditions and trainingActing is demanding work. You spendmany hours studying for a role andrehearsing. During filming, you mayexperience long days of “hurry up andwait” activity. Waiting for others to setup equipment, shooting scenes over andover, playing the same role night afternight, touring with a show can becomeboring but you have to remain focussedand deliver a consistent performance.

Working conditions will varyconsiderably from one project to another.You may work indoors or outdoors in alltypes of weather conditions. You mayeven work in dangerous circumstances.Employment in some productions maycall for membership in a union or someother organization within the performingarts.

To get started in this highlycompetitive field, you have to “pay yourdues” by playing bit parts (small rolesthat do not require speaking) in theatreproductions or commercials, for example,before you will be considered for largerroles. Formal training programs in theperforming arts are offered by collegesand universities, and theatre and filmschools.

Most actors work in other jobs to earnenough money to support themselves.Very few achieve stardom.

Who’s the right person?Most actors do not earn a steady incomeand may take on other jobs to add totheir income. You have to love actingenough to be willing to make somepersonal sacrifices. In addition to talent,you need self-discipline, determinationand the ability to deal with criticism andrejection. You have to be able tomemorize lines quickly and “think onyour feet” when something unexpectedhappens.

“Being in the right place at the righttime” requires more than just luck. Youshould enjoy meeting agents, castingdirectors, producers and others in theentertainment industry; participating inprofessional association meetings; andbuilding a network of contacts who willlet you know about acting opportunities.

What does it take?acting experience in high school, localor college productionsgraduation from a post-secondaryperforming arts program is preferredcommunication, dancing and singingskills are a definite asset

Next steps?casting directorstage managerdirectorproducer

4 6


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Announcers/broadcasters keep usinformed and entertained onradio and television. You will

cover anything from sports and news toweather and local community events.You may be part of station promotions.

As a sportscaster you will select, writeand deliver the sporting news as well asinterview various sporting personalities.

As a weathercaster you will report andforecast weather conditions.

Radio announcers, often referred to asdisc jockeys, select and introduce music,present news, sports, weather andcommercials.

You will frequently participate in localcommunity activities in roles such as amaster of ceremonies at a local charityauction.

Work conditions and trainingYou will typically work in a well-lit, air-conditioned, soundproof studio althoughthe hours may be long and wildlyunpredictable (like the news). You willneed to be an excellent time manager asbroadcasters/announcers live by thedeadline. You should handle stress wellas many broadcasts have been describedas “controlled panic.”

Usually, you will pay your dues at asmall station in a rural community whereyou may have to be a jack of all tradesuntil you develop the necessaryexperience. Even with the requirededucation and training, you will need topresent a promotional tape thatdemonstrates your on-air qualities.

Who’s the right person?You have a pleasant, well-controlledvoice, good timing, excellentpronunciation and good diction. If youwork in television, you will also need awell-groomed and pleasing appearance.

In addition, you should beextroverted, energetic and personable.You should like meeting many differentkinds of people and be able to get along

with them all. You will need to be anexcellent communicator and a disciplinedtime manager. You will need to balancecreativity with analysis to present anentertaining and informative product.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requiredgraduation from a college or universityprogram in broadcasting,communications or journalism ispreferredvolunteer work in broadcasting andrelated fields will be very helpful

Next steps?news programmermedia personalityradio or television program managerprogram developer

Announcer/Broadcaster

“I am truly excited by

what I do. From

Edmonton to free-

lancing in Hong Kong, I

truly love the global

nature of this job.”

Ray R.


English/French, second orthird languages, LanguageArts, Drama


Internet Sources forJournalists and Broadcasterswww.synapse.net/~radio/welcome.html



sportscasterweathercasterpublic relations specialistactortraffic reporterpublicist


ShortTIPSSome Decision-Making Tips: getmore information; remember this isnot your final career choice;decisions based in fear are generallynot productive; have a back-upplan.

4 7


CAREER DIRECTIONS

B roadcast producers plan, organizeand coordinate the production oftelevision and radio programs.

You determine program content andtreatment, supervise the work ofproduction personnel, and manage costs.It is your job to establish and maintain aproductive work atmosphere and makesure the entire team is working together.You are also the person responsible forensuring that equipment is where itshould be when needed, and thateverything runs smoothly and within aset budget.

In small stations, you may beresponsible for the production of morethan one program. You may also preparescripts, host or anchor a show, do someof the work of a production crewmember, or direct production activitiesfrom a control room. In large productionstudios, you work closely with directorsand other production managers. Youmay specialize in producing commercials,news broadcasts or entertainmentprogramming.

In some situations, you may beresponsible for everything fromdeveloping the concept for a programand finding funding for it to promotingand distributing the finished product.

Work conditions and trainingProducers work for independent stationsand television networks, or independentproduction agencies. You may work on afreelance basis, contracting for specificshows or special projects, or beemployed full time. Whether you are onstaff or on contract, there is no suchthing as a typical day. You must bewilling to have a flexible workingschedule and work long hours asrequired.

Since a producer is essentially amanager, you need broadcast experienceas well as related education. Yougenerally have to start in juniorproduction jobs and work your way up asyou acquire technical and management

Broadcast Producer

“What’s great about this

occupation is that you

have enormous freedom

to create...” Garett B.

skills. You might start out as a broadcasttechnician, writer or announcer.

Who’s the right person?You are extremely outgoing and enjoyworking with people from a wide varietyof backgrounds. You have very goodcommunication skills, and are very goodat listening and negotiating. You have noproblem imagining how programelements will come together to create theeffect you want. When an idea fires yourimagination, promoting yourself and yourideas comes naturally to you.

The excitement of creating goodprogramming provides the energy youneed to handle stress and roll with thepunches, and cope with the constantpressure of tight production deadlines.You can see the “big picture” withoutlosing sight of the details. Yourenthusiasm and excellent organizationalabilities keep everyone on track.

What does it take?a college diploma or a universitydegree in broadcasting plus experiencein related technical or productionpositionsa high degree of computer literacy isrequiredvolunteer experience at a local cablestation is an asset

Next steps?reporterassignment editorsenior producerexecutive producerstation manager


Literature, Composition, Art,Mathematics, Computers,Business


Academy of CanadianCinema and Televisionwww.academy.ca

Canadian Film andTelevision ProductionAssociation’s Training andEducation Directorywww.ted.cftpa.ca

Independent Film and VideoAlliancewww.culturenet.ca/ifva


announcercamera operatorrecording/sound engineerfilm editorbusiness managerdirector


4 8


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Dancers express rhythm andsound, and interpret feelings andideas, through movement. You

may perform on stage or on film, solo,with a partner, or with a group. You maybe involved in several types of dance, orspecialize in a particular form such asballet, jazz, modern, ballroom or folk, orculturally-specific dance.

To keep in shape and prepare forperformances, you have to spend manyhours every day exercising, practicingand rehearsing dance routines, alone andwith others. You must also attendcostume fittings, photography sessionsand makeup calls as well asperformances. Finding time foreverything can be extremely demanding,particularly if you work part time atanother job to make extra money.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work in theatres, nightclubs,motion pictures or television. Most jobsare short term and there may be longperiods of time between jobs. Some jobsrequire membership in a union orprofessional organization associated withyour type of dance.

You have to audition to get work. Ajob may last only for a few performances,or it may last for a full season or more.You grab opportunities as they arise, andgradually build a professional reputation.Getting a start as a dancer can bedifficult. It is common for dancers to haveother types of jobs to support themselvesduring the early stages of their careers.

Dancing is mentally as well asphysically demanding. You are constantlypushing yourself to become the best youcan be. At the same time, you have torecognize your limits so you don’t injureyourself. Most dancers move into otheroccupations before they reach 40 years ofage.

Many dancers start their careers bytaking dance lessons when they are quiteyoung, although it is possible to begintraining in certain dance styles later inlife. Of all the young people who take

dance lessons, only a few go on to full-time dance programs offered by colleges,universities and private dancing schools.

Who’s the right person?You have to really love dancing to bewilling to make the personal and socialsacrifices required to pursue this line ofwork. Staying in top physical conditionrequires commitment and self-discipline,as well as good health and stamina.Spending long hours practicing andrehearsing plus performing evenings andweekends can leave little time for a sociallife or other interests.

You also have to be able to handlecriticism and rejection. As in otherperforming occupations, you need self-confidence and must be absolutelydetermined to succeed.

What does it take?proper training by accreditedinstructors and schools is essentialgraduation from college or universitymay be required to move into relatedoccupations after dancing becomes toostrenuousa working knowledge of lighting,costume design and makeup artistry isuseful

Next steps?choreographerarts managerproducerjournalistartistic director

Dancer

“It’s a different way of

communicating ideas.

You learn a lot about

yourself because you have

to work with your body as

your tool.” Amy S.


Music, Acting, Art, Anatomy


Canadian Association ofProfessional DanceOrganizationswww.culturenet.ca/capdo



dance teacherdance therapistpubliciststage managerphysiotherapist


4 9


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Editorial assistants perform a varietyof clerical tasks and duties relatedto getting a publication to market

on time and in top shape. You mightsupervise article layouts, do research, co-ordinate supplies, act as a go-between fordifferent departments, answer phones,check facts, contact writers and storysources.

You may even conduct interviews anddo some writing assignments, dependingon the size of the publication. You mayperform some of the editorial duties on asmall and tightly staffed publication.

You will live and die by the deadlineand you have to manage many taskswithin a budget. “You have to makethings pay for themselves; you have tokeep them on schedule or you won’t lastin this business” is a common lament ofthe industry.

Work conditions and trainingEditorial assistants work for publishersand because of the need to meetdeadlines this is a high stress occupation.Fortunately, most of your training is onthe job so adapting to the high stresslevels can happen almost naturally.

You will work full-time hours, at least astandard forty-hour week, with overtimehours quite common if you have to meeta deadline. You will, typically, be asalaried employee though on some of thelarger publications you may be paid anhourly rate. Most publishing houses runon a tight budget so it is better to payyou a salary to avoid a large overtimebudget.

You will rise in your career based uponyour ability to handle responsibility andthe related stress.

Who’s the right person?You should love books and periodicalssince your wages in the beginning ofyour career will be low with respect tothe amount of work you will do.

You have highly developedorganizational skills, you thrive on stressand are able to make quick decisions.You are an excellent communicator. Youhave an “ear “ for language and a keeneye for mistakes. In addition, you willhave strong grammatical skills and speakwell.

As an editorial assistant, you needcomputing skills such as word processingand formatting documents andexperience in basic databasemanagement. You should also becomfortable with fax machines, cellularphones, e-mail programs and evencommunication software packages.

What does it take?a high school diplomawell-developed computer skills,particularly in word-processing anddesktop publishingsome college may be required or evena journalism degree for somepublishing housesexperience writing and meetingdeadlines for high school and collegepublications is very helpfulmembership in a union may benecessary in some casesdedication and love of the writtenword and books in general

Next steps?editortravel writerinternet researcherjournalist

Editorial Assistant

“You have to love this job

to last in it. On the plus

side, I love the book world

and the day just flies

by.” Randy S.


English Composition,Computers, Social Sciences


Editors’ Association ofCanadawww.web.net/eac-acr/welcome.htm

Jobs in Publishingwww.books.bc.ca/information/info-jobs.htm



editorcopywriterlayout artistscript readercolumnistpromotions specialistsubsidiary rights manager


5 0


CAREER DIRECTIONS

F ilm/new media editors use picturesto convey meaning in much thesame way writers use words.

Working closely with producers anddirectors, you select the best bits of rawfilm footage and put them together in away that helps tell the story. You useyour creativity as well as technicalexpertise to match action, changecamera angles, and develop the visualrhythm of the story. In some cases, youmay have very little creative freedom; inothers, you may be the creative forcebehind the success of a project.

Film directors generally shoot eachscene from several different cameraangles and print more than one “take”from each angle. After viewing this rawfootage, the director may indicate whichtakes to use or leave that decision to you.You are the one who actually puts theselected bits together to create aseamless movie or documentary.

You may cut and splice film manually,re-record sequences on videotape, or usenonlinear editing techniques. Fornonlinear editing, you use digital footageand create computer files which can beplayed back in whatever order youchoose. Whatever technology you use tocut and splice, your goal is the same: tocreate a product that has continuity andreally speaks to its audience.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work on staff for a productioncompany, advertising agency ortelevision station, or work on a contractbasis. As an employee, you will probablywork regular weekday hours, but may berequired to work overtime to meetproduction deadlines or work night shift.Working as a contractor, your hours ofwork may be irregular. Aside from thetime you spend with producers, directorsand others screening raw film footage,you spend a great deal of time workingalone in “cutting rooms.” You usevarious types of equipment to view film,synchronize pictures and sounds, trim

film segments to specific lengths, andarrange segments to maximum effect.

Film editing is an art as well as ascience so you need some backgroundeducation in both art and filmtechnology. You also need relatedexperience in the film industry. You mustbe willing to keep up with newtechnology, styles and trends in theentertainment industry.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy both the creative and thetechnical aspects of your work. You havean instinct for pacing, and for usingimages to communicate ideas and evokeemotional responses. You have a naturalability to cut film “rhythmically” so sceneshave a visual beat.

You enjoy learning about and usingnew technologies. You are also a detailperson who doesn’t mind taking hours toget one three-minute segment of a filmto work right.

What does it take?a college diploma or university degreerelated to film production is preferredexperience working in film production

Next steps?cinematographerdirectorproducer

Film/New Media Editor

“I really like using

non-linear editing

(“new media”). It gives

you so much freedom to

exercise creativity...”

Jason L.


Literature, Languages,Theatre Arts, Music, Art,Computers


Canadian Film andTelevision ProductionAssociation’s Training andEducation Directorywww.ted.cftpa.ca

EditorsNetwww.EditorsNet.com

Film Editing Definedwww.flash.net/~stunet/editorpage.htm


camera operatorproduction assistantgraphic artistrecording/sound engineerspecial effects technician


5 1


CAREER DIRECTIONS

G raphic designers are responsiblefor the visual representation ofgoods, companies, newsletters,

brochures, etc., anything that can betranslated from idea to graphic. You canwork on a variety of projects fromwebsites and multimedia displays tobusiness and personal stationary; fromadvertisements and promotional postersto diagrams and maps. If it can bevisually represented, then your services asa graphic designer will be needed.

You might change a product’s shapeto make it visually more appealing and tomake it stand out from its competitors.You might combine the appropriate textwith well-suited images to create apamphlet. If you supervise an artdepartment you might be responsible forco-ordinating the efforts of other graphicdesigners, artists, writers andcommunications professionals.

You will listen to clients and based onyour understanding of their needs anddesires, come up with rough sketchesand ideas to sell them on your design.These could range from simple pencilsketches to full colour layouts andcomputer enhanced graphics andimages.

You will synthesize input from anumber of different sources to come upwith a compelling image or graphic thatmeets considerations of budget, time,and market objectives.

Work conditions and trainingIf a graphics firm employs you, you willprobably spend most of your time in adesign studio. If you are self-employedyou will divide your time between studiowork and meeting with clients, artists,photographers, website designers andmarketers and other professionals.

You will normally work on a project-by-project basis. Work conditions can bequite chaotic when you are trying tomeet a deadline. A common complaintof this profession is that “This is not onejob; it’s twenty.”

You can break into the business with ahigh school diploma, a well-stockedportfolio of your own designs and a “go-get-‘em” attitude but graduation from atwo- to three-year college program willease your entry considerably.

Who’s the right person?You have creative flair, the ability tovisualize ideas and strong writing andverbal skills. You are disciplined andindependent with excellent timemanagement skills. You combineanalytical skills with a meticulousattention to detail. You have a good feelfor colour and proportion with aninstinctive sense of artistic balance.

You are persuasive andentrepreneurial, organized and outgoing.You have a flair for promotion and theability to not take rejection personally.You enjoy the challenge of meeting adeadline and can convince others to doso, as well. You are a people person andenjoy a “team” atmosphere.

What does it take?a high school diploma with goodmarks in English and Graphic Arts (ifoffered)portfolio of your designsa two- or three-year college program isa definite advantagefamiliarity with computer assisteddesign programs is a definite asset

Next steps?entrepreneursmall business ownermulti-media developer


English, Graphic Design, Art


Graphic Designers ofCanadawww.gdc.net/home.htm

Mining Co. Guide toGraphic Designgraphicdesign.miningco.com/



commercial design artistweb designermagazine illustratorcommercial artistart department supervisormedical illustrator

Graphic Designer

“I work very hard for my

money but I love the work

and nothing beats seeing

a common logo and

knowing that I did

that.” Judith M.

Average Salary $31,995low average $10,992high average $52,163

5 2


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Heritage interpreters help othersunderstand and appreciatecultural or natural history. You

use stories, objects, real landscapes andfirst-hand experience to make displaysmeaningful to visitors in parks, museums,and other historic sites and culturalcentres.

Interpretation involves much morethan presenting facts. For the experienceto be meaningful, visitors must relate ona personal level to what is beingdisplayed or described. As a heritageinterpreter, you interact with visitors andrespond to their individual personalities,experiences, interests, needs and learningstyles. You may demonstrate things, actthe part of a real or fictional character, orteach by providing hands-on learningopportunities.

Depending on the setting, you mayconduct tours, stay in a particularlocation and interact with visitors at theirconvenience, mix with visitors andinterpret information as opportunitiesarise, or deliver presentations atpredetermined times and places. Youmay also develop related print or audio-visual materials, or train and coordinatethe activities of volunteers.

Work conditions and trainingMost heritage interpreters are employedfull time, part time or on a contract basisin parks, museums, aquariums, historicsites, art galleries, zoos, industrial sites,interpretive centres, botanical gardens,cultural centres, adventure travel sites,nature sanctuaries, and tour companies.Since most interpretive sites are open attimes convenient to the public, you willlikely work varied hours including someevenings, weekends and holidays. Insome settings, the work is seasonal.

Heritage interpreters come from awide variety of backgrounds, includingrecreation, natural science disciplines(e.g., biology, forestry), arts disciplines(e.g. history, archeology, native studies)and education. Employers generally

prefer to hire people who have acombination of related experience andcollege or university education. For somepositions, a university degree is required.For other positions, related knowledgeand experience may be more importantthan academic qualifications. Beforeenrolling in a program of study, it is agood idea to discuss your training optionswith heritage interpreters at the types offacilities that interest you.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in nature and culturalhistory, and enthusiastic about yourinterests. You enjoy meeting all kinds ofpeople, have very good communicationskills, and can be consistently pleasantand helpful. You have a good memory,and can work with groups of all sizes.Since anything can happen and oftendoes when you are dealing with thepublic, you have to be flexible. You mustbe able to respond quickly and effectivelywhen something unexpected happens.

For positions that include developingprint and audio-visual materials, you alsoneed creativity and good writtencommunication skills.

What does it take?completion of secondary school isusually requireda combination of college or universityeducation and related experience maybe requiredcurrent first aid certification may berequired


Heritage Interpreter

“I discover something

new about the past every

day. My job is to make it

relevant to the present.”

Tim M.


English/French, SocialStudies (including History),Biology, Communication,Art


Canadian MuseumsAssociationwww.museums.ca

Interpretation Canadawww.interpcan.ca

Canadian Tourism HumanResource Councilwww.cthrc.ca


assistant curatortour guidemuseum exhibit designeractorteacher


5 3


CAREER DIRECTIONS

I llustrators portray ideas throughvisual images for advertising,educational, entertainment and other

purposes. You start by discussing ideaswith people. Then, you may have toprepare sketches and figure out costsbefore you get approval to go ahead andcreate the desired illustrations. You mayspecialize in interpretive or technicalillustration, or in a particular style ofillustration.

As an interpretive illustrator, youcreate drawings and pictures that showideas, emotions or moods. For example,you may create illustrations foradvertisements, newspapers, magazines,books, posters or websites.

As a technical illustrator, youaccurately depict physical objects. Forexample, you may illustrate machineryparts for an operating manual, buildingsfor an architectural firm, or plants for abotany display.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for an advertising agency,newspaper or magazine publisher,graphic design studio, book publisher orfilm studio. You may be an employee ofone organization, or work on a contractbasis for a number of differentorganizations. If you work on a freelancebasis, your working hours and conditionsmay vary from one project to another.

You need some college or universityeducation in fine arts or graphic designto get started in this occupation. Ingeneral, the more experience you have indifferent visual media, the moreopportunities will be open to you. Youmay prefer to work with computergraphics, inks, pastels, acrylics or pencil,but you should be able to do good workin several media. For technicalillustration, you may also requireknowledge related to biology,engineering, architecture or otherscientific subjects. For example, medicalillustrators require biomedical training aswell as formal art training.

Who’s the right person?You are not only artistic, you are able topay attention to fine details and can workquickly to meet deadlines. You enjoydiscussing ideas with people but alsoenjoy working on your own. You are self-disciplined, organized, flexible and goodat marketing your skills and services.

If you want to do freelance work, youalso need business and marketing skills.

What does it take?a broad knowledge of art forms andmedia, and knowledge of computerprograms used for graphic designa college diploma or university degreein art or graphic design is preferredcourses that help you to build an artportfolio, which is generally requiredfor admission to college and universityart programs

Next steps?supervisory positionsowner/operator of an independentstudio

Illustrator

“I find it very satisfying

to conceptualize and

visualize someone else’s

ideas for them.”

Marisa A.


Art, Computers, Science,English


Canadian Association ofPhotographers, Illustratorsand Communicatorswww.capic.org

Canadian Society ofChildren’s Authors,Illustrators and Performerswww.interlog.com/~canscaip/



graphic designerphotographeranimatorcartoonistinterior designer


ShortTIPSRemember, in exploring work you’lllearn something more aboutyourself, and in exploring yourselfyou’ll learn something more aboutthe work that interests you.

5 4


CAREER DIRECTIONS

An interior designer is responsiblefor the interior design,functionality, decoration and

aesthetic look of residential, commercialand industrial spaces.

You communicate with clients tounderstand their tastes, needs andbudget. You prepare cost estimates andpolished presentations for final approvalof the client. You may help the clientwith bid estimates and help assigncontracts for the different work that youhave recommended.

You consult with other professionalssuch as lighting fixture consultants,mechanical and electrical designers andpermit inspectors. You will probablyconduct on-site inspections and supervisedifferent contractors (unless you havehired a general contractor) to make surethat the work will fulfil coderequirements, as well as your client’swishes. You evaluate projects on anongoing basis and upon completionconduct reviews with your clients.

Increasingly as an interior designeryou will need computer skills in variousdesign programs and the ability to planspaces that meet the needs of the elderlyand people with disabilities.

Work conditions and trainingAs an interior designer you will often beon the go, holding meetings with clients,contractors, other designers andarchitects; and visiting work sites. Thejob can be rather hectic and involve longhours and weekends. If you are self-employed you will need to schedulemeetings at your client’s conveniencewhich may lead to irregular hours.

As a minimum you will require a two-year college diploma and in a highlycompetitive profession, employers areincreasingly seeking graduates of auniversity program.

After three to five years of practicalwork experience, you will be eligible totake the qualifying examination set bythe National Council for Qualification ofInterior Designers. You will need this

designation if you are going to becompetitive in this industry.

Who’s the right person?You should combine creative flair withsound design concepts and an attentionto detail. You are able to visualize spatialrelationships in three dimensions. Youhave a strong sense of colour, a goodsense of balance and proportion andsensitivity to beauty.

You will need well-developed oral andwritten communication skills, and anability to work well with others. You willalso possess the skills of persuasion andthe ability to satisfy your client’s needs,even when they conflict with your ownvision.

You will need to be well organized andhave good budgeting skills. In addition, ifyou are planning on opening your ownfirm, you will need a good grasp ofbusiness fundamentals.

What does it take?a high school diploma with aconcentration in visual arts subjectsa two-year college diploma or auniversity degreea portfolio of your worka commitment to and love of beauty

Next steps?renovation contractor,Feng Shui practitionerhome inspector

Interior Designer

“This profession can be

exhausting but extremely

satisfying at the same

time. I am looking

forward to opening my

own firm in about three

years...” Connie M.


English, Visual Arts,Mathematics


DesignerInfoLinkwww.designerinfolink.com/spin/interior.html

Professional Associateswww.fider.org/assoc.htm

The National Council forInterior DesignQualifications50 Main St.White Plains, New YorkUSA 10606-1920Tel. 914-948-9100


fashion designerset designerinterior decoratorfurniture designerdisplay designer


5 5


CAREER DIRECTIONS

L ighting technicians work behindthe scenes of different kinds ofproductions to create lighting and

special lighting effects to enhance thevisual impact of a show. One day youcould be lighting a rock concert and thenext day a stage play.

You set up, focus and operate lightfixtures, control boards and otherequipment. You choose and locatelighting fixtures after consulting with thedirector to figure out what effects he orshe wants. You use equipment such asflags, nets, scrims and flags, and filters tocontrol the lighting to the stage orproduction area. You keep the lightingfixtures and other equipment in safeworking condition.

You decide how best to get thelighting “effects” necessary for the show,and how to provide those effects at theproper time, according to the script oryour cue sheet.

You may also check out locations,make lighting plans and arrange for thetransportation of the lighting equipmentwhen working “on location.”

Work conditions and trainingAs a lighting technician, your workconditions will change a great deal fromone job to another. Working in atelevision studio with a studio “grid” isquite different than lighting a locationjob and you will make those adjustmentsroutinely.

Your hours of work will also varydepending on whether you are workingfor a television station or are self-employed. You can expect to work someevenings or weekends in either case.

If you are employed in motionpictures, theatre or stage productionsyou can expect to work highly irregularhours and some travel may be involved ifyou are lighting a travelling production.

This is physically demanding work soyou will have to be in shape and fairlyagile to light difficult or hard-to-reachplaces.

You should be able to handle stress, asfixtures may break during shows and youwill be expected to fix the equipmentwith as little disruption to the productionas possible.

Who’s the right person?You are visually creative and technicallyminded. You are safety conscious,concentrate well and respond quickly andinventively to technical “glitches.”

You work well with others and are ateam player. You are adaptable and canmodify your style to meet the needs ofdirectors, artists and other creativepersonalities. You can interpret directionswell and are able to respond technicallyto the creative process.

You are not afraid of heights orawkward positions as there is often alimited amount of space on the set. Youare able to keep up with changes intechnology and use them effectively.

Your technical ability is combined withartistic sensitivity and you have a flair forlight!

What does it take?a high school diplomaa college diploma in broadcast arts is adefinite advantageyou will probably require unionmembershipa portfolio of your work can help if youare free-lancing (videotapes or lettersof recommendation from directors,etc.)

Next steps?theatre stage managerroadieset designer

Lighting Technician

“I enjoy lighting various

events. Not only do I have

the satisfaction of

increasing everyone else’s

enjoyment of the show, I

have met a lot of great

people...” Jose W.


Physics, Visual Arts,Mathematics, English,Computers



International Alliance ofTheatre Stage Employees,Moving Picture Technicians,Artists and Allied Crafts ofthe U.S., Its Territories andCanadawww.iatse.lm.com


special effects techniciangafferkey gripchief stage electrician


5 6


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Musicians play musicalinstruments in liveperformances and make

recordings. You generally specialize inplaying a specific family of instrumentsand a particular type of music. Forexample, you might play electric guitar ina rock band or acoustic guitar in acountry music group, saxophone in a jazzensemble, or other woodwinds in a bandor orchestra.

Competition for work in the musicindustry is keen so, to keep in top form,you have to practice individually forhours as well as rehearse with others. Youmust also look after the business end ofmusic by promoting yourself or yourgroup. You do media interviews andparticipate in other activities that aredesigned to get you and your group intothe spotlight of public attention.

Work conditions and trainingYou may perform in a wide variety ofsettings, ranging from nightclubs totheatres to concert halls and recordingstudios. You generally practice during theday. Performances are usually scheduledfor evenings, weekends and holidays soyour working hours are often long andirregular. You may travel with a touringgroup or drive to nearby locations forperformances.

Most musicians work on a freelancebasis. Until you have an establishedreputation in the music industry, youmay need to spend a lot of timepreparing for auditions. There may belong periods between jobs.

Musicians usually start their training atan early age by taking music lessons. Thisformal training teaches you how to readmusic and provides a basic under-standing of music theory. Then you join aband or orchestra to gain performanceexperience. After graduating from highschool, you may choose to continue yourmusical education at a musicconservatory, college or university. Abroad musical background makes you

more versatile and provides more workprospects.

Along the way, you also need toacquire some business skills and get toknow as many people as possible in theentertainment industry.

Relatively few musicians earn enoughmoney through music to supportthemselves. Very few achieve stardom.Some musicians teach private musiclessons or teach in schools to supplementtheir income. To work in an elementary/secondary school or college, you need auniversity degree in education.

Who’s the right person?You have musical talent and loveperforming. You willingly make thepersonal and social sacrifices needed toestablish a name for yourself. You don’tmind spending long hours practicing, orhaving to work evenings, weekends andholidays.

You are determined and confident,have good communication skills, workwell with others, and can cope withconstructive criticism. As far as you areconcerned, the excitement of performingin public more than makes up for thestress involved.

What does it take?talent, discipline and hard workformal music training with aprofessional musician or at a college,university or conservatory isrecommendedperformance experience is essential

Next steps?talent agentarts administratororchestratorconductorband leader

Musician

“I love to express emotion

through music.”

Maria D.


Music, Drama, BusinessPractices


American Federation ofMusicians of the UnitedStates and Canadawww.afm.org (or a localchapter)


Royal Conservatory of Musicwww.rcmusic.ca (or anycommunity college)


singermusic teachermusic therapistmusic criticrecording/sound engineersongwritermusic librarianannouncercomposerarts manager


5 7


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Commercial photographers takepictures of people, places, objectsand events to try to artistically

capture a mood or feeling. You have tobe artistic and have technical ability to bea successful photographer.

You can work in a wide variety ofsettings - from dramatic fashion settingsto crime scenes. You may even end up ina war zone if you decide to be aphotojournalist.

You will need to decide whatequipment to take with you to set up theshot that you need to get. You should beskilled at lighting various shots. You maydecide to do your own film development,which means you will need expertisewith photographic chemicals. You maydecide that to be competitive you needto know how to digitally enhance orchange an image with computertechnology.

Work conditions and trainingUnless you decide to become a studio ora portrait photographer, work conditionswill be extremely varied. You may lugheavy lighting supplies and photographicequipment to many different settings,from city streets to country settings.

If you decide to open your own studioor sell your photos on the market you willneed to develop some business expertise.Since ‘exposure’ is essential to gettingpaid well for your work, it would be veryvaluable for you to work with anexperienced photographer as an intern orapprentice.

It would also be very helpful to takesome marketing and public relationscourses on your own if you want to betruly successful in this rewarding, butcompetitive field.

Who’s the right person?You should have the soul of an artistbalanced with the hands, eyes and mindof a technician. You need good colourvision and an eye for detail.

You are in fairly good physicalcondition if you are going to ‘shoot’ inthe field. You handle stress well as youwill have to meet deadlines and workwith people in many different settings.

You are personable, reliable, artisticand businesslike. You should enjoylearning about and applying newtechnology and developments.

What does it take?some college or university courses arepreferredit is never too early to start keeping aportfolio of your work to display toprospective clientsknowledge of computers andphotographic technology is veryvaluable

Next steps?chief photographerphotography studio ownerphotography teachercamera man/woman

Photographer, Commercial

“I love the fact that while

anyone can point and

shoot it takes artistry to

get paid for it.” Laura S.


Art, Photography, Physics,Chemistry, English,Marketing


Canadian Association ofPhotographers andIllustratorswww.capic.org/mainframe.html



graphic artistphoto layout artistaerial photographer


ShortTIPSYou can expect to work anycombination of hours as “nine-to-five” work hours become a thing ofthe past.

5 8


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Recording and sound engineers arethe “wizards of the sound board”who record, mix, and edit sound

for recordings and live performances. Youwill probably be called a recordingengineer if you work mostly in studioenvironments, a sound engineer if youmix sound during live performances. Thetwo types of work are related but fewpeople do both.

As a sound engineer, you have tounderstand the needs of performingartists. Then, you produce the desiredeffect by using different types ofequipment that will take separate soundfeeds from different sources, alter thesound of each feed if needed, and mixfeeds. You also set up and tear down thesound systems for live performances.

As a recording engineer, you may usea mixing board, computer or otherequipment to record and edit the music,dialogue and sound effects for soundrecordings, films or videos. You workclosely with producers, performers andothers to achieve the desired sound.

Work conditions and trainingAs a sound engineer, you work irregularhours in a wide variety of theatres andconcert environments, and may travelwith a touring group. As a recordingengineer, you may work long hours inrecording studios, radio stations, filmstudios, or film and multi-media post-production facilities. Twelve-hourrecording sessions are not uncommon.

To acquire a working knowledge ofrecording technologies, includingcomputer-based ones, you learn on-the-job and take related training courses.Colleges, technical institutes, electronicmusic stores and private vocationalschools sometimes offer seminars insound recording. A few colleges inCanada offer diploma programs directlyrelated to broadcast technologies.

You can get related experiencethrough schoolwork placement programsor by volunteering to run sound for localbands, volunteering at a local cable

Recording/Sound Engineer

“Being able to capture

the moment on tape is

part of sharing in history

with the artist.”

Doug M.

television station, or working in radiocommercial production. You start out asa helper and work your way up to moreresponsible positions by establishing areputation for good work.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy working with electronic andcomputer equipment, and learning aboutnew technologies. You have a strongappreciation for music and a good ear formusical pitch and tone. You are good attrouble-shooting because you payattention to details, take a logicalapproach to problem solving and cantake appropriate action quickly.

Not only do you have strong technicalskills; you are very good atcommunicating and working with a widevariety of people, including performingartists, other crew members andproducers. You are patient,understanding, flexible and able to acceptconstructive criticism.

What does it take?critical listening skills are essentialpost-secondary training related tobroadcast technologies or electronics isa definite assetan understanding of music theory andharmony is also an asset

Next steps?producerrecording studio owner/manager


Music, Business, Computers,Electronics, Mathematics,English


Audio Engineering Societywww.aes.org

Society for ProfessionalRecording Serviceswww.spars.com/spars



broadcast technicianmusicianspecial effects techniciancamera operatorfilm/new media editor


5 9


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Special effects technicians createmany different types of illusions formovies, television commercials and

shows, theatre productions and otherspecial projects. You work with otherpeople to decide what is needed, thenyou have to figure out how to producethe desired effect, safely andconvincingly. You may specialize incertain types of illusions or in a particularmethod of producing illusions. Forexample, you may specialize inpyrotechnics, make-up effects, computeranimation, mechanical props or soundeffects. However, the more versatile youare, the more work options are open toyou.

For pyrotechnic effects, you have tobe an expert in working with firearmsand explosives. To create the illusion of amonster or alien character, you need toknow and sometimes create complicatedprosthetic devices, masking and make-uptechniques. To integrate animated figureswith the actions of live actors, you haveto be an expert in using sophisticatedcomputer animation software. To design,set up and operate mechanical props,you have to be able to workknowledgeably with electricians, welders,carpenters and robotics experts. Toproduce realistic sound effects, youobtain recordings of actual events orrecord sounds produced by artificialmeans. Technicians who specialize inproducing sound effects are often called“foley artists.”

Work conditions and trainingYour working conditions will varydepending on your specialization.Computer animation techniciansgenerally work in an office environment,and foley artists spend much of their timein recording studios and post-productionfacilities. Other special effects techniciansmay work in a wide variety of locations,indoors and outdoors, sometimes inuncomfortable or dangerous conditions.Safety concerns are extremely important,particularly when you are dealing with

Special Effects Technician

“You have to use your

creativity as well as

technical skills. Like a

magician, you create

illusions.” Jason B.

special effects involving pyrotechnics ormechanical devices.

Training requirements also vary.However, it is generally easier to obtainan entry-level training position if you havea combination of related education andexperience. A college diploma in thetechnical aspects of broadcasting, filmproduction or theatre arts isrecommended. It is also useful to havetraining or experience related tocomputers, drawing, electronics or themechanical or electrical trades. Sincemost production work is contracted out,you have to get to know people in theentertainment industry and graduallybuild a reputation for quality work. Youmay experience periods ofunemployment between projects.

Who’s the right person?You really enjoy finding creative solutionsto problems, and are very safetyconscious. You also have to be reallydetermined because competition foropportunities to learn from experiencedspecial effects technicians is keen. Youhave to be able to sell your skills andcreativity, meet tight deadlines, and bewilling to “pay your dues” by workingyour way up from entry-level positionssuch as staging assistant or props person.

What does it take?related experience and training,particularly with regard to safety, areessentialwork with hydrocarbon fuels requiresGas Technician certification in mostareas in Canada

Next steps?stage managerproducerowner/manager of a special effectsstudio


Chemistry, Physics,Mathematics, Mechanics,Computers, Art, Drama


Canadian Association ofPhotographers andIllustrators inCommunicationswww.capic.org

International Alliance ofTheatre Stage Employees,Moving Picture Technicians,Artists and Allied Crafts ofthe United States, ItsTerritories and Canadawww.iatse.lm.com


animatorcamera operatorbroadcast technicianrecording/sound engineerlighting technician


6 0


CAREER DIRECTIONS

V ideo camera operators operatecameras to record news, liveevents and various productions

including television and made-for-television movies.

You will move the camera to get theproper shot and operate the opticalcontrols such as zoom and focus. Youmay align the camera and make minorelectronic adjustments, as well as takecare of the camera’s storage. On smallproductions you will help with thelighting and staging.

You may operate your camera in theair-conditioned comfort of a studio or outin the field.

Electronic News Gathering (ENG)camera operators use a portable camera“on location,” away from the studio. Youwill usually be operating a hand-heldcamera with a shoulder strap and mayneed to move quickly and in crowds.You will typically be part of a team,including a reporter and a technician,sent to pursue specific stories whereverthey may occur. You will be attemptingto meet a deadline so this type of workcan be hectic and stressful.

Electronic Field Production (EFP)camera operators also operate in the fieldbut the assignment is more structuredand not as time oriented. You will workclosely with lighting and soundtechnicians under supervision from adirector. You may work on commercials,sitcoms, dramas, documentaries, soapoperas and television movies.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably work for a televisionnetwork, an independent producer, oryou might “free-lance,” working on aproject-by-project basis. If you work for anetwork you will probably work rotatinground-the-clock, eight-hour shifts, as wellas weekends.

You may work outdoors in all kinds ofweather and stay “on location” until therequired shot is “in the can.” You shouldbe reasonably physically fit if you areworking outside the studio as you may

operate your camera in awkwardlocations and have to move quickly withit.

Most video camera operators will haveat least four months of job placement aspart of their college diploma, workingwith an experienced operator. You maythen get experience in a smaller townbefore working (if you want to) in a largeurban centre.

Who’s the right person?You are creative and technical. You

function well in a team environment andreact well to changing demands andconditions. You have good communica-tion skills and are interested in people.This is particularly helpful in ENG workwhere employers may want you todiscover stories and deal with the peopleinvolved.

You have excellent motor co-ordination and good vision and hearing.You should be in reasonable physicalcondition with some stamina. You havean interest in electronics and technologyand learn quickly. In EFP work, you havea good feel for light and the compositionof shots. You can take direction well.

What does it take?a high school diploma with anemphasis on visual arts coursesa college diploma in radio andtelevision arts (or the equivalent)a background in journalism or somerelated experience is extremely helpfulfor ENG operatorsvisual and technical skills

Next steps?director of photographyphotojournalistsurveillance technician

Video Camera Operator

“I love this job – there’s

always a lot of action, I

meet different people

every day – I feel like I am

at the heart of the city.”

Dean T.


Visual Arts, English, Physics,Mathematics, Computers



Society of OperatingCameramenwww.best.com/~soc/links.html


videographermotion picture cameraoperatoranimation camera operatorcinematographer


6 1


CAREER DIRECTIONS

W riters communicate ideas bytranslating them into wordsto entertain, inform and

educate others. You may create differenttypes of literary works such as novels,scripts, poetry, short stories or humorousessays, or specialize in writing speeches,reports, magazine articles, advertisingcopy, educational materials orinstructional manuals. Whatever youwrite, you research relevant backgroundinformation, then spend many hourswriting and rewriting until you aresatisfied with the outcome.

As a freelance writer, your works maybe published in books, newspapers,magazines or brochures, performed onstage or film, or distributed electronicallyvia the Internet. To avoid spending manyhours polishing a product nobody wantsto buy, you have to sell your ideas beforeyou actually create a finished writtenproduct. For example, you may marketoutlines of proposed articles to magazinepublishers, story ideas for scripts totelevision or animation productionstudios, or the first chapters of aproposed novel to a book publisher. Or,you may submit proposals to publishersof instructional materials or technicalinformation. Once you are wellestablished in a particular field of writing,publishers and other clients may come toyou with project ideas.

As an employee of a largeorganization or consulting firm, you mayprepare presentations as well as writereports, newsletter articles, news releases,Web site content, proposals, speeches,advertising copy or instruction manuals.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work on a contract basis or beemployed full time by publishers,advertising agencies, radio and televisionstations, software developmentcompanies, government departments orlarge corporations. You generally work athome or in an office environment.Although you may be able to set yourown working hours, meeting publication

deadlines may require working longhours. If you freelance, you may needanother job to support yourself until youhave established a reputation as a writer.

The best preparation for thisoccupation is to read a lot and write asmuch as you can. Taking related collegeor university courses will help you toperfect your writing skills and may helpyou to “get your foot in the door,” but itwill not guarantee success as a writer. Youlearn best by doing.

Technical writers need education and/or experience related to their subjectmatter. For some technical writingpositions, you will need a related collegediploma or university degree.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy reading. You also enjoy themental challenge involved in recordingyour thoughts in a way that is meaningfulto others, whether you are telling a storyor describing a process.

You are self-disciplined. Although youmay not enjoy selling your skills andabilities as a writer, you are willing to doso to find writing opportunities andobtain writing assignments.

What does it take?excellent writing skills are essentialcollege and university writing coursesare helpful

Next steps?project management positions

Writer

“ It’s like doing a jigsaw

puzzle—you keep trying

different combinations

of words until you get it

right.” Judy B.


English (composition),Family Studies (humannature)


Canadian AuthorsAssociationwww.canauthors.org

Writers Guild of Canadawww.writersguildofcanada.com



journalisteditorteacherpublic relations officercorporate communicator


6 2


CAREER DIRECTIONS

6 3

Through Business & Administration doors will open in your

community, region, country and the world!



Accounting Clerk 1431 65

Advertising SalesRepresentative 6411 66

Bank Teller 1433 67

Claims Adjuster 1233 68

Court Officer 1227 69

Executive Assistant 1222 70

Fashion Buyer 6233 71

Food Products SalesRepresentative 6411 72

General Office Clerk 1411 73

Insurance Underwriter 1234 74

Inventory Control Clerk 1474 75

Legal Assistant 4211 76

Office Manager 1221 77

Payroll Clerk 1432 78

Personal BankingRepresentative 1232 79

Promotions Assistant 1122 80

Property Manager 1224 81

Publicist 5124 82

Purchasing Officer 1225 83

Receptionist 1414 84

Sales Manager 0611 85

Secretary 1241 86

Shipper/Receiver 1471 87

Business and administration offer a wide range of opportunities. Jobs in theseareas can range from court officer to property administrator to insurance claimsadjuster. Your business may provide products and services to people in your ownbackyard or you may deal with people in other countries. Some jobs (e.g. fashionbuyer, publicist) require initiative and flexibility. Others involve more routine andpredictable duties (e.g. payroll clerk, insurance underwriter). In establishedcompanies you’ll usually follow procedures and “company rules.” In new businessesyou may be part of establishing the procedures.

TIP: Marry your talent and skill to a field of workyou love!Once trained in business you can apply your skills and talents to any area that youfind exciting, for instance:

Love hockey or basketball? Super sports centres and sports teams need officeclerks, marketing experts, media liaison people and accounting clerks.

Love music? Record companies need receptionists, legal assistants and executiveassistants.

Love animals? Veterinarians need bookkeepers and general office clerks. GiantPet Supply Stores need shipper/receivers, payroll clerks and purchasing agents.Large farm operations require accountants, property managers and personnelmanagers.

Business occupations are the backbone of success in any industry - for-profit or not-for-profit, private or government, large corporation or small cottage industries.Choose a business occupation and choose your business!



6 4


1. Thinking:

Plan and organize job tasks Solve problems Use memory Make decisions Find information


Listen to instructions and act accordingly Give directions Interact with co-workers and clients

Exchange information Participate in meetings

Use appropriate vocabulary Explain policies


Use: Word processing programs Electronic communications software Spreadsheets

Graphics software Bookkeeping, accounting & billing software

Training software Databases

4. Numeracy:

Use money math (financial transactions) Use scheduling, budgeting and accounting math

Make numerical estimations Analyze data (compare, contrast, predict; averages, summaries, rates)

Perform calculations Use statistics


Participate in discussions Make suggestions for improvement Monitor work performance of others

Orient new employees Be respectful of others Work on a team to accomplish a task

Make hiring decisions Select contractors and suppliers Recommend training opportunities

Set priorities to obtain goals Have self-discipline to work independently

6. Writing:

Write: Memos Letters Résumés Reports Job Descriptions

Pay sheets Logs Schedules Invoices Receipts

7. Reading:

Read: Memos Letters Résumés Tables

Schedules Graphs Newspapers Instruction Manuals

Contracts Policies and Procedures Forms Charts







CAREER DIRECTIONS

6 5


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Accounting Clerk

“I started doing

accounting tasks in the

job I was in and I wanted

to learn more about

accounting. So, I went to

school...” Christy B.

Accounting clerks record andprocess accounts payable andreceivable. Basically, they keep

track of the money coming in and goingout. As an accounting clerk, you work inoffices in both the government and theprivate sector. You match order formswith invoices and record the necessaryinformation. A few companies still useledgers, but most accounting systemstoday are computerized. Someorganizations use custom-designedprograms, while others use off-the-shelfsoftware.

Data must be entered and thenchecked. You make journal entries andprepare and distribute cheques andpayments. You answer general questionsas well as those related to specificaccounts. You produce monthlystatements. You may help out around theoffice with routine work.

Work conditions and trainingMost accounting clerks work in an office.Regular work hours apply, although youmay have to put in extra time duringpeak periods. You may also have theopportunity to work in a setting thatinvolves international trade.

Full-time accounting clerks arenormally paid a salary. Employers willrequire a high school diploma and givepreference to candidates with college oruniversity education. You will receivesome training on the job and the trainingperiod may vary in length from oneorganization to another.

As an accounting clerk, you may wantto work towards a Certified GeneralAccountant (CGA), a CertifiedManagement Accountant (CMA) or aChartered Accountant (CA). In order toobtain an accounting designation youmust have a university degree. You willalso need to take further accountingcourses and pass standardized tests whileyou are working, a process that may takeseveral years.

Who’s the right person?You must be good with numbers. You arepatient, conscientious and detail-oriented.Because you will be dealing with money,it is extremely important to be accurate.You must be comfortable working withcomputers and have good keyboardingskills. You follow directions well and canwork independently. You are well-organized and have good concentration.You can work steadily and accuratelyunder pressure, especially during peakperiods. You have good interpersonal andcommunication skills. In dealing withclients and the public, you are polite andefficient and demonstrate goodjudgment.

What does it take?most positions require a high schooldiploma with preference given to thosewho have taken related courses andprograms at the college leveloffice experience is a definite assethigh school co-operative educationprograms are an excellent way ofgaining related experiencea college diploma in a program relatedto accounting and business is a definiteasset

Next steps?Accounting clerks who continue theirtraining and gain certification in aspecialized type of accounting have thebest opportunities to progress tohigher levels of responsibility within alarge organization. Opportunities mayalso exist to join a smaller company ina more senior position or to becomeself-employed.


Business Mathematics andEnglish, Accounting,Keyboarding

Want moreinformation? Try...

Certified ManagementAccountants CanadaTel. Toll Free1-818-CMA-2000www.cma-canada.org

Certified GeneralAccountants Association ofCanada CGA - Canadawww.cga-canada.org

Forum for InternationalTrade Training (FITT)Tel. Toll Free1-800-561-FITTwww.fitt.ca


banking clerkbookkeeperpayroll clerkinsurance clerk


6 6


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Advertising sales representatives,often called “sales reps,” sellmedia advertising services. You

may sell advertising space for newspapersor magazines, air time for radio ortelevision stations, banners or webadvertising for organizations on theInternet.

Your job is to show people how theirbusinesses would be helped if they buyadvertising services from yourorganization. This often requires knowingthe strengths and weaknesses ofcompetitors’ products as well as yourown. You also need to learn as much aspossible about your clients’ needs,problems and business practices. Whenyou know what challenges businesses arefacing, you can point out howadvertising through your company willhelp them to survive and grow. You maycontact businesses in person, bytelephone or via the Internet.

When a client decides to buyadvertising services, you may help themchoose the right size/length and style/format, based on your knowledge ofwhat works best in your medium (print,broadcast or Internet).

Work conditions and trainingYou may be employed in an officeenvironment, or work from your homeand set your own hours. You willprobably work at least partly oncommission, so your income will varyfrom month to month, depending on thenumber of sales you make. Yourcommission may be anywhere from 10%to 50% of a sale.

Academic qualifications are not asimportant in this occupation as yourability to sell and your knowledge of themedium. However, it is becoming morecommon for advertising salesrepresentatives to have some post-secondary education related to businessand marketing. Large organizations oftenhave in-house training programsdesigned to teach successful sales

techniques and orient new sales reps tothe organization, its services andaccounting procedures.

Who’s the right person?You are energetic, confident, creative andorganized. You get along well with otherpeople and have strong interpersonalskills. You are an excellent listener and agood communicator, and are verypersuasive.

The fact that your income depends onyour success in sales combined with thepossibility that you may be able to setyour own hours makes it extremelyimportant that you have the self-disciplineand motivation required to put in longhours when necessary. You must also beable to handle rejection, and deal withfrustration when potential clients decidenot to buy.

What does it take?a college or technical institutecertificate or diploma related tobusiness and marketing is usuallyrequiredsales experience and familiarity withthe businesses and people in a businesscommunity are definite assets

Next steps?supervisory positionsindependent sales agent for severalorganizations

Advertising Sales Representative

“I enjoy helping people

get the best exposure for

their businesses. It’s

always a challenge—there

aren’t many dull

moments!” Roy A.


Business Mathematics andEnglish, Accounting,Advertising


Canadian Professional SalesAssociationwww.cpsa.com

Retail Council of Canadawww.retailcouncil.org


promotions assistantcustomer service andinformation clerkscientific equipment salesrepresentativereal estate salesrepresentativepublicist


6 7


CAREER DIRECTIONS

A s a bank teller, you processcustomers’ deposits, withdrawals,transfers and bill payments. You

sell and redeem money orders, certifiedcheques, traveller’s cheques and foreigncurrencies. You may verify signatures orcarry out special services for customers,such as ordering bank cards andcheques. You work according toestablished banking practices under asupervisor, who will have to authorizemany of your transactions.

Banking institutions have two differentsystems of dealing with the receipt andremittance of cash, cheques and moneyorders. At some banks, you have yourown till and balance your receipts andpayments at the day’s end. Other banksuse a central cash system in which oneteller handles all the money at a centralcash window. At the end of the day, thisone teller must balance accounts.Regardless of which system is used, as ateller, you will post each transactionusing a centralized computing system.

Work conditions and trainingTellers work in banks, trust companiesand credit unions. This is not a physicallydemanding job, but you may have tostand for long periods of time. Banktellers are not unionized and are paid bythe hour. Bilingualism is a definite asset.

Usually, each branch is in charge of itsown hiring. Once hired, you will attend atraining course that lasts just a few days.Courses are held in training centresseparate from the actual branch whereyou work. Training may be given in thebranch as well. Bank tellers are trained toidentify the needs of the customers. Youmust have knowledge of all the servicesthe branch may offer.

You may start by working part timebefore you are hired as a full-timemember of the staff. Most banks offerevening and weekend hours, so as a newrecruit, you may be scheduled to workthose hours. After you achieve someseniority, you may have the option tomove to daytime hours. After

Bank Teller

“You never get a second

chance to make a first

impression. To many

customers, the tellers and

the customer service

representatives, are

The BankThe BankThe BankThe BankThe Bank.” Elaine R.

completing a three-month probationperiod as a teller, you may also be eligiblefor other positions within the bank (forexample, in loans or customer service).

Who’s the right person?Bank tellers need to have excellent peopleskills, to be outgoing, helpful and friendly.When the bank gets busy, the work canget stressful, and you still must beefficient and accurate in processing eachand every transaction.

Honesty, accuracy and attention todetail are very important in this job. Youare responsible for other people’s money.Because you have access to privateinformation, you must respect eachclient’s right to privacy.

Good bank tellers need a solidunderstanding of financial matters andthe ability to explain banking conceptsand policies to customers.

What does it take?a high school diploma is essentialexperience handling cash and workingwith computers is an assetgood interpersonal andcommunication skills

Next steps?head tellercustomer service representativeretail lending accounting clerk


Mathematics, English,Computers


a local bank, trust companyor credit union

Canadian BankersAssociationwww.cba.ca

The Institute of CanadianBankerswww.icb.org


foreign exchange tellercashierforeign remittance clerksecurities clerkcollection clerk, banking


6 8


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Claims Adjuster

People make claims on theirinsurance policies as a result of avariety of events including auto or

industrial accidents, fires, burglaries andproduct defects, among others. Youinvestigate the circumstancessurrounding the loss/damage and, ifnecessary, determine who was at fault. Inorder to obtain evidence regarding theclaim, you take statements, check recordsand reports, and consult with claimants,witnesses, doctors, police and othersdirectly involved. You may also inspectcars, homes, businesses or damagedproperty. You assess the extent and thenature of the damage and determine theamount of compensation. Finally, younegotiate a settlement and make yourreport.

Work conditions and trainingClaims adjusters work for insurancecompanies or independent firms and arepaid a salary. Self-employed adjustersearn the fees they charge for theirservices. Except during your trainingperiod, you will work alone most of thetime, in an office setting usingcomputerized insurance processingsystems. You may travel and spendconsiderable time outside the office whileinvestigating claims, and you may haveto work evenings and weekends.

You will be trained through on-the-jobexperience and by taking courses. First,you must apply to the provincial/territorial government for a letter ofauthority, which allows you to workunder the supervision of a licensedadjuster. After taking four courses offeredby the Insurance Institute of Canada, youwill have a probationary licence. Withfour more courses (and an oral exam inOntario), you will have earned a fulllicence. Certification as an Associate(AIIC) and Fellow (FIIC) of the Instituterequires more courses. An FIIC representsthe highest level of formal insuranceeducation in Canada.

Who’s the right person?You need to be decisive and motivatedwith an ability to analyze information andremain impartial as you negotiate asettlement. You should be confident inasking questions and enjoy digging foranswers on a variety of subjects. You needto be able to remain calm while dealingwith people who may be very upset. Youneed to be well-organized to deal withmore than one claim at a time. You needgood communication, interviewing,writing and negotiating skills.

What does it take?a high school diploma is essentiala community college diploma, auniversity undergraduate degree orsome post-secondary education inbusiness or a related field is preferredexperience working with computers isa definite assetexperience as a clerical worker in aclaims department is an assetto work as an independent adjuster,you need a provincial/territorial licencefrom the Superintendent of Insuranceadjusters who investigate claimsoutside of their office need a driver’slicence

Next steps?supervisory and management positions(may be very competitive)senior independent adjusterself-employment, as well as “at-home”telecommuting positions


Business English,Mathematics, Accounting,Computers


The Insurance Institute ofCanadawww.iic-iac.org

The Canadian IndependentAdjusters’ Associationwww.ciaa.org


claims examinertelephone adjusterappraiser


“It is really satisfying to

do a thorough

investigation and

ultimately reach a

settlement that is

beneficial to both

parties...” Bob B.

6 9


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Court Officer

“Everyone has a reason

for where they are and it is

a learning experience to

see a picture of society in

a different light.”

Lee Anne K.

Court officers perform clerical andprocedural duties in federal andprovincial/territorial courts. Also

known as judicial clerks, courtadministrators or registry officers, theyplan, organize, direct and conduct thegeneral administration of the court.Offences being dealt with range fromminor traffic offences to serious criminalcases. You handle all of the documentsthat are necessary for a court appearanceincluding trial proceedings andjudgements. You are also responsible forcollecting and recording court-orderedfines and fees. In addition, you keepjudicial records and deal with budgetsand expenses. You must prepare andwork within a tight budget.

As a court officer, you meet withjudges, lawyers, parole officers, policeand social agency officials to co-ordinatethe functions of the court. You ensurethat support staff deal efficiently with thevolumes of paper that pass through theiroffices. As a court officer, you “open”the court and announce the judge. Youcall and swear in witnesses, read charges,mark exhibits, and generally aid thejudge in maintaining order.

Work conditions and trainingCourt officers work for provincial/territorial governments or the federalcourt and are generally paid a salary witha benefits package. You usually workregular office hours in public buildingsand courthouses. Provincial/territorialcourts can be very busy and althoughyour job may be stressful at times, thework is very interesting and varied. Someovertime or weekend work may berequired depending on the specificdemands of your position. Travel tocircuit courts may be required. Usuallythis is for the day, but in some casestravel for longer periods may be required.

Most court officers start in positions ofless responsibility, for example as a courtclerk or office assistant, and train on thejob. You will require a high school

diploma and some post-secondaryeducation is preferred.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy meeting and dealing withpeople and have excellent people skills.You have an appreciation of cross-culturaldifferences. You have excellentmotivational and communication skillsthat help you keep your staff workingefficiently. You are highly organized, ableto keep track of mountains of paperworkand keep things running smoothly. Youare flexible, able to “shift gears” easilyand you stay calm under the pressure ofdealing with many details. Bilingualism isnecessary in some regions.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requireda community college diploma in officeadministration or university degree inBusiness or Public Administration ispreferred and, in some cases requiredcommunity college courses in law andsecurity are an assetwork experience in general officeprocedures including filing,keyboarding and using a computerkeyboarding skills are required

Next steps?maintenance enforcementjustice of the peacemanagement positions


English, Keyboarding, Law


Office of the Commissionerfor Federal Judicial Affairswww.fja-cmf.gc.ca

Home Page of CanadianCourtswww.fja-cmf.gc.ca/en/judges/courts.html


judicial officerjustice of the peaceco-ordinator of courtservices


7 0


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Executive Assistant

“I learned to be

organized in my job, to

be able to juggle several

different tasks at one

time and deal with them

effectively on a moment’s

notice.” Trika M.

Executive assistants work in seniorgovernment and corporate offices.Some executive assistants are

senior clerical people in an organization,others focus more on policy and analysisat a senior level and do little hands-onclerical support. Your duties would varywidely depending on your experienceand expertise, and the responsibilities ofyour employer.

As an executive assistant, you ensurethat the information your employerreceives is timely, accurate and relevant.You review incoming mail and prepareoutgoing correspondence. You mustquickly read through and analyzeincoming memos, submissions andreports. You also co-ordinate thepreparation, production and submissionof summary reports to your boss. You setup meetings and prepare the agendas.You often decide who gets to see yourboss and who doesn’t.

Work conditions and trainingExecutive assistants are employed ingovernments, private corporations andassociations. Jobs are less common thanthey once were because of restructuring,but positions still exist in the federal andprovincial/territorial government and atsenior levels in the private sector. Atpresent most work opportunities appearto be in the areas of finance, insuranceand real estate.

You need to be available when youremployer is available. You may beexpected to work long hours, eveningsand weekends. Executive assistants aregenerally paid annual salaries.

Who’s the right person?You are articulate, conscientious, flexible,trustworthy and decisive. You needexcellent writing, analytical andorganizational skills. You must be able tothink for yourself and workindependently. Because many peoplemay want to meet with your employer,you have to decide who to say “no” to,

and then be able to say “no” graciously.Good people skills are essential to thiswork. You also need to dress neatly and inan appropriate manner to deal with thepublic and project a professional image.

What does it take?a high school diploma is essentiala college diploma in business or officeadministration plus related experiencemay be sufficient for some positions,but more and more a university degreeis preferred.fluency in both official languages isoften essential for government orpolitical positionsadvanced experience using a computeris requiredfamiliarity with the area or departmentin question is a definite assetvolunteer experience with a politicalparty will be an asset when looking forpositions in government

Next steps?management positions such aspersonnel managermanager of a small businessconference/event planning


English, French, Business


members of legislativeassemblies in your area

personnel/human resourcesdepartment of a local largeemployer that might employexecutive assistants, forexample the hospital, city ora large industry/business

Forum for InternationalTrade Training (FITT)Tel. Toll Free:1-800-561-FITTwww.fitt.ca


ministerial assistantadministrative officerexecutive secretaryresearch assistant

ShortTIPSInternational trade is an importantpart of Canada’s economy. Youngworkers can train part time withthe Forum for International TradeTraining and receive a certificate inseveral different areas.


7 1


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Fashion Buyer

“I always enjoy seeing

what’s up-and-coming

for the next season and

the contact with the

agents I have through

buying. We have a great

working relationship!”

Hayley G.

Fashion buyers purchase women’s,men’s and children’s clothing forretail and wholesale companies or

for their own independent businesses.You are usually responsible for all thebuying in a particular department. Youkeep up with current trends and styles byreading market reports, talking toconsultants, attending fashion shows,and keeping in close touch with yourcustomers. You develop the fashionthemes and choose items for eachseason, balancing current trends withyour customer demands. You establishand maintain contacts with suppliers.You negotiate prices, payment anddelivery, and make sure that all paperwork is properly completed. You areresponsible for making sure that thedepartment’s sales and profit goals aremet.

You may also be responsible fordisplays and advertising in yourdepartment. In smaller businesses youwill also be responsible for retail sales.

Work conditions and trainingFashion buyers work for departmentstores, retail chains, independently-owned stores and wholesale distributors.Employers almost always demand acommunity college diploma in a programsuch as retail, merchandising or fashionmerchandising, or a university degree.You are paid a salary; some companiesoffer a yearly bonus based on salesperformance.

Usually you train by rising through theranks, from retail sales “on the floor” tofloor manager to assistant buyer to seniorbuyer, a process that takes several years.If you are especially entrepreneurial, youmay choose to purchase or open yourown store.

You may also have the opportunity towork in a setting that involvesinternational trade and buying.

Who’s the right person?You love clothing and understandfashion. You are creative and have a greateye for colour and co-ordination. You areconfident, decisive and highly organized.You are assertive and able to stick to yourbuying budget. You are able to acceptfeedback regarding your buyingdecisions, without taking it personally.You feel comfortable negotiating withsuppliers, dealing with staff in the storesand solving problems. You have a highdegree of energy and are willing to put invery long hours. You enjoy travelling bothinside Canada and abroad.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requiredretail sales experience gained throughhigh school work experience courses orpart-time employment is an assetmost employers demand a collegediploma or university degreeone to seven years of experience in asales supervisory or sales staff role,including a one- to two-year in-storetraining programcomputer abilities are an importantasset

Next steps?managerial positions in large retailbusinessesafter gaining considerable experience,retail store owner


Business Mathematics,English, Fashion Design, Art,Computers


Retail Council of CanadaTel. Toll Free1-888-373-8245www.retailcouncil.org


Apparel Human ResourcesCouncilwww.ccai.com/ahrc


buyer, retail and wholesalepurchasing agentproduce buyer


7 2


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Food products sales representativessell products such as candy, soup,sausages and beverages to retail

merchants and wholesale distributors.You work for a food producer andpromote sales of your company’sproducts to existing client companiesand potential clients.

To promote sales, you need to befamiliar with your company’s productsand clients, and your competitors’products and services. Then you are in aposition to point out how your companycan meet client needs better than anyother food or beverage supplier.

Most of your wholesale sales will be tocompanies that have ongoing “accounts”with your company. You estimate andquote prices; negotiate sales contracts,credit terms, warrantees and deliveryarrangements; and take care of thedelivery of orders. You may also makedeals with retail merchants to improveyour company’s product exposurethrough advertising or shelf position.

You may be called an “accountexecutive” because much of your workconcerns keeping existing clients happy.It is your responsibility to find a timelysolution when a client has a problemwith a product or the way orders areprocessed or delivered. The solutionmust be acceptable to both your clientand your employer.

Work conditions and trainingYou may be employed by a wide varietyof food or beverage processing ormanufacturing firms, ranging from softdrink manufacturers to meat packers. Youwill probably spend a good deal of timeon the telephone or travelling to meetand keep in touch with clients. Yourworking hours may be long. You may geta salary or work for a commission, orhave a combination of both.

Sales representatives are trained onthe job. You may start out working indifferent positions that do not involveselling to learn about the company andits products. You may work under the

direction of an experienced sales personuntil you know the company’s productsand clients. Employers generally prefer tohire people who have some sales orbusiness experience and/or related post-secondary education.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy meeting people, learningabout their companies and negotiating.You are confident, competitive,enthusiastic, persistent and able to gainpeople’s trust. You are willing to worklong hours, but you also have the self-discipline and organizational skills tomanage your time effectively.

If you work on commission you mustbe able to deal with an unpredictableincome because some months sales willbe better than others.

What does it take?a driver’s licence, high school diplomaand related work experience are usuallyrequiredpost-secondary education related tosales or business administration is adefinite asset

Next steps?sales managerindependent manufacturers’ agent

Food Products Sales Representative

“I like selling and having

the freedom to plan my

own day... one day is

never the same as the

next.” Barry C.


Business, English


Alliance of Manufacturersand Exporters Canadawww.palantir.ca/the-alliance


Canadian Grocery ProducersCouncilTel. (416) 675-3311Fax (416) 675-2835


customer service andinformation clerkadvertising salesrepresentativeinsurance agentscientific equipment salesrepresentativereal estate salesrepresentative


7 3


CAREER DIRECTIONS

General Office Clerk

“I enjoy not being behind

a computer all day. I am

learning about filing

systems, dealing with

people and business

structure.” Roy W.

General office clerks, also calledgeneral office assistants, have abroad range of responsibilities.

General office clerks may do “everything”in the office including both clerical andreceptionist tasks. Regarding reception,you answer the telephone as well as dealwith people face to face through frontcounter reception. Your clerical tasksinclude keyboarding, filingcorrespondence, reports, statements andother materials. You operate a variety ofoffice equipment including computers,photocopiers, faxes, voice mailmessaging systems and scanners. Youmay be expected to do basictroubleshooting to keep the officeequipment operating, for exampleadding toner to the copier or changingthe cartridge in the printer.

Work conditions and trainingYour duties will vary depending on youremployer. Depending on the size ofbusiness you work for, your duties couldrange from highly specialized to verygeneral. In some cases, you may work onyour own with minimal supervision. Youmay belong to a union, depending onthe employer. Training is on the job.General office clerks are paid either anhourly wage or a salary. Regular officehours, weekdays are standard for thistype of work, with the occasionalrequirement for overtime.

As you gain experience andconfidence, you will be given moreresponsibility and will be expected tomake more decisions on your own. Youmay move into a more senior supervisoryor executive assistant position. You mayalso have the opportunity to work in asetting that involves international trade.

Who’s the right person?You have good communication skills,both verbal and written. You haveexceptional organizational skills. You areconscientious and have high standardsregarding the work you produce. You are

flexible and able to set priorities. Youwork well both independently and as amember of a team. You deal effectivelywith the public. You are punctual, reliableand detail-oriented. You are comfortablewith technology and able to use it to youradvantage to complete your work.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requireda college diploma in an administrativeassistant, secretarial science or relatedprogram is preferredkeyboarding and computer skills arerequiredoffice experience gained through highschool work study programs is adefinite asset

Next steps?supervisory positionsareas of specialization, for example, amedical or legal setting


Business English, OfficeProcedures, Computers


a local community college orprivate training institutionthat offers courses inbusiness or officeadministration



customs clerkoffice receptionistswitchboard operatorpostal clerk, wicket

ShortTIPSYou can find provincial/territorialinformation about occupations andjob opportunities on the Internet atwww.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca. You canfind ‘Useful information regardingemployment in Canada’ atwww.cicic.ca/professions/indexe.stm the website of theCanadian Information Centre forInternational Credentials.


7 4


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Insurance Underwriter

“It’s very interesting,

never boring. Every

scenario is different,

every client has different

needs...” Kelly M.

Insurance underwriters review andevaluate applications for insurance todetermine risks, premiums and the

extent of coverage. To “underwrite”means to agree to accept liability, orresponsibility for possible losses byclients. You advise and answer questionsfrom clients, insurance brokers,consultants and other companypersonnel. You review new or renewedapplications for individual or commercialcoverage, for all types of policies. Withthe use of specialized computerprograms you assess these applications tofigure out the degree of risk involved forthe insurance company and set thepremium (cost), which varies with therisks and the amount of coveragerequested. You also set the conditions inthe contract by reviewing the client’sprevious losses and other information.

As a senior underwriter, you approvethe sale of insurance policies and ensurethat they follow all the regulations. Youalso make recommendations for thecontent of individual or group insuranceplans.

Work conditions and trainingYou work for an insurance company. Youwork business-office hours, sometimesworking overtime as your companyresponds to customers’ hectic schedules.You may choose to specialize in serving aparticular industry. You can eventuallymove into an administrative positionwhere you manage the activities of otherunderwriters. Insurance underwriters arepaid salaries.

In addition to experience in theinsurance field, completion of a formaltraining program through the InsuranceInstitute of Canada, the Life InsuranceInstitute of Canada or the CanadianAssociation of Insurance and FinancialAdvisors is recommended for careeradvancement, and may be mandatory insome companies. Bilingualism is an assetin some regions.

Who’s the right person?This job will appeal to you if you enjoymath, if you like asking questions and ifyou are willing to dig for answers. Thebest insurance underwriters are thorough,analytical, patient and decisive. You needgood judgement to apply the tools ofyour trade, as well as knowledge of thearea of insurance you work in. In-depthresearch is often necessary in order tobring a range of information to bear on asubject.

You need strong study skills and amethodical approach to work. You alsoneed good communication skills to justifyyour point of view and explain yourassessment. In addition, you need goodnegotiation skills in order to defend whatyou propose and come up withalternatives if the customer is not happy.Insurance underwriting can be stressful.Dealing with many different insurancebrokers is demanding and requirespatience.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requireda community college diploma, auniversity undergraduate degree, orsome post-secondary education in arts,sciences or commerce is preferredSome programs now offer specialties ininsurance and risk educationseveral years of on-the-job training

Next steps?a specialty area, such as marine, ormachinery underwritingmove into management areas, eitherwithin underwriting or in the insurancefirm in general


Mathematics, English,Computers, a secondlanguage


The Insurance Institute ofCanadawww.iic-iac.org

The Canadian Association ofInsurance and FinancialAdvisorsTel. (416) 444-5251Fax (416) 444-8031

The Life Insurance Instituteof Canadawww.liic.com


insurance agentcredit officerfinancial assistance workerappraiser


7 5


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Inventory control clerks keep track ofstock as it comes in and goes out.You maintain inventories or in other

words, keep records, of the amounts,types and value of the parts, material,equipment or stock on hand. Inventorycontrol clerks use computers, scannersthat read bar codes, and sometimesrobots in their work. You re-order stockwhen it gets low, make sure that it isstored properly and rotate it as necessary.

You also keep files and reports oninventory balances, prices and shortages.By carefully keeping track of officerecords on sales, purchasing, shipping,and production of stock or equipment,you can estimate how much stock shouldbe in inventory and compare this tophysical counts. If the numbers do notmatch, you will need to find out wherethe mistake was made. You may also helpprepare statistical reports.

Work conditions and trainingInventory control clerks work in offices,factories and warehouses throughout theprivate and public sectors. The majoritywork in the wholesale and retail trade,while the remainder are employed byindustry and government. The duties ofpurchasing and inventory control clerksmay overlap in some workplaces. Withseniority, inventory control clerks canmove into supervisory roles. They arepaid either an hourly wage or a salary.Work hours vary greatly for inventorycontrol clerks depending on their place ofemployment. For many workers,standard hours with weekends off is thenorm, while for others, shift work may beinvolved.

You may also have the opportunity towork in a setting that involvesinternational trade. If this is the case,special training for those operating in theinternational market will be helpful. Suchtraining is available through the Forumfor International Trade Training.

Training is frequently provided on thejob. Workers with knowledge ofcomputers have a distinct advantage.

Further education and training is availablethrough the Purchasing ManagementAssociation of Canada.

Who’s the right person?You are well-organized, detail-orientedand have a good memory. You havegood mathematical and technical skills.You are comfortable using a computerand handling machinery. You understandproducts and are familiar with what is inyour inventory. You have the patience tohelp clients who don’t always know theright name for what they want or useincorrect or different terms to describeitems. You are physically fit and can liftheavy objects.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequireda two- or three-year program inmaterials or logistics management at acommunity college is recommendedexperience gained through co-operative education programs and/orpart-time summer work is an assetthe ability to operate a computer maybe required and will be a definite assetno licences, certificates or registrationare required

Next steps?With additional training and education:

purchasing officertransportation officertransportation manager

Inventory Control Clerk

“I enjoy ordering

(materials) and working

with a lot of different

people in the other

companies. I use the

computer a lot...”

Wayne O.


English, Business, Computers


The Canadian Association ofProduction and InventoryControl (CAPIC)Tel. Toll Free 1-800-444-2742www.apics8.org

The PurchasingManagement Association ofCanadawww.pmac.ca

Canadian ProfessionalLogistics Institutewww.loginstitute.ca


stock records clerkcargo checkerlaboratory clerklogistics officerpurchasing clerkdispatcher


7 6


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Legal Assistant

“Then I got the

opportunity to work in a

law office ... I really

found it interesting and

ended up working with

them ... all through

college!” Connie T.

Legal assistants help lawyers preparelegal documents, maintain recordsand files, and may conduct

research. Law firms and legaldepartments employ them. They mayalso be employed in law enforcement,the court systems, and industries such asoil and gas.

You carry out background research forcourt cases, real estate transactions andother activities. You will work withcomputers a great deal. You mayinterview clients and research recordsand court files. You confirm that all files,contracts and documents are correct andaccurate. You must know all the forms,contracts and documents required forevery legal situation.

Part of your job may be to superviseand instruct legal secretaries and othersupport staff. You monitor, record anddelegate assignments to the supportstaff. In some cases, you may act as aliaison between lawyers and the officesupport staff.

Work conditions and trainingModern law offices usually provide acomfortable work environment. You mayspend time in a law library researching aswell as working in the law office. Youwork regular office hours; however,deadlines can be tight, and you mayhave to work overtime at times. In abusy law firm, there is a steady flow ofdocumentation that must be done.Although this job can be stressful attimes, it is also dynamic and interesting.

Generally, legal assistants are paid asalary. Training consists of a two-yearcollege diploma that includes coursesdealing with legal topics as well ascommunication and secretarial skills. Youwill continue to learn, train and upgradeyour skills on the job. Training seminarsmay be available through the LegalEducation Society in your area.

Special training for those working inthe international market is availablethrough the Forum for International

Trade Training. See “Want moreinformation.”

Who’s the right person?You enjoy working with people andkeeping busy. You work well underpressure and stay calm even when youare extremely busy. You are professional,courteous and efficient in your dealingswith clients, court staff and businessassociates. You have an eye for detailand are thorough and accurate. You arewell-organized, self-motivated, decisiveand able to work on your own. You enjoythinking logically and analyzing data.You are able to keep client informationconfidential.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requireda community college legal assistant orlaw clerk program is usually requiredin-house experience and training witha law firm is an assetcomputer skills are essentialoffice experience gained through a co-operative education program isvaluableexcellent oral and writtencommunication skills are essential

Next steps?move into different areas of lawsupervisory or management positions


Business, Law, Computers


Canadian Association ofLegal [email protected]



agentcontract clerkland titles clerktitle examinerjudicial clerkpolice officeroil and gas land agent


7 7


CAREER DIRECTIONS

O ffice managers, also called officeadministrators or officeco-ordinators, manage the

general administrative and office servicesof a department, division, regional orbranch office. You set up, manage andco-ordinate office procedures. You setwork priorities and assign work tosupport staff. You ensure that deadlinesare met and procedures are followed. Aswell, you may research and preparereports, manuals and correspondence.

An important part of your job is toestimate space, equipment and suppliesneeded. You may keep an inventory ofsupplies and order them as needed. Youmost likely use a computer to prepareyour budget and keep track of expenses.

Work conditions and trainingYou work in an office setting in any of awide variety of institutions, public orprivate. Your hours are standard officehours, weekdays, although you mighthave to put in overtime when needed.You will earn an annual salary.

In addition to your formal educationat the college or university level, trainingis largely on the job. Any trainingregarding management, supervision ordealing with people will enhance youropportunities for advancement. You mayalso have the opportunity to work in asetting that involves international trade.Training for those operating in theinternational market is available throughthe Forum for International TradeTraining. See “Want more Information.”

Who’s the right person?You have excellent communication,organizational and negotiation skills. Youare decisive, self-motivated andindependent. With your staff, you areable to set goals and create and carry outaction plans. You like problem solvingand can work well under pressure. Youare flexible and think clearly andlogically. You have strong leadership skillsand are able to motivate people. You are

open to feedback and new ways of doingthings. You have effective writing skills, aswell as the ability to use a computer.

What does it take?a high school diplomaa two-year college diploma in officeadministration, or a university degreein commerce, business, or publicadministration are definite assets andmay be required for more seniorpositionssome experience in a senior clerical,executive secretarial or other officeadministrative positiongeneral office experience can begained through co-operative educationprograms and is an asset

Next steps?senior supervisory positionsspecialization such as accountingskills developed as an office managerare highly transferable and allowmovement in a variety of directions

Office Manager

“The best is the variety.

In some way, everything

that goes on in the office

will funnel through you.”

Bev S.


English, Mathematics,Business


Canadian Institute ofManagement NationalCouncilTel. Toll Free1-800-387-5774Email: [email protected].(Please allow 24-48 hours fora response by Email. Be sureto mention CIM in yoursubject line. Please includeyour mailing address forinformation package.)

Forum for InternationalTrade Training (FITT)Ph. Toll Free:1-800-561-FITTwww.fitt.ca


property administratorspecial events co-ordinator


ShortTIPSSome Stress Busting Tips: cut backon coffee; breathe four times slowlyto a count of four; never say ‘I’mstressed,’ say ‘This is difficult - I’lldo what I can.’

7 8


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Payroll clerks collect and processthe information needed to issuepay cheques to employees of an

organization. You collect and maintainbasic employee information such asname, address, phone number, etc. Youalso verify the number of hours worked,as well as any overtime, bonuses orcommissions. You then calculate andsubtract such deductions as income tax,employment insurance, pension plancontributions and fees for benefits.

Both the income and deductions willvary from employee to employee. Youprint and distribute cheques, and filestatements. You are also responsible foremployment records and terminationnotices. A complete set of pay files andpersonal history information must bekept up-to-date.

The payroll department also co-ordinates special programs such as theUnited Way campaign or the annualCanada Savings Bond issue, becauseemployees often choose to have theircontributions deducted from their paycheques. You must also keep employeesinformed of new benefits or taxregulations that affect their pay.

Your duties vary according to the sizeand type of organization you work for.The payroll department might consist ofone person or it might involve an entireteam.

Work conditions and trainingYou could work for any type ofinstitution, from a construction companyto the federal government. Payroll clerksare usually paid a salary.

Some training is conducted on thejob. Ongoing training, in the form ofcourses and seminars, is offered by theCanadian Payroll Association (CPA). TheCPA offers three levels of certification:payroll administrator, payroll supervisor,and payroll manager. These certificationsare quickly becoming the norm. Mostemployers will hire you as a payroll clerkon the condition that you enroll in thecertification process as soon as possible.

Who’s the right person?You are meticulous about detail, carefuland accurate. You must learn the rulesgoverning payroll calculations and applythem in different situations. You must beable to meet regular deadlines. You musthave the communication andinterpersonal skills to handle employees’questions, concerns and complaints.Accurate keyboarding skills (and neathandwriting in some cases) are importantwhen it comes to entering numbers inorder to avoid misinterpretation.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequireda community college diploma in arelated field such as human resources,accounting or business is usuallyrequiredexperience with computers is a definiteassetbilingualism may be an asset, especiallyin national organizations andgovernment offices

Next steps?bookkeepingaccountinghuman resources/personnel

Payroll Clerk

“Organization is one of

the keys to success. No

voice is louder than the

voice of a person with a

messed up pay cheque!”

Jeannie B.


Mathematics, English,Computers, Business


a community college thatoffers courses in fields suchas human resources,business or accounting

Canadian Payroll Association(CPA)www.payroll.ca


administrative clerkpersonnel clerkcredit clerk


7 9


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Personal banking representatives/officers (sometimes referred to aslending officers) prepare, evaluate

and process loan applications. Youinterview applicants for personal,mortgage, student and business loans.You research and evaluate the applicant’sfinancial status, references, credit ratingand ability to repay the loan. Youcomplete the loan paper work. You mayapprove or reject certain applications andpass others to the Branch Manager orCredit Risk Manager with yourrecommendations.

Once the loan has been processed,you review and update the file. If thepayments are behind, you preparestatements and call the customer. If youhave made a bad loan, you areresponsible for collecting that loan -something that can be stressful. After 30days it goes to the CollectionDepartment for recovery.

You may also be involved in selling abroad range of financial services toindividuals, independent business andagricultural clients. In addition, you mayprovide special services such asinvestment banking for clients withspecific financial needs.

Work conditions and trainingYou could work for a bank, trustcompany, credit union, or other financialinstitution. This job offers manyopportunities for progress. Experience asa personal banking representative may berequired to become a bank or investmentmanager. You can become a seniorpersonal banking representative or moveinto managerial positions. You can alsocross over into other parts of banking.Personal banking representatives are paidsalaries with bonuses based onperformance at some financialinstitutions. Salary is competitive withinthe industry. Personal bankingrepresentatives’ salary can be based onperformance, education and continuedlearning. Employee capability is key to

the success of the banking business.There is usually an in-house loan trainingprogram ranging from four to 12 months.

Who’s the right person?You have strong interpersonal skills and akeen interest in the business world.Today’s banks are very sales-oriented andemployers are looking for people with atalent for and interest in sales andmarketing. Strong leadership qualities,administrative skills, good organizationalabilities and understanding of computertechnology are important assets. Youhave strong interviewing, research, andanalytical skills as well as the ability tointerpret financial statements, which isnecessary in order to determine the truefinancial situation of your clients.

What does it take?a high school diplomaa community college diploma oruniversity undergraduate degreerelated to commerce or economicsmay be requiredprevious business experience withanother financial institution is useful

Next steps?managementsalesprocessing centretelephone banking

Personal Banking Representative

“The biggest challenge

in my job is trying to

provide the client with

the knowledge and

expertise they expect.”

Rose B.


Mathematics, English,Computers, Accounting


a local bank

Canadian BankersAssociationwww.cba.ca

The Institute of CanadianBankerswww.icb.org


underwriterstudent awards officerfinancial aid officerfinancial economist


8 0


CAREER DIRECTIONS

P romotions assistants help developand co-ordinate promotions andspecial event campaigns. You may

work for a variety of organizations,including shopping malls, radio andtelevision stations, amusement parks,convention facilities, and Internet-basedcompanies.

You help develop, plan and carry outcreative ways of increasing publicawareness of your organization and whatit has to offer. Promotions and specialevents may be designed specifically tointerest people in a particular age group,people in a certain geographic location,people with specific interests, or certaintypes of people on the Internet. You findout as much as possible about theinterests and preferences of your “targetmarket” and develop campaigns that arelikely to attract their attention.

If you want to encourage people tocome to a business location, for example,you might plan and co-ordinate a specialevent such as a visit by a localentertainer. To promote a radio station,you might run a contest or co-ordinate apublic service event. To help a companyget greater exposure on the World WideWeb, you might rewrite site text to takeadvantage of the way search enginesrank search results.

Work conditions and trainingThis is a high-energy occupation in whichyou may work long and varied hours toensure that promotions and specialevents are successful. You must be ableto work a variety of shifts and days, andthe pace can be hectic in the daysleading up to a major event. You have tomake sure that everything and everyoneare in the right place at the right time.

Being able to market ideas, co-ordinate activities and meet deadlines isthe most important qualification for thistype of work. Some employers requireapplicants to have a related collegediploma or university degree. College oruniversity courses in public relations,

marketing, demographics, orcommunications (including Internetcommunications) are a definite assetwhen you are looking for a job. You havean added advantage if you haveexperience researching, making phonecontacts, co-ordinating events, orpitching ideas.

Who’s the right person?You are outgoing, enthusiastic and enjoymeeting and working with all kinds ofpeople. You are a creative thinker, butyou are also organized and detail-oriented. You must be willing to takecalculated risks, based on research aboutdifferent target markets.

Excellent communication skills areessential, both in person and in writing.In particular, you should be a goodlistener. You need to know what peoplein your target market are thinking.

What does it take?a college diploma or university degreerelated to marketing, public relations ora related discipline may be requiredcompletion of secondary school isusually required

Next steps?supervisory positionspublic relations consultantadvertising agentindependent promoterinformation officer

Promotions Assistant

“There are lots of things

that are great about this

type of work. You meet

many people and learn

about a wide variety of

businesses.” Chelsea D.


Business English andMathematics, Computers,Marketing, Graphics


Canadian Public RelationsSocietywww.cprs.org



publicistadvertising salesrepresentativespecial events co-ordinatorexecutive assistant


8 1


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Property Manager

“One of the personally

rewarding moments for

me is to find myself

manager of a property

that has problems ...

then to turn that

around.” Dick M.

P roperty managers, sometimescalled property administrators,oversee apartment buildings,

office buildings, investment or retailproperty, condominiums, or rentalhousing. As property manager, you havethe overall responsibility to collect rentmoney, pay the bills, and preparedetailed budgets and financial reports onthe status of the portfolio. You mayhandle the marketing of propertiesavailable for rent/lease. You review rentalapplications and run credit checks onpotential tenants. You may also prepareand enforce the terms of leaseagreements. Regular inspection of theproperties that you manage is important.

In some cases, you manage a largenumber of properties. You co-ordinateand manage repairs, improvements andmaintenance; contract snow removalservices, landscapers, plumbers andelectricians; and hire painters andcleaning staff. You know landlord-and-tenant law and city by-laws that apply toconstruction, renovation, environmentalhealth and safety issues. You will need toknow what steps to take in an emergencysuch as fire, flood, terrorist attack, andhow to handle the media in such asituation. Your biggest challenge is tojuggle these activities that affect severalbuildings in several different locations.

Work conditions and trainingYou might work for real estate andproperty management companies,property development firms or for alllevels of government. You have an office,but you spend a great deal of your timeat the various property sites you manage.Property managers earn a salary. Yourworking hours can be quite long to fit inevening and weekend meetings withtenants and potential tenants. You arealso on call to deal with emergencies.

Professional certification is availablefrom the Real Estate Institute of Canadaand the Building Owners and ManagersInstitute of Canada. Some provinces andterritories require a licence to draw up

leases and other legal documents. Thislicence may be obtained through theprovincial/territorial Real EstateAssociation and requires completion ofcourses and a qualifying exam. Theminimum requirement is a high schooldiploma; however, a college diploma oruniversity degree is preferred.

Who’s the right person?You need good communication skills,both in person and in writing. You mustbe able to establish a good relationshipand work effectively with a variety ofpeople, including lawyers, engineers,architects, suppliers, clients, tenants andinsurance companies. Knowledge of thelaw and how it applies to property isimportant. You have excellent commonsense, tact and the ability to resolve manyof the difficulties that arise, includingemergencies and the inevitablecomplaints from tenants. You must beassertive and confident since one of yourduties is the eviction of tenants. Goodorganization and time management skillsare crucial assets.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requiredcourses in accounting and computerscience are essentialcompletion of a two-year communitycollege course in propertymanagement is recommendedformal training in businessadministration at the college oruniversity level is an asset

Next steps?commercial real estate salesproperty developer


English, Mathematics,Accounting


Building Owners andManagers Institute ofCanadaTel. Toll Free1-888-821-9319Email [email protected]

Real Estate Institute ofCanadaTel. (416) 695-9000


managing supervisorreal estate salespersoncontracts administratorpublic trusteereal estate managertrust officer


8 2


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Publicists, sometimes calledpublicity agents, get presscoverage for their clients. You help

make people famous, and help famouspeople project the public image theywant. You may have a variety of clients,or specialize in working with people infields such as professional sports,entertainment, or politics.

Helping clients attract attention andcommunicate with their target audiencesoften involves public relations activitiessuch as writing press releases andcreating packets of information andphotographs for distribution to membersof the press. You spend a great deal oftime on the telephone with clients,journalists and other influential people.To help some clients reach a wideraudience, you may need to create easy-to-understand “sound bites” for themedia.

When a client receives unfavourablepress coverage, you control the damageto the person’s reputation and mighteven creatively turn scandal to yourclient’s advantage.

Work conditions and trainingPublicists work long hours, often for littlefinancial reward. Working conditions canbe hectic when you have to getinformation out to the media in time tocreate publicity for an event. You mustalways be friendly and pleasant, andavailable for comment. Once you are wellestablished in this occupation, you workwith famous people and may attendmany glamorous social events. You mayalso travel a great deal.

After graduating from a college oruniversity program in public relations,communications, journalism or a relateddiscipline, you must “pay your dues” bystarting in an entry-level position andgradually developing a large network ofcontacts. You can begin making contactswhile you are still in school through workexperience opportunities or internshipswith public relations firms.

Large public relations departmentsand firms may have formal trainingprograms for new employees, but you stillstart out working under the directsupervision of experienced employees.Initially, you may be responsible forclerical tasks, clipping articles, andresearching information for speeches andbrochures.

Who’s the right person?You are very outgoing and enjoy havingan active social life. You are confident,enthusiastic, and able to get along withall kinds of people.

Since your reputation as a publicistdepends on your ability to meet deadlinesand get the desired publicity, you mustbe creative, aggressive and organized.You also need very good communicationand negotiation skills, in person and inwriting.

What does it take?a high school diploma plus a collegediploma or university degree in publicrelations, communications, journalismor a related discipline is usuallyrequireda portfolio of published articles,television or radio programs, slidepresentations or other public-relationsactivities is an asset

Next steps?supervisory positionsself-employmentcable station talk-show host

Publicist

“This job never gets

mundane. Because every

situation is unique, you

are always looking for

new and different ways to

attract attention to

your clients and their

work.” Darka T.


English (Writing, PublicSpeaking), Business


Canadian Public RelationsSocietywww.cprs.org




public relations clerkpromotions assistantadvertising salesrepresentativejournalistwriter


8 3


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Purchasing Officer

“I enjoy having to deal

with a lot of people

throughout my day,

making deals with

business, and the

challenges that are in the

medical field.” Dawn J.

Purchasing officers buy the highestquality equipment, materials orbusiness services at the lowest

available cost for their organization. Yourwork depends on the organization youwork for. Your duties are more general ina small business and more specialized ina larger organization. You find out whatgoods and services are needed and thenresearch and choose suppliers, negotiatethe terms of contracts, and make surethat the goods come in on time.

You may specialize in a particular area,for example, scientific equipment for auniversity. You might gather informationto help improve the way yourorganization makes decisions about whatgoods and services to purchase. You willprepare and manage budgets, prepareformal purchasing documents and writereports. You will use computers tocomplete many of the tasks related toyour position.

Work conditions and trainingYou might work for almost anyorganization where large sums of moneyare spent for equipment, supplies andservices. Examples of such organizationsinclude government departments, schoolboards, hospitals, universities, factoriesand large business firms. You will work inan office environment usually withinregular office hours. Purchasing officersare paid an annual salary.

People entering the field with a highschool diploma start out as purchasingclerks. Fewer of these positions areavailable than in the past due torestructuring of positions. Those with acollege diploma or a university degreestart at a more senior level, such as juniorpurchasing officer, and advance morequickly through the ranks.

The Purchasing ManagementAssociation of Canada (PMAC) offerspart-time studies to become a CertifiedProfessional Purchaser, which qualifiesthe holder for more senior positions. Thefull process takes from five to ten years,depending on your level of education

(e.g. high school graduates generally takebetween seven and eight years to finish).Many companies will pay for ongoingtraining of their employees.

Who’s the right person?You are resourceful, detail-oriented and athorough researcher. You enjoy problemsolving and providing the best service youcan. You are able to work independentlyand have the confidence to makedecisions involving large sums of money.Your strong interpersonal andcommunication skills will help you toestablish good relationships within yourown organization as well as with suppliersand sales people. You enjoy negotiatingand are assertive and resourceful duringthe process.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requireda college or technical diploma oruniversity degree in businessadministration is preferredcourses in purchasing managementa specialized background related to theindustry of employment is an asset, forexample, a chemistry degree whenworking with a chemical company

Next steps?materials managementinventory managementtraffic or transportationquality controlfinance


English, Mathematics,Business, Computers

Want moreinformation? Try…The Purchasing ManagementAssociation of Canadawww.pmac.ca

National Institute ofGovernmental Purchasing Inc.Email [email protected]. 1-800-FOR-NIGP

Forum for International TradeTraining (FITT)Tel. Toll Free1-800-561-FITTwww.fitt.ca

What are some relatedoccupations?materials managerbuyerlogistics officerexpeditergovernment supply officer


8 4


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Receptionists greet people enteringan office or calling on thetelephone. You welcome people

coming in and direct them to the rightperson or service. Just remember thatyou are the first person the public sees orhas contact with. You may collect andprocess basic information, particularly ifyou work in the medical field (e.g. in adoctor’s office or a hospital). Althoughvoice mailbox systems are becomingcommonplace, you may still have toanswer phone calls, forward them to theright people, answer basic questions, takemessages and page people. Extensiveknowledge of the company is a must.You have clerical duties such asscheduling appointments, bookingboardrooms, handling mail and courierservices, doing word processing, andfiling. Computer knowledge is an asset.You keep track of people’s whereaboutsand availability (e.g. whether they’re inthe office or out, in a meeting, or nottaking phone calls).

At times, you may find this job a littlerestrictive. Getting the phone answered isan absolute necessity in any office, so ifyou want to leave your desk for a breakor for lunch, arrangements must first bemade to replace you on the phones.

Work conditions and trainingThis tends to be an entry-level position,but as you acquire skills and develop yourabilities, you may move into other officepositions. You could work for almost anytype of institution, from a doctor’s officeto a federal department. You may bepaid a salary or hourly wage.

A brief period of training is normallyconducted on the job to familiarize youwith the office equipment you will beusing.

Who’s the right person?You have a pleasant, helpful manner andproject a professional image. You havestrong interpersonal and communicationskills. You can handle periods of stress

well, without losing your calm. You arewell-organized and have a good memoryfor detail.

Answering telephones can be verystressful, especially when operating atelephone that has multiple lines. Often,the calls seem to come in all at once. Tocope, you need to remain calm andconcentrate. You have to remember whois on hold and to whom they wish tospeak, while taking detailed messages andgiving out information, all at the sametime.

Luckily, this is the type of job wherethe activity levels vary. Periods of pressureare often followed by periods of relativequiet and calm.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredprevious office experience is an assetbilingualism is an asset and may berequiredunion membership may be required ingovernment departments

Next steps?secretaryadministrative assistantoffice administrator

Receptionist


English, Computers, OfficePractices


local offices, medical clinicsor other businesses thatneed reception

International Association ofAdministrative Professionals(formerly known asProfessional SecretariesInternational)www.psi.org


hospital admitting clerkprice information clerkinformation clerkoffice clerkdirectory assistance operator


“Just remember that

difficult people have a

voice too.” Johanne A.

8 5


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Sales managers plan and direct salesprograms and departments inretail, industrial and wholesale

companies. You are responsible forensuring that the company makes aprofit through the sale of its productsand services.

Managing a sales departmentgenerally includes assigning salesterritories to sales representatives, settingsales goals and moving toward thosegoals, establishing training programs forsales representatives, and providingadvice about how to improve their salesperformance. You also study sales resultsand other information to figure out whatcustomers want. It is important to lookcarefully at sales of different products indifferent territories to help decide howmuch inventory is needed. You may alsokeep close contact with dealers anddistributors to make sure there areenough supplies available when thecompany needs them.

In large companies, you may overseethe work of several managers responsiblefor sales in different product lines orgeographic territories. In smallcompanies, you may be responsible formarketing, advertising or public relationsas well as sales.

Work conditions and trainingSales managers work for a wide variety oforganizations, including servicebusinesses as well as manufacturers,wholesalers and retailers of productsranging from heavy equipment toprocessed foods. Working someovertime is common in this occupationand you may be required to do a lot oftravelling.

Most management positions in salesrequire a college diploma or universitydegree in business administration or arelated field, plus at least five years ofsales experience. Depending on thenature of the business, you may needknowledge or experience related to thecompany’s products or services. Forexample, sales managers in heavy

equipment sales companies should haveexperience in the construction industry.In the electronics industry, you may needa college diploma or university degreerelated to electronics or engineering.

Who’s the right person?You are definitely a “people person” butyou are also competitive and self-motivated. Your income may be tied toyour company’s sales record so youshould enjoy and welcome the challengeof constantly trying to improve yourcompany’s sales performance. You mustbe very good at motivating andpersuading people.

Analyzing information and developingstrategies based on your conclusions is animportant part of your job. You have tobe able to solve problems, make decisionsand deal effectively with stress.

What does it take?completion of secondary school plus aproven track record as a salesrepresentative is usually requireda college or technical institute diplomaor university degree may be required

Next steps?marketing managerbusiness owner

Sales Manager


Business (Accounting,Marketing), English





advertising salesrepresentativepromotions assistantscientific equipment salesrepresentativereal estate salesrepresentativepublicist


“I like helping sales

representatives develop

and grow—become more

effective. I also like having

the freedom to try new

approaches...” Doug M.

8 6


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Secretaries perform a number ofclerical, administrative and otherrelated tasks. The job has gone

through many changes in the last 10years as office technology has developed.This occupation is known by manynames including: support staff, officeservice support and administrativeassistant.

You spend much of your time on thetelephone, answering and routing calls orrelaying messages. You greet people,handle their inquiries, and escort them tothe appropriate person. You mayschedule and confirm appointments andbe responsible for reminding youremployer of them. You might deal withtravel counsellors to arrange trips andmake reservations.

You may write letters and othermaterial, proofread, edit text, prepareinformation for meetings and takeminutes. You may still take dictation andwill certainly do word processing. Youopen and distribute incoming mail. Youoperate electronic mail systems. You alsoset up and maintain filing systems. Youmay set up office procedures andsupervise other staff. Ordering andpurchasing office supplies may benecessary. In a small organization, dutiesmay include some budget tasks. Youmay have to maintain office computersand equipment.

Work conditions and trainingThis occupation can open the doors tomany other avenues in the administrativeand management fields. As you developseniority you can move into officemanagement, for example, or become anexecutive assistant. The hours are usuallyregular business hours. Secretaries areusually paid an annual salary, unless theyhave been hired on a short-term or part-time basis, in which case they are paid aweekly or hourly fee. Training will beprovided on the job, as policies andprocedures vary from office to office. Youmay choose to specialize in one type ofoffice work.

Although shorthand is still used, it isgiving way to machine dictation.

Who’s the right person?You will often be the first person peoplemeet when they come to yourorganization and so being friendly andoutgoing is very important. You are politebut also able to be firm when dealingwith many different types of people anddifficult situations. You adapt easily andare comfortable in changing officeenvironments. You are flexible in settingpriorities and meeting deadlines. You arewell-organized and have strong decision-making skills. You are reliable,professional and discreet, especially if youare dealing with confidential material.You show initiative but also know how towork as part of an office team.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequireda one- or two-year community collegeprogram in office administrationknowledge of computers and a varietyof office equipment is an importantassetknowledge of a second language isvery usefulvoluntary certification is availablethrough International Association ofAdministrative Professionals, a Canada-wide association that offers part-timecourses and exams that qualify you forsenior secretarial positionstelephone skills

Next steps?office supervisoroffice administratormanagement positions

Secretary

“Being a secretary

involves more than just

typing. It’s a very

challenging job,

especially in these

times... where you are

expected to do more with

less.” Sheila R.


English, Computers, OfficePractices


a community college thatoffers courses in officeadministration

International Association ofAdministrative Professionals(formerly known asProfessional SecretariesInternational)www.psi.org


municipal office clerkclerk typistclerk, general officetellerreservations sales agent


8 7


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Shipper/Receiver

“It’s really hectic here in

summer. (Fire Supply

Warehouse) We’ll really

be hustling. Our job has

a high impact.”

Ernie V.

Shippers/receivers keep records ofall goods shipped and received. Inaddition to their record-keeping

responsibilities, they pack goods forshipping and unpack goods received.When packing goods, you have to thinkabout how to prevent damage fromrough handling, dampness, excessiveheat or freezing. You need to know thestacking strength of boxes and how toprepare shipments for different shippingconditions. After packing the goods, youattach identification tags and shippinginstructions. You prepare shipment bills,invoices, requisitions and otherdocuments either by hand or, in manycases, on a computer. You maintain asupply of packing materials and keeprecords of your operations usually on acomputer.

When goods come in, you check theaccompanying invoices or packing slipsto make sure the right quantity hasarrived and that the goods are notdamaged. You may enter thisinformation into a computer either byhand or by using a hand-held scannerthat reads bar codes on the incominggoods. You oversee the loading andunloading of goods, using forklifts, handtrucks or other equipment. You unpackthe goods and send them to theappropriate storage area or department.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably work in a warehouse,retail or wholesale establishment, mineand construction store, or othercommercial or industrial organization. Inlarger warehouses, shippers/receiversmay move on to supervisory positions.You are paid an hourly wage. Dependingupon your employer you may have towork shift work. In some organizations,workers are unionized.

There is no specific field of studyleading to employment as a shipping andreceiving clerk. Most employers require ahigh school diploma. Training is providedon the job. Some courses are available,particularly if you are working towards a

purchasing position. Employers are oftenwilling to support employees who wantto upgrade their skills.

Who’s the right person?You are systematic and well-organized.You pay attention to detail and will learnenough about a product so that you canpackage it safely and efficiently. You needstrong communication skills to co-ordinate your activities with customers,suppliers, end-users, truck drivers andother transporters. You also need writingand mathematical skills to fill out forms,count products correctly and keepaccurate records. You should be familiarwith computers. You are physically fit, asthe work involves much lifting.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequireda driver’s licence is often necessarybilingualism is an asset for dealing withcompanies in all regionsno other certificates or registration areneeded

Next steps?transportation officer or controllerpurchasing officer or retail/wholesalebuyer


Business English andMathematics, Computers,French


The Canadian Institute ofTraffic and Transportationwww.sb.gov.bc.ca/smallbus/lotus/16172.htm

Canadian Association ofWarehousing andDistribution Serviceshttp://strategis.ic.gc.ca

Canadian ProfessionalLogistics Institutewww.loginstitute.ca


claims clerk, lost ordamaged goodsimport freight clerkexport booking clerkcargo location clerk


8 8


CAREER DIRECTIONS

89

Computers & TechnologyWhen investigating options for your career path, it is hard to separate

computers from technology.

It is probably safe to say that the use of computers is ‘essential’ for all technologyoccupations. What does that mean for you? For many of the technology occupationsyou will require community college or technical training in areas such as physics,mechanics, chemistry, electronics and engineering - and a good working knowledgeof computers. Often people in these fields are persistent - they won’t give up untilthey find a solution. They can think systematically and they can also come up withnew and different methods of solving problems. You may be working in teams toplan projects and brainstorm ideas. You could also spend a great deal of time alonecorrecting a problem or working on a new idea.

TIP: Choose your company with care!Although many new workers expect to find a full-time, permanent position, today ithas become quite common to work on contract and move from project to projectand company to company.

Either way, what do you look for in a company?

Companies that do international business (have global markets) are growingfaster than companies that don’t. There will be more work available.

Companies that provide training opportunities give you the chance to increaseyour skills and knowledge. Multi-skilled workers are valued for the variety of tasksthey can do.

Companies that are equal opportunity employers will have chances for all eligibleworkers to try out new positions and new work projects.

Companies with working conditions to match your needs will be more enjoyableto work for. Check out things such as: dress code (would you like to dress up orwear blue jeans?), work hours (do you need flexibility or like routine hours?),daycare facilities (is it important to have daycare on the premises?), bonus systems(do you prefer money, time off, onsite gymnasium, or complimentary passes forrewards?)

Whether you are looking for contract or full-time work, your job satisfaction will beinfluenced by the environment in the company where you do the work.


Air Traffic Controller 2272 91

Applied ChemicalTechnologist 2211 92

Civil EngineeringTechnician/Technologist 2230 93

Computer Animator 5241 94

Computer Programmer 2163 95

Computer SystemsTechnician/Technologist 2163 96

Draftsperson 2253 97

Electrical EngineeringTechnician/Technologist 2241 98

Electronic EngineeringTechnician/Technologist 2241 99

Food ProcessingTechnician 2211 100

Industrial EngineeringTechnician/Technologist 2233 101

Industrial InstrumentationTechnician/Technologist 2243 102

Network Security Specialist 2162 103

Scientific EquipmentSales Representative 6221 104

Survey Technician/Technologist 2254 105

TelecommunicationsEquipment Technician 7246 106

Web Designer 2163 107Please Note:Salaries in each profile represent: the average of all workers in the occupation or occupationalgroup; the average of the top 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group; and theaverage of the bottom 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group. The figures caninclude salaries of self-employed people who may have lost money. This may lower the averageearnings significantly.


90


1. Thinking:

Be logical, scientific Be critical, use judgement Make decisions Solve problems

Find information Plan and organize job tasks Use memory


Confer with clients/provide technical advice Promote information

Listen to understand problems and clearly communicate solutions Consult with others


Use electric/electronic systems Create and/or learn from computerized systems training programs

Create computer programs Use computer languages, schematics or diagrams

Implement, upgrade and monitor systems Inspect and test control devices, applications

Calibrate and maintain Understand and use technical specifications

Repair computers and their components Use/manage computer networks

Use software features Diagnose and correct problems in equipment and software

4. Numeracy:

Perform calculations Analyze data (compare, contrast, predict; averages, summaries, rates)

Represent data analysis graphically Use specialized measurement equipment

Apply mathematical principles Prepare budgets and schedules for projects


Participate in meetings and seminars Have self discipline to work independently

Assign tasks to other workers Exercise give and take to achieve group results

Plan and make decisions with others Make suggestions that contribute to the goals of the project

6. Writing:

Write: Programs Memos Exacting and detailed documentation

Reports User Manuals

7. Reading:

Read: Instruction Manuals Memos Computer and technology magazines Computer and

Journals Websites Updates on the latest technology literature network literature







CAREER DIRECTIONS

91


CAREER DIRECTIONS

A ir traffic controllers monitor anddirect the movement ofairplanes, helicopters and

recreational aircraft within an assigned airspace and on the ground at airports. Thekey task of an air traffic controller is tocommunicate information. Using radar,radio equipment and vision, you directair traffic in an orderly and safe fashion.You relay take-off and landinginformation, weather reports andnavigational instructions to flight crews.You direct ground staff to make sure thatmaintenance and baggage vehicles andtaxiing aircraft don’t cause problems forother vehicles or aircraft. In case of anemergency, you are responsible forcontacting emergency crews.

Work conditions and trainingAir traffic controllers work either atenroute centres or at airports. Towercontrollers work in the glassed-in area atthe top of a tower at an airport anddirect air traffic as it approaches theairport. Enroute or terminal controllers,on the other hand, work in area controlcentres and direct aircraft during theirflight. Your employer will be NAVCANADA, a private company thatmanages most large airports and all airtraffic control services.

Training for this work is provided byNAV CANADA in Cornwall, Ontario.Entrance standards are very high and thetraining is approximately 8 months long.Upon completion, you will be assignedto either a Tower or a Centre for anadditional probationary period of up to18 months.

Most air traffic control services operateon a 24-hour basis. Air traffic controllersmay be assigned to airports anywhere inCanada. Air traffic controllers are paidyearly salaries and usually receive acomplete benefit package.

Who’s the right person?You should be decisive, quick thinking,and able to cope with stressful situations.You must be extremely responsible anddedicated to your work. There is no roomfor error. It is important to be highlyorganized and to be able to concentratefor long periods of time. Busy airportshave teams of air traffic controllersworking together, and you communicateeffectively and directly. The ability to taketwo dimensional data and visualize it inthree dimensions is a skill which you mustacquire.

What does it take?you must be a Canadian citizen orlanded immigrant and a minimum ageof 18a high school diploma or equivalent isrequiredhobbies or experience involvingknowledge of air regulations or aircraftis an assetgood vision and hearing are essentialyou will have to pass a medical examand get security clearancea good command of English, thelanguage of air navigation, is requiredin Québec, New Brunswick and someareas in Ontario, fluency in French isalso requiredyou must pass the Air Traffic Controllerbasic aptitude exam, interview andphysical exam

Next steps?There are opportunities for air trafficcontrollers to move both withinCanada and internationally

Air Traffic Controller

“The challenge of the job

attracts people. It’s an

intellectual challenge to

learn and keep up with

things, the improvements

in equipment...”

Rick K.


Mathematics (Algebra andTrigonometry), Physics,Computers, English, French,Social Studies


NAV Canada TrainingInstituteTel. Toll Free1-800-667-4636www.navcanada.ca

Canadian Air Traffic ControlAssociationwww.catca.ca


flight dispatchercentralized traffic controllermarine traffic controllerair weapons control officer


92


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Applied chemical technologistsprovide technical support andassistance in industrial chemistry,

chemical engineering, chemical andbiochemical research and analysis, andchemical quality control. You work with ateam of other professionals, includingchemists and engineers, to carry outanalysis, synthesis, and separation ofvarious chemical compounds.

You test packaging for design,integrity of materials, and environmentalacceptability; assemble and operateequipment to develop new products;monitor product quality; or develop newproduction techniques. It can also beyour responsibility to collect and analyzesamples of air and water to monitorpollution levels.

You set up, conduct and recordchemical experiments, tests and analyses.Other duties include operating andmaintaining laboratory equipment andpreparing solutions and samples. Theequipment you would use includescomputers, computer-interfacedinstruments, robotics, and high-technology applications such as thoseused in biotechnology.

Work conditions and trainingYou can find work in a number ofdifferent industries including thechemical, petrochemical andpharmaceutical industries. You help inresearch and development, qualitycontrol and research laboratories, andconsulting engineering companies. Youmight work in a wide variety of resourceproduction, manufacturing, energy,health, education and governmentestablishments.

Chemical technologists sometimeswork with toxic chemicals or radioactiveisotopes; nuclear technologists may beexposed to radiation; and biologicaltechnologists sometimes work withdisease-causing organisms or radioactiveagents. However, there is little risk ifproper safety procedures are followed.

Who’s the right person?This job will appeal to you if you have ananalytical mind, enjoy solving problems,and are interested in chemistry. You liketo concentrate, make close observations,and carefully note and evaluateinformation from chemical observationand analysis. Since the field is alwayschanging, you enjoy learning andupdating your knowledge.

One of the satisfying aspects of thisjob is a strong sense of achievement. Youparticipate in projects from start to finish.As a result, at the end, you are able to seewhat has been done and what you havecontributed.

What does it take?a high school diploma with senior levelEnglish, Mathematics, Computers andChemistrya two- to three-year program at acommunity college or technicalinstitute in chemical, biochemical orchemical engineering technology, or ina closely related discipline, is usuallyrequiredjoining a professional association isvoluntary

Next steps?research and development positionssupervisory positionsproject management

Applied Chemical Technologist

“There are many things

that I like about the job –

discovering new products,

determining what

ingredients go well with

others, as well as working

on quality control.”

Jannelle M.


Chemistry, Computers,Mathematics, English


The Chemical Institute ofCanadawww.chem-inst-can.org

American Chemical Societywww.acs.org


chemical engineeringtechnologistchemical engineer,productionchemical sales representativelaboratory physical sciencestechnologist


ShortTIPSThe average age of college studentsis 26, suggesting that young peoplereturn to school even if they enteredthe workforce directly after highschool.

93


CAREER DIRECTIONS

C ivil engineering technicians andtechnologists work on a variety ofcivil engineering projects, ranging

from bridges and buildings to roadwaysand water systems. You may workindependently, or provide technicalservices for engineers, architects,surveyors and others.

Your job title and duties will varydepending on the field of civilengineering in which you work: structuralengineering, municipal engineering,construction design and supervision,highways and transportationengineering, water resources engineeringor geotechnical engineering. In general,however, you prepare (or assist inpreparing) designs/drawings andconstruction specifications.

Technologists also prepare cost andmaterial estimates; develop projectschedules and write reports; andsupervise or conduct field surveys,inspections or technical investigations.For example, you might inspect orsupervise work at a construction site toensure that safety and designspecifications are followed, or inspectdams or power plants to assess the needfor repair work.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for a wide variety oforganizations, including engineeringconsulting firms, constructioncompanies, government public works, orenvironment and transportationdepartments. Working conditions vary.You may work primarily indoors withcomputers in an office environment, oroutdoors in all weather conditions atconstruction sites. You will probably workweekday hours in both environments,although overtime may be required tomeet project deadlines.

To get started in this occupation, youneed a certificate or diploma in civilengineering technology (or a closelyrelated technology) from a college ortechnical institute. Colleges and technical

institutes across the country offer civilengineering technology programs thatrange in length from one to three years.After you graduate, you will probablystart working in an entry-level technicalsupport position. You can progress topositions with more responsibility as yougain experience.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in mathematics,science and technology. You enjoyworking with equipment and computers,working outdoors, and analyzinginformation to solve problems. You payattention to details, work effectively underpressure (alone and with other people),and resolve problems logically andpatiently.

You also have good communicationskills, in person and in writing.

What does it take?a college or technical institutecertificate or diploma in civilengineering technology or a closelyrelated technology is requiredsecondary school diploma

Next steps?supervisory and project managementpositionsconstruction estimatorconstruction inspectorsales representative

Civil Engineering Technician/Technologist

“I enjoy solving a problem

and seeing the solution

being built.” Doug V.


Mathematics, Computers,Physics, English



Canadian Institute forResearch in Constructionwww.cisti.nrc.ca:80/irc/



draftsperson, surveytechnician/technologistwater resources technician/technologistenvironmental technician/technologistarchitectural technologisthazardous wastemanagement technician/technologist


94


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Computer animators use computersoftware to create images that,when viewed sequentially, create

the illusion of movement. You maydevelop image sequences for short orfeature length films, televisionproductions or commercials, computergames or web pages.

This is a rapidly emerging andchanging occupation so there is no“standard” job description. You maywork alone or with a team of animators.You may have a great deal of artisticlicence, or be required to work withinvery precise guidelines. You mayspecialize in character animation,creating two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional settings, special effects, ortitles and credits. Or, you may specializein areas such as video gameprogramming, or integrating computer-generated sequences with live actionsequences. You will use a constantlygrowing and changing range of graphicsprograms and two- and three-dimensional animation programs tocreate images that simulate motion.

Work conditions and trainingYou may do freelance work, or beemployed in an animation studio. Ineither case, you spend long periods oftime sitting in front of a computermonitor. Long hours of overtime may berequired to complete projects on time. Asa freelancer, you may need another jobto support yourself until you are wellestablished in the entertainment industry.

You need a combination of art andcomputer skills. You may acquire theseskills by taking related courses from acollege or private vocational school, bystarting as a trainee in an animationstudio and learning on the job, or bycombining related courses and workexperience. You may take a series of part-time courses, or a full-time collegeprogram that requires up to three yearsto complete. It’s a good idea to discusspossible training options with people

currently working in this field, particularlypotential employers, before you sign upfor a training program. To get a job as ananimator, you will need a “portfolio” thatdemonstrates your drawing skills andincludes an animation “demo reel.”

To keep your skills up to date, youmust be constantly learning about newtechnology and techniques.

Who’s the right person?You have artistic talent and enjoy learningabout new developments in computeranimation. You can work quickly and dealwith the pressure of deadlines, adapt yourstyle to suit the needs of different studiosand clients, and work well with others ina team environment. Just as important,you are willing to actively promote yourwork and market your skills.

What does it take?completion of secondary school isusually requireda combination of art skills andcomputer graphics skills

Next steps?project management and supervisorypositions

Computer Animator

“I enjoy the fluidity of

the medium, in terms of

what the entire spectrum

of digital tools has to

offer. Any visual image

is possible.” Leslie B.


Art, Broadcast Technologies,Computers


Animation World Networkwww.awn.com

ASIFA Central (InternationalAnimation Association)www.swcp.com/animate/index.htm

Software Human ResourceCouncilwww.shrc.ca


special effects techniciancartoonistillustratorgraphic designerweb designer

ShortTIPS


Find someone who is similar to youor has challenges similar to yoursand ask them how they succeeded.Use all the help you can get.

95


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Computer programmers create,modify and test softwareprograms. You may write

programs from scratch by coding sets ofinstructions into machine-readable form,or combine and adapt existing programs.Depending on the type of computerapplication, you may use computer ordatabase languages such as Visual Basic,C, Java, Activex, Oracle or dBase.

First, you need a detailedunderstanding of what software userswant the program to do. You maydiscuss and map out the requirementswith users yourself, review specificationsdrawn up by others, or work with a teamof experts that includes otherprogrammers and users. In the earlystages of your career, you will probablywork on components of softwareapplications that are later integrated intothe final package.

Much of your work will involve testingprograms, diagnosing problems, andfinding and correcting errors. You mayalso be responsible for documentingprograms, writing user manuals ordeveloping help screens.

Work conditions and trainingComputer programmers may work on afreelance basis, or be employed full timeor part time by a large organization,consulting company or softwaredevelopment firm. For example, you maywork for an insurance company, atransportation firm, a manufacturer, or agovernment department or agency. Youwill probably spend long hours usingcomputers in an office environment. Thework can be stressful when you arenearing a project deadline and theprogram is not running to specification.Overtime may be required.

To get started in this work, you need acollege diploma in computer science, ora university degree that includes a largeprogramming component. If you want tospecialize in commercial, engineering orscientific applications, you may also need

education or experience directly relatedto business administration, engineering,life sciences or physical sciences.

To keep your skills up to date, youmust constantly be learning about newprogramming languages and techniques.You attend professional developmentseminars and presentations, and may takecourses related to specific programminglanguages.

Who’s the right person?You like to pay attention to details, andenjoy using logic to solve problems. Youcan concentrate for long periods of time,and translate abstract concepts intoconcrete tasks. When a program isn’trunning properly, you track the problemdown through the persistent and patientuse of logic.

You need good verbal and writtencommunication skills for working withusers and other programmers, and fordocumenting programs. You also need tobe able to work well in a teamenvironment.

What does it take?a college or technical institute diplomain computer science, or a universitydegree with a significant programmingcomponentcompletion of secondary school

Next steps?development team leaderproject manager

Computer Programmer

“I’ve always been

fascinated with

puzzles... Being a

computer programmer

allows me to build my own

creative solutions to

many different puzzles.”

Anton W.


Mathematics, Computers,English


Canadian InformationProcessing Societywww.cips.ca

Association of InformationSystems Professionalswww.aitp.org



web designernetwork security analystcomputer systems techniciancomputer animatorsystems analyst


96


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Computer systems technicians/technologists provide technicalsupport for computer users. You

install, service, trouble-shoot andconfigure computer systems andnetworks, provide technical advice, anddiagnose and correct computer-relatedor network-related problems when theyoccur.

In general, your main responsibilitywill be to make sure that theorganization’s computer systems andlocal or wide area networks can do whatusers need them to do. You recommendchanges to improve systems and networkconfigurations, and provide advice on thepurchase of system and applicationsoftware, computer workstations,printers, network hardware and networksoftware.

When new equipment arrives, youinstall, configure and test it. You educateusers about how to use their systems,and respond to complaints aboutcomputer-related problems. Whensystems or components fail, you diagnosethe problem and correct it as quickly aspossible to keep the user’s “down time”to a minimum. You also keepmaintenance and repair work records,analyze equipment performance records,and keep an inventory of parts foremergency repairs.

Work conditions and trainingYou may be employed in the InformationTechnology section of a largeorganization, or work as a contractor fora computer sales company or aconsulting firm that provides technicalsupport services for large organizations.When users are located in severaldifferent locations, a considerableamount of travelling may be involved.You may also be required to move heavycomputer components.

Employers generally prefer to hirecomputer systems technicians/technologists who have a related collegeor technical institute certificate ordiploma, or even a university degree in

computer science. However, employersmay also hire people who havedemonstrated a working knowledge ofcomputer and network systems throughpractical experience in the computerindustry. Before you enroll in aneducation program, it’s a good idea todiscuss your training options with peoplewho currently work in the computerservice field.

Since new technology is constantlybeing introduced, you must keep yourskills and knowledge up-to-date byreading, discussing new developmentswith others, and attending presentations,seminars and training programs.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in science andtechnology, and enjoy finding out howthings work. You also enjoy analyzinginformation and solving problems. Youpay attention to details, work effectivelyunder pressure (alone and with otherpeople), and tackle problems logicallyand patiently.

Since you will sometimes be workingwith users who are frustrated andunhappy because their systems are notworking properly, you need patience andexcellent communication andinterpersonal skills.

What does it take?completion of secondary school pluscomputer-related training orexperience, or a college or technicalinstitute certificate or diploma incomputer technologyyou must be physically able to movecomputer and network componentsa driver’s licence may be required

Next steps?supervisory positionsnetwork administratorowner of a computer sales or servicecompany

Computer Systems Technician/Technologist


Computers, Electronics,Business, Mathematics,English

Want moreinformation? Try…Canadian InformationProcessing Societywww.cips.ca

Association of InformationSystems Professionalswww.aitp.org



electronic equipment servicetechniciannetwork security specialistcomputer programmerweb designersystems analyst


“Everyday you see

something you have never

seen before, but are

expected to fix

immediately. Rewarding?

Yes. Challenging?

Definitely. Stressful?

Absolutely!” Walter R.

97


CAREER DIRECTIONS

D raftspersons prepare accurateand detailed drawings forconstruction, engineering,

manufacturing and other purposes.Architectural and engineering firms,manufacturers, surveying and mappingcompanies, and municipal, provincial/territorial and federal government officesemploy them.

As a draftsperson, you create technicaldrawings that describe the size, shape,mechanics or function of objects andstructures. These are used by design,production and construction teams.Traditionally, drafters sat at drawingboards and used compasses, dividers,protractors, triangles, and other draftingdevices to prepare a drawing manually.Most drafters now use computer-aideddrafting (CAD) systems to preparedrawings. Although this equipment hasbecome easier to operate, CAD is only atool. Persons who produce technicaldrawings using CAD still function asdrafters, and need most of theknowledge of traditional drafters.

CAD technology is rapidly advancingand the cost of the systems continues todecrease. All draftspersons will use CADsystems regularly in the future. However,manual drafting may still be used incertain applications, especially inspecialty firms that produce many one-of-a-kind drawings with little repetition.

Work conditions and trainingYou generally work in office settings.Most drafters work at computerterminals. Drafters may be susceptible toeyestrain, back discomfort, and hand andwrist problems. Draftspersons may bepaid salaries or hourly wages. Many aremembers of unions, depending on thecompany.

Some employers require draftspersonsto obtain certification in engineeringdesign and drafting technology, or in arelated field. This certificate ofqualification is available in all provincesand territories. Further certification withprovincial/territorial associations of

engineering technicians andtechnologists, or with architecturaltechnicians and technologists, may alsobe available, depending on the province/territory.

The use of computerized designtechnology, mapping and satellitepositioning systems has transformed thisoccupation. You will need to develop theappropriate skills, and take occasionalretraining and professional developmentto keep up with new technologies.

Who’s the right person?You will enjoy this work if you areinterested in machines, buildingmaterials, engineering, architecture, thephysical sciences and computers. You willdo extremely well if you also have acertain artistic flair and the ability topicture and change shapes and objects inyour head.

A good draftsperson is analytical, well-organized, neat, interested in accuratemeasurements, good at details andcapable of intense concentration. Youalso need to have patience since adrawing may take days to complete. Youmust be able to work with othermembers of a team and be able to speakand write well.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredhigh school experience in mechanicaldrafting is highly recommendeda two-year diploma in drafting, a four-year apprenticeship program indrafting, or four to five years of relatedexperience plus completion ofcommunity college or industry coursesin drafting are recommended routes

Next steps?senior drafting and supervisorypositionscomputer graphics industry and clientsupport servicesfreelance opportunities

Draftsperson

“Everyone uses

computers now, but I still

believe that it is

important to know how

to draw by hand.”

Debbie T.


Mathematics, Science,Computer Technology,Design or ComputerGraphics





industrial designercivil engineeringtechnologistarchitectural technologist


98


CAREER DIRECTIONS

E lectrical engineering technologistsand technicians provide technicalsupport and service during the

design, installation, operation,production and repair of electricalequipment and systems. You areemployed by electrical utilities,communications companies,manufacturers of electrical equipment,consulting firms, a wide range ofmanufacturing, processing, mining andtransportation industries, also the federal,provincial and territorial governments.

Your work would involve applyingyour knowledge and understanding ofelectrical theory to industry. You work aspart of a team with other technologistsand engineers to design, assemble, testand modify electrical circuits, equipment,machinery, and systems for residential,commercial, institutional and industrialinstallations.

You prepare project cost estimatesfrom electrical drawings. You may install,monitor, troubleshoot and maintainelectrical control and solid stateequipment. This will include diagnosingproblems in electrical or mechanicalsystems and finding the solution.

Work conditions and trainingAs an electrical engineering technologistyou may work in an office, technicallaboratory or workshop and also do on-site work. You generally work regularbusiness hours in design or sales offices.Some overtime may be required to meetdeadlines.

You might work at industrial plants,power utilities, laboratories andconstruction sites, as do the technicians.Trained in safety procedures, you mustapply them to avoid injury from electricalshocks.

You may be paid a salary or hourlywages and you have a fair amount of jobmobility. Most newly hired techniciansreceive some on-the-job training thatvaries in length from company tocompany.

To train as an electrical engineeringtechnician you will complete a one-year

certificate program after you become aJourneyman Electrician. Some technicalinstitutes or colleges may offeraccelerated programs for ElectricalEngineering Technologists that are 18months in length. Some allowadmittance to the second year of theTechnology Program if you have aTechnician Certificate.

Who’s the right person?Electrical engineering technologists enjoyworking with tools, computers,instruments and machinery. You usethese to analyze problems and findinnovative solutions to technologicalproblems. You have a strong aptitude formathematics and science, especiallyphysics. You have the capacity foraccurate, careful work.

You enjoy keeping up with theconstantly changing technology. Youwork well with others as part of a team,and have good communication skills,both verbal and written.

The job, however, can also be stressful.You might be called in to find a solutionto an urgent electrical problem that isholding up production or service toclients.

What does it take?a high school diplomaengineering companies may preferpeople who have completed a two-year technical institute or collegeprogram in electrical engineeringtechnologycertification with a provincial/territorialassociation is voluntary, althoughcompanies may require it for somepositionsa two-year period of employment maybe required before certification. Thereis usually no formal apprenticeshiptraining

Next steps?supervision and management positionsbusiness owner

Electrical Engineering Technician/Technologist“The most challenging

part is helping customers

solve problems with their

electrical equipment.

They are frustrated and

need some specific

answers.” Barry C.


Mathematics, Sciences,Industrial Arts

Want moreinformation? Try…The Canadian Council ofTechnicians andTechnologistswww.cctt.ca

Electrical/Electronic SectoralSkills CouncilTel. (613) 567-3036

The InternationalBrotherhood of ElectricalWorkerswww.ibew.org


electrical designerpower systems operatorelectronics avionicscommunicationstechnologistindustrial instrumenttechnologistelectronic engineeringtechnologist


99


CAREER DIRECTIONS

E lectronics engineering techniciansand technologists apply theprinciples of electronics to the

development, manufacture and servicingof electronic equipment and systems.They may perform many different duties.There are also several specialized positiontitles for this occupation.

As an electronics engineeringtechnician/technologist you might assistin the production and quality control of avariety of electronic equipment. Youmay perform the technical functionsinvolved in assembling, installing,repairing, and maintaining electroniccircuitry, components and systems. Youmight inspect newly installed equipmentto adjust or correct any operatingproblems. You may be required toprepare sketches, graphs and drawingsthat describe electronics systems andtheir characteristics.

Electronics engineering technicians/technologists might write softwareprograms and will use computers to plan,schedule and manage work functions.

You are employed by electricalutilities, communications companies,manufacturers of electrical equipment,consulting firms, manufacturing,processing and transportation industries,and governments.

Work conditions and trainingYou usually work in offices, technicallaboratories, shops or productiondepartments, but may occasionally workoutdoors as well. Some travelling maybe required when installing or servicingequipment.

You work a traditional 40-hour workweek. You may be paid a salary or hourlywages and you have a fair amount of jobmobility. Most technicians receive someon-the-job training that varies in length.You work as a member of a teamworking on a particular project.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy working with tools, equipment,instruments and machinery at tasksrequiring precision in finding workablesolutions.

You will need an interest inmathematics and sciences, as well asgood technical problem-solving skills.You must have good verbal and writtencommunication skills. Fine motor skillsand good eye-hand co-ordination are alsoimportant. The ability to work under thepressure of deadlines, and a willingness toupdate your education is essential.

There is an increasing demand fortechnologists to work in technical salesand customer relations, and to supervisetechnical personnel, so goodinterpersonal skills are important.

What does it take?a high school diplomacompanies prefer people who havecompleted a two-year communitycollege or technical institute programin electronics engineering technician ortechnologysome technical institutes or collegesoffer accelerated programs that are 18months in lengthcertification with a provincial/territorialassociation is voluntary, althoughcompanies may require it for somepositionsa two-year period of employment maybe required before certificationsome specialized areas such as alarmsor medical equipment may be subjectto further government regulation

Next steps?specialized electronics engineeringpositionstechnical supervisory and managementpositionsmarketing or salesbusiness owner

Electronic Engineering Technician/Technologist“Some of the

prototyping work I do is

very interesting.

Developing the first

sample can be a real

challenge.” Ron T.


Mathematics, Electronics,Sciences, English




Electric/Electronic SectoralSkills CouncilTel. (613) 567-3036


production supporttechnician, electronicsavionics engineeringtechnologistcommunicationstechnologistindustrial instrumenttechnicianelectrical engineeringtechnician/technologist


100


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Food processing technicians assist indeveloping, processing andpackaging food products, and

establishing and maintaining qualitycontrol standards. You may work on yourown, or provide technical support forfood scientists and related professionals.

In this emerging occupation, dutiesand job titles can vary considerably fromone position to another. You may workwith specific types of foods such as dairyor meat products, or in particular areas offood production such as research anddevelopment, quality control orproduction supervision.

In research and development, youhelp to develop new processing methodsand improve current products or createnew ones. In production supervision andquality control, you make sure thathygienic conditions and procedures arefollowed during food processing andpackaging. This includes storing rawingredients under proper conditions, andmaking sure that the raw ingredients andthe processed food products meetgovernment and company qualitystandards. This may involve testing andmonitoring microbial content, nutritionalvalue, flavour and appearance, andsupervising the operation, cleaning andmaintenance of food processingmachinery.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably be employed by a foodor beverage processing or manufacturingcompany, or by a consulting firm. Mostof the time, you will be working in alaboratory or on the production floor. Ifthe food processing plant operates 24hours a day, you may work shifts.

Many food processing technicians getthe necessary knowledge and skillsthrough a combination of related coursesand on-the-job training. In general,employers like to hire graduates ofcollege certificate or diploma programsthat have strong chemistry andmicrobiology components. Manycolleges and technical institutes across

Canada offer programs in chemical andfood technologies.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy working with food and learningabout science, particularly chemistry andmicrobiology, and are inquisitive. Youhave good problem solving abilities, goodpowers of observation, and enjoy takingan organized approach to tasks thatrequire paying close attention to details.You also enjoy working with other peoplein a team environment.

What does it take?completion of secondary schoola college or technical institutecertificate or diploma related to foodscience or biological technology ispreferred

Next steps?supervisory positionsgovernment regulatory/informationofficerprivate consultant

Food Processing Technician

“There is a lot of variety

in my job. It’s very

dynamic—a lot of

surprises, a lot of fun!”

Maude F.


Chemistry, Biology,Mathematics


Canadian Institute of FoodSciencewww.cifst.ca

National Seafood SectorCouncilwww.nssc.ca

Biotechnology HumanResource Councilwww.bhrc.ca


applied chemical techniciandieticianmedical laboratorytechnician/technologistoccupational health andsafety officer


ShortTIPSChoosing one learning option doesnot eliminate others! Many adultsgo back to school after they haveworked for a while. Many claimthat having “real world” experienceor previous technical training reallyenhances their learning, too.

101


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Industrial engineering technicians andtechnologists are involved indeveloping effective, organized work

systems that are people-oriented andcost-effective. You may workindependently or provide technicalsupport as part of a team solvingbusiness problems. These problems maydeal with the location and layout of plantfacilities, materials handling, work-stationdesign, wage and salary payment plans,quality control, personnel selection andplacement, occupational safety andhealth, or cost analysis.

Your job title and responsibilities mayvary a great deal in this occupation. Forexample, you may be called anoperations management technician/technologist, a production controltechnician/technologist, a work studyanalyst, a quality assurance technician/technologist or a loss preventiontechnician/technologist. You may beinvolved in developing particular types ofproduction processes, or specific types ofhuman resource programs. For example,as a technician, you may developprocedures, perform work study analyses,oversee production, and inspectprocesses in a manufacturing orprocessing plant. You may gatherinformation and assist in analyzing datato develop work schedules, qualityassurance programs, or health and safetyprograms.

As a technologist, you may developand conduct production, inventory andquality assurance programs; design plantlay-outs and production facilities; or,develop and implement work studyprograms or health, safety and fireprevention programs.

Work conditions and trainingIndustrial engineering technicians andtechnologists are employed bymanufacturing firms, insurancecompanies, government departments,financial institutions, transportationcompanies, hospitals and consultingfirms. You may work in a wide variety of

environments, including offices,manufacturing and processing plants,and health care facilities. You willprobably work traditional weekday hours.

To get started in this occupation, youneed a college or technical institutecertificate or diploma in industrialengineering, operations management, ora related technology. These programscombine engineering and managementtraining. To keep up with newdevelopments in industrial engineering,you must continue to read, discuss newdevelopments with others, and attendpresentations, seminars and trainingprograms.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in mathematics,science and human/organizationalbehaviour, and enjoy analyzinginformation and solving problems. Youare patient, precise, thorough andaccurate.

Since you work closely with manyothers in an organization, you need goodcommunication skills and should enjoymeeting and working with all sorts ofpeople. You must be able to workindependently and as part of a team.

What does it take?a college or technical institutecertificate or diploma in industrialengineering technology or a relatedtechnologyhigh school diploma

Next steps?supervisory and project managementpositions (e.g. quality control manager,production manager)

Industrial Engineering Technician/Technologist“I can apply my

education to a lot of

different situations. I’m

not restricted to any one

industry.” Jason M.


Mathematics, Physics,Business, Computers


Canadian Association forProduction and InventoryControlTel. Toll Free1-800-567-8207


Canadian Society forIndustrial EngineeringTel. (514) 672-8599


human resource coordinatoroccupational health andsafety coordinatorfood processing technicianmanufacturing technician/technologistpurchasing officer


102


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Industrial instrumentation technicians/technologists and instrumentmechanics maintain, adjust, install,

calibrate and repair industrial measuringand control instruments. Theseinstruments measure and control thingssuch as the flow rate, pressure andtemperature of liquids or gases inindustrial processing plants.

This field is changing rapidly ascontrol devices become morecomplicated. You may work with majorcontrol systems for industrial automationsystems such as distributed controlsystems or programmable logic controlsystems.

In general, instrumentationtechnicians and instrument mechanicsinspect and test control devices, diagnoseproblems, and calibrate and maintainequipment. This may require consultingmanufacturers’ specifications and/ordiscussing equipment performance withprocess operators. You do preventivemaintenance, remove and replacedefective parts, install new components,and complete test and maintenancereports.

Instrumentation technologists designcontrol systems and developspecifications for system components.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably be employed by a largeindustrial or commercial processingorganization, or by an instrumentservicing company. You might work in awide variety of industrial settings,including pulp and paper processingplants, nuclear and hydro powergenerating plants, or petrochemical andnatural gas processing facilities. Yourhours of work will depend on the type ofplant.

Industrial instrumentation technicians/technologists are graduates of college ortechnical institute programs ininstrumentation technology, which mayrange in length from one to three years.Instrument mechanics have completedan apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship training programs forinstrument mechanics vary fromprovince/territory to province/territory,but generally require four or five years oflearning on the job and taking short-termcourses.

You enjoy keeping up with newtechnological developments by reading,attending upgrading seminars, andtalking with other technicians,technologists and instrument mechanics.Increasingly, you will be computer andnetwork literate, have a basic knowledgeof chemistry and materials science, andbe aware of environmental issues.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in science andtechnology, and enjoy finding out howthings work. You also enjoy analyzinginformation and solving problems. Youpay attention to details, work effectivelyunder pressure (alone and with otherpeople), and resolve problems logicallyand patiently.

What does it take?completion of a college or technicalinstitute diploma program ininstrumentation technology, or aninstrument mechanic apprenticeshipprogramrelated experience is a definite assetwhen looking for an entry-levelpositionyou must be physically able to handleequipment and visit a variety of worksitesa driver’s licence may be required

Next steps?supervisory positionssales representative

“The technology is so

advanced—it’s really

interesting to be working

in this field.” Chad D.


Mathematics, Computers,Physics,Chemistry, English

Want moreinformation? Try…Canadian TechnologyHuman Resources Boardwww.cthrb.ca

International Society forMeasurement and Controlwww.isa.org

Measurement, Control andAutomation Associationwww.measure.org

What are some relatedoccupations?electriciansteamfitter-pipefitterelectrical/electronicsengineering technician/technologistaircraft maintenanceengineertextile machinery mechanic


Industrial Instrumentation Technician/Technologist

103


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Network security specialists plan,implement, upgrade, monitorand promote information

security measures for computer networks.These security measures may be designedto deny public access to networkinformation, or allow various levels ofaccess to appropriate network users.

In this rapidly changing field, job titlesand responsibilities vary from oneposition to another. For example, yourjob title might be information securityofficer, information systems securityspecialist, information technologysecurity analyst, or security/firewallconsultant. You may work with a team ofinformation technology experts, or havesole responsibility for maintaining anorganization’s network security. Yourduties may include monitoring,evaluating and maintaining log-onaccounts and passwords for networkusers, as well as identifying andresponding to possible threats andsecurity violations. You may beresponsible for helping to develop yourorganization’s information securitypolicies. You may also be involved inemployee security awareness and trainingprograms.

Work conditions and trainingYou may be employed by a largeorganization, a consulting firm thatspecializes in information security, or ona contract basis. You work in an officeenvironment, and may spend long hoursin front of a computer monitor or inmeetings with managers and clients.

Employers generally like to hirenetwork security specialists who haverelated education or training, plus severalyears of related experience. For somepositions, employers may prefer to hireuniversity graduates. For other positions,knowledge and experience in specificareas such as firewalls or risk assessment,or experience working with specific typesof computers or computer languages isas important as academic qualifications.Since new technology and security

strategies are constantly beingintroduced, you must keep your skills andknowledge up to date by reading,discussing new developments withothers, and attending presentations,seminars and training programs.

Colleges, technical institutes andprivate vocational schools across thecountry offer computer-related certificateand diploma programs. Network salesorganizations also offer technicalcertification courses. Before you sign upfor a course or program, it’s a good ideato discuss your training options withpeople who work in the network securityfield.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy learning about newdevelopments in the computer field, andsolving problems through the patient andpersistent use of logic. You work well in ateam environment and alone.

Since you frequently consult withnetwork users in all parts and levels ofyour organization, you need excellentcommunication and interpersonal skills.

What does it take?completion of secondary school plus acombination of related training andexperienceyou may have to meet eligibilityrequirements for access to classifiedinformation

Next steps?supervisory and management positions

Network Security Specialist

“ —you pit your logic

and problem-solving

abilities against the

world. You get a great

sense of accomplishment

after solving a security

problem.” Phil H.


Mathematics, Computers,English


Computer Security Institutewww.gocsi.com

Information Systems SecurityAssociationwww.issa-intl.org

International InformationSystems SecurityCertification Consortiumwww.isc2.org


computer systems techniciancomputer programmerweb designersystems analyst


104


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Scientific equipment salesrepresentatives sell scientificequipment such as biotechnology

and environment supplies andinstruments to a wide variety ofcompanies and government agencies.Working for a manufacturer orwholesaler, you promote sales to existingcustomers, and try to attract newcustomers.

It is your job to find out about thecustomer’s equipment needs, and do allyou can to satisfy those needs. This mayinvolve visiting customers in person andtalking to them on the telephone or viae-mail. Once you know what thecustomer needs, you can show how yourcompany’s products meet those needs.You prepare sales presentations andproposals, negotiate sales contracts,make sure products are delivered ontime, and follow up sales by providingongoing technical support and ensuringthat the customer is happy with theproduct.

Other responsibilities includepreparing sales reports and providingfeedback for your company’s productdesign team. You may help tailor aproduct to suit individual client needs, orgive demonstrations on how to use theequipment you sell.

Work conditions and trainingMost scientific equipment manufacturersand wholesalers are located in or nearmajor cities. You may be required to do aconsiderable amount of travelling tomeet with customers and to attendconferences. As long as you meet yoursales targets, you may work veryindependently.

Promoting sales requires knowing thestrengths and weaknesses of competitors’products as well as being familiar withyour company’s products. You must beable to communicate and build rapportwith customers, and speak with someauthority about the equipment you sell.Therefore, depending on the type ofequipment, employers may require job

applicants to have backgroundknowledge in engineering, science or ahealth-related discipline.

Most companies provide marketingtraining programs for new salesrepresentatives. You will probably workclosely with experienced salesrepresentatives for several months beforeyou are allowed to work on your own.

Who’s the right person?You really enjoy meeting people, learningabout their work and negotiating deals.You are confident, competitive,enthusiastic, persistent and able to gainpeople’s trust. You are willing to worklong hours, but you also have the self-discipline and organizational skillsrequired to manage your time effectively.

Since most sales representatives workat least partially on commission, you mustbe able to deal with the uncertainty andstress of having a highly variable income.

What does it take?completion of secondary school isrequireda college or technical institute diplomaor university degree related to the typeof scientific equipment you sell isusually requiredsales-related experience is an asset

Next steps?more lucrative sales territoriessupervisory positions

Scientific Equipment Sales Representative


Mathematics, Science,English, Business


Alliance of Manufacturersand Exporters Canadawww.palantir.ca/the-alliance

Health IndustryManufacturers Associationwww.himanet.com

Canadian Association ofEquipment Distributorswww.caed.org


insurance agentreal estate salesrepresentativeretail sales personmarketing sales managerwholesale trade salesrepresentative

“What I like most about

being a sales rep is the

independence. I

determine my financial

success by meeting or

exceeding sales targets.”

Cam S.


105


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Survey technologists and techniciansconduct surveys to find out theexact locations and relative

positions of natural features and human-made structures on the earth’s surface,underground and underwater. Yourduties may include one or more of thefollowing activities:

assisting in developing methods andprocedures for conducting fieldsurveys;systematically recording allmeasurements and informationobtained;analyzing or assisting in analyzing andcomputing measurements obtained;preparing or assisting in preparingdetailed drawings, charts, plans andsurvey notes.

Survey technologists may supervise andcoordinate field survey activities whiletechnicians are more likely to carry outthe activities. In the field, you usedifferent instruments, includingsophisticated electronic devices, to takemeasurements. In the office, you usecomputers and CAD (computer-aideddesign) systems to analyze data andprepare detailed drawings.

The results of your surveying workmay help define property boundaries forreal estate sales and land ownershipissues. You may survey land for highwayconstruction, power dams and mines orchart coastal or inland waters, usingaerial photographs to create three-dimensional images. You could beinvolved in geological mapping of naturalfeatures, or in determining exactlatitudes, longitudes and elevations of theearth’s surface — even the earth’s gravityfield!

Work conditions and trainingSurvey technologists and technicians areemployed by federal, provincial/territorialor municipal governments and in privatesector surveying establishments. Manysurvey technicians and technologistswork in teams in rough terrain and in allkinds of weather. You may travel by

plane or helicopter to remote sites, buildyour own camps, and unpack heavyequipment. Survey technologists andtechnicians are paid hourly wages.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy both applied mathematics andthe outdoors. You are comfortable usingcomputers and instrumentation. You aremethodical and pay attention to detail.You can think visually about geometricforms and can appreciate details indrawings and objects. You have goodcommunication skills and can work well ina team setting. You are physically fit andhave good endurance.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequireda one- or two-year community ortechnical college program in surveytechnology is usually required fortechniciansa two- or three-year community ortechnical college program in surveytechnology is usually required fortechnologistscertification in Survey Technology or arelated field through provincially/territorially chartered associations ofEngineering/Applied ScienceTechnologists and Technicians may berequired for some positionsa period of supervised workexperience, usually two years, isrequired before certification

Next steps?supervisory positionssurveying engineermovement into a variety of surveytechnology specializations

Survey Technician/ Technologist

“I enjoy the outdoors,

the job variety and the

fact that you work

mostly on your own.”

Paul S.

Relevant High SchoolSubjects

Mathematics, English,Physics, Computers





hydrographic surveyorinstrument man/woman,surveyingarchitectural technologistmapping technician


106


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Telecommunications equipmenttechnicians install and maintainthe communications systems that

link our homes and workplaces. Theyplay an increasingly important role in aworld where technology is growing.

This work involves dealing with faxmachines, mobile radios, cellulartelephones, computer-to-computerlinkages, and other communicationsequipment. You may be installing andmaintaining these devices on location inoffices and homes. You may be workingat a maintenance depot or operationscentre of a telecommunicationscompany.

You begin an installation byconsulting plans, manuals and technicalspecifications. Then, you inspect thebuilding and work out an installationplan. Using power and hand tools, youput wiring and connectors into place.Then you install and test the equipmentusing different measuring devices.

You respond to service calls whenequipment breaks down. You may be theonly representative of thecommunications company that someclients ever see, so public relations is abig part of the job.

Work conditions and trainingTelecommunications equipmenttechnicians work both indoors andoutdoors, and have a lot of contact withcustomers in business or in privatehomes. You may work in telephoneexchanges, computer and equipmentrooms, installation or service depots, oryou may be required to work in trenchesand underground tunnels or on towersand telegraph poles. The work can bephysically demanding. Shift work maybe required.

You will probably be working for oneof the large telecommunicationscompanies and be paid an annual salary.If you work as part of a constructioncrew, you may be paid on an hourlybasis.

Who’s the right person?You will find this work to be mentallychallenging. Often, technical problemswill be tough to pinpoint. To be a goodtroubleshooter you need a combinationof technical and analytical skills. Whenvital equipment is “down,” you have tomake your repairs quickly. Good manualdexterity is essential.

Computer software is very importantin modern telecommunications. You willconstantly have to learn the use of newequipment and tools.

You must enjoy working with thepublic and have a strong commitment tocustomer service. People will depend onyou to keep their equipment up andrunning.

Apart from being dependable andenergetic, you need both technical abilityand interpersonal skills. You also have towork under a variety of conditions,usually without supervision. At the sametime, you need the team skills required toshare knowledge with other technicalexperts.

What does it take?a high school diploma is generallyrequireda two- to three-year electrical/electronics program at a communitycollege is preferredfor telephone and switch networkinstallers and repairers, the completionof a three- to four-year apprenticeshipprogram is recommended

Next steps?mobility to many telecommunicationsopportunitiessupervisory and management positions

Telecommunications Equipment Technician

“With so many changes

in this industry, you

really have to stay up on

what’s new. But I’m up

for the challenge!”

Doug F.


Computers, Mathematics,Physics, Applied Technology,English





electrician, communicationequipmentcellular telephone techniciancentral office equipmentinstallertelephone installer


107


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Web designers create webpages for the World WideWeb and for internal

networks called Intranets. You maycoordinate the work of content authors,graphic artists and programmers, or dosome or all of the content developmentwork yourself.

Sometimes, you start with a list ofgoals and objectives for a web site. Othertimes, you have to start from scratch byinterviewing clients to find out what theywant. For example, the purpose of aweb site may be to sell products or toinform people. Once you know thepurposes of the web site, you create orgather the web page materials includingtext, audio and visual components,convert them to Internet-compatibleformats, and put them together using anInternet language such as HTML or XML.You may do the programming byyourself, or use special conversionprograms.

Testing the web site to make sure thatit works and achieves its goals may be asmuch work as creating it. After you havetested and launched the site “live” on theInternet, you can use special software toanalyze who is using the site and howthey are using it. You may upgrade orreplace content and change site structureon an ongoing basis to keep visitorscoming back to the site.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work on a contract basis formany different organizations, or work fora single employer. You will probablywork in an office environment, but mayhave to visit clients. Overtime may berequired to complete projects on time.

Web designers need a wide range ofknowledge and skills related to computerprogramming, graphic art and design,writing and business administration. Youmay start out with a college or technicalinstitute diploma or university degree inany of these areas and acquire the rest ofthe skills you need through additionalcourses or experience. It’s a good idea to

discuss your training options withsomeone working as a web designerbefore you enroll in a program.

To find employment as a webdesigner, you need to build a “webportfolio” that demonstrates your skills.To keep your skills up to date, youfrequently attend professionaldevelopment seminars and presentations.

Who’s the right person?You have wide-ranging interests andtalents, and enjoy working with people.Creating a web site often involves a greatdeal of consulting and negotiating withclients so you need excellentcommunication and interpersonal skills.You must also be able to work alone andconcentrate on detailed work for longperiods of time. When programs don’trun as they should, you need to bepatient, persistent and resourceful intracking down the source of the problem.

What does it take?a web portfolio that demonstrates yourskillscompletion of secondary school plusrelated college, technical institute oruniversity education (or equivalentexperience)good communication skills are essentialwide and varied experience is a definiteasset

Next steps?project management and supervisorypositions

Web Designer

“Web design allows me to

use both creative and

technical skills. Every

project is new and

unique.” Andrew B.


Computers, Business,English, Art


Association of InternetProfessionalswww.association.org

HTML Writers Guildwww.hwg.org



computer animatorgraphic designercomputer programmer


108


CAREER DIRECTIONS

109

HealthExperts say you’ll find some hot job prospects in the Field of Health!

If you like science and helping people, and have an interest in health issues,look into the Field of Health for some occupations to explore. From the traditional(nurse, dental hygienist, pharmacy technician) to the non-traditional (massagetherapist, midwife, reflexologist), occupations in health offer a choice of settings fromoffice buildings, to private homes, to hospitals, to shopping malls. The work caninvolve dealing directly with people in need of physical or mental care (Home HealthAide, Rehabilitation Assistant, Psychiatric Aide) to working with hi-tech scientific,laboratory and computer equipment (Medical Lab Technologist, RadiologicalTechnologist, Optical Laboratory Technician).

If you would like to help others in difficult situations, respond effectively inemergency situations, investigate new health solutions or educate others for healthyliving, the Health Field may be for you.

TIP: Be careful of information on what is hot andwhat is not - you need to use your common sense.Any prediction or information on jobs needs to be checked out carefully. You mayhear news reports about a brand new occupation that is growing like wildfire. If youcheck out the numbers you may find there are only 200 jobs available in the whole ofCanada. The opportunities are growing - from zero to 200. Meanwhile another notso new occupation has thousands of job openings but the number of openings areneither increasing nor decreasing, so it is not in the news. Where are your chancesbetter?

What can you do when you hear information about jobs that are hot and jobs thatare not? Use your common sense and check it out - because:

The work opportunities may be different in different provinces/territories

The work opportunities may be different in rural or urban settings, coastal ormountain regions

There may be more opportunities based on job equity programs

Specialty skills might make a difference - like the ability to speak more than onelanguage


Dental Assistant 3411 111

Dental Hygienist 3222 112

Dental Technician/Technologist 3220 113

Funeral Assistant 6272 114

Health Record Technician 1413 115

Home Support Worker/Home Health Aide 3414 116

Massage Therapist 3235 117

Medical Lab Technologist 3211 118

Medical Transcriptionist 1244 119

Midwife 3232 120

Nuclear MedicineTechnologist 3215 121

Nursing Assistant/LicensedPractical Nurse 3413 122

Optical LaboratoryTechnician 3414 123

Optician 3231 124

Orthopaedic Technologist 3414 125

Paramedic/AmbulanceAttendant 3234 126

Pharmacy Technician 3414 127

Psychiatric Aide 3413 128

Public Health Inspector 2264 129

Radiological Technologist(X-ray Technologist) 3215 130

Reflexologist 3232 131

Rehabilitation Assistant 663 132

Respiratory Therapist 3214 133Please Note:Salaries in each profile represent: the average of all workers in the occupation or occupationalgroup; the average of the top 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group; and theaverage of the bottom 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group. The figures caninclude salaries of self-employed people who may have lost money. This may lower the averageearnings significantly.


110


1. Thinking:

Be logical, scientific Be ethical Plan and organize job tasks Solve problems

Make decisions Find information Use memory


Listen to and reassure patients Discuss conditions and treatments Interact with co-workers

Receive instructions from supervisors Talk with patients’ family and friends Use specialized terminology

Inform staff Explain procedures Discuss schedules


Perform data entry Use word processing programs Use a database and spreadsheet

Use specialized medical software Retrieve information Use computer networks

Use computerized monitoring Use bookkeeping, accountingand other equipment and billing software

4. Numeracy:

Measure and calculate Analyze data (compare, contrast, predict; averages, summaries, rates)

Make numerical estimations Prepare schedules


Assign routine tasks to other workers Participate in formal discussions and meetings

Understand and exhibit confidentiality Make suggestions for change or improvements

Identify training that is required or useful Monitor work performance of others

Be respectful of others Deal with difficult or delicate situations

6. Writing:

Write: Accurate medical reports Logs Charts Sketches

Forms Letters Prescriptions Referrals

7. Reading:

Read: Charts Labels Notices Logs Safety regulations and procedures

Symbols X-rays Brochures Journals Equipment manuals

Reports Schedules Profiles Reference books






Health

CAREER DIRECTIONS

111


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Dental assistants work withdentists in the care andtreatment of patients during

dental procedures. You prepare patientsfor dental examinations and providechair-side assistance to the dentist. Youtake impressions, sterilize and maintainequipment, prepare filling materials,perform laboratory procedures andrecord patient information. Some dentalassistants perform intra-oral duties suchas polishing and cleaning teeth, applyingfluoride, and exposing X-rays.

In some cases you may also beresponsible for these functions: filling outinsurance forms, schedulingappointments, preparing invoices andordering dental and office supplies.Increasingly, you utilize computers forrecording and accessing patientinformation.

Work conditions and trainingGeneral dental practices, specialists’offices, health clinics, hospitals, dentalschools, educational institutions, anddental supply companies are yourprospective employers. You work in well-lit, clean environments, usually near thedental chair, arranging instruments,materials and medication and handingthem to the dentist. Gloves and masksare worn to protect you from infectiousdiseases such as hepatitis. Handlingradiographic equipment poses somedanger that is minimized with safetyprocedures.

Most of your work is done duringregular hours, although some eveningand weekend hours may be required tomeet the needs of your patients.

Training for dental assisting isavailable through on-the-job training orthrough completion of a recognizeddental assisting program (3 months to 1year in duration).

Program graduates are eligible forprovincial/territorial registration, nationalcertification and licensing in someprovinces and territories. Certification is

not mandatory, but is required toperform intra-oral duties. In order to usethe title RDA (registered dental assistant),program graduates who are members inthe local and provincial/territorialassociations may apply to the provincial/territorial dental board for certification.

Who’s the right person?You are reliable, efficient and enjoyworking with others. You exemplify goodmedical and dental health. You respondwell to emergencies. Your skills rangefrom in-patient care and interpersonalcommunication skills, to officemanagement, task planning, andorganizational skills. You work as anintegral part of the dental health team tomeet the needs of your patients andpromote good dental health.

What does it take?secondary school and on-the-jobtraining or completion of a three-month to one-year dental assistingprogramcertification is required to performintra-oral proceduresinoculation for protection againstHepatitis B infection

Next steps?office managerdental hygienist - with more schooling

Dental Assistant

“Dentistry is always

changing and growing, so

I find you are always

learning.” Terri G.


Chemistry, Biology, Health,Office Practices


Canadian Dental Assistants’Associationwww.cdaa.ca


dental hygienistdental therapistdental technicianpharmacy assistant


112


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Dental hygienists do dentalassessments, plan treatmentbased on national practice

standards and consult with the dentist ondental care. You take dental impressions,instruct patients on good oral hygiene,clean and stimulate patient’s gums toprevent gum disease, remove stains/deposits from their teeth to preventtooth and root decay, apply fluoride andsealant treatments, and take X-rays. Youmay also perform restorative andorthodontic procedures under thedirection of the dentist. In some offices,you may supervise dental assistantsperforming their functions.

Work conditions and trainingAs a dental hygienist, you work indentist’s offices, hospitals, clinics,educational institutions, researchinstitutions, government agencies andprivate industry.

Much of your work is performedsitting down, often in uncomfortablepositions, in sanitary well-litsurroundings. You use X-ray machines,delicate hand tools and precision powertools.

Most of your work is done duringregular hours, though some evenings andweekends may be required to meetpatients’ needs. You may visit schoolsand community groups for inspectionsand to deliver educational presentations.

Training for dental hygienists isavailable at universities and communitycolleges. Licensing is required and youmust continue your education aftergraduation to upgrade practices andkeep current.

Who’s the right person?Dental hygienists are efficient, accurate,detailed and precise, and possess goodeye-hand co-ordination and manualdexterity. You have well-developedinterpersonal skills and are sensitive tothe needs of your patients. You value

good oral health, helping and educatingothers regarding good oral hygiene. Youenjoy working independently and as amember of the dental health team.

What does it take?one- to three-year college trainingprogram, (five first year universitycredits), or other dental hygieneprogram approved by the governingboard within the province or territorylicensing is required by the provincialor territorial governing body (plusmembership in the dental hygieneassociation or professional corporationis required for licensing in someprovinces and territories)good medical health and dental healthinoculated for protection againstHepatitis B infection

Next steps?teaching as a clinical instructoradministrative role with yourprovincial/territorial or nationalassociationresearcher or dental hygiene professor -with additional training

Dental Hygienist

“The first thing most

people notice is your

smile! Dental Hygiene

is an excellent career

choice!” Jocelyn B.


Chemistry, Biology, English,Mathematics


Canadian Dental Hygienists’AssociationTel. 613-224-5515Fax 613-224-7283

National Dental HygieneCertification Boardwww.ndhcb.ca


dental therapistdental assistantdental techniciandentistdenturist


113


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Dental technicians follow adentist’s instructions to make,repair or alter removable

dentures, braces, crowns and bridges. Asmembers of dental health teams, youconstruct dental appliances which areused to repair, replace or repositionteeth.

Your duties depend on where youwork. In a larger lab, you might start outin the plaster department. Generally,you specialize in one part of a series oftasks required to complete a largeproject. In a smaller lab, you have theopportunity to take part in manydifferent tasks. Dental laboratorytechnicians work in laboratories anddental offices using small hand tools androtary instruments, electric lathes, highspeed motorized equipment, drills,waxes, high heat furnaces and otherspecialized laboratory equipment.

Work conditions and trainingDental technicians are employed bylaboratories, universities, colleges,hospitals, or work as consultants. Dentaltechnicians are usually paid by the hour,but those with seniority tend to be paidan annual salary. Most dental technicianswork eight-hour day shifts, but some labshave moved to rotating shifts. You mustobserve safety precautions when workingwith potentially hazardous materials.

To become a dental technician/technologist you must complete a two-to three-year college program in dentaltechnology. Dental laboratoriesoccasionally hire people withoutexperience, and some hire people whoare not fluent in either official language,provided they show that they can do thejob.

Registered dental technicians managetheir own labs. In most provinces/territories you will need to study dentaltechnology at a college and pass aprovincial/territorial exam.

For college admission, you may berequired to carve a block of wax and dosome sketching or bend wires into

particular forms. Competition is keen, soacademic requirements may be higherthan the minimum. With the adoption ofnew technologies in dentistry and dentalhygiene, you will need to continue toupgrade your skills to remain competitive.

Who’s the right person?You will enjoy this job if you like workingwith your hands on detailed and delicateitems. You have good coordination,some mechanical ability and are creativeand artistic. You pay attention to detailand can work quickly. The ability tovisualize in three dimensions is important.You need an ability to concentrate, tofollow precise instructions, and to workon your own without constantsupervision. Dental laboratory techniciansenjoy working with tools. You also haveto get along well with others.

What does it take?high school diploma is requiredcompletion of a two- to three-yearcollege program in dental technologyor four or more years of on-the-jobtraining with a Registered DentalTechnician.licensing is available but notmandatory in all provinces/territories

Next steps?registered dental techniciansupervisory positionsoperator of a dental laboratorydenturist

Dental Technician/Technologist

“This is definitely a

‘hands-on’ job, which I

like. I like working alone

and having the

responsibility of making

sure my work is perfect for

the customer.” Diane C.


Biology, Chemistry, English,Business, Computers


a community college thatoffers a dental technicianprogram

a dental laboratory

Association of RegisteredDental TechniciansTel. Toll Free1-877-273-8668www.ardt.com


orthodontic techniciandental ceramistpartials and denturetechniciancrown and bridge (porcelainand gold) technician


114


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Funeral assistants provide helpduring funeral services and performmany jobs in the funeral home.

Your duties focus on making sure thatfuneral processions run smoothly and onhelping the Funeral Director whereverneeded. You act as a pallbearer, drivecars in funeral processions, transfer thedeceased to the funeral home, arrangeflowers, and maintain the funeral home.You may help to greet people at thefuneral home, register deaths, obtainburial permits and advise those who askfor assistance in making charitabledonations.

During funeral services, you help theFuneral Director, who manages theceremony. You must have a professionalattitude at all times. Funeral homes caterto many different religions, so you shouldbe aware of the rituals and customs thatmay be part of each service. Regardless ofthe type of service, your main duty is tomake sure that the service is respectfuland comforting for the bereaved.

Work conditions and trainingDepending upon the size of the business,you may work either as a full- or part-time assistant. Full-time assistantsgenerally have more responsibilities inthe funeral home than part-time workers.They are paid a salary. Part-timeassistants are expected to be flexible andto work on short notice. They are usuallypaid by the hour.

You will spend the first few days onthe job watching procedures until youbecome familiar and comfortable withthe routine. You will learn how funeralservices are conducted, become familiarwith various hospital morgues andnursing homes, and develop personalqualities to help deal with the bereaved.All these skills and activities take time andare best learned through experience.

In most provinces and territories,assistants are not allowed to handle thedeceased. Presently, some apprenticeshipprograms are available for thoseinterested in this job; however, action is

under way to create a nationwide licencethat would require completion of a two-year college course.

Who’s the right person?You’re a mature, level-headed personwho learns quickly and is adaptable. Youcan sympathize with the emotions thatfamily and friends go through in theirloss, and you can behave in a sensitiveand tactful manner. You have goodcommunication skills and can take chargeof a situation. Personal grooming is veryimportant in this profession.

What does it take?a high school diploma is required foradmission to an apprenticeshipprograma driver’s licencefor part-time work, training tends to bebrief and on-the-job

Next steps?embalmerfuneral director

Funeral Assistant

“It’s a good occupation

for people who really like

to help other people out

through a difficult

time.” Shawn D.


English, Social Studies


a local funeral home

a provincial/territorial funeralassociation

The Funeral ServiceAssociation of Canadawww.fsac.ca


embalmer’s apprenticefuneral attendant


ShortTIPSMost new entrants to the workworld find work in small tomedium-size business enterprises,that is, businesses with 1 to 500employees.

115


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Health record technicians collect,classify, store, retrieve andanalyze health information. You

may handle as many as 50 different typesof health reports. As reports come in,you code them by type and check theiraccuracy and completeness, ensuringthat signatures or other vital items arenot missing.

A health record contains documentsabout a particular patient’s medicalhistory. It may include physicians’ notes,forms for prescribed medications, inputfrom other members of the treatmentteam and test results. You will be obligedto protect the privacy and security of thisdata. Part of your job will involveanalyzing this data and turning it intoreports complete with charts and graphs.The information may assist doctors incaring for patients. It helps hospitaladministrators control costs. And it maybe used as evidence in insurance claimsand court cases.

Work conditions and trainingHealth record technicians usually work inhospitals but may be employed bygovernment agencies, industry,community health centres and insurancecompanies. You often work under thesupervision of a health recordadministrator. You will either be salariedor paid hourly. Health record techniciansgenerally work a standard work week,with occasional overtime work required.

You must complete a formal programof studies at a recognized college orinstitute of technology and be certifiedby the Canadian Health RecordAssociation. This certification allows youto work in all provinces and territories.To gain accreditation with the CanadianHealth Record Association (CHRA) andbecome an associate of the CanadianCollege of Health Record Administration(CCHRA), you need to pass an exam. Ifyou are already working in a medicalrecords or admitting department you cantake the two-year correspondence course

offered by the Canadian HospitalAssociation in order to get your diploma.

Who’s the right person?You have good analytical andcommunication skills, both written andverbal. You’re a quick learner with agood memory, well-organized, good atmanaging time, and highly responsible.You like paperwork and are very goodwith detail. The work can be varied andit demands flexibility. Because the field ofmedicine is changing all the time, it’s agood idea to keep up to date withchanges in the field. Successful healthrecord technicians enjoy taking amethodical approach to compiling andclassifying information, operatinginformation retrieval systems andresponding to requests for information.

What does it take?high school diploma is requiredmust be proficient in word processingcompletion of a two- or three-yearhealth records technician program at acommunity collegemembership in a professionalassociation is not necessary, but youremployer may encourage you to jointhe provincial/territorial or nationalassociation for purposes of continuingeducation

Next steps?health record administrator

Health Record Technician

“Great profession if you

have an interest in

medicine but prefer little

patient contact”

Susanne B.


Mathematics, Sciences


a community college thatoffers a health recordtechnician program

The Canadian Health RecordAssociationwww.chra.ca

Canadian College of HealthRecord AdministrationTel. (416) 447-4900

Canadian HealthcareAssociationwww.canadian-healthcare.org


file clerklibrary clerk, films andrecordinginventory control clerk


116


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Home support workers(sometimes referred to as homehealth aides or personal care

attendants) deliver quality care,assistance and support services to peoplein their own homes during times of need.On an on-going or short-term basis, youhelp elderly, disabled and ill persons and,in some cases, children whose parentsare disabled. The services you provideenable your clients to live at home ratherthan in a health care institution.

The duties of home support workersvary according to the situation andinclude housekeeping services (laundry,cleaning, changing bed linens); personalcare (bathing, dressing, grooming,feeding, toilet training); meal planning(planning special diet, shopping,cooking); and emotional support(listening, encouraging).

You also perform other duties asdirected by the family or the professionalhealth team. These include: takingpatients’ temperature and pulse;checking respiration; assisting withmedication routines; changing non-steriledressings; giving massages and alcoholrubs; and helping with specialequipment, braces and artificial limbs.

Work conditions and trainingHome support workers work for privateagencies, municipal social servicesdepartments, not-for-profit organizations,and home care or family serviceagencies/associations. You work in thehomes of your clients. You visit several(four to five) different homes in a day, orremain in the same home every day formonths according to the needs of yourclients. A good part of the day may bespent travelling between clients’ homes.

Conditions may vary in each home.Clients too, vary from pleasant andcooperative to angry and abusive. Youmay be at risk of injury from assistingpatients. You usually work on your own,with occasional visits from thesupervising health professional.

Community colleges and privatetraining institutions offer certificateprograms in Home Support Work/HomeHealth Care. Upon successful completionof a recognized training program, youreceive a provincial/territorial certificate.

Who’s the right person?You value providing a service to peoplewhich improves their quality of life andhelps them live on their own in thecommunity. You are mature and reliable,patient and non-judgmental. You showempathy for persons in pain and respectyour clients’ right to confidentiality.

In addition to caring for others, youenjoy variety, working on your own andkeeping a family together in the homeduring times of need (illness, disability ordisruption). You need to be well-organized and to be able to relate well topeople to balance the many tasks of aHome Support Worker.

What does it take?good health/ability to lift weights inexcess of 25 kg may be requiredsome secondary school education andon-the-job trainingsome agencies prefer to hire individualswith approved training from acommunity college or private traininginstitutefirst aid and CPR certification may berequiredrecent police security check

Next steps?with some additional education:

licensed practical nurserehabilitation practitionersocial worker aide

Home Support Worker/Home Health Aide

“ Home Care is expected

to experience a growth

rate of up to 40%...”

Sandra B.


English, Health


Canadian Association forCommunity CareEmail: [email protected]


nursing assistant/licensedpractical nursenursing attendant/aidecompanionhousekeeperfoster parent


117


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Massage therapists use anumber of massage therapytechniques to control pain,

reduce stress, and promote relaxationand a sense of well-being in their clients.Working alone, or in consultation withother health care professionals(physiotherapists, physicians,chiropractors), you obtain medicalhistories, provide assessments anddevelop treatment plans for clients.

Massage therapy affects thecirculatory, musculo-skeletal, immune,respiratory, and nervous systems. Thetechniques and treatments of massagetherapy include:

assessment of joint quality andfunction; muscle strength and range ofmotion; soft tissue manipulation;application of finger and handpressure to specific points of the body;application of hot compresses andpacks; and whirlpool baths.

Work conditions and trainingMassage therapists work in a number ofsettings including private practice inhomes, offices and clinics; gyms; healthclubs; massage centres and resorts;geriatric homes; hotels; and for the filmindustry, professional and amateur sportsteams and events. Some massagetherapy associations are working towardobtaining positions at hospitals as well.

The work environment is usuallyindoors in clean, calm surroundings.Most massage therapists work with oneclient at a time on a treatment table,using oils, towels, sheets, assessmenttools and exercise equipment. The workrequires long periods of standing and canbe physically demanding when handlinga patient’s limb for treatment.

Hours of work will depend on thesetting. It may involve evenings andweekends to meet the needs of theclients. Many massage therapists are self-employed and have flexibility inscheduling.

Community colleges offer approvedmassage therapy programs from 18 to 36months in duration. There are also anumber of private schools offeringtraining in massage therapy techniques.The Canadian Massage Therapist Allianceendorses a national training standard of2200-hours training (two years).

Who’s the right person?You value health and fitness, enjoyhelping people and are enthusiastic aboutworking independently with your clientsand/or as part of a treatment team withother health care professionals(physiotherapists, physicians,chiropractors).

You are in good physical condition,and possess excellent communicationskills and a sensitive touch. If you areconsidering self-employment as amassage therapist you are also organized,have business skills and an entrepreneurialspirit.

What does it take?good health and physical staminacompletion of a 18- to 36-month longapproved massage therapy program,and supervised practical trainingBasic CPR and first aid are required forentrance into many Massage Therapyprograms

Next steps?provide training and consultation atfitness clubsboard directors within their respectivecolleges or associations

Massage Therapist

“... interview several

schools and talk to

therapists working in the

area... to get a clear

picture of the

profession.” Stuart H.


Biology, Chemistry, PhysicalEducation


educational institutionsoffering courses in massagetherapy

Canadian Massage TherapistAlliancewww.collinscan.com/~collins/clientspgs/cmtai.html


physical rehabilitationtechnicianphysiotherapistphysiotherapy attendantphysiotherapy technicianphysical therapy attendant


118


CAREER DIRECTIONS

A s a medical laboratorytechnologist, you work as anessential member of the health

care team. You conduct medicallaboratory tests, experiments andanalyses to assist physicians in diagnosis,treatment and prevention of disease.

You conduct chemical analyses ofblood, urine, and other body fluids. Youstudy blood cells and other tissue,prepare tissue for examinations under amicroscope, and perform blood group,type and compatibility tests. You set uproutines for analysis of specimens and formedical laboratory experiments.

You may work mainly in one disciplineof medical lab science (haematology,clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry,immunohaematology, histotechnology),or in a variety of areas depending on thefacility. Cytotechnology and clinicalgenetics are specialties with separatetraining programs.

You may also supervise and train othermedical laboratory technologists andother laboratory workers.

Work conditions and trainingMedical laboratory technologists work

in hospitals, private medical labs, clinics,research institutes, universities,government research facilities, and inindustry. Hours of work vary dependingon the employer, though many medicallaboratory technologists work regularshifts, Monday through Friday.

After successful completion of a two-to three-year training program at arecognized college or technical institute,graduates may write the exams offeredby the Canadian Society for MedicalLaboratory Science (CSMLS) to obtainnational certification.

Because of the rapid development ofmedical technology, your learning in thisfield is ongoing. A number of universitiesoffer degree programs in medicallaboratory science or health sciencewhich may increase your advancementopportunities.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy scientific work, precision work,and are committed to life-long learning.As an integral member of the health careteam, you possess good communicationskills, work well with others, are sensitiveto the needs of the patients and have ahigh level of integrity. You have goodmanual dexterity and follow proceduresin a systematic and thorough manner.

What does it take?high school diplomatwo- to three-year diploma in medicallaboratory technology from arecognized college or technicalinstitute or a Bachelor of Sciencedegree or Medical Laboratory Sciencedegreetechnologists must be certified by theCanadian Society for MedicalLaboratory Sciencein Québec, membership in theprofessional corporation for medicaltechnologists is mandatory

Next steps?supervisory and management positionsteacher of other technologistsresearchertechnical consultant

Medical Lab Technologist

“This field can lead to

interesting work

opportunities from third

world countries to places

like Saudi Arabia”

Brennen T.


Mathematics, Chemistry,Physics, Biology


Canadian Society forMedical Laboratory Science,Société canadienne descience de laboratoiremédicalwww.csmls.org


medical laboratorytechnicianmedical lab assistantpathologist’s assistantautopsy technicianhistology technologistcytotechnologist


119


CAREER DIRECTIONS

A medical transcriptionistproduces medical reports,correspondence, records,

patient-care information, statistics,medical research and administrativematerial. You use a word processor orpersonal computer. If you work in ahospital, you are one of a team. Youlisten to recorded reports or read roughnotes and transcribe them (by typing).You transcribe documents such as:discharge summaries, history andphysical examination reports, operatingroom reports, consultation reports,autopsy reports, radiology reports,obstetrical reports and referral letters.

You need medical knowledge, soundjudgement, and the ability to thinkthrough a case in order to detectproblems. A good transcriptionist canspot mistakes in a report and check backwith the doctor to get the rightinformation.

If you are employed in a medical clinicyou may have other office duties such asreceiving patients, schedulingappointments, answering the telephone,and handling incoming and outgoingmail.

Work conditions and trainingYou work in a doctor’s office, hospital,clinic, laboratory, radiology department,insurance company, medical library,government medical facility or for aprivate transcription service. Withexperience, you could move into trainingor a supervisory post. Some medicaltranscriptionists are self-employed,providing services as independentcontractors. You may be able to workflexible hours. Because the work requiresthat mistakes in reports be caught andasked about, medical transcriptioniststend to be well paid.

The work can be mentally tiring, sinceyou may handle up to 50 reports a day.Steadily typing all day can lead torepetitive stress injuries and backproblems. You may find the content ofreports disturbing or upsetting.

You will need to complete a college-level medical transcription program.Programs include courses such as medicalterminology, anatomy and physiology,applied English usage, transcriptiontraining, ethics, as well as some on-the-job experience.

Who’s the right person?You are interested in both language andmedicine. You are inquisitive and enjoylearning new concepts. You canconcentrate for long periods and aregood at details. Common sense andgood organizational skills are importantto you. If you work in a small office, youmay have relatively little contact withother employees. If you’re anindependent self-starter and don’t like alot of supervision, this could be the jobfor you. In hospitals, however, medicaltranscriptionists often work in closequarters with others where work isshared.

What does it take?a high school diplomacollege course in court reporting or inmedical transcriptionexcellent written communication skillsan aptitude for languagesthe ability to maintain confidentialitythe ability to work with little directionand supervision from othersa willingness to keep up to date withnew medical terminology related tomedical and surgical specialties

Next steps?????supervisory positionshealth record technicianhealth record administrator

Medical Transcriptionist

“The potential to work

from home in a

stimulating, rewarding

profession is very

appealing” Jeanette H.


English, Science, Business


a community college thatoffers courses in medicaltranscription

The American Association forMedical Transcriptionists(AAMT)(Canada does not have anational organization, butthe American Association isvery active in Canada.)Tel. (209) 551-0883 (callcollect)www.aamt.org


medical secretarymedical office assistantsecretarycourt reportermunicipal office clerk


120


CAREER DIRECTIONS

M idwives provide care andadvice to women duringnormal pregnancy, conduct

natural deliveries, examine and care fornewborn infants. You examine and assessthe health of women during pregnancy.In the event of abnormal conditions, youconsult or refer to other healthcareprofessionals.

As a midwife, you monitor motherand baby during labour and delivery andguide the birthing process. You reassureand support the client and her family.Midwives play a big role in educatingwomen about pregnancy, diet, exercise,breastfeeding, parenthood, familyplanning and other pre and post-natalhealth practices. You encourage them tomake good healthcare decisions.Midwives visit their clients during theirpost-natal period at home or in hospitaland provide ongoing support.

Work conditions and trainingMidwives work in the homes of theirclients, in clinics, community, regionalcare hospitals, and birth centres. Manymidwives are independent practitionersand are therefore self-employed, andfrequently on call 24 hours a day. If youwork in a group practice in provinces/territories where legislation and aregulatory body exists, conditions arebetter in terms of salaries, benefits,vacations and time off-call.

The work may entail long periods ofstanding, squatting, kneeling or bending.It may also involve interacting with otherhealth care professionals who havediffering views about the practice ofmidwifery.

Not all provinces/territories in Canadahave established regulations andcompetencies for midwives; thereforeeducation/training requirements mayvary. A Bachelors degree of HealthScience in Midwifery is expected tobecome the Canadian standard forMidwifery training.

To become a certified midwife inCanada, candidates are required tocomplete a Prior Learning Assessmentthrough the College of Midwives ofOntario or possess the Bachelor of HealthScience in Midwifery. Currently, thisprogram is only offered at three CanadianUniversities, all in the province of Ontario.

Some training for midwives is availableat community colleges through thenursing program.

Who’s the right person?You are a mature individual with a

genuine concern for and ability tosupport others. You value and respectthe natural process of humanreproduction and understandchildbearing as a social, cultural andbiological process. You see the client asthe primary decision-maker in her ownhealth care and support the family’sinvolvement in the process.

You are energetic, and a competentdecision-maker. You work well with othermembers of a health care team andrespond well in emergency situations.

What does it take?good health and staminareliable vehicle and equipmentcollege or university training(supervised clinical training isintegrated into the academicprograms)presently, in some provinces/territories,midwives can practice withapprenticeship training. Newlegislation is expected that will requiremidwives to demonstrate clinicalcompetence and successfully completeprovincial/territorial exams.

Next steps?clinical practicum supervisorresearchers in health careowner of a group practice/businessservice

Midwife

“As a midwife I ... can

partake of the joy and

fulfillment that mothers

experience when meeting

their children face to face

for the very first time.”

Louise M.


Biology, Health, FamilyStudies, Sociology

Want moreinformation? Try ...educational institutionsoffering courses related tomidwifery

Canadian Confederation ofMidwives901, 8501-111 StreetEdmonton, AB T6G 1R7

International Credentialingof Midwiveswww.efn.org/~djz/birth/MT/im/intercred.html

What are some relatedoccupations?obstetrics nursenaturopathic or osteopathicphysicianmassage therapistdoula (labour coach)childbirth educator


121


CAREER DIRECTIONS

A s a nuclear medicinetechnologist, you use radioactive“tracers” and “tagged”

compounds for diagnostic imaging andsome treatment procedures. The imagesassist doctors to determine the natureand extent of a disease, how it isaffecting the body, and how a patient isresponding to treatment.

The tracers you administer to patientssettle in specific organs and give offradiation. You position the patient anduse radiation detection equipment tocollect data. You do a computer analysisof the data and produce images oforgans. Throughout the procedures youmonitor and comfort the patient.

The medical images you create areused mainly to assess cardiac diseases;find the location of tumours; monitorcancer and the responses to cancertreatments; diagnose hormonal disorders;and evaluate the function of the brain,heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.

Work conditions and trainingYou work in sanitary conditions inhospitals and clinics. Hours of workdepend on the employer, though most ofthe time you work daytime hours.Technologists usually take someemergency calls. Some part-time,temporary, casual and on-call work mayalso be available for nuclear medicinetechnologists.

The work of nuclear medicinetechnologists is challenging. Theprocedures may cause some minordiscomfort to patients who range fromhealthy, to injured, to critically ill.Standards and safety guidelines are inplace to protect workers from radiationhazards.

Following successful completion of atwo- to three-year training program at arecognized college, hospital or technicalinstitute, graduates are eligible to writethe exams set by the CanadianAssociation of Medical RadiationTechnologists (CAMRT) to obtainnational certification. In Québec,

students write certification exams set byL’Ordre des techniciens en radiologie duQuébec - CAMRT’s sister association.Successful candidates are then qualifiedto apply to their provincial/territoriallicensing bodies for professionalregistration.

By year 2005, a bachelors degree willbe required to enter professional practice.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy scientific work and computeranalysis. You are accurate, organized andcommitted to life-long learning. Youpossess good communication skills, areable to reassure and comfort patients andwork with others in a self-directedmanner.

What does it take?a two- to three-year diploma in nuclearmedicine technology from arecognized college, hospital ortechnical institute; some trainingfacilities require applicants tosuccessfully complete one year ofuniversity prior to professional trainingby the year 2005 a university degreewill be requiredtechnologists write certification examsset by the Canadian Association ofMedical Radiation Technologists(CAMRT) following their trainingin Québec, students write certificationexams set by L’Ordre des techniciensen radiologie du Québec - CAMRT’ssister associationsome provinces/territories prohibitpractice until provincial/territorialregistration and licensing have beengranted

Next steps?management positionsresearchcommercial equipment salesinstructorcomputer applications specialist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

“My work is varied,

challenging and

intellectually

demanding. The

technology evolves rapidly

which keeps it very

interesting.” Chris B.


English, Mathematics,Physics, Biology, Chemistry


Canadian Association ofMedical RadiationTechnologistswww.camrt.ca/mrtc/nucmed.htm


radiation safety officerradiation therapistradiological technologistdiagnostic ultrasoundtechnologistmedical laboratorytechnologist


122


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Nursing assistants or licensedpractical nurses provide basicphysical and supportive nursing

care for patients of all ages, in connectionwith other members of the health careteam (registered nurses, psychiatricnurses, and doctors).

You perform a variety of routinenursing procedures such as distributingmedication to patients, taking bloodpressure, temperature and pulse,collecting blood and other specimens,preparing patients for tests and surgery,and changing patient’s dressings. Youassist registered nurses with suchprocedures as respiratory therapy andintravenous therapy. You monitorpatients’ progress, report changes inpatients’ condition and environment, andconfer with other health careprofessionals about the plans for patientcare.

Work conditions and trainingNursing assistants/licensed practicalnurses work in hospitals, operatingrooms, nursing homes, communityhealth centres, clinics, doctors’ offices,private homes, private agencies,rehabilitation centres, extended carefacilities and industry. Some nursingassistants/licensed practical nurses areself-employed.

Work conditions and hours of workdepend on the setting. Working shifts,weekends and holidays may be involved.The physical demands of the workinclude long hours on your feet, andmoving and lifting of patients may berequired. Frequent stressful andemergency situations contribute to theemotional demands of the work.Training programs for nursing assistantsand licensed practical nurses are offeredat community colleges and privatevocational schools. Additional academicor on-the-job training will be necessary ifyou choose to work as an operatingroom technician. Your completedtraining program, successful nationalexam completion and licensing/

certification will allow you to work inmost provinces/territories in Canada.

Who’s the right person?You are a mature, responsible person withgood mental and physical health. Youbelieve in the promotion of well-being forpeople of all ages, from all differentcultures, and in various stages of need.You are sensitive to patients’ needs andrespect each person’s dignity and worth.

Your well-developed verbal andinterpersonal skills support you in workingas a member of the health care team,helping to educate and support patientsto prevent illness.

What does it take?completion of a college or approvedprogram for nursing assistantscurrent CPR and first aid certificatescompletion of a national written examprovincial/territorial licensure isrequired for registered or certifiednursing assistants and licensed practicalnursesmembership in the professionalcorporation for nursing assistants isrequired in Québec

Next steps?specialize in orthopaedics, operatingroom, gerontology, community care ordialysisreturn to school to become aregistered nurse

Nursing Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse

“As a Licensed Practical

Nurse giving direct

hands-on care, I feel

confident that I can

recognize the... needs of

my patients. ” Alice P.


Biology, Chemistry,Mathematics, English

Want moreinformation? Try ...

Canadian Practical NursesAssociationTel. (416) 287-1346

Canadian Nurses Associationwww.cna-nurses.ca


registered nurseoperating room technicianhome support workerorthopaedic technician


123


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Optical laboratory techniciansmanufacture eyeglassesaccording to prescriptions

written by ophthalmologists andoptometrists. You may be involved in theentire manufacturing process, orspecialize in surfacing and/or finishing.

Manufacturing eyeglasses involvescutting, grinding and polishing lenses toprecise specifications, assembling frames,and fitting lenses into frames. “Surfacing”involves selecting an appropriate blanklens, marking it to indicate requiredcurvatures, fastening the lens to asupport, and setting up and operatingmachines to make the curve and grindand polish lens surfaces. “Finishing”includes measuring the lens power,cutting each lens to fit into the frameschosen by the customer, and edging,bevelling and drilling holes as required.

Work conditions and trainingOptical laboratories are generally clean,well-lit and relatively quiet despite thehumming of machines. You may work ina large full-service laboratory, or a smallersurfacing and finishing laboratoryassociated with an optical dispensingbusiness or optometrist’s office. You willprobably be on your feet most of thetime and work a standard 40-hour week.You may be required to work someevenings and/or weekends.

Most optical laboratory techniciansare trained on the job. You will probablystart on simple tasks such as marking orblocking lenses for grinding, andgradually progress to more complextasks. Since different optical laboratoriesoften use different equipment andsoftware, what you learn in onelaboratory may not be directlytransferable to jobs in other opticallaboratories.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy using tools and equipment todo precision work requiring good motorco-ordination and manual dexterity. Youare able to pay close attention to details,and can work quickly and independently.

Although you do not work directlywith the public, you need goodcommunication and interpersonal skills towork well in a team environment.

What does it take?on-the-job traininga high school diploma is usuallyrequired

Next steps?training and supervisory positions

Optical Laboratory Technician

“This type of work is

especially satisfying when

you complete a

particularly difficult

prescription properly. I

like seeing a project

through, from beginning

to end.” Rob V.


Mathematics, Physics


Optical LaboratoriesAssociationwww.ola-labs.org


opticianophthalmic assistantmachine tool operatorelectronics assembler andfabricatorglass cutter


124


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Opticians fill prescriptions fromoptometrists or ophthalmologists(eye doctors) by fitting patients

with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Youmeasure the curve of the patient’s eye,the distance from pupil to pupil andwidth of the bridge of the nose usingoptical measuring devices. You provideinformation, assist customers to chooseframes, and arrange for the production ofglasses and contacts. You cut and edgelenses and fit lenses into frames. Yourwork may also include grinding andpolishing lenses, and adjusting finishedglasses to fit. In some cases you maysupervise student opticians.

Work conditions and trainingOpticians work in small or large retailoptical outlets, medical laboratories, andoptometrists’ offices. Your training willinclude a two- to three-year collegeprogram in ophthalmic dispensing,including an apprenticeship, or a two-year optician’s guild correspondencecourse in ophthalmic dispensing pluspractical experience. If you plan to workas a contact lens technician, completionof an optician’s guild two-yearcorrespondence course may be required.

Licensure by the provincial/territoriallicensure board is required in allprovinces/territories with the exceptionof British Columbia, Yukon andNorthwest Territories. In Quebec,membership in the professionalcorporation for opticians is mandatory.

Who’s the right person?You value working with people andproviding excellent customer service.Your attention to detail and precisionwork make you a good fit for the role ofoptician. You are approachable, sensitiveto the customers’ needs, knowledgeableabout the products and competitive withother optical retail environments.

What does it take?completion of a two- to three-yearophthalmic dispensing trainingprogram (college or correspondence)licensure is required in most provinces/territoriesspecial certification training is requiredfor contact lens fitters

Next steps?contact lens fitteropen your own practice/outlet onceyou have experience in the fieldreturn to school to become anoptometrist

Optician

“It is fulfilling work and I

enjoy it very much. Very

few people who take the

training don’t get

work!” Robert M.


Mathematics, Physics,English


Opticians Association ofCanadawww.opticians.ca


optometristmanager - optical retailoutletoptical lab technicianoptical technician


ShortTIPSIf you are asked to learn somethingnew or take on an extra job atwork, look at it this way: you aregetting paid a salary to learn whatothers pay to study in school. Andyou can take this knowledge withyou wherever you go.

125


CAREER DIRECTIONS

O rthopaedic technologists assistorthopaedic surgeons withtreatment of orthopaedic injuries

and diseases. Their work includesapplying, adjusting and removing avariety of casts, splints, and bandages.They also measure and fit patients fororthopaedic devices and ambulatory aids;clean and dress wounds; remove sutures,pins and wires; set up, operate andmaintain various types of tractionequipment; and provide information andinstruction to patients and their familiesregarding treatment plans.

In this role, you work with othermembers of the health care team,interact with other departments (i.e.medical records, radiology), and keepaccurate records. If you choose tocomplete the requirements to work at anadvanced level, you may also serve as atechnical expert to hospitals, physicians,and students regarding orthopaedictechniques and devices.

Work conditions and trainingMost orthopaedic technologists work inhospital cast rooms and walk-in healthclinics. Your services may also berequired in operating rooms, emergencydepartments or in plastic surgery.

Many orthopaedic technologists workstandard hours Monday through Friday,though shift work and long hours may berequired in some cases. The workrequires crouching, kneeling, bendingand standing to assess, position andplace a cast on a patient. You performyour duties independently, with littlesupervision. There may be heavy workloads and rapid turn over in places suchas a trauma centre.

Very few specialized orthopaedictechnology training programs areavailable in Canada. Many working in thisfield receive their training on the job.

Most hospitals hire only registeredtechnologists. Professional registration,however, is not mandatory. To become aRegistered Orthopaedic Technologist(R.T. Orthopaed.), you have to

successfully complete written, oral andpractical exams. Individuals who choosenot to register are known as OrthopaedicTechnicians.

Who’s the right person?The right person for this role has soundjudgement, above average interpersonalcommunication skills, is patient andefficient. You enjoy workingindependently and as a member of thehealth care team to provide care,treatment and information to patientsand their families. Your superior timemanagement and organizational skillsassist you in establishing priorities. Youwork well under pressure and are ethicallyresponsible.

What does it take?minimum of high school and on-the-job training is required in someprovinces/territories, while otherprovinces/territories requireorthopaedic technologists to haveregistration or certification andapproved licensed practical nursetraining, combined with specializedtraining in orthopaedicsCPR and first aid certification arebeneficial

Next steps?technical expert providing instructionabout orthopaedic technologyreturn to school to study nursing orother areas of medicine

Orthopaedic Technologist

“It’s a rewarding career

... repairing a child’s club

foot or fixing a broken

bone - you get to see the

results of your work.”

Sharon B.


Biology (Anatomy,Physiology), Chemistry,English


Body Cast, The Journal ofthe Canadian Society ofOrthopaedic Technologists4433 Sheppard Avenue E#200 Scarborough,ON M1S 1V3

Canadian Society ofOrthopaedic Technologistsweb.idirect.com/~csotcina


licensed practical nurserehabilitation practitionerphysical therapist


126


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Ambulance attendants/paramedicsinclude emergency medicaltechnicians/technologists and

first aid attendants. They work withpolice officers, fire fighters and hospitalemergency department personnel.They’re the medical personnel called tothe scene of an accident or other medicalemergency. There, they provide lifesupport care to the sick and injured andthen transport them to hospitals or othermedical facilities.

You use the latest medical technologyto assess the extent of an injury or illnessand to manage or treat the patient’scondition while en route to the hospital.You are also responsible for takingcontrol of an accident scene in order toprotect the patient and to alert otherrescue personnel and public bystanders.It is essential you communicate clearlyand accurately with your co-workers, thepublic and the patient’s families, some ofwhom may be very upset.

Work conditions and trainingThis job is physically and mentallydemanding. Because of the nature of theservice, shift work is to be expected.Frequently, you perform your dutiesunder crisis conditions, often in extremesituations, where there is little room forerror. In such circumstances, you mustmake critical lifesaving decisions quicklyand accurately. Paramedics are highlyrespected by health care professionalsand the job of helping save lives can betremendously satisfying.

Paramedics work mainly for hospitalsand ambulance services. Many industrial,construction and mining companiesemploy first aid attendants or paramedicsto care for workers who are injured orbecome ill on the job.

Preparation for the work in this fieldvaries. Training is available from levels Ithrough III, each stage preparing thestudent for higher levels of responsibilityon the job (i.e. drug administration).Information on educational

opportunities, facilities and conjointaccreditation is available through theCanadian Medical Association.

Who’s the right person?People skills, maturity, reliability, commonsense and quick thinking are essential.You must be reliable and level-headed ina crisis. You take pride in your work anddeal well with other people, especially inconditions of extreme stress. Perhapsmost importantly, you have an ability toassess situations, react quickly andaccurately in emergency situations. Youmust have a great deal of compassion forthe sick and the injured.

What does it take?a high school diplomagood health and physical fitnesscompletion of a college, hospital-basedor other recognized training programof two to 24 months, (depending onthe province/territory) and supervisedpractical trainingan appropriate class of driver’s licenceto operate emergency passengervehiclesprovincial/territorial registration andlicence

Next steps?crew chief positionsupervisory roles and teaching

Paramedic/Ambulance Attendant

“Career opportunities

for paramedics are

moving up - it’s being

considered more of a

profession now.”

Gerald D.


Sciences, English,Mathematics


a community collegeoffering courses inemergency medical care

The Canadian MedicalAssociation, MedicalEducation Departmentwww.cma.ca


first aid attendantphysical therapistnursing aidehome health care attendant


127


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Pharmacy technicians providetechnical and clerical support topharmacists in hospitals or in retail

pharmacies. You measure, mix, package,label and deliver drugs. You maintaincomputerized lists of medications takenby patients and you ensure that the rightdrugs have been prescribed. You alsolook after home health-care productssuch as canes, vision aids and hearingaids.

Depending on your position you mayalso manage third party billing, answertelephones, direct customers to items orthe pharmacist for medicationconsultation, receive writtenprescriptions, clean and sterilizedispensing bottles and instruments,answer questions regarding non-drugproducts, and operate a cash register.

Work conditions and trainingPharmacy technicians are employed inpharmacies in retail chain stores,independently owned and operatedpharmacies, hospital and clinicpharmacies, related organizations such aspharmaceutical companies, life andhealth insurance companies, drugwholesalers and pharmacy supplycompanies.

Working as a pharmacy technicianalso means working with people. Atmost retail operations your tasks willoften be interrupted with telephone calls,staff questions and customer inquiries. Ata retail operation you will be paid on anhourly basis at a level starting just aboveminimum wage. Hospitals tend to payslightly more. You may have to worklong and irregular hours, sometimesunder stressful conditions. The work isdemanding and requires accuracy; thereis no room for error. You spend most ofyour day standing and you might berequired to lift and move objectsweighing up to 10 kilograms.

The work environment is usually cleanand well lit but often crowded and busy.Pharmacy technician programs are

available at community colleges andusually take one year to complete. Thereare no provincial/territorial or nationalregulations governing who can work as apharmacy technician. In rural areas or insmaller centres where it is difficult to findpeople with certificates, hospitals may bewilling to hire you without a certificateand train you.

Who’s the right person?Pharmacy technician is an exactoccupation that calls for goodconcentration, precision, reliability andneatness. You have a caring attitudetowards others, have a good memory forthings like patients’ allergies and are calmand well-organized. You are quick andhave good manual dexterity, and you canmanage long periods on your feet. Youhave excellent communication skills, bothoral and written, and a willingness tokeep up-to-date with new products andchanges in old products.

What does it take?a high school diploma with courses inChemistry or Biologycompleted senior level Mathematicscomputer literacy and keyboardingskillsmost hospitals require you to completea one-year pharmacy technicianprogram at a community college

Next steps?supervisory positionspharmacist

Pharmacy Technician

“I love the variety of work

- dealing with customers,

computer work, inventory

control, receiving orders -

I never get bored.”

Ruth B.


Chemistry, Biology,Mathematics, English,Computers


a community college thatoffers a pharmacy technicianprogram

a local pharmacy

Canadian Association ofPharmacy Technicianswww.capt.ca


medical laboratorytechnologistpathologist’s technicianclinical immunohaematology


128


CAREER DIRECTIONS

P sychiatric aides help care forpeople who are mentally ill,developmentally handicapped or

brain injured. You may work withpatients who have particular types ofproblems (e.g. drug addiction, mentalillness) and/or patients in a particular agegroup (e.g. children, seniors).

You provide routine physical andpsychological care for patients, under thesupervision of mental health professionals(e.g. psychiatrists, psychologists,psychiatric nurses, social workers,therapists). You maintain an orderly andsafe environment, assist with carrying outtreatment plans, and generally helppatients become as independent aspossible. This may mean that yousupervise and socialize with patients, leador participate in educational orrecreational activities, or help patients todress, bathe, groom themselves and/oreat. You may also escort patients toappointments or on community visits.

Work conditions and trainingYou may be employed in a short-termcare facility (e.g. a hospital or crisiscentre) or a long-term care facility, orwork in a community mental healthprogram. Since patients often need care24 hours a day, you will probably berequired to work shifts, including somenights, weekends and holidays.

The work is physically and emotionallydemanding. You are on your feet formost of your shift, and you must do agreat deal of bending, stretching andlifting. There is always a possibility that apatient may become aggressive orviolent.

Psychiatric aides are trained on thejob. Employers generally prefer to hirepeople who have some experiencedealing with people who have mentalhealth problems, and have some relatedtraining (e.g. first aid courses, socialscience courses at the college level,training in the administration ofmedications).

Who’s the right person?You must be in good health (physicallyand mentally), able to remain calm instrained circumstances, and be patient.You also need good observation andcommunication skills, and the ability towork well in a team environment.

You should be genuinely interested inhelping people, particularly those whohave behavioural problems.

What does it take?extensive on-the-job traininga high school diploma and CPRcertification are usually required

Next steps?Without additional education,advancement opportunities are limited

Psychiatric Aide

“The great thing... is

that whatever you invest

in any given day, you

take home in returns

that night.” Dwayne R.


Science, Social Sciences,English


Healthcare Career ResourceCentre: Psychiatric Aide/Technicianhttp://hyperion.advanced.org/15569/car1bmh3.html

Virginia Health CareFoundation: Virginia HealthCareerswww.vhcf.org/vhcfhcm


nursing aidepersonal care attendantchild and youth workerrehabilitation aide


ShortTIPSMany universities are co-ordinatingtheir programs with communitycolleges. For instance three-yearbusiness, nursing, forestry andengineering technologist courses ata college can be turned into adegree in about two years at someuniversities.

129


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Public health inspectors, sometimescalled environmental healthofficers, prevent disease and

promote health by educating peopleabout public health issues and enforcinghealth legislation. You monitor conditionsin places such as restaurants and schools,food processing plants, biomedical wastedisposal systems, hotels and motels, childcare and long term care facilities, animalfacilities, swimming pools, public beachesand recreational camps. You investigateand correct health hazards in acommunity.

You sample drinking water and thewater in recreational centres, publicbeaches, swimming pools, spas andwhirlpools. You assess septic and watertreatment systems and check solid wastedisposal sites in conjunction withEnvironment Canada. You investigatereportable diseases (like typhus or rabies)and determine possible contacts andcarriers, ensuring that potentially rabidanimals are confined and treated.

Work conditions and trainingPublic health inspectors work in officespreparing reports, setting up schedulesand answering questions from the public.You travel a lot to conduct inspections.You normally work alone, but mayconsult with other health team membersand health professionals. Public healthinspectors normally work regular officehours but may be required to dooccasional overtime.

You could work for a federal,provincial/territorial or municipal healthagency or for a business such as a meator fish processing operation.

You may be exposed to hazardousmaterials or sources of infection, sosafety-consciousness is important. Youmay also have to drive long distances inrural areas. The work can bepsychologically and physically stressful insituations where confrontations occur.

You will need a community collegediploma or university degree in anappropriate specialization such as public

and environmental health, food sciencesor water chemistry. You will undergo sixmonths of field training in a recognizedhealth unit and must pass an oral andwritten examination from the Board ofCertification of the Canadian Institute ofPublic Health Inspectors.

Who’s the right person?You have a strong interest in the appliedsciences and an interest in communityservice. You are curious, decisive,observant, have good judgement as wellas excellent interpersonal, investigativeand communication skills. You havegood problem-solving and decision-making skills and handle stress well.

What does it take?a four-year Bachelor degree in public/environmental health is becomingmandatorya high school diploma, with advancedlevel credits in Algebra, Physics,Chemistry and Englisha driver’s licence

Next steps?private consultantindustrial health and hygiene inspectorcollege or university teacher

Public Health Inspector

“Dealing with people in

improving the

environment we live in

can be stressful but is

very rewarding.” Tom C.


Sciences, Mathematics,English, Computers


Canadian Institute of PublicHealth InspectorsTel. (613) 224-7568

Ryerson PolytechnicUniversityEmail [email protected]

British Columbia Institute ofTechnologyEmail [email protected]


pollution control inspectorconstruction inspectorhealth and safety officerwater inspector


130


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Radiological technologists (alsoknown as X-ray technologists andmedical radiographers) assist

radiologists and help in patient care. Yourwork covers a broad variety ofprocedures and specialities. You usehighly sophisticated equipment toproduce radiographs or images ofinternal body structures or systems.

The equipment you operate includesX-ray, radiographic and fluoroscopicequipment, specialized C.T. (ComputedTomography) scanners andmammography units. Radiologists(doctors who specialize in interpreting X-rays) interpret the images you produce tohelp diagnose injury or disease.

As a radiological technologist youexplain procedures to the patient,comfort and monitor the patient,position the patient and the equipmentcorrectly, ensure the patient and othersare protected from radiation, assist theradiologist and operate the equipment toobtain quality images. You also recordand process patient data, perform routinemaintenance and minor emergencyrepairs to radiographic equipment.

Work conditions and trainingYou are likely to work in the radiologydepartment of a hospital or in a clinic.Your daily work may include workingwith inpatients and outpatients; workingin the emergency department oroperating room; forensic radiography;and taking portable equipment topatients’ bedsides.

Working with injured patients can behighly stressful, and the pressure can beintense in a large hospital. In smallerclinics, the pace is much slower. Most ofthe procedures involve brief exposure tolow-levels of radiation, so you standbehind a barrier or wear protectiveclothing to avoid unnecessary exposure.

For professional registration, collegegraduates must pass an exam set by theCanadian Association of MedicalRadiation Technologists (CAMRT), thenational professional body. Membership

in the provincial/territorial association isrecommended in order to keep up withthe changes in the field.

Who’s the right person?This field has experienced a lot of change.You will need to be comfortable withhighly technical machinery andcomputers as well as human anatomy,physiology and a range of other scientificareas.

You are organized, responsible,dependable and good with detail. You aregenuinely interested in patients’ welfareand want to make them comfortable. Youwork well with the team, but can operateindependently. You have good writtenand verbal communications skills. Thework is not usually physically demanding,although, occasionally, you may have tolift or assist seriously ill or injured patients.

What does it take?you must be 18 years old to enter anX-ray technology training programa high school diploma is required, withadvanced-level high school credits inEnglish, Mathematics, and Sciencesyou need to complete a two- to three-year college, hospital or accreditedprogram in diagnostic radiography or athree- to four-year university programand supervised practical trainingsome provinces/territories require aone-year university program as aprerequisite to the two-year diplomacourse

Next steps?supervisory or training roles

Radiological Technologist(X-ray Technologist)“My work is so varied, ...

I find it so interesting

and rewarding.” Nancy

H., R.T.R.


Chemistry, Physics, Biology,Mathematics, English


a community college thatoffers a program in X-raytechnology

Canadian Association ofMedical RadiationTechnologistswww.camrt.ca

Canadian Journal of MedicalRadiation Technologistswww.camrt.ca/comm/journal.htm


radiologistnuclear medicinetechnologistradiotherapy technicianlaboratory physical sciencetechnologistdiagnostic radiologicaltechnician


131


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Reflexologists use therapeuticpressure on clients’ reflex pointsin their feet, hands or ears to

relieve stress, enhance the body’s naturalhealing mechanisms, and balance bodyfunctions. The therapy is based on theprinciple that internal glands, organs andrelated parts of the body can beinfluenced by properly applying pressureto the corresponding reflex area on thefoot, hand or ear. This connectionbetween internal and external is made byworking directly with the nervous system.

Reflexologists do not diagnose,prescribe, or treat for specific illness.Through skillful application of thetherapy, a reflexologist can help to bringabout deep relaxation, thereby reducingstress, relieving pain, improvingcirculation, increasing energy, improvingnerve function and balancing the body.The therapy can be carried out by itselfor with medical, chiropractic or otherhealing techniques.

In addition to working with clients,you will have to look after your ownbusiness matters, give receipts, bookappointments, and keep records.

Work conditions and trainingSome reflexologists are self-employed,some work in clinics, resorts or hotels. Ifyou are self-employed, each client yousee will pay you. If you work in a medicalor chiropractic clinic, you may pay apercentage of your fee to the clinic oryou may be paid directly by the clinic asan employee.

You must complete training in thetheory and practice of reflexology fromteachers who have been certified by theReflexology Association of Canada. Thetraining involves 30 hours of in-classinstruction, consisting of the theory ofreflexology and its practical application.Anatomy and physiology, code ofconduct and ethics, and how to set upyour own business are also included inthe theoretical portion of the program.There are 15 hours of home study tocomplete followed by 60 case histories of

treatments or practicum sessions. Afterpassing a written and practical exam youqualify to be registered and certified bythe Reflexology Association of Canada.

Advanced training and continuingeducation programs are offered for thosewishing to further their career inreflexology.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy helping people and arecomfortable working with them. You aregentle, tolerant and caring. A goodreflexologist has sensitive but sturdyhands, although modifications intechnique can be made to enable personswith disabilities to perform the work.Personal cleanliness and a professionaloutlook are important. For those whochoose self-employment, good businesssense is an asset.

What does it take?you must be at least 18 years oldcompletion of the curriculum offeredby the Reflexology Association ofCanada

Next steps?teacher of relexologyrelated fields such as massage therapy,acupressure or acupuncture

Reflexologist

“ ... Reflexology is

quickly gaining in world-

wide recognition as an

excellent way towards

providing and

maintaining health care

for all ages.” Linda H.


Biology, Physical Education,Business


Reflexology Association ofCanadaTel. Toll Free1-888-889-5394www.reflexologycanada.com

International Academy ofReflexology andReflexotherapywww.reflexology.bc.ca


massage therapistacupressure/acupuncturistphysical rehabilitationtechniciannaturopathspeech therapist’s aide


132


CAREER DIRECTIONS

A rehabilitation assistant worksunder the supervision ofphysiotherapists, occupational

therapists, or recreation therapists (andoccasionally speech therapists) to assistwith the care of patients. You helptherapists work with patients. Under thedirect supervision of the therapist, youmay prepare a patient for treatment, starta treatment (i.e. administer an ice pack),monitor a treatment program (i.e. anestablished exercise routine), or remove apatient from treatment (i.e. remove anice pack).

You provide practical support, such asbooking appointments and looking afterpaperwork. You transport patients to andfrom therapy. You maintain, repair andmodify equipment. You ensure thetherapy area is safe and uncluttered.

There are three main types ofrehabilitation therapy. Occupationaltherapy focusses on how injured or illpeople function and on helping themreturn to work. Physiotherapy deals withphysical aspects such as strength,mobility, balance and pain control.Recreational therapy encourages patientsto take part in leisure activities, helpingthem to socialize and build self-esteem.

If you work with an occupationaltherapist, you help patients learn to feed,dress and wash themselves. As aphysiotherapist’s assistant, you helppatients take walks or help patients withtheir routine exercise programs. As arecreation therapist’s assistant, you helporganize a range of activities fromplaying cards to singing and crafts.

Work conditions and trainingHospitals are using rehabilitationassistants more and more. They work onshifts to support the therapists during thebusiest times of the day or night, and aregenerally paid on an hourly basis.

There are programs available forrehabilitation assistants, ranging fromself-paced competency-based modulartraining, to 1-year college certificateprograms. At the present time, there is

no professional organization ofrehabilitation assistants. However, theCanadian Physiotherapy Associationencourages physiotherapy supportpersonnel as affiliates within theassociation.

There are no national or provincial/territorial requirements for rehabilitationassistants at this time.

Who’s the right person?You are patient, outgoing and have a realinterest in people. You can care forclients/patients without gettingemotionally drained by their problems.You adapt well to new situations andwork effectively with differentpersonalities. You communicate well withpatients and other members of the healthcare team. You follow directions carefullyand have good judgement andorganizational skills.

What does it take?secondary school and on-the-jobtraining or completion of a recognizedrehabilitation assisting program orrelated training/experience (ie. licensedpractical nurse)

Next steps?A few individuals choose to return toschool and pursue a career in their areaof interest (i.e. become aphysiotherapist), though many remainin their roles for many years as theyfind the work interesting and satisfying

Rehabilitation Assistant

“It’s the client contact

that makes the work

enjoyable.” Jacqueline

M. PTA


English, Physics, Biology,Physical Education


a nearby hospital oreducational facility offeringoccupational therapy,physiotherapy or recreationtherapy programs


physiotherapy helperchiropractic assistantacupuncture assistantorthopaedic assistant


133


CAREER DIRECTIONS

Respiratory therapists work withphysicians and other health careprofessionals to diagnose, treat

and care for patients with respiratory andcardiopulmonary disorders. You monitorvital signs, conduct diagnostic tests,perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation,administer medical gases and aerosoltherapy to manage and control breathingdifficulties. You operate, maintain andcalibrate respiratory therapy equipment(oxygen masks, humidifiers, ventilators,incubators, and resuscitators).

Respiratory therapists may specializein any of the following areas:neonatology, pediatrics, anaesthesia,critical care, cardiopulmonarydiagnostics, and respiratory home care.Some respiratory therapists participate inresearch regarding cardiac andpulmonary disorders.

Work conditions and trainingRespiratory therapists work in hospitals,clinics, critical care transportation teams(air and ground), diagnostic laboratories,educational institutions, private andpublic home care programs. The workoften involves shift work including nights,weekends, evenings and holidays. Muchof your time is spent on your feet inemergency or intensive care units wherestress levels may be high. Some heavylifting may be required.

Respiratory therapists are required tocomplete a two- or three-year college orvocational program or a hospitalprogram in respiratory therapy, includingclinical training.

Upon completion of an approvedrespiratory therapy program, graduatesare eligible to write the registration examfor the Canadian Board for RespiratoryCare. Successful candidates earn the title“Registered Respiratory Therapist” andmust be registered under the Health Act.

Who’s the right person?The ability to respond effectively inemergencies, demonstrate good decision-making skills, and cope with high levels ofstress are critical for this work. Goodinterpersonal skills, manual dexterity, andthe capacity to work with instruments,apparatus and technology are alsorequired.

You enjoy troubleshooting problems,working independently and as part of amedical team, and experiencegratification when helping patients andtheir families through difficult times.

What does it take?a two- to three-year college orvocational program or a hospitalprogram in respiratory therapy,including clinical traininglicensure is required in BritishColumbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontarioand Québecin Ontario and Québec membership inthe professional corporation forrespiratory therapists is mandatory

Next steps?supervisorclinical instructor of respiratory therapya clinical perfusionist

Respiratory Therapist

“Respiratory therapy

challenges me in ways I

never thought possible.

We are often struggling

with decisions that affect

patients’ lives.”

Robert M.


Biology, Chemistry

Want moreinformation? Try ...

educational institutionsoffering courses inrespiratory therapy

Canadian Society ofRespiratory Therapistswww.csrt.com/index.html


clinical perfusionistcardiology technologistanaesthesia technologist


134


CAREER DIRECTIONS

135

ManufacturingManufacturing is still going strong in Canada, and it’s getting more

and more high tech!

Steady, reliable, careful people who perform repetitive tasks well fit nicely inmanufacturing occupations. So do those who like using computers to get concreteresults quickly. Most manufacturing work, whether operating a machine,programming a computer that operates a machine, or handling materials directly,usually involves some maintenance work as well. Having the ability to do technical ormechanical work is an asset. The work may involve writing reports or keeping logs.

Work can be physically demanding, and often workers operate on shifts. Some workis outdoors, but most is in shops, mills, mines or factories. Much of this work requiresmore on-the-job training than formal education.

TIP: Make your own occupational career map!Career Directions gives you a small sample of the types of work you’ll find in a smallsample of industries. You can expand these samples into a whole chart of relatedoccupations with a little bit of research and some investigative interviewing. Theresults may let you see career paths more easily, and it may show you how manyoccupations support the work of an industry.

For instance, what else is there to do in Manufacturing besides create the product?Think about getting the product to a customer. You’re now talking “logistics.” Itincludes a number of areas, such as warehousing the products, transporting theproducts, customs regulations, purchasing raw materials, inventory control and, ofcourse, making sure that the production machinery works.


Foundry Worker 9412 137

Furnace Operator,Steel Mill 9411 138

Gas Plant Operator 9232 139

Glass Cutter 9413 140

Mine Service andSupply Worker 841 141

Mining Machine Operator 8231 142

Parts Clerk 961 143

Patternmaker 7232 144

Plastics ProcessingMachine Operator 9422 145

Power System Operator 7352 146

Printing MachineOperator 9471 147

Printing Press Operator 7381 148

Process Panel Operator 9234 149

Rubber ProcessingMachine Operator 9423 150

Sawmill MachineOperator 9431 151

Service Rig Operator 8232 152

Textile Dyer 9443 153

Textile MachineryMechanic 7317 154

Tool Designer 2232 155Please Note:Salaries in each profile represent: the average of all workers in the occupation or occupationalgroup; the average of the top 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group; and theaverage of the bottom 10% of workers in the occupation or occupational group. The figures caninclude salaries of self-employed people who may have lost money. This may lower the averageearnings significantly.


136CAREER DIRECTIONS


1. Thinking:

Be quality and safety-minded Make decisions Solve problems

Plan and organize job tasks Use memory Find information

Be specific and detail-oriented Recognize hazardous situations and act appropriately


Listen to instructions and act accordingly Ask for clarification

Discuss with co-workers Interact with management and customers

Communicate with workers on an assembly line Exchange information with co-workers


Apply technical and mechanical knowledge Use computer-assisted design programs (CAD)

Assemble complex machinery Create and use computerized production processes

4. Numeracy:

Measure and calculate Monitor use of measurement instruments Use ratios

Make numerical estimations Analyze data (compare, contrast, predict; averages, summaries, rates)


Work independently or as part of a team Deal with grievances Participate in discussions

Make suggestions for change Be respectful of others

Assign routine tasks to other workers Monitor the work performance of others

6. Writing:

Write: Reports Instructions Comments

Prepare invoices Record data or quotas Descriptions

7. Reading:

Read: Memos Special instructions Specification sheets

Reports Charts Equipment installation manuals

Graphs Scale drawings Assembly drawings






Manufacturing

CAREER DIRECTIONS137


Foundry workers make metalcastings for many different items.You may perform tasks from

assisting in making metal or woodenpatterns of the object to be cast, tofueling the furnace, to operatingautomated moulding equipment, togrinding the rough surfaces after thecasting has set. You may also decide onthe proper finish and pack the castingsfor transportation.

Die casters operate machines that usepermanent metal moulds in order tomake metal castings for items such asautomobile parts or ship propellers. Tocreate a metal casting you make a mouldby packing around an exact model of thefinished product in a moulding box. Youthen remove the casting piece and pourmolten metal into the mould. Mouldscan be made by hand or machine.

You select and melt the metals, set upthe dies used to create the castings, andpour the molten metal to produce acasting.

Foundry workers may also operatefurnaces to melt metal or to fire castingsto harden them. They finish castings byremoving excess metal with pneumatichammers and power abrasive wheels.

Work conditions and trainingMost foundry workers belong to unionsand are paid an hourly wage. The workis physically demanding and the workenvironment may be hot and noisy. Theuse of better ventilation systems hasgreatly improved conditions. Improvedsafety practices have made foundry jobssafer, although safety is still a majorconsideration. On-the-job training ofthree to 12 months is provided in-housefor die-casting technicians. It normallytakes three to five years to qualify as askilled core-maker or moulder.

This field is large, with manyopportunities for employment. Althoughthere is some job mobility within afoundry, it’s difficult to move from oneemployer to another. Many collective

agreements or company policies requirenew employees to start at entry-levelpositions, so changing companies maymean you lose seniority.

Foundry worker employment openingsare mainly affected by primary metal andmetal fabrication industries, which areexpected to do very well from now to2005. Foundries are becoming moredependent on machinery and equipment,rather than workers, to pour hot liquidmetals directly into moulds.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy working with machines andtools. You’re a steady, dedicated workerwho works well as a team player. You’realert, inquisitive, learn well on the job,and can follow instructions. You need tobe in good health with no respiratory,heart or back problems. You’ll do well inthis job with average physical strength,good hand-eye co-ordination and goodmanual dexterity.

What does it take?high school diploma is recommendedtraining is mostly on-the-joban ability to follow both written andverbal instructions

Next steps?castings inspectordepartment supervisortechnical advisorcost estimatordesigner or plan supervisor

Foundry Worker

“This job is not for

everyone, but the money

is good and I’m getting a

lot of experience that will

help me later on.” Jeff K.


Machine Shop,Mathematics, Science


The Canadian Steel Tradeand Employment Congress(CSTEC)www.uswa.ca


glass forming and finishingmachine operatormachine operator in mineraland metal processingboiler makermetal press operatorblast furnace operator


CAREER DIRECTIONS 138


Furnace operators monitor andcontrol furnaces in the process ofmaking steel before it is cast into

other products. They work in steel mills,and other types of metal refining andprocessing plants.

You work in a control room, directingthe operation of furnaces used toproduce steel. From the control room,you observe and operate computers andpanel boards that control the varioussystems required to produce steel in thefurnace. You receive specific informationfrom the computer for each job. Youcalculate and adjust the amounts ofmolten iron, scrap steel and otheradditives that will be loaded into thefurnace and melted into steel.

You weigh each ingredient andinstruct the crane operator and crewmembers to load the vessels. You alsocalculate the required temperature andmake the appropriate adjustments. Whenthe furnace is ready to be loaded, youoperate controls that tilt the furnace intoposition so that the scrap iron can bedumped in. The vessel is then returned toa vertical position. During the process, along rod that injects oxygen into themixture is lowered into the vessel. Thisbrings down the carbon content of thesteel to the desired level.

Work conditions and trainingA furnace operator must work in extremetemperatures for short periods of time.Despite the fact that the control room isair conditioned, the steel plant getsextremely hot near the furnace areaduring a melt. The work environment isfairly dirty, since you are dealing withmetal ore, scrap iron and various otheringredients.

Steel furnace operators are trained in-house by the employer. They work on anhourly rate and are among the highestpaid production people in a steel mill.Shift work may be required. A certificatein industrial first aid is highlyrecommended and often required.Certification in the transportation of

dangerous goods (TDG), fire fighting, orthe Worker’s Compensation Board’sWorkplace Hazardous MaterialsInformation System (WHMIS) may also berequired.

Who is the right person?You do not have to be strong to be afurnace operator, but you must be fit.There may be some physical workinvolved during inspection andmaintenance of the furnace or when aproblem arises involving physicaladjustments.

You have an eye for detail and theability to pay attention. Much of yourtime is spent operating a control paneland monitoring computers. You musthave a good grasp of basic mathematicsto calculate the proportions of scrap steel,molten iron, oxygen, temperature andother ingredients.

There is a certain amount of eye-handco-ordination to work the controls. Youdirect other members of your crew, keepaccurate reports and enter informationinto the computer system. You are self-motivated and work well with a minimumamount of supervision.

What does it take?a high school diploma, preferably witha background in mathematicsfamiliarity with computers is an asset

Next steps?other positions within the companysupervisory or management positions

Furnace Operator, Steel Mill

“It’s got its ups and

downs, but I like being

responsible for the

quality of the steel.”

Brad H.


Mathematics, Industrial Arts,English, Computers


The Canadian Steel Tradeand Employment Congress(CSTEC)www.cstec.ca

United Steelworkers ofAmericawww.uswa.ca


oxygen furnace operatorsmelting furnace operatormixer operator, moltenmetalheater, metalaluminum powder makeropen-hearth furnace helper




Gas plant operators work in gasprocessing plants. Fromcomputerized control panels,

they monitor, adjust and maintain theprocessing units and equipment in theplant. You control the flow of gas in andout of the plant, and check its quality.You carefully watch temperature andpressure gauges and flow recorders toensure that all systems are operatingproperly.

You monitor and control the systemsand equipment that take gas from its rawstate and convert it into refined products,free of impurities. Generally, you work ina natural gas plant, located near a gasfield. Some gas plant operators work innitrogen and oxygen producing plants.You’re also responsible for watching theequipment and performing any minormaintenance that is required. If majorrepair work is required you call in amaintenance crew.

You are responsible for the flow of thisprocessed gas into the pipelines thatcarry it to the various industries andhomes that use it for fuel. In addition,you make the gas flow changes to thesupply system to keep pace withcustomer demands.

Work conditions and trainingTo perform all of your duties, you’rerequired to work both indoors andoutdoors. Gas plant operators are paidby the hour and there is usually shiftwork involved. Generally, an extensive in-house training program is available whenyou start the job.

Modern gas plants operate under thehighest safety standards and theequipment is designed to preventhazards. Despite this, gas plant operatorsare trained in handling dangeroussubstances such as hydrogen sulfide, adeadly gas that can be highly toxic. Youare also trained in the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus and othersafety equipment.

Who’s the right person?You are mechanically inclined and havegood decision-making skills. Since youare dealing with highly flammable andtoxic substances, you must be veryconscientious and safety-minded.

A gas plant operator’s job is notnormally physically demanding sincemuch of your time is spent in a controlroom. You may also spend a lot of timeoutdoors, performing routine checks onequipment. The work can be mentallystressful, if a problem occurs or if youhave to keep up with the changingrequirements of customers.

Good communication skills are helpfulsince you deal with many people,including co-workers and management.Senior operators may also train and co-ordinate the activities of new employeesand subordinate staff. To do this well, youmust be able to get along with peopleand have good organizational abilities.

Since gas plants are generally locatedat the gas fields in remote areas, youshould enjoy outdoor work away from thecity.

What does it take?a high school diplomayou may be required to have a PowerEngineering certificate, depending onthe province/territory and the type ofgas plantFuels certification is required in mostareas to perform minor maintenance

Next steps?other operator positions within the gasindustry, as well as in related industriessupervisory positions

Gas Plant Operator

“ ... I was able to apply

for this position. I like it

because you are always

learning to use new

technology that helps to

improve efficiency.”

Lloyd C.


Computers, Mathematics,Chemistry, Physics


The Petroleum IndustryTraining Service (PITS)www.pits.ca

The Canadian GasProcessors AssociationTel. (403) 263-5388


ammonia plant operatorchemical plant operatorpetroleum process operatorrefinery operatorfertilizer plant operator




G lass cutters cut sheets of glass ofvarying thickness according topatterns or written instructions

received from supervisors. They aregenerally employed by glassmanufacturing or processing companies.The demand for glass cutting is greatestin the commercial sector, but glasscutters also do residential work, such ascutting glass for windows, doors, glassroofs, and skylights. They may also cutmore specialized or custom-made pieces,such as car windshields, table tops ordecorative components for buildingexteriors and interiors.

Automation is more and morecommon in the glass industry. Glasscutters often work in modern factorieswith state-of-the-art equipment. You mayhave to learn how to operate automaticcutting tables that use hydraulic lifts tolift and move large pieces of glass.Despite automation, you may still domuch of your work by hand.

Whether the work is manual orautomated, the basics are the same.Before cutting, you must first study theplan of the pattern and then carefullyexamine and measure the glass to beused. If you detect any flaws, you have todecide how best to cut the glass withoutwasting any of it. If you are workingmanually, you have to select the toolsbest suited for the task at hand.

Work conditions and trainingSalaries vary quite a bit since you maywork in specialized workshops, on factoryproduction lines, or on construction sites.Generally you are paid hourly wagesaccording to your level of experience.

You will undergo between two weeksto six months of on-the-job trainingunder an experienced glass cutter.

Who’s the right person?You must have good eyesight and thehand-eye co-ordination necessary to cutthe glass correctly. Glass is both fragileand expensive and employers hire cutters

who make the fewest mistakes. Glass canalso be quite heavy and you will needsufficient strength to lift and positionglass sheets as required.

You will do well at this job if you liketo pay attention to details. Since you haveto be careful not to break the glass orwaste it by cutting it incorrectly, youmust be able to plan your work well.

This job requires dependability,patience, and intense concentration. Youmust be focussed enough to producehigh quality work consistently. The workcan occasionally become fairly repetitiveand requires self-discipline to followinstructions accurately. Glass cutting willlikely appeal to those who prefer to workalone or with little supervision.

What does it take?high school education may be requiredsuccessful completion of a communitycollege or technical institute programin glass work is an assetthis trade is not regulated by either thefederal or provincial/territorialgovernments

Next steps?movement to other areas ofspecializationsupervisory positions

Glass Cutter

“The work is heavy and

sometimes dangerous,

but the money is good.”

Ian D.


Mathematics, Science,Computer Literacy,Mechanical Courses


The Architectural Glass &Metal ContractorsAssociationTel. (905) 420-7272

The Canadian Tooling andMachining Associationwww.ctma.com

The InternationalBrotherhood of Painters andAllied Tradeswww.ibpat.org


glazierglass blowerglass pressing machineoperatorglass finishing machineoperatorpaintersheetmetal workerpatternmaker


ShortTIPSAny information you hear has to bechecked. Your province, territory orregion may not fit the pattern for aparticular occupation or industry.Growth or decline in the fishingindustry won’t have a lot ofmeaning in a prairie town.



Underground mine service andsupply workers perform dutiesrelated to the loading and

hauling of ore, the operation of chutesand conveyor systems, the constructionand servicing of underground structures,passages and roadways, and the supplyof materials and supplies forunderground mining. They work in coal,metal and non-metallic mines.

You operate diesel or electric scoop-trams, load-haul-dump (LHD) machinesor slushing machines to load and haulore. Your responsibilities may includeoperating and maintaining ore chutes orconveyor systems to control the flow ofore or coal in underground mines. Inaddition, you operate constructionequipment such as bulldozers, graders orbackhoes to build and maintainunderground passages, ventilation andwater pipes, supports and otherstructures.

You also operate equipment todistribute personnel and supplies.Another part of the work involveskeeping storage areas maintained andsupplied with equipment such asexplorer drill bits, fire extinguishers,lamps and batteries.

Work conditions and trainingYou probably will belong to a union. Youare usually paid hourly wages. You workboth above and below ground on minesites. Mining operations are oftenlocated in remote areas. The workingenvironment may be dusty, hot andnoisy. Shift work is common practice.

While some mining operations havetheir workers living close by, otherstransport their workers from distantlocations, on a fly in/fly out basis. Thelatter may work 12-hour shifts for twoweeks and then fly out for one week’srest and recreation before flying back towork again.

Mines are unique workingenvironments that are difficult todescribe. Underground operations aredark, wet, and for the most part humid,

although ventilation systems haveimproved the environment significantly.

Opportunities in this field are alwaysdependant on prices in internationalmarkets.

Who’s the right person?You like working with mobile equipmentand enjoy working on your own.Companies look for people who showinitiative and are able to make decisionsquickly and confidently. The work isalmost all mechanized now but physicaldexterity is still a definite advantage.

While many people find minesintimidating at first, they often becomevery attached to this type of work. Youwill have an aptitude for mechanicalequipment operation. An ability totolerate physically demanding work isessential. You must observe occupationalhealth and safety rules.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredprevious formal training of up to sixweeks followed by periods of informalon-the-job training as a helper or insupport occupationsa one-year community collegeprogram in mining technology isrecommendedhaulage operators (tracked andtrackless) and equipment operatorsmay require company licensing

Next steps?supervisory positionsjob movement between different typesof mining specializationsjob movement to other miningmachine operation

Mine Service and Supply Worker

“I really like to work four

days on and four days

off, it gives me a lot of

freedom. Besides, the

money is great!”

Trevor F.


Industrial Arts, Mechanics,Physics



The Mining Association ofCanadawww.mining.ca


surface mining drillerconveyor operatorunderground productionminerblasterservice rig operatorgas plant operator




M ining machine operators workwith machinery to extractminerals from underground

mines. They are employed by coal, metaland non-metallic minerals undergroundmining companies. They are found inhard-rock mines that produce ore andmetal, coal mines, or in soft-rock minesproducing potash or salt.

Miners operate many differentmachines in coal and hardrock mines.Mobile drilling machines bore blastingholes in rock and ore. Other types ofdrilling machines are used to obtain coresamples for geological tests and toproduce underground passageways. Araise-boring machine creates connectionsbetween different mine levels.

To clear a mine site of debris, a scoop-tram gathers ore and waste rock into abucket and dumps it onto a conveyorbelt, truck or into a chute. A loadingmachine is equipped with gathering armsand a conveyor to load shattered ore,rock, coal, potash or other materials intovehicles. Other machines include hoists,conveyors, mechanical shovels,bulldozers, graders and front-endloaders.

Work conditions and trainingMost mining machine operators work inshifts. You should be prepared to work innoisy, dusty and dirty environments inalmost any kind of weather. Someoperators work in air-conditioned anddust-controlled cabs. Those who operateexcavating and grading equipment haveto sit for long periods of time onvibrating or bouncing machinery.Hearing protection, special safety boots,gloves, goggles and hats may berequired. Mining companies today arevery safety-conscious and operate to highstandards.

Employment for some heavyequipment operators is on a project-to-project basis and travel away from homeis often required. Heavy equipmentoperators must be prepared for periodiclayoffs.

Most of your training comes on thejob. Depending upon your exactfunction and the province/territory inwhich you work, you may requireprovincial/territorial certification.

Who’s the right person?Operating such machinery meansworking the controls, adjusting thedirection, rotary speed, the percussionrate, and the air pressure. Miningmachinery today is computerized andremote-controlled, and much lessphysical work is needed than in the past.Despite this, you still have to maintainand repair your machines. You must bephysically fit and have stamina to stand orsit for long hours.

You will enjoy this job if you arethorough and can work on your own withlittle supervision. An enjoyment ofmachines and a mechanical aptitude arean asset since you work with largemotorized equipment.

Good communication and readingskills are important to understand trainingmanuals and the programs that runcomputerized equipment. You are alsorequired to fill out written reports of workprogress and any problems that mayarise.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredsome mechanical or technologicaltraining is an assetcertification is required in someprovinces/territories

Next steps?supervisory positionsjob movement to other types ofmining machines

Mining Machine Operator

“It’s interesting and

challenging to learn to

drive different types of

mining machines. This

job is among the highest

paid in the industry.”

Ed H.


Mechanics, Physics,Mathematics, English


The Mining Association ofCanadawww.mining.ca


Some relatedoccupations:

bucketwheel excavatoroperatorpower shovel operatorheavy equipment operator




Parts clerks, sometimes calledstorekeepers, sort, store anddispense parts and supplies. You

work for an organization with a largeinventory of materials for sale or fordistribution within the organization.

You receive and sort incomingmaterials; use a manual or computerizedsystem to record the number, kind andlocation of items; store the items; andkeep price lists and catalogues up-to-date. You also process requests formaterials, supply the appropriate itemsand order replacements. If you work in aretail establishment, you also sell partsand supplies to the public.

The challenge is to ensure that youhave enough supplies on hand and canfind them quickly when they are needed,and also ensure that costs are kept low.Paying storage costs for items that arenot needed for long periods of time maybe an unnecessary expense to theorganization.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for retail or wholesaleestablishments, or large organizationssuch as the armed forces, major hospitalsor manufacturing, mining, forestry andconstruction companies. You generallywork in a warehouse, tool room, supplyroom or similar type of environment. In aretail establishment, you also workbehind a counter in a relatively small areaopen to the public. Hours of work varydepending on the employer. You maywork weekday hours, or work shifts.

Most parts clerks are trained on thejob. Entry-level training positions areeasier to obtain if you have a high schooldiploma and/or warehouse and clericalexperience, or knowledge of machineryparts. Many colleges and technicalinstitutes offer part-time or distanceeducation courses related to warehousingoperations; some offer related full-timeprograms. Alberta, British Columbia,Manitoba, the Northwest Territories andthe Yukon offer formal three- to four-yearapprenticeship programs for parts clerks

who deal with automotive parts; heavyduty vehicle parts; farm implementvehicle parts; industrial, or recreationalvehicle parts.

Who’s the right person?You have an aptitude for detailed workand are able to stand for long periods oftime. During busy periods, you maintaina high level of accuracy, keep your cooland work efficiently, and maintain apleasant manner with fellow employeesand customers. A good memory helpsand you enjoy a sense of organization.

What does it take?completion of secondary school maybe requiredon-the-job training or apprenticeshiptraininggood communication and customerservice skills, keyboarding skills andtime management skills are essentialrelated training or experience is adefinite asset

Next steps?supervisory positions (warehouse,purchasing/ordering, manufacturingplant supervisor)

Parts Clerk

“You have to keep on top

of all the new

developments with

vehicles.” Kevin C.


Typing/keyboarding, BasicMathematics, BusinessEnglish


Job Futures: Recording,Scheduling and DistributingOccupations (147)www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/JobFutures


purchasing officershipper/receiverbilling clerkauto service technicianlibrary technicianinventory clerkcustomer service/order desk(telephone services) clerk


ShortTIPSAbout 97% of heavy duty servicetechnicians are employed full timeand make up to $50,000 a year.



Patternmakers design and createfoundry patterns and coreboxes sothat parts and components can be

cast from metal. They are employed infoundries and independent patternshops.

You read and interpret drawings orblueprints to build exact models of metalproducts. These models are calledpatterns. The foundry patterns may bemade from wood, metal or sometimesmaterials such as plastic, fibreglass,plaster or wax. They go to the foundrywhere they are encased in sand to createsand moulds. The foundry patterns arethen removed from the moulds andmolten metal is poured into the mouldsto create metal castings.

Patternmakers also make core boxeswhich are used to make the cores thatare placed inside a mould to create theinternal cavity of the casting.

Work conditions and trainingThis work is done primarily outside thefoundries and your shop may serve morethan one foundry. You are paid an hourlywage and are among the highest paidworkers in the foundry industry.Patternmaking trade certification isavailable. A three- to four-yearapprenticeship combining on-the-joband classroom training is generallyrequired. To become an apprentice, youmust find an employer who will hire you.The in-school portion of theapprenticeship consists of three separate240-hour periods of study at acommunity college or other approvedtraining facility. New workers with somerelated training or experience progressmore rapidly than others.

Who’s the right person?Increasingly, patternmakers are usingcomputer-aided design (CAD) andcomputer-aided manufacturing (CAM)technology to design and create complexand intricate patterns. Whatever themedium or the technology, you must

carefully check every detail of the patternsyou build. Any error you make will showup in the metal castings.

This is an ideal job if you like to workwith your hands. It’s a highly skilled,technical job that demands a good dealof creativity. If you get satisfaction fromcreating something from nothing, thiscould be the job for you.

You are a highly motivated, creativeworker who is committed to what you aredoing. Much of the work is done alone,but you have to be able to co-operatewith other workers such as foundrypersonnel and designers.

You read blueprints and then visualizethe finished product in three dimensions.This is particularly challenging since youoften work with a mirror image of thefinished product. You plan the job fromstart to finish. Strong mathematical abilitymakes this job easier as there’s a lot ofshop math involved.

This work is not strenuous, but itrequires good health and the ability tostand all day. You need to have goodeyesight, a keen sense of touch andmanual dexterity.

What does it take?some secondary school education isrequiredgood reading skills are recommendedthree- to four-year apprenticeshipcombining on-the-job and in-schooltraining

Next steps?specialist patternmakersupervisorowner of your own pattern shop

Patternmaker

“I like using different

materials to design an

accurate pattern. You

only ever make one

pattern, so it never gets

boring.” Neil K.


Machine Shop,Woodworking, Drafting,English


The Canadian Steel Tradeand Employment Congress(CSTEC)www.cstec.ca

United Steelworkers ofAmericawww.uswa.ca


tool and die makertooling inspectormetal mould makermachine inspector




P lastics processing machineoperators set up and operatemachines that mix, press and

mould plastics into products. Your firststep on the job is to load the machineswith the materials to be moulded, mixedor pressed. You may sit by the conveyorand assemble or pack products intocontainers. You unload the finishedproduct from conveyor belts and place itin the warehouse.

An important part of your job is tocheck for defects through visual andweight checks. These quality controlduties are done at various points in theproduction process. Other monitoringresponsibilities include making sure thatthe temperature and pressure of theequipment is correct. Your responsibilitiesinclude keeping the machines clean andin a good state of repair. Statisticalcontrol process equipment is used inmore and more plastics processingplants.

Work conditions and trainingMost plastics processing machineoperators work in areas that are clean,well lit, and well ventilated. You operatepowerful, high-speed machines that canbe dangerous if strict safety rules are notobserved. You wear protectiveequipment, such as safety glasses andearplugs to protect against flyingparticles of metal or plastic and noisefrom the machines. You have staminabecause operators are on their feet muchof the day and may do moderately heavylifting.

You work a 40-hour week, butovertime is common during periods ofincreased production. Some plants areunionized and new employees must jointhe union within 60 days of startingwork.

You have the opportunity of learninghow to operate more than one type ofmachine. You need to be an enthusiasticlearner. On-the-job training periods varybetween a few weeks and a few monthsdepending on the complexity of the

machinery. Under supervision, newtrainees begin assisting in the operationof equipment. You advance to moredifficult tasks and eventually becomeresponsible for your own machines. Youmay need several years to become askilled operator or to advance to the morehighly skilled job of set-up operator.Plastics processing operators may needhydraulics, pneumatics and electronicssystems courses.

Who’s the right person?You are a team player and enjoy workingwith others. You are dependable andwilling to do a good job. You must beable to stay alert and concentrate onwhat the machines are doing at all times.This is physically demanding work as youare required to lift and move productswith or without the use of lifting aids.

What does it take?completion of high school may berequiredan interest in mechanics is a definiteasseta knowledge of computers is an asset

Next steps?multiple machines operatorsupervisory roles

Plastics Processing Machine Operator

“You really need to be on

the ball with this job –

but it never gets boring.”

Gerald S.


Industrial Arts, Mathematics,Blueprint Reading



The Precision MachinedProducts Associationwww.pmpa.org


labourer in plastic products,manufacturingrubber processing machineoperatorplastics press operatorplastic tool maker




Power system operators monitorand operate equipment ontransmission lines and in

transformer and power generatingstations. They control the distributionand regulate the flow of electrical powerin the transmission network. They areemployed by electric power generation,transmission and distribution companies.

You control the electricity that goes toa particular region. You have to monitorthe system and make sure that it isoperating safely and within theguidelines set by the power company.You monitor and operate computerizedor pneumatic switchboards that regulatethe flow of electrical power.

The distribution demands on agenerating station or substation changedaily, due to system outages, repair workand other factors. It is your job to co-ordinate, schedule and direct powerloads and line voltages to meet thesedemands. At any given time, there couldbe repair work or construction thatrequires part of the system to be shutdown. You refer to drawings of thepower system and prepare switchingorders that will isolate the work areaswithout causing a power outage.

Work conditions and trainingMuch of your shift may be spentmonitoring the system at a control paneland doing routine duties, but if there is aproblem in the system, you must restorepower as quickly and safely as possible.Communities depend on your skill andknowledge. Thunderstorms may causenumerous interruptions to the system.You co-ordinate maintenance crews anddeal with customers.

You go outside to inspect thetransformers, breakers and otherequipment at the station. If there is aproblem, you take action and call in amaintenance crew. There are manytimes when your only task is to monitorthe system.

Since the power system must be incontinuous operation, you may findyourself working twelve-hour shifts, in theevenings, on weekends and holidays. Youare generally paid by the hour.

Who’s the right person?Power system operators communicatewith maintenance crews, co-workers, andthe public. You prepare operating recordsand reports of the activities in the stationduring your shift. You have good verbaland writing skills. Also, if a problemoccurs in the system, you must be calmand polite, even if you are extremelybusy. You usually work withoutsupervision and it is up to you to makethe decisions that will keep the systemworking properly.

You do not have to be physicallystrong to perform this job, but there aretimes when you may have to move heavyequipment by hand.

Technological changes in powersystems call for modern power stations touse computerized control systems. As aresult, operators must be familiar withcomputers.

What does it take?a high school diploma is generallyrequireda three- to four-year in-house trainingprogram (in some provinces/territories,a provincially- /territorially-regulatedapprenticeship program is offered)

Next steps?supervisory positionsjob movement to other powergenerating stations

Power System Operator

“If I am not

troubleshooting, I am

doing system

maintenance or looking

for ways to create better

efficiency.” Gerald P.


Computers, Electronics,English




load dispatchersubstation inspectorpower switchboard operatorhydro electric stationoperatorelectrical technician




P rinting machine operators set upand operate a wide variety of non-standard printing presses and

machines. They print words, illustrationsand designs on many different materialssuch as paper, plastic, corrugatedcartons, glass, leather and metal.

You may be employed by rapidprinting services, commercial printingcompanies and by various companieswith in-house printing facilities. Youcould operate a small duplicatingmachine in a rapid-print company,producing short runs of printed materialssuch as flyers and bulletins. In this case,you review the work order and set upyour machine accordingly, makingadjustments for colour of ink, type andsize of paper as well as the number ofcopies required. You may also workphotocopiers, laser printers or high-speedprinting and finishing machines thatprint, collate and bind printed material.

Screen printing machine operatorswork on machines that print multicolourimages on textiles, paper, metal, glass,plastics and other materials. You mountscreens on a press frame and pour inkonto the screen or into a feed pan. Theink is pressed through the fine mesh ofthe screen to produce an image.

Work conditions and trainingThe types of organizations and the workconditions that you work in will vary. Acopier operator or small offset pressoperator may work in a store frontsituation. In this type of business, youmay be required to deal with customers,as well as work with the equipment. Inother industries, you may not have todeal with the public, but the work maybe noisy and repetitive.

You generally spend a good part ofyour time on your feet, operating yourmachine. There may be a small amountof lifting involved to change rollers, paperor other materials, depending on themachine.

Your work can occasionally bestressful. If you work in a rapid print

business, dealing with customers andoperating copying equipment, you mustwork quickly to deliver the job on time.

Training will be on-the-job but mayrequire a certificate or diploma in printingtechnology, depending on the position.

Who’s the right person?You are quality-minded, have an eye fordetail and a sense of design and type.You are self-motivated and able to workon your equipment with a minimum ofsupervision.

If you work in a copy shop, you’ll dowell if you enjoy meeting people anddealing with the public. You remain calm,pleasant and organized, even when youare swamped with jobs. To avoid costlymistakes and keep customers happy, youare able to work quickly and efficiently.These jobs are increasingly being doneelectronically, so an up-to-dateknowledge of computers will assist you inyour career.

What does it take?a high school diploma is generallyrequiredcommunity college courses in graphicsmay be an assetcompletion of a printing technologyprogram at a community college maybe an asset

Next steps?other positions in the industry, withinyour company or outside

Printing Machine Operator

“I look forward to

producing the best

printing job that I can.

It’s the finished product

that really counts.”

Rod S.


Computers, Graphic Design,Mathematics


Printimage Internationalwww.printimage.org


colour copier operatorprinting press operatorwallpaper printertextile finishing machineoperatorelectronic sign makeroperator




P rinting press operators set up,operate, and maintain sheet andweb-faced presses to print text,

illustrations and designs on paper, plastic,metal, and other materials. Pressoperators are found in printingcompanies, combined publishing andprinting establishments, and otherindustries with in-house printingdepartments.

You are responsible for all theelements that go into a printing job. Stepone is to set and adjust the plates,cylinders, and dampeners. Then youfigure out the correct ink tone anddensity by mixing and adjusting inks.Once this is complete, a test run of thejob is required to make any fineadjustments to the quality of theproduct. The print job must be even andconsistent before a full run is undertaken.

In some cases, you may be workingclosely with others who are responsiblefor supplying materials to the press whileyou are operating it. Otherwise, it maybe your responsibility to monitor thestock of materials used on the press andmake sure you don’t run out of paper,metal or ink.

Work conditions and trainingDepending on the size of the printingcompany in which you work, you may bepaid hourly or by salary. You willprobably work a forty-hour week, and insome cases, shift work may be required.

Training for this position tends to behands-on. You will probably begin byworking at support staff jobs such asthose of feeder and paper handler untilyou fully understand the operations ofthe press.

Apprenticeship programs are availableif you are interested in pursuing thiscareer. Another option is to attend acollege diploma program for graphicprinting technicians.

Who’s the right person?You are expected to manage your timewell. Some publications, such asnewspapers, operate on a deadline.Organizing printing jobs to meet themcan be stressful. At the same time, youmust be patient and careful to make surethe quality of every job reaches highstandards.

You will need mechanical ability to dothis job. The industry is computer-based,but the need to understand the way amachine operates is still vital.

You may have to cope with hotconditions working near press machineryand the work may be repetitive at times.Although teamwork is a must, you shouldalso enjoy working independently sincemost print shops or departments rely onone press operator to perform the printfunctions.

You have good eyesight and normalcolour vision.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredcompletion of a printing technologyprogram at a community college or afour-year apprenticeship program inprinting, with specialized coursesunion membership may be required

Next steps?various other press operator positionssupervision of crews with a large presscompany

Printing Press Operator

“Depending how well you

sell yourself, and how

skilled you are, you can

make a lot of money in

this career.” Chris P.


Computers, Mechanics,Mathematics, English


The Canadian PrintingIndustries Associationwww.cpia-aci.ca


photographic and filmprocessorcylinder preparerfilm assembler/stripperplatemakerpre-press technicianscanner operatorbinding and finishingmachine operatorweb press operatoroffset press operator




P rocess panel operators areresponsible for monitoring andmanaging the processing and

production of many types of machineryand equipment. They are employed inmineral ore and metal processing plantssuch as lead refineries, uraniumprocessing plants, steel mills, aluminumplants, precious metal refineries, andcement processing plants.

You work in a central room where youare able to view operations, eithervisually or via monitors. You make suremachinery runs smoothly and productionschedules are followed. You usecomputers, switchboards, and levercontrols to run, gauge, and haltmachinery operations. From the controlroom you are able to pace the level ofproduction, determine the amount ofmaterials that move through processing,and watch for any problems. If troublearises, you call in technical experts to fixthe problem.

Work conditions and trainingAn important part of the work is tomanage workers operating machineryalong production lines. As moreequipment becomes automatic, however,you will also monitor highly technicalmachines.

Depending on the industry, you arepaid either a salary or an hourly wage.Since some plants run on a continuousbasis, you may work in shifts.

Training for this occupation tends tobe on the job under the supervision of anexperienced process panel operator. Asthe technology becomes more complex,companies are coupling on-the-jobexperience with classroom training.Classroom training will also help youlearn the safety procedures to befollowed during emergencies.

Operators who have many differentskills and have a broad range ofknowledge and abilities will have the bestopportunities.

Who’s the right person?You are organized, can make decisionsquickly and stay calm in pressuresituations. Being able to determine therate at which materials are processed,plus calculating the quantity of materialsmoving through the line, calls foraccurate judgement and an eye forprecision. You need to communicateclearly to pass information to workers onthe production floor. In monitoring awide range of operations, you payattention to all the details.

Although you may not deal with theproblems “hands-on,” you must identifythe source of a problem and reactquickly, calling in the necessary technicalexperts.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredprevious experience with industry-specific machinery is an assettechnical school programs and otherprevious training will be an asset toyour careerunion membership may be required

Next steps?shift supervisorsafety supervisorplant manager

Process Panel Operator

“After I completed my

Power Engineering

program, I had no trouble

at all getting a position

as an operator.”

Rick A.


Mechanics, English,Mathematics, Computers


The International Union ofOperating Engineerswww.iuoe.org


grinding mill operatorsteam control operatorglass furnace operatorslurry equipment operator




Rubber processing machineoperators run the machines thatmix, press, mould and cure

rubber for use in other manufacturingprocesses. The processed rubber is thensold to other manufacturers as anintermediate product or is made into afinished product such as tires, hoses orboots.

You follow a recipe in preparing eachof the rubber compounds with whichyou work. First, you weigh thecomponent materials. These mightinclude natural and synthetic rubber,carbon black or other pigments, fillers,processing oils and chemicals.

You load all the materials into themachine in the correct order and beginprocessing. Typically, you have to waitfor a certain amount of time to elapse orfor a particular temperature to bereached before proceeding to the nextstep. During a particular shift, you maybe required to make several separatebatches of each specific compound. Youthen monitor two large rolling mills thatproduce slabs of processed rubbertailored to specific sizes for resale.

You must be aware of the temperatureof the rubber compounds and thepressure that is being exerted on them.You try to ensure that each batch meetsthe specifications exactly in terms of size,colour, and other physical and chemicalproperties.

Work conditions and trainingAlthough ventilation and dust collectionsystems are in place in rubber processingplants, the work environment can bedusty, especially when carbon black isused in the production process.

Rubber processing machine operatorsare paid hourly wages and may or maynot work in a unionized operation.

You will learn to use more than onetype of machine. Training can takeanywhere from two weeks to two monthsand is essential whenever newtechnologies emerge. You may be

required to take courses relating to workhealth and safety.

Who’s the right person?You willingly learn new processes. You area team player and enjoy working withmachines. Since you have to adjusttemperature and other settings, it helpsthat you are mechanically inclined.

You follow instructions and proceduresto the letter. The materials must be fedinto the machines in the exact orderprescribed by the chemist orcompounder. You have an ability toconcentrate and pay attention to thesmallest detail as there are dangerousaspects to this work.

In a more computerized environment,you monitor the activities of the machinefrom a control panel. Thus, a workingknowledge of computers is a major asset.Despite the use of automated equipment,this is still a physically demanding job.You handle heavy materials, with orwithout the assistance of lifting aids.

What does it take?some secondary school education isrequiredsome employers require thatemployees be at least 18 years of age

Next steps?learning new computer-controlledcutting machinerylearning the use of roboticssupervisory positions

Rubber Processing Machine Operator

“...each individual part

that you make becomes a

part of something much

larger and important in

the industry.” Blaine P.


Computers, Industrial Arts,English, Mathematics


The Alliance ofManufacturers and ExportersCanadawww.istream.com/alliance



labourer in plastic products,manufacturingplastics processing machineoperatorplastic tool maker




Sawmill machine operators work inmills that manufacture lumber andother wood products. They

operate, monitor and control lumbermillequipment that saws timber logs intorough lumber and then saws, splits, trimsand planes the rough lumber intodressed lumber.

After you cut timber logs into roughlumber, you saw or plane it into differentsizes of dressed lumber. Some of it youmake into shingles or shakes. Modernmills use computer scanners that figureout how the log should be processed toobtain the highest value and the leastwaste.

The products are graded visually or bymachine and the grade is stamped on.You use scanners to sort the lumberautomatically based on grade, length,and species.

Most lumber is now kiln dried. Aftersorting, lumber is stacked and placed in adrying oven where the temperature andrate of drying are carefully controlled sothat lumber quality is not damaged.Once the desired moisture level has beenreached, the lumber is packaged andreadied for sale and shipment.

Work conditions and trainingModern technology has greatly reducedthe amount of physical work involved inoperating sawmill machinery. In modernmills, the head rig operator sits in an air-conditioned, soundproof booth workinga control panel. Logs are scanned andthe saw blades are automaticallyadjusted.

In older sawmills, the log assessmentis done by eye, and there is moreexposure to noise and physical work.

Training for a sawmill machineoperator is done on the job. In somecases, the manufacturers of the sawingequipment and the scanners providetraining courses on their machines. Youare generally paid an hourly wage thatcan be fairly high depending on your skilland experience. Shift work may be

required and you may be asked to worknights and weekends.

Who’s the right person?You will do well in this job if you areconscientious and quality-minded. Yourjob as a sawmill operator is a fairly skilledone. The decision on how to cut each logis up to you and you must rely on yourskill and knowledge to make the rightcuts. An understanding of the lumbermarket is helpful.

You need a great deal of physical andmental stamina. In any given shift youmight process thousands of logs. Youmust be alert and able to concentrate onthe job.

In most cases, you are required toperform routine maintenance on yourmachine such as cleaning, lubricating andperforming minor repairs. You inspectthe saw blades and notify a supervisor ormillwright if they need sharpening orreplacing.

You are mechanically inclined andenjoy working in an industrialenvironment. You must be a safety-minded person.

What does it take?a high school diploma may be requiredprevious general sawmill experiencemay be necessary

Next steps?head sawyer’s positionhigher level computer skills improveyour ability to move to supervisorypositions

Sawmill Machine Operator

“Once I got over the

techno-factor of this job,

I was okay. The

computer scanning and

laser imagery makes it

very interesting.”

Robert C.


Mathematics, Computers,Social Studies, MachineShop


The Canadian Lumbermen’sAssociation (CLA)www.lumberweb.com

The Canadian Wood Council(CWC)Tel. Toll Free1-800-463-5091www.cwc.ca


resaw operatorwoodworking machine-tooloperatorgraderpower system operatorservice rig operator




Service rig operators set up andcontrol truck-mounted drilling andhoisting equipment used in the

servicing of oil or natural gas wells. Youare employed by drilling and wellservicing contractors, petroleumproducing companies and well-testingcompanies.

Service rig crews complete well-drilling operations and clean andmaintain the wells. You close down wellsthat are no longer in use. You work ontruck-mounted units that you drive to thewell sites.

Upon arriving at the well site, youoperate the controls that raise the derrickand level the rig. With the aid of a helper,you thread cable through pulleys in thederrick and connect the hydraulic linesusing hand tools. You also installpressure-control devices onto the wellhead. You attach clamps to the top oftubing or pump rods and operatecontrols that pull them out for salvagingor repair work.

Work conditions and trainingYou will work out in the field at differentwell site locations. A starting position as aservice rig operator is known as aroughneck. With the proper skill,experience and training, you can proceedto become a derrick hand and then adriller and tool pusher. To advance froman entry-level position to a tool pushermay require 10-15 years. Training isprimarily on the job.

Generally, you don’t work a regulareight-hour day. You are required to getthe job done on schedule whether ittakes two hours or eighteen. Usually theaverage work day is 8-12 hours. Servicerig operators are usually paid by thehour.

Who’s the right person?You are physically fit and fairly strong tooperate the rig and to add or disconnectsections of drill pipe with wrenches andother tools. You work outdoors at remotelocations in all kinds of weather.Travelling is a huge part of the job andyou may work away from home forperiods of time. You get along withpeople and work as part of a team.

If you enjoy mechanical challenges,this may be the job for you. As a servicerig operator, you may have to do some ofyour own maintenance, if you are at anisolated posting. Since you may berequired to do some calculations, abackground in math is helpful to you onthe job. In addition, common sense andsafe working habits are necessary for youto perform your work well.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredcourses from the Petroleum IndustryTraining Service (P.I.T.S.)courses from the Northern AlbertaInstitute of Technology in Edmonton orthe Southern Alberta Institute ofTechnology in Calgary

Next steps?derrick handdrillertool pusher

Service Rig Operator

“I like to work outdoors.

It’s great to produce

something that really

drives our economy.”

Layne W.


Mathematics, Chemistry,Physical Education


The Petroleum IndustryTraining ServiceTel. Toll Free1-800-667-5557www.pits.ca

The Canadian Association ofOilwell Drilling Contractorswww.caodc.ca


wireline operatorpumping service operatordownhole tool operatorgas plant operator




Textile dyers tend machines thatdye fabric, thread, yarn and othertextile products. When you are

working with computer-integratedmachinery, you monitor the operation ofseveral dyeing machines at the sametime.

Your duties depend on the type oftextile product produced and the type ofmachinery. You prepare dyeingmachines for production runs, and makesure that they operate properly. You maymix dyes and chemicals by hand oroperate control equipment that does themixing automatically. During dyeingoperations, you check factors such astemperature and dye flow rates. As textileproducts emerge from the dyeingprocess, you examine them for colourvariations or other defects to make surethat products are up to company qualitystandards. You keep production records,and may also be responsible for cleaningdyeing machines between productionruns.

Work conditions and trainingYou work in a textile manufacturingplant. Many of the textile manufacturingplants in Canada are located near largeurban centres in Ontario and Quebec.

Your working environment may befairly noisy with many machinesoperating at the same time. Moderndyeing facilities are usually wellventilated. You will probably work shiftsbecause most textile mills operate 24hours a day. When working with dyesand chemicals, you may be required towear gloves and other protective gear.

Your on-the-job training will probablytake one to six months. When you arelooking for a training position, workexperience in textile manufacturing orexperience operating machines is adefinite asset. Employment and/oradvancement may require completion ofsecondary school.

Who’s the right person?You are conscientious and take pride inyour work. Since you do much of yourown quality control, you need goodcolour vision, an eye for detail and theability to deal with problems quickly andeffectively. You must be able to work witha minimum of supervision, and remainalert to detect problems while they arestill relatively minor.

Because computers control manyfunctions in modern dyeing machines,basic computer knowledge is an asset.

What does it take?some secondary school education maybe required

Next steps?supervisory positionstextile gradertextile inspectortrainer

Textile Dyer

“There is challenge and

satisfaction in producing

quality goods, and in

making sure it’s the

right colour.” Dave P.


Computers, Sciences


Modern Dyers Links Pagewww.inforamp.net/~mitch1/links.html

Textiles Human ResourcesCouncilwww3.sympatico.ca/thrc


knitting machine operatortextile machinery mechanicsewing machine operatorprinting press operatorphotographic processingtechnician




Textile machinery mechanics install,set up, maintain, repair andoverhaul production machines in

textile manufacturing plants. You maywork on several different types ofmachines or specialize in particular typessuch as knitting machines, looms,spinning frames or carding machines.

You are responsible for performingroutine maintenance tasks, adjustingmachinery as necessary, and setting upmachines for new patterns or products.When machine operators encounter aproblem with a machine, you diagnosethe problem, repair or replace thenecessary parts, test the machine tomake sure that it is running smoothly,and record what you did in amaintenance log.

To keep machinery working at peakperformance, you have to be able tofigure out what is causing any minorproblems and make the necessaryadjustments or repairs before theybecome major problems. Faultyequipment operation can damage thetextiles being produced or stopproduction altogether, and can become asafety hazard for machine operators.When appropriate, you recommendequipment changes and modifications.You may also install and evaluate newmachinery.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably work weekday hours ina textile manufacturing plant. However,since machinery breakdowns causeexpensive production delays, you may becalled to the plant at night or onweekends for emergency repairs. Theplant may be fairly noisy with manymachines operating at the same time.Union membership may be required foremployment.

On-the-job training for textilemachinery mechanics can take up tothree years. Related experience isimportant because textile manufacturersgenerally prefer to select trainees fromamong their current employees, or hire

job applicants who have training orexperience related to industrial mechanicsand/or textile manufacturing. Manytextile machinery mechanics start out asmachine operators.

Who’s the right person?You have an aptitude for mechanics andelectronics, and enjoy working with tools.You like to discover how things work andtrouble-shoot problems.

Since textile manufacturing machinescan be quite large, you must be able towork in cramped and awkward positionsunderneath and above machinery. Youare safety-conscious, work responsiblywith little supervision, and are able to getalong well with fellow employees.

What does it take?completion of secondary school isgenerally requiredtraining or experience related tomechanics and electronics is an assetup to three years of on-the-jobtraining, or several years of experienceas a mechanic in another industry plussome training in textile processesexperience as a textile machineoperator may be required


Textile Machinery Mechanic

“It’s a challenge to take

an unfamiliar fabric

apart and figure out how

it was done.” Mick M.


Mechanics, Electronics


Textiles Human ResourcesCouncilwww3.sympatico.ca/thrc


knitting machine operatorsewing machine operatortextile dyermillwright




Tool designers create the tools thatare used in manufacturingprocesses. They are employed in

manufacturing and processing industriesas well as by engineering consultants.

As a tool designer, you must assessmany elements when planning amanufacturing tool. You work fromengineering drawings and refer tomanuals to determine the requirementsof each tool. You determine specificationsfor each part, what materials can beused, the expected life span of the part,and what machines should be used tomanufacture the part. You must alsodetermine whether manufacturing thepart is safe and whether making this toolis cost-effective to the company.

You work with other people in themanufacturing process who tell youwhether or not the tool you aredesigning meets all the necessaryrequirements. The increasing use ofcomputers in this field means less trialand error in achieving design standards.

Work conditions and trainingMost tool designers work a forty-hourweek. Some companies may require shiftwork. You can gain trade certificationthrough apprenticeship or a combinationof experience and courses in the trade.Trade certification is available, but maynot be compulsory in some provincesand territories.

There is no limit to the type of designwork you might find yourself doing.Formal training periods are usuallyprovided when you start working ascompanies want you to learn about theirown specific methods and practices.Continual upgrading is part of thebusiness, especially with the influence ofcomputer-aided design programs andthe rapid development of new materials.If courses on developing technology arenot offered on the job, you can upgradeyour skills through classes provided at alocal community college or technicalinstitute.

To become a tool designer, you shouldcomplete a tool and die or mouldapprenticeship. Although not required,you should have finished a generalmachinist apprenticeship as a minimum.

Who’s the right person?You balance practical know-how ofmechanics with creative ability. Youconstantly look for new ways to modify orimprove existing standards. This aspect ofthe work will attract you if you are theinventive type. You have a mechanicalaptitude.

The work is meticulous and you canconcentrate on small details for extendedperiods of time. In most cases, you workin conjunction with tool makers,manufacturing engineers and qualitycontrol personnel. Because of this youcommunicate clearly and directly. Also,since much of the design process involvesevaluating and revising ideas, you areopen to constructive criticism from fellowworkers.

Most tool designers are required towork with a computer-assisted design(CAD) program. You also have the abilityto visualize drawings and objects.

What does it take?a high school diplomacompletion of a three-year communitycollege program in mechanicalengineering technology is usuallyrequired

Next steps?You advance from machinist, to sheetmetal operator, to draftsperson to tooldesigner. You may choose to specializein fields such as detail tooling,assembly tooling, or designengineering.

Tool Designer

“There is a real challenge

in getting a set of

drawings and then

producing the exact

specifications for the

design.” Kees G.


Computers, Mathematics,Drafting, Machine Shop


The Alliance ofManufacturers and ExportersCanadawww.istream.com/alliance




marine engineeringtechnologistmechanical engineeringtechnologistindustrial designermachine designertool and die designer


157

Sales & ServiceRewards abound for those who love to help people with everyday and not-

so-everyday needs.

The variety of options in this Field of Work is mind boggling, fromchildcare to commercial diving, from appraising real estate to telemarketing. Thework may be highly technical or straight-forward. But for all these jobs, people-skillsare crucial. You must be good at listening to and understanding what people need -and skilled and knowledgeable enough to provide them with it. For someoccupations (e.g. teacher assistant or child and youth care worker) working withchildren is part of the job. In some jobs you are providing people with a personalgrooming service (e.g. hairstylist, skin care makeup consultant) and in others youmay be providing for the public’s safety (e.g. police officer, firefighter). Whatever thework, it will bring you into constant contact with the general public.

TIP: Find Leads through Networking!Many of us take new and exciting turns in our own career paths thanks to the peoplewe know or talk to in our daily lives. People who work in Sales and Service have easyaccess to a wide variety of individuals who could share valuable product informationthat may increase sales opportunities. Some good networking advice to a new workeris:

Join a professional association and attend professional workshops and seminarsregularly.

Always carry your business cards and be generous in giving them away.

Ask for the business cards of people you meet.

Ask people you meet for the name of someone else who can be of help to you inyour work.

Keep a little black book of contact information and record where your entrieswork, their hobbies and a few words about the type of information they mightfind useful. Then call them when you have something to share.

This will be the start of a network that could build over the course of your entirecareer and provide you with benefits you may not even dream of. In any work youdo at any time of your career life, knowing how to make connections can proveextremely valuable.



OCCUPATION N.O.C. PG #Air Pilot 2271 159Auctioneer 6411 160Bus Driver 7412 161Cable Television ServiceTechnician 7247 162Carpet Cleaner 6662 163Cashier 661 164Child and Youth CareWorker 4212 165Correctional ServiceOfficer 6462 166Customer ServiceRepresentative &Information Clerk 1453 167Customs Broker 1236 168Customs Inspector 1228 169Day-Care Worker’sAssistant 6473 170Delivery Driver 7414 171Dispatcher 1475 172Diver, Commercial 7382 173Firefighter 6262 174Hairstylist 6271 175Insurance Agent 6231 176Jeweller 7344 177Merchandise Facilitator 6622 178Messenger and Courier 1463 179Nanny 6474 180Pet Groomer 6483 181Police Officer 6261 182Real Estate Salesperson 6232 183Security Guard 665 184Service Station Attendant 6621 185Skin Care/Make-upConsultant 6482 186Social Services Worker 4212 187Teacher Assistant 6472 188Telemarketer 6623 189Transportation Manager 0713 190



1. Thinking:

Be a self-starter; be enterprising Plan and organize job tasks Be flexible Solve problems

Use memory Make decisions Find information


Use persuasion Ask/give advice Speak to members of the public and to retailers

Present to groups Provide reassurance Participate in staff, co-worker and dispatcher meetings

Greet customers Exchange information Listen to people’s needs and grievances

Teach people Conduct demonstrations and seminars


Use: Word processing programs Statistical analysis Database Spreadsheet

Bookkeeping, billing software Educational software Customer account information

Electronic monitoring equipment and accounting software for inventory control

4. Numeracy:

Use money math (financial transactions) Perform calculations

Analyze data (compare, predict; averages, summaries, rates) Use accounting math

Prepare schedules and budgets Make numerical estimations


Read others’ non-verbal cues Monitor work performance of others Orient new employees

Be friendly/helpful Assign routine tasks to other workers Lead when appropriate

Discuss problems Make suggestions for improvements Make hiring recommendations

Be respectful of others Deal with customer concerns

6. Writing:

Write: Reports Detailed analysis Letters and memos Descriptions Log book entries

Forms Records Comments Lists of supplies Proposals

7. Reading:

Read: Reports Acts and regulations Instruction manuals Product flyers

Work orders Memos and letters Information sheets Log books






Sales & Service



A ir pilots fly aircraft transportingpassengers, cargo and mail. Acaptain and his/her co-pilot

usually arrive at the air terminal aboutone hour before flight time to check enroute weather, prepare the flight planand brief the crew. Once you’re insidethe cockpit, you check emergencyequipment, flight instruments, radios,electronic equipment and fuel load. Inthe air you make periodic positionreports, calculate and revise flight plans,enter data in the log book, monitoraircraft systems, and contact NAVCanada (or the appropriate organizationin other countries) for weatherinformation. You could fly passengerslocally, all around the world, provideaerial service, or survey crop dust. Pilot’sspecific duties vary according to the typeof aircraft and length and nature of theflight.

Work conditions and trainingYou spend approximately 75 hours/month in the air plus preparation time onthe ground. All pilots must work onweekends and holidays. You spendmuch time in aircraft cockpits and aresometimes exposed to potentiallydangerous situations. The minimumtraining is a Canadian Commercial Pilot’sLicence with a Canadian Radio Telephone(Restricted) Licence. Private flying clubsand schools throughout Canada offertraining programs. The cost for aqualified instructor and plane rentalvaries from one organization to another.In general, the cost of training for aprivate pilot’s licence is over $6,000 andthe cost of training for a commercialpilot’s licence is over $18,000 (includingthe cost of the required private licence.)

Getting ahead will depend upon howmuch you want to learn. Having a lustfor knowledge is crucial. Promotions alsodepend upon ability and seniority.Opportunities for advancement toexecutive positions are limited andrequire business education. After you geta job, you have to continue studying

operating manuals to keep up-to-datewith improvements to facilities,equipment and procedures. You alsohave to complete practice flights in flightsimulators and aircraft at regular intervalsto re-qualify for your licence.

Who’s the right person?You must be able to concentrate oncomplex logical procedures and have theability to make logical decisions quickly.You have leadership qualities and canwork well with others. You have goodsituational perception and good motorco-ordination. You speak clearly andconcisely and are physically fit. Goodeye/hand co-ordination is also a trait youpossess. You have the ability to formulatea plan and change it midstream ifnecessary.

What does it take?a high school diploma is a minimumrequirementyou must be fluent in spoken andwritten English, fluency in French is anassetgood physical and mental healtha minimum requirement is a CanadianCommercial Pilot’s Licence

Next steps?senior pilotflight instructorchief flying instructorexecutive pilotchief pilot

Air Pilot

“The opportunity to

travel and the technically

challenging aspect of my

job ... makes for an

environment of constant

personal growth.”

Shane A.


Mathematics, Physics,English, French, Computers


Canadian Owners & [email protected]

your local Aviation Council,flying club or training school


Canadian Forces PersonnelCommissioned Officerhelicopter pilot




Auctioneers sell livestock, industrialmachinery, cars, trucks, realestate, furniture, and

merchandise of all kinds. You do this byrequesting bids, describing, arranging,and displaying goods. Value of items isdetermined at time of sale as they aresold to the highest bidder. You mustadvertise the date, time and location ofan auction. You appraise articles before asale, arrange and display them in “lots”according to similarity and appraisedvalue. You conduct the sale bydescribing goods and requesting bids.You record the sale as well as thepurchaser’s name and address and areresponsible for the accurate accountingof the money collected.

Work conditions and trainingAuctioneers work both indoors andoutdoors, in all weather conditions. Ifyou are in the agricultural field you spenda lot of time in auction marts orfarmyards. Some travel is required andhours may be long when sales arerunning. Training from an accreditedauction school and on-the-job training isrequired. You must have a workingknowledge of the usefulness and currentmarket value of the types of merchandisebeing sold. You can learn about thebusiness by working as an auctionemployee, but training positions areoften hard to obtain.

Who’s the right person?You need a strong voice and fluency inauctioneer-style language. You have tohave good health and physical stamina toprepare for an auction and keep up abrisk pace during the auction. A patientbut firm manner is required as well as agood business sense.

What does it take?minimum age of 16 -18 yearsdepending upon the province/territoryon-the-job training and classroominstructionbusiness administration training is anasset

Next steps?owner of an auction company


Business Mathematics andEnglish, Marketing


National AuctioneersAssociationwww.auctioneers.org

Auctioneers Association ofAlberta (403) 340-2070

Western College ofAuctioneering Montana(406) 252-7066


sales representative(wholesale, non-technical)antique dealercartage agentcuratorart gallery worker

Auctioneer

“Auctioning provides me

the freedom to work with

the public, be my own

boss, and have a large

degree of control over my

own income.” Danny H.


ShortTIPSPeople you respect, who have yourbest interest at heart, are yourallies. They listen, coach, show youthe ropes, introduce you to theirnetwork and give you honestfeedback. Talk to your allies aboutyour work plans. They may havesome interesting ideas for you.



Bus drivers operate vehicles in asafe and courteous manner.Duties and responsibilities vary

depending on the type of vehicle youoperate and the type of service youprovide. You follow established routesand time schedules or drive to charterdestinations. You inspect vehicles priorto the start of a trip and submit simplereports at the end of each shift, as well asaccident reports if necessary. Transit busdrivers issue transfers, check bus passes,accept fares and answer questions aboutroutes, schedules and specific buildings.Motor coach drivers may drive from cityto city, or operate local tour buses. Youmay also provide commentary duringtours and charter trips.

Work conditions and trainingYou must often deal with difficultpassengers and driving hazardsassociated with bad weather, poordriving surfaces, or heavy traffic. Youusually work shifts, including evenings,weekends and holidays. Transit busdrivers often work different shifts foryears before they get fixed routes andschedules. School bus drivers workweekdays before and after school hours,but may also drive students on field tripsduring or outside school time. If you’reemployed by long distance bus lines andtour companies you may have to loadand unload luggage and parcelsweighing up to 25 kilograms. There areno standard education requirements.However, certain employers may have aminimum education requirement. Manybus line and transit companies have theirown training programs lasting three tosix weeks.

Wages vary considerably dependingon the location and the employer.Transit drivers may earn from $9 to $19per hour. School bus drivers may earn$10 per hour or $30 to $50 per day.Motor coach drivers either earn an hourlywage, a wage per kilometer, or a flat feefor tours and special charters.

Who’s the right person?You have good health and vision, andenjoy driving. You can lift luggage andparcels weighing up to 25 kg. You arecourteous and diplomatic dealing withthe public from the first to the lastpassenger of the day. You have theability to sit for hours at a time and canwork with little supervision. You canremain alert and maintain a high level ofconcentration. You have goodjudgement and the ability to react quicklyin emergency situations.

What does it take?minimum age of 18driver’s licence and certificateappropriate to the type of vehicleyou’re drivingsome secondary school educationclean driving record

Next steps?supervisory positioninspector positiondispatchershift designer – schedulingsafety officer

Bus Driver

“I can arrange my hours

and off-days to suit my

personal lifestyle. It gives

me more freedom than a

nine to five job.”

Neil H.


English, Mechanics


your local transit authority

Canadian Urban TransitAuthoritywww.cutaactu.on.ca

Canadian Bus Associationhttp://ruby.he.net/~bus


chauffeurtaxi drivertruck driver




Cable television service techniciansinstall, repair and test the cablesystem that carries television and

data signals to homes and offices. Youdecide which of the cable outlets in abuilding are to be hooked up. Then, youconnect the main cable from the street,look for and repair faults. This oftenmeans climbing poles and rooftops, orgoing underground into vaults ortunnels.

This work is rapidly shifting due totechnological change. It is expected thattelephone companies will expand theirservices to provide cable TV, electronicpublishing, and other telecommunicationservices. They will have to modernizetheir networks by laying fiber-optic cablesthat dramatically expand the electronicpipeline that reaches each home. Theincreasing use of satellites will also affectthe future of this industry. Cabletelevision service technicians will play animportant role in these changes.

The job is not all technical. After eachassignment, you have to file a report thatdescribes what was done. You are alsoresponsible for the company’s vehicles,tools and equipment.

Work conditions and trainingThe work is physically demanding. Youmust be able to climb poles and ladderswhile carrying tools and equipment. Youwill generally work a 40-hour week, butthere may be a need for some overtimework. At times, you may travel to distantlocations, and occasionally stay to helprestore damaged facilities or build newones. Dealing with customers is a keypart of the job.

Your hourly wage is dependent on theyears of experience in the job. Training isavailable on-the-job, but increasingly youare required to have previous technicaltraining. In some cases you may be self-employed.

Who’s the right person?Employers are looking for individuals whocan work both on their own, and as partof a team. You must be interested intechnical matters, take pride in your workand enjoy working with the public. Goodcommunication skills are essential.

In the field, there are no supervisors tomake decisions. You have to be motivatedto find the problem and fix it quickly. Toget ahead, you should be willing todevelop your understanding of newtechniques and equipment. Think of thejob as an ongoing educationalexperience.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequireda driver’s licencesome companies will only hire you ifyou have completed a three- to four-year provincially/territorially-regulatedapprenticeship programgenerally people need college or othercourses in electronics and electricaltechnologyexperience, or on-the-job training or aCATV technician apprenticeship

Next steps?rapidly changing technology means agood chance to change jobs orbecome a supervisorself-employment

Cable Television Service Technician

“I enjoy the hands-on,

technical part... you’ve

got to really use your

mind to solve problems

with cable transmission.”

Danny M.


Computers, Business English,Applied Technology



Communication Workers ofAmericawww.cwa-union.org


electrical engineeringtechnicianline installer-repairertelecommunicationscable installerpower linesman/woman




Carpet cleaners use special cleaningsupplies and equipment to cleanwall-to-wall carpets and

upholstered furniture in customers’homes and businesses. A carpet cleaningcompany or a retail chain store mayemploy you, or you may be self-employed.

Your work day will probably start withloading supplies and equipment into avehicle, reviewing the day’s workschedule, and driving to the firstcustomer’s premises. Before you begincleaning, you talk to customers aboutwhat needs to be done and answer anyquestions they may have. If there arestains to be removed, you have to findout what caused them to determinewhich cleaning solutions and tools willwork best.

Once you have finished removingstains and cleaning carpets and/orupholstery on the first customer’spremises, you prepare an invoice, loadyour equipment and supplies back intoyour vehicle, and accept payment. Thenyou move on to the next job on yourwork schedule, and repeat the processuntil you have completed the number ofjobs scheduled for that day. Businessesand some homeowners may request thatthe work be done after normal workinghours.

Work conditions and trainingThe work is physically demanding. Youare constantly on your feet except whendriving from one job to the next, andfrequently lift and move heavy furnitureand equipment. You may work alone,with a partner or team of workers. Yourhours of work may be long and mayinclude evening and weekend work.

Carpet cleaners are usually trained onthe job. There are no standard educationor certification requirements, althoughemployers may require a letter ofclearance from local police. Employersmay prefer to hire job applicants whohave a high school diploma or trainingrelated to cleaning textiles. Vocational

colleges sometimes offer short courses incarpet and upholstery care.

It is very important to check outpotential employers in this field beforeyou apply for a job. The way companiesoperate and how they train and payemployees can vary considerably fromone employer to another.

Who’s the right person?You have the physical strength andstamina to perform heavy, repetitive tasksfor a full shift, and are able to workindependently or as part of a team. Youalso have good communication andinterpersonal skills for dealing withcustomers and working with others in ateam environment.

The ability to deal with minorequipment failures is helpful.

What does it take?a valid driver’s licencea high school diplomatextiles-related training and businessskills are assets

Next steps?supervisory positionsowner/operator of an independentcarpet cleaning business

Carpet Cleaner

“Keeping the people

happy makes me happy. I

like meeting and dealing

with people.” Aaron F.


Business English, Textiles


Association of Specialists inCleaning and Restorationwww.ascr.org

International Society ofCleaning Technicianswww.isct.org

National Association ofProfessional Cleanerswww.napcnet.com


furnace cleanerchimney sweepfurniture moverbuilding superintendentjanitorhousekeeping attendant




Cashiers record and receivepayment from customers incommercial establishments.

Cashiers identify prices, either manuallykey the amounts into a cash register oruse an optical price scanner, processpayment by cash, credit card or debitmachine, and provide change ifnecessary. Other duties include providinginformation to customers, exchangingcash for tokens, balancing the cash at theend of a shift, maintaining awareness offeature-priced items, and in someestablishments bagging customers’purchases.

Work conditions and trainingThere are no set hours for cashiers;working hours vary from operation tooperation. Full-time, part-time, daytime,night-time, shift work, seasonal, andholiday hours are all possibilities in thiswork. Flexibility concerning work hoursis a real asset. Your pay is usually basedon an hourly rate. You may or may notbelong to a union. Some operationsprovide uniforms. Your employer maywant you to become bonded, arequirement that protects the businessagainst theft. Bonding procedures arethe responsibility of the employer.

Training for this position often takesplace on the job. Employers in somelarge organizations provide in-depthtraining off-site to familiarize you withtheir computerized system, codes andprocedures, prior to your first shift. A keypart of cashier training is to ensure youunderstand different transactionsinvolving cash, credit and coupons aswell as learn the necessary product codesused in your work.

Who’s the right person?You are outgoing, patient and friendly.You must conduct yourself professionallyand politely with the public at all times.You need good communication skills fordealing with management, co-workersand customers. When problems arise that

you are unable to solve, you should bequick and direct in finding and consultingthe person who can deal with them. Youshould also be able to cope well withstressful situations. Peak periods ofbusiness mean that you must conductyour transactions swiftly, accurately andefficiently. Knowledge of currencyexchange rates is an unquestionableasset. Above all, because you’ll behandling money, you must be an honestand trustworthy person with goodmathematical skills.

What does it take?most positions require that you be atleast 15—16 years old, although someemployers will only hire people 18 oroldersome secondary education is usuallyrequiredfamiliarity with keyboard operation isan assetsome employers may require that yoube bondedunion membership may be required

Next steps?retail sales positionsother positions within the organization(e.g. hostess, customer servicerepresentative)

Cashier

“Learning to work with

people in this position is

the first step to success

in life. It helps prepare

you for school, jobs, and

future careers.”

Brian H.


English, Mathematics,Computer Literacy


a local grocery ordepartment store

cinemas, theatres, or otherbusinesses with box-officeadmission

restaurants or fast-foodoutlets


bank tellercustomer servicerepresentativepersonal bankingrepresentative




Child and/or youth care workerswork with troubled children andhelp them deal with various

physical, emotional and social problems.You might be escorting a teenager to acourt date one day and helping supervisestructured activities in a group home thenext day.

If you are a privately employed childor youth care worker, the job can be assimple (or as complex) as spending timewith a child and making sure that his orher needs are met.

You will be performing a variety ofroles; anything from counselling childrento teaching them various living skills.Many times you may be required tospend time with them which can mean awide variety of activities. You may berequired to perform many different roles.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work various shifts and times ata centre. Hours are flexible. You shouldbe organized and creative as you have tokeep young minds actively engaged.“Anything can happen and probablywill” is an oft-heard quote from child careworkers.

You may work in many different workplaces and settings from a psychiatrichospital to a group home; from a privatehome to a correctional institution. Youwill work in whatever environment youwill find children, so there are a multitudeof possibilities.

Most child and youth care workers gothrough an orientation phase where theyare introduced to the job and theenvironment with the support of a‘seasoned’ worker.

Who’s the right person?You have a desire to help children. Youwill need excellent observational skills formaking reports on different behavioursand incidents - a major part of the job.You are a compassionate, caringcommunicator as teaching and

interacting with children and adolescentsare also required.

You need to be personally and sociallyflexible as you will be dealing with manydifferent children and youths from manydifferent backgrounds. You need to beboth fun-loving and mature – matureenough to direct learning and activitiesand fun-loving enough to enjoyparticipating with children withenthusiasm.

What does it take?a high school diplomausually, completion of a two-yearcollege program is required thoughexperience can suffice in a privatepositionvolunteer experience working withchildren or a part-time job is veryhelpfulfirst aid experience or CPR traininga love of and a desire to help children

Next steps?owner/operator or partner of a day-care centregroup home supervisorchild-care program supervisor orplanner

Child and Youth Care Worker

“What I love about this

job is that you truly get

to put something back

into society. ... now I am

actually helping kids with

theirs (problems).”

Rob H.


English, Social Studies,Family Studies, PhysicalEducation


Canadian Association ofSocial Workerswww.intranet.ca/casw-acts/presen-e.htm

Transform Actionwww.glinx.com/~thom


mental health workerteacher assistantguidance counsellorday-care worker




Correctional Service Officer

Correctional service officers guardinmates in correctional institutionsand other places of detention.

They are responsible for maintainingorder and ensuring the welfare of theinmates. You observe and superviseinmates during work, recreation andmeals to prevent disturbances or escapes.You may escort inmates in transit andduring temporary leaves.

You may patrol an assigned area,testing the doors, gates and windows,and as required, you may search inmatesand cells. Despite the routine, you mustconstantly be prepared for anyemergency. Escape attempts, fires, riots,or other disturbances may arise withoutwarning. You write detailed reports ofyour activities as well as those of theinmates knowing that your report may beimportant to an incident investigation.

Work conditions and trainingWork as a correctional service officer canbe demanding, difficult and dangerous.Some inmates are violent and may havealcohol or drug-related problems. Youmay receive verbal or physical abuse fromsome inmates. Despite this, you arerequired to stay calm and in control at alltimes. Often, you are locked in a work orrecreational area with the inmates. Youmust stay alert for any signs of trouble.While this work can be stressful, it can besatisfying and rewarding.

You will be employed by either thefederal or provincial/territorialcorrectional services and could work in avariety of institutional settings including alarge, maximum security institution or asmall, minimum security facility. Mostpositions require shift work. Mostcorrectional jurisdictions provide trainingfor correctional service officers, althoughthe type of training may vary with eachprovince/territory. Your training willinclude self-defence, first aid, CPR andfire prevention.

Who’s the right person?You are mature and dependable withexcellent character references. You mustbe able to obtain a security clearance.You have patience and people skills andare motivated to work with offenders.You follow instructions well and havegood oral and written communicationskills. Most importantly, you have goodlistening skills and know when to usethem. You work well independently andas part of a team, sometimes in verychallenging circumstances. You arephysically fit and have considerablestamina. You are able to stay calm andlevel headed in emergencies and whenfaced with verbal and physical abuse.

What does it take?a high school diploma is required inaddition to related experience workingwith peoplecompletion of a community collegecorrectional service officers course orlaw and security course is preferredcompletion of a university degree in arelated area, for example, criminology,psychology, sociology, is a valuableasseta medical examination will be requiredand you must pass a physicalassessment testa valid CPR and first aid certificate isrequireda valid driver’s licence is required

Next steps?senior correctional officera related university degree opens manyoptions within correctionspositions in customs, taxation, theRCMP and city police forces

“Every penitentiary is

like a small town. You

develop relationships with

staff and inmates. Staff

help one another out. We

care about each other.”

Lorens H.


English, Mathematics,Computers, Social Studies(Sociology)


Correctional Service Canadawww.csc-scc.gc.ca

Your local Human ResourceCentre


security guardpolice officerprobation/parole officercustoms inspector




Customer service and informationclerks are the link between anorganization and the public.

You’re there to help. You’re expected toknow the policies and procedures, whatservices your organization offers, andwhat these cost.

Customers turn to you for informationor to get a problem solved quickly. Theywant clear, accurate answers to theirquestions. If they have a complaint, youhandle it calmly and with patience. Youtake action, when appropriate, accordingto established procedures.

Many organizations like to keep trackof customer complaints and comments.You may be asked to keep a record ofeach transaction for this reason. In somecompanies, you may be required torespond in writing to customers and lookafter all related paperwork.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work in a retail store, for a buscompany, a large corporation, for agovernment agency - the list of possibleemployers is endless. Accordingly, therate of pay, benefits, employment statusand working conditions varytremendously.

The training process usually involvesstudying manuals and participating ingroup discussions with supervisors andother information clerks. It is essentialthat you understand the company’sstructure, operations, policies, proceduresand practices thoroughly.

More formal training opportunitiesinclude in-house programs designed tomeet the specific needs of theorganization and its clients. There arecustomer service/public relations trainingprograms offered through communitycontinuing and distance education. Forindividuals targeting work in the tourismindustry, certificate, diploma and degreetourism training programs are available.

You may start working part timebefore being hired on a full-time basis.You may be required to join a union.

Who’s the right person?This work requires excellent interpersonalskills and the ability to communicateclearly and professionally. Customerservice representatives must enjoyworking directly with the public.Information clerks enjoy talking topeople, either face-to-face or over thetelephone. Both types of work requireenthusiasm and some sales skills.Bilingualism is a definite asset; languagesother than French or English may also behelpful in some regions.

You should be comfortable workingwith a computer; keyboarding skills arean asset, as is the ability to calculatequickly and accurately. The mostimportant part of the work is your abilityto work well with the public and to makethem feel like valued customers.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredincreasingly, employers are looking forpeople with education at either thecollege or university level in areas suchas communications, public relations, oreven psychologyexperience dealing with customers inany retail setting is an asset

Next steps?a stepping stone to public relationssupervisory roles

Customer Service Representative andInformation Clerk“I really like working with

people, providing

information. I’m

studying sociology and

this experience is

teaching me a lot.”

Jane P.


English, French, Computers,Business


any organization that hirescustomer servicerepresentatives andinformation clerks (i.e. salesand service organizations)

colleges and traininginstitutes offering customerservice training


account information clerkservice representativetourism visitor informationcounsellorhospital information clerk




Customs brokers act as anintermediary between their clientsand Revenue Canada. Their

clients may be importers, manufacturers,wholesalers, or any other party importinggoods into Canada, or shipping goodsfrom Canada. Customs brokers are oftenlocated at border crossings and airports.

As an agent, you arrange for therelease of goods from Revenue Canada,and pay any duties and taxes on behalf ofyour clients. Your fee will be based on theamount of work that is necessary toobtain the release of goods. You areresponsible for the preparation of releasedocuments, accounting documents, andany other forms according togovernment regulations and procedures.

The amount of duty that must be paiddepends on such factors as country oforigin and the use of goods once inCanada. You must also obtain anenormous amount of information anddocumentation from a variety of sources.The documentation may be things suchas customs invoices, certificates of originand cargo control documents. Youtranslate this information into codedaccounting documents for RevenueCanada and send it electronically.

Work conditions and trainingWork conditions for a customs broker canbe stressful at times. Your clients areoften very anxious about receiving theirshipments and they don’t alwaysunderstand the nature of your work. It isyour responsibility to explain to themwhat needs to be done before theirgoods can be released.

Most customs brokers start after highschool in junior positions. With trainingand experience, you may be given moretechnical functions and progress to moresenior management positions. Customsbrokers are generally paid annual salaries.The Canadian Society of Customs Brokersoffers a two-year program which isdesigned to help a person prepare for theCustoms Broker Professional Examination.

Each customs brokerage companymust stay up on the latest developmentsin computer and communicationstechnologies.

Who’s the right person?This is a promising career if you arewilling to invest time in gaining thenecessary experience. Employers arelooking for people with commitment andintegrity who are able to learn quicklyand are willing to take on new tasks.

The key to any successful broker-clientrelationship is effective communication,so it is important to develop strongcommunication skills. The more senioryou become, the more you deal with thepublic.

What does it take?a high school diplomasome post-secondary education incommerce or a related field may berequiredseveral years of on-the-job trainingsuccessful completion of the CustomsBroker Qualifying Examination isrequired by Revenue Canada in orderto be named the “Qualified Person” ina customs broker officesuccessful completion of the CustomsBroker Professional Examination isrequired by at least one partner ormember of the board in a customsbroker’s office

Next steps?specialization in areas such as imports,exports or classifyingsupervisory and managerial positions

Customs Broker

“Since regulations

change rapidly, its some

fun to follow and

interpret the laws

correctly for your

clients.” Mike C.


Mathematics, English,French, other languages,Geography


The Canadian Society ofCustoms Brokerswww.cscb.ca

The International Federationof Customs BrokersAssociationswww.ifcba.org


freight forwarderlogistics professional




Customs inspectors, who are alsocalled immigration officials, arethe first Canadians travellers meet

when arriving in Canada. They have tobe ambassadors of goodwill and makesure that all requirements are met bytravellers and by those bringing goodsinto the country.

Customs inspectors protect Canadiansociety, environment, and industry. Youare considered Canada’s first line ofdefence against international terrorismand are responsible for keeping outillegal items such as non-prescriptiondrugs, guns, pornography, hateliterature, etc. You also guard against theintroduction of human, animal, and plantdiseases into our country.

You must be aware of the CustomsAct, and many other laws about theinternational movement of travellers,transportation, and goods.

Work conditions and trainingYou meet all kinds of people and maywork in a variety of environments -highway border crossings, airports,seaports, and inland facilities. As aninspector, you will occasionally findyourself facing an angry individual whoobjects to an inspection.

You are a member of the PublicService Alliance of Canada and are paidan annual salary. Many inspectors worklong hours. Since many customs officesoperate around the clock, seven days aweek, you may have to do shift work.There are varying physical requirements,depending on the nature of the work tobe performed.

All inspectors and compliance officersare trained in the laws and inspectionprocedures through some combinationof classroom and on-the-job training.

Who’s the right person?The work will appeal to you if you enjoymeeting a variety of people and learningabout other cultures. You should benaturally curious, notice details, enjoy

learning, and be good at recognizingpeople who appear nervous or who act ina strange manner. You also need a goodmemory to remember all the regulationsyou have to enforce.

In general, people who want to enterthis occupation should be responsible andlike detailed work. Customs inspectorsshould be neat, polite and personable,and able to communicate well orally andin writing.

The language requirements vary andare based on the nature of the duties.Some customs inspectors are required toprovide services to the public in bothofficial languages. Language training maybe provided.

What does it take?a high school diplomatwo years in a related position, such asinvestigative work, providinginformation to the public, lawenforcement or managing a businessa community college diploma oruniversity degree related to lawenforcementapplicants must pass a written test ofthe necessary job-related abilitiessuccessful applicants currently mustcomplete an intensive 14-week, all-expenses paid, training program at theCustoms and Excise College in Rigaud,Québectrainees proceed to their home regionto complete 38 weeks of on-the-jobtraininga good way to get experience and tofind out if this work is for you is to geta summer job with Canada Customs

Next steps?specialized customs inspector,including the appraisal andclassification of goodscustoms investigationscustoms policy developmentsupervisory and management positions

Customs Inspector

“95% of my job is

customer service, so I

make sure that I am good

at it.” Renie M.


English, French, Computers,Social Studies (Geography,Sociology)


Revenue Canada VirtualCustoms Officehttp://207.6.23.164/home.htm

Public Service Commissionof Canadahttp://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca


excise tax inspectorsafety inspector,government servicesmotor transport regulationsofficerpublic health inspector




Day-care worker’s assistants,sometimes called childcareworkers, work under the

direction of a day-care supervisor andhelp care for children in the day-caresetting. Children attending a full-dayprogram may spend up to nine hours inday-care. Your key role is “interaction”and you will play with the children. Youwill be involved with the children andsupervise them in a variety of activitiesdesigned to help develop theirintellectual, physical, social, creative andemotional growth.

Programs and activities vary accordingto the children’s age and stage ofdevelopment. You lead arts and crafts orgames sessions, read stories and assist insupervision during off-site field trips. Youorganize meals and snacks and settle thechildren for naps. You may informparents and guardians of their child’sprogress.

Work conditions and trainingDay-care centres may be non-profit orcommercial. They may be housed inschools, community centres, commercialsettings or privately owned facilities.Although you spend most of yourworking day on your feet, you alsofrequently sit on the floor with thechildren and may regularly have to liftbabies and young children. Hours ofoperation usually extend slightly beforeand after regular office hours to allowparents to drop-off and pick-up childrenbefore and after work. Family day homesmay remain open evenings andweekends. You may receive an hourlywage or a salary. Language requirementsmay vary depending on the setting.

Some training is available on the job,however, completion of a one- to two-year program in Early ChildhoodEducation (ECE) at a community collegeis preferred. ECE graduates must apply tothe appropriate provincial/territorialministry (which may vary from province/territory to province/territory) in order to

assess their status in a given province/territory.

Who’s the right person?You love children of all ages and are apatient, caring person. You shouldunderstand the needs of children at eachdevelopmental stage. You modelappropriate behaviour and language at alltimes. You must be tactful, understandingand show respect in dealing with thechildren and their parents or guardians.You remain calm in emergencies and dealsensibly with problem situations thatmight arise.

Working in a day-care can be bothphysically and emotionally demandingand requires considerable energy andenthusiasm.

What does it take?you must be at least 18 years old tosupervise a group of childrena high school diploma is usuallyrequiredprovincial/territorial certification isrequired in some provinces/territoriesEarly Childhood Education (ECE)diploma or certificate or other ECEbasic training is required for provincial/territorial certification in someprovinces/territories

Next steps?start your own day home facilityteacher assistant

Day-Care Worker’s Assistant

“It’s the kids! Seeing their

accomplishments, to watch

how far they come, ... I

just can’t put into words.”

Jennifer V.


English, Family Studies,Drama, Art, Music


a local day-care or local day-care/childcare association

provincial/territorial chaptersof early childhoodeducators’ associations

provincial/territorialministries of community andsocial services


child and youth workernanny, private household“special needs” assistantnursery school helper/teacher




Delivery drivers operate lighttrucks, vans or cars to deliversuch items as flowers, fast food,

other food products, beverages,publications, or prescription drugs. Yourduties will depend on the type ofcompany that employs you. For example,if you work for a vending machineoperator, you replenish the stock, collectthe money from the machines and makeminor repairs as needed. If you drive for adry cleaner, you may pick up and deliverclothes. There is some paperworkinvolved in recording pickups anddeliveries, special arrangements, mileageand so on.

Most delivery drivers are in regularcontact with their offices. Some of themore progressive companies haveinstalled computers in their deliveryvehicles to provide direction andinformation to drivers throughout theirday. You may or may not have a fixedroute. You may be responsible forplanning your route as efficiently aspossible, often memorizing your stops.

Work conditions and trainingDelivery drivers are employed by manydifferent kinds of businesses includinggrocery stores, take-out foodestablishments, flower shops, drugstores,bakeries, dairies, newspapers, drycleaning establishments and vendingmachine companies, as well as by post-secondary institutions and municipalgovernments.

If you deal with money or othervaluable commodities, you may need tobe bonded. Some delivery driversspecialize in carrying dangerous goods,or goods of extreme weight. In suchcases, you may need a special driver’slicence to transport certain goods.

The skills and knowledge required forthis occupation are highly transferablefrom one company to another. Deliverydrivers are usually paid an hourly rate,although they may also be paid bonusesor commissions.

You will need to be prepared fordriving in all weather conditions. Also,physical strain and fatigue may resultfrom driving all day and repeatedlygetting in and out of a vehicle.

Who’s the right person?You will like this job if you enjoy drivingand like working on your own. Employerslook for conscientious, responsible andindependent people who will workefficiently. You’re good at organizing yourschedule and reading maps, and youhave an excellent sense of direction.You’re a good driver, calm, careful andaware of what you’re doing. You canhandle the stress of heavy traffic andchallenging weather and road conditions.

You enjoy meeting people. You arediplomatic and courteous, and representyour company in a positive manner.

What does it take?some secondary school education isrequireda driver’s licence and drivingexperience is mandatorysome delivery drivers must have theirown vehiclesspecial licensing and training may berequired (i.e. for transportation ofdangerous goods)

Next steps?dock handleryard workertransportation dispatcherspecial training and licensing tobecome a truck driver

Delivery Driver

“One of the great things

about vending ... I meet

all sorts of interesting

people doing work that I

didn’t even know

existed.” Dave R.


English, Computer Literacy,Mechanics


stores such as food stores,flower shops, drugstores,vending machine companies

your local municipalgovernment

colleges and institutesoffering driver trainingprograms


truck drivertaxi driverbus drivercourier




D ispatchers co-ordinate theactivities of vehicle operators,crews and equipment, using

telecommunications and computer-aideddispatch equipment. You dispatchpersonnel according to written schedulesor work orders, as requested by clients oras required by emergency situations.

Call-taking and dispatching are twodistinct functions of a dispatcher. Ifyou’re taking calls (for a taxi company ora 911 service, for example) you takedown the relevant information and passit on to those who actually dispatch thedrivers. You receive requests for service,emergency assistance or generalinformation. You may also be required toprovide first-aid instruction to callers.

You monitor the activities of drivers,receive and relay information andinstructions, and advise drivers of trafficproblems, accidents or poor weatherconditions. You contact supervisors orother support or emergency personnel asrequired.

You may be required to ensure thattime sheets and payroll summaries arecompleted accurately. You may also beresponsible for maintaining operatorwork records and keeping track ofmileage, fuel use, repair and otherexpenses.

Work conditions and trainingDispatchers work for police, firedepartments, ambulance services andother emergency units; public worksdepartments; the coast guard; trucktransport and taxi companies; deliveryand courier services; warehouseestablishments; service centres; and othertypes of companies throughout thepublic and private sectors. Training isprovided on the job in many instances,however police and emergency medicaldispatchers require specialized trainingwith a supervised hands-on component.Because specialized knowledge isinvolved, the ability to move from one ofthese areas to another may be limited.

Many dispatchers work shifts and areusually paid an hourly wage. Dependingon where you work, this can be a verystressful job.

Who’s the right person?You’re an articulate, intelligent personwith strong people skills, and you enjoyserving others. You must read, write andspeak English, French or possibly bothlanguages fluently. You must handlestress well. This work is for mature andresponsible individuals who can takecontrol of a situation quickly and makethe right decisions immediately. You mustbe able to perform several functions atonce, and direct several responses inemergencies while remaining calm andspeaking clearly. You work quickly andindependently. Good health is important,since regular attendance is vital to theproper functioning of your group.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredformal on-the-job trainingin some regions, you must be bilingualgood knowledge of the geographicalareakeyboarding speed of 50 words perminute may be required on acomputerized systememergency medical dispatchers requireCPR, a first aid certificate and in someprovinces/territories, an emergencymedical dispatcher course or publicsafety communications coursepolice and emergency dispatchers mayrequire a radio-operator’s certificateacquired through provincial/territorialtransportation and communicationministriesbackground in communications or arelated field is an asset

Next steps?police and paramedic occupations afterobtaining required trainingsupervisory roles

Dispatcher

“Hours of boredom filled

with minutes of terror.”

Bill M.


English, French,Keyboarding, ComputerLiteracy


potential employers such asyour local police force,ambulance dispatch serviceor taxi companies


taxi dispatcher911 dispatcherpublic transit dispatchercomputer-aided dispatchclerkutilities maintenance crewdispatcher




Commercial divers carry out abroad range of underwateractivities including work in:

construction, oil rig diving, salvage,public safety, seafood harvesting,scientific diving, medical activities,photography, and instruction.

In underwater construction you putships on lifts, examine vessels, docks,piers, pipelines and other structures. Youmay take test samples and photographsto assess their condition. You use handtools and pneumatic equipment duringyour dives.

Salvage operations involve usingcranes, winches, cables and derricks toraise sunken objects. Public safety divingranges from prevention activities toconducting search, rescue and recoveryactivities.

As a seafood harvester, you dive for avariety of seafood. Scientific divingincludes underwater archaeology,research activities and environmentalimpact assessments.

Underwater photographers takephotos of all underwater activities torecord evidence or aid in assessments.You may also take photos to bepublished in newspapers, books andmagazines.

Work conditions and trainingDivers work for commercial divingcontractors, shipping and marineconstruction companies, engineeringcompanies, oil and gas companies withoffshore operations, governments,private research companies, seafoodcompanies, and more. You are expectedto be able to work year-round in all sortsof conditions including frigid watertemperatures, dark, confinedenvironments, and hazardous conditions.

The work is physically and mentallydemanding and, in some cases,dangerous. Safety is extremelyimportant.

There are recognized commercialdiving training programs available invarious locations throughout Canada.

You may work full time on salary for acompany or work on contract. Contrac-tors are usually paid by the hour. The payscale is determined by the depth of thedive, equipment required, and divehazards.

Who’s the right person?You must be extremely safety-conscious,have good physical stamina and beemotionally stable. You should be cooland collected at all times.

You work well as part of a team. Sincecommunication under water is limited,pre-planning is essential to ensure that allmembers of the team know what they’reexpected to do. If you are in a supervisoryposition, you must be well-organized andhave a clear plan as to how tasks are tobe carried out.

What does it take?a high school diploma is required;many commercial divers have post-secondary training in their area ofinterest (e.g. photography,construction, marine biology)SCUBA (self-contained underwaterbreathing apparatus) certificationthrough a recognized training facilitya current first aid certificate and CPRtraining and oxygen administrationtraininga medical examination developedspecifically for divers, in accordancewith the Canadian StandardsAssociation

Next steps?supervisory rolesspecialize in your area of interestdive instructorrecompression chamber operator

Diver, Commercial

“Diving is a lot of fun.

With the proper planning,

training and equipment,

there’s nothing we can’t

do under the water.”

Paul M.

Relevant high schoolcourses

Mathematics, Physics,Biology, Physical Education,Business


a diving contractor

a community college ortraining institute that offers acommercial diving program

National Association ofUnderwater Instructorswww.naui.org

Canadian Diving Groupwww.divingroup.com


dive tenderboat/equipment operatorswimming instructor




F irefighters control and extinguishfires. You protect the public fromthe dangers of fire and other

hazards by controlling and extinguishingfires, rescuing people, maintainingequipment and practicing fireprevention. You are trained to respondquickly to alarms that signal fires,accidents, etc. You establish watersupply, lay out and connect hoses,manage and control ladders, and enterburning buildings. You may stop anatural gas or chlorine leak or free avictim from a crushed vehicle. Youprovide pre-hospital care for victims whohave been hurt. You inspect the site of afire after it’s been put out to make surethe danger is over. When not called outto fight fires, you repair and maintainyour equipment, write reports, practicefire drills and keep current on practices inyour field. You can also be trained forspecial teams e.g. Dangerous Goods,Tactical Rescue Team.

Forest firefighters apply for jobsthrough their own provincial/territorialgovernment. Contact the environmentalprotection department in your province/territory. The government provides thetraining. You need no previousexperience but you have to be veryphysically fit.

Work conditions and trainingThe work is physically demanding anddangerous. You may be exposed tosmoke and hazardous gases, electricity,hot surfaces and falling objects. You willlikely work a 10- to 14-hour shift.Firefighters in large centres work shiftswith rotating days off. In smaller places,you will probably work part time or beon call. Often firefighters will have otherinterests or pursuits because of the waytheir work is scheduled. You eat, sleep,and work at the fire station. Dependingon the fire department, your trainingcourse can vary in length from six totwelve weeks after you are employed.There is a six- to twelve-month probation

period working at a fire station.Advancement is based partly on seniorityand initiative. Written exams are alsorequired in some municipalities.

Who’s the right person?You must be in top physical condition, beable to give and take orders and functionwell in a team situation. You must beable to respond quickly and efficiently toalarms. You must enjoy working withequipment and machinery.

What does it take?minimum age of 18high school diploma20/30 vision, no glassesmust not be colour blindvalid Class 5 driver’s licence with norestrictions; ability to acquire a higherclass licence prior to employmentCanadian citizenship or equivalentstatus

Next steps?lieutenantcaptaindistrict chiefassistant chiefdeputy chiefchief

Firefighter

“It’s a career with great

job satisfaction and it

gives me the time for

outside involvement in

the community... in

volunteer groups.”

Glen S.


English, Mathematics,Sciences


local fire department oremergency response centre

Canadian Association of FireChiefs (Ottawa)Tel. 1-800-668-2955www.cafc.ca


police officerambulance paramedicfire inspectorbodyguardalarm investigatorcustoms officer




Hairstylists shampoo, condition,treat, cut and style hair to suitthe client’s face, needs and

lifestyle. You may also perform a lot ofrelated duties such as shape beards andmoustaches; wash, colour and perm hair;maintain the salon and possibly evenorder supplies.

You will need technical skills as well ascreativity and flair. You should be a goodcommunicator as you will need to discussclient’s needs and find out what theyreally want.

You may be required to greet clients,make appointments, sell various productsand accept payments.

Work conditions and trainingYou will typically work indoors in apleasant environment although housecalls are not completely out of thequestion. You will need to be able totolerate standing on your feet for longperiods of time.

You may be required to work eveningsand weekends, some holidays andpossibly extra hours during the holidayseason. You will need to keep abreast ofthe latest styles and techniques so it isimportant to stay motivated to learn.

Who’s the right person?You are a detail person with flair andcreativity. You need to be tactful andgracious with an ability to communicate.You should enjoy talking to manydifferent types of people and maintain awell-groomed, professional appearance.

You like to stay current on the lateststyles and fashion trends in your field.You should have an interest in popularculture and an interest and ability to talkabout culture and fashion trends withcolleagues and customers.

What does it take?a grade 10 education, although highschool completion is advantageousa two-year apprenticeship programwith classroom training and on-the-jobtraining

Next steps?salon owner or managerlife style consultantfashion consultanthair products sales representative

Hairstylist

“I like the fact that I help

make people feel better

about themselves and

that I can work virtually

anywhere.” Grace A.


English, Business, Chemistry,Beauty Culture


Internet cosmetology andhairdressing programwww.swtc.mb.ca/programs/regular/co2.htm

local cosmetology andhairdressing schools


colour and permanent wavetechnicianskin care and cosmeticsconsultantmanicurist and pedicuristaesthetician


ShortTIPSHarassment means any improperbehaviour that is offensive andcauses personal humiliation orembarrassment to the recipient.You can make a call to yourprovincial/territorial Human RightsCommission for any concerns orquestions. (Blue pages underCitizenship, Culture andRecreation, Ministry of)



Insurance agents provide variousinsurance policies to individuals,families and businesses on behalf of

different companies. You will helppeople to select the policy that bestcovers their needs. You will preparereports, maintain records and generallykeep track of your clients’ changingneeds throughout the course of yourprofessional relationship.

You will need to quickly and fairlysettle insurance claims for the person thatyou sold the policy to and the insurancecompany that handles the policy. Youwill need tact and diplomacy to negotiatethis aspect of the job.

Typically, you will either sell lifeinsurance policies or you might sellproperty insurance including automobile,marine, medical, farm and cropinsurance, etc.

You will need to have highlydeveloped “networking” skills to developyour clientele and a familiarity withdifferent communication technologies toperform such tasks as mail merges andmail-outs. Many insurance agents arealso financial planners; you mightconsider this aspect and the extratraining it entails.

Work conditions and trainingInsurance agents usually work indoors, inan office, at least part of the time. Youwill, however, spend a good deal of yourtime in transit, going from client to clientand acting as liaison between banks,insurance companies and other parties.

You may have to inspect property todetermine its condition, age and othercharacteristics to assess its value for theinsurance claim.

You will need to take three or moreweeks of industry-sponsored training andthen pass a licensing exam. Your trainingwill then usually continue under yourmanager or a senior agent.

You will work long hours, eveningsand weekends in the beginning. Mostfirms offer a combination of salary andcommission at the start of your career

but later on you will have to be preparedto make your living on commission alone.

Who’s the right person?You are a motivated self-starter withexcellent communication skills and thewillingness to persevere. You have agenuine interest in helping people toprotect themselves against liability andmeet their financial goals.

You are meticulous and well-organizedwith a desire and an ability to sift throughinformation and data to find the bestpolicy for your client. You enjoycultivating long-term relationships andattending to your clients needs.

You are enthusiastic and have apositive attitude. You love the challengeof persuading people and have a sincerebelief in your product.

You have the ability to workindependently and the business sense toaccurately assess a client’s financialposition.

What does it take?a high school diplomasponsorship by a company to take thecourses and examinations necessary toget your licencein a very competitive field, it is helpfulto have a college diploma with coursesin business and administrationproven sales ability in a different fieldcan eliminate the need for a collegediploma

Next steps?insurance brokersales supervisorfinancial planner

Insurance Agent

“This industry has been

very good to me. I feel

like I am helping families

take care of their

future.” Orest P.


Mathematics, English, asecond language, Business


The Insurance Bureau ofCanadawww.ibc.ca

Canadian Association ofInsurance and FinancialAdvisorswww.caifa.com/sprofdev.html#td


real estate broker managerfinancial broker managerinsurance underwriter




Jewellers design, make, assemble,repair, appraise and sell fine jewellery.You will also set, polish and cutvarious gems. You may do things as

varied as travelling to Asia on a buyingexpedition to repairing the movement ona fine timepiece. You will need to decidewhether you want to concentrate on thecreative or the business end of thejewellery trade. You will rarely have timefor both.

If you concentrate on the businessside of this career you will need to obtainvarious certificates in appraisal techniquesand skills. You may act as a buyer or beemployed by a large organization as anagent between suppliers and wholesalers.You may end up as a small businessowner if you decide to open your ownstore so an understanding not only ofjewellery but of small business practiceswill be useful.

The creative end of the business willsee you possibly designing fine jewellery,assembling your (or other people’s)designs and cleaning and maintainingjewellery pieces. You will need someexpertise with small hand and powertools like drills, lathes, saws, engravingtools, soldering irons to complete ormaintain jewellery designs. You will alsoneed to identify and use the varioussolvents and cleaning agents that areneeded to enhance the appearance ofjewellery.

Work conditions and trainingAs a jeweller you might work in a retailstore, a workshop or possibly out of yourown home. If you are working in a retailestablishment you will probably workregular store hours, some weekends andholidays, whenever customers might beexpected to purchase your wares.

There is a lot to learn in thisprofession, from some aspects ofmetallurgy to identifying variousgemstones, as well as techniques forworking with different materials. You willneed to constantly upgrade your skills asyou work in this field.

Who’s the right person?You are part artist and part surgeon. Youhave the well-developed hand-eye co-ordination needed to work precisely withsmall items. You are methodical andmeticulous but have a creative flair. Youlove beautiful things and are patientenough to realize your artistic vision. Ifyou are working the retail side this isbalanced with the practical sense to knowwhat sells and to stock it.

You are sensitive to customer’s needsand have the patience and people skillsthat allow you to understand what yourclients want. You will need small businessskills and some commercial, as well asartistic flair.

What does it take?a high school diplomatypically some combination of practicaltraining and college courses will beneededapprenticeships are available in someprovinces/territories

Next steps?store ownercertified gemologistjewellery designer

Jeweller

“I got into this trade

because I love beautiful

things and I always

wanted my own business.

... I love creating things

that will last!” Karen S.


Art, Business, Mathematics,English


Canadian GemmologicalAssociationhttp://pangea.usask.ca/~dfs846/rmac/cga.html

Charles Lewton-BrainWritingswww.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/career.htm


diamond cutterwatch repairergemologistprecious stone cuttersilversmithring makerwholesale jewellery buyer




Merchandise facilitators unpackitems received frommanufacturers and wholesale

suppliers, and stock shelves and displaysin retail stores. You may check shippingand purchasing documents against thegoods actually received, or use barcodescanning equipment to record incomingstock.

You also check store shelves anddisplays regularly to make sure they aresafely and attractively organized, andwell-stocked. When there is not enoughshelf room or display area toaccommodate goods received, you storeextra items in a stockroom.

Depending on where you work, youmay have a variety of other duties aswell. You may attach price tags beforeputting items on shelves, wrap items incellophane to deter customers fromopening packages, attach protectivedevices to reduce losses from theft,obtain articles for customers fromdisplays or from the stockroom, directcustomers to desired items, or cleanshelves, display racks, aisles andsidewalks. If you work in a grocery store,you may also bag or box purchases andhelp customers pack groceries into theirvehicles.

Work conditions and trainingMerchandise facilitators are employed ina wide variety of retail outlets, includinggrocery, hardware and departmentstores. Display areas are usually pleasantbut stockrooms can be dusty. If you arerequired to help customers get theirpurchases to their vehicles, you are inand out of the store in all weatherconditions. You may be required to weara company uniform and/or steel-toedshoes.

You will probably be required to worksome evenings and weekends duringstore hours. Some merchandisefacilitators in grocery stores work nightshifts when the store is closed.

Merchandise facilitators are trained onthe job. Employers often hire high schoolstudents for part-time jobs, but prefer tohire high school graduates for full-timepositions that may be considered entry-level positions for other jobs in the store.For employment with some companies,you may be required to join a union.

Who’s the right person?You have the strength, stamina and co-ordination required to be on your feet fora full shift, frequently lifting and placingheavy bags and boxes. You are honest,follow directions well, pay attention todetails, and work steadily with little or nosupervision.

If you deal with customers, you alsoneed good communication andinterpersonal skills.

What does it take?a high school diploma is preferred

Next steps?management trainee positions

Merchandise Facilitator

“I enjoy meeting and

working with people, and

learning about the

business.” John P.






warehouse stock pickercashiershipper and receiverservice station attendant




Messenger and Courier

Couriers and messengers pick upand deliver packages, documents,letters and other items. You make

deliveries and pick-ups betweenestablishments or within an organization.You collect and sort messages, packages,cheques, bonds, securities and otheritems, and deliver them to the correctaddress or department. You might alsodeliver newspapers, flyers, telephonedirectories and similar items to residencesand businesses.

In some cases, you make yourdeliveries by car or truck. In larger citiesyou may walk or use a bicycle fordowntown deliveries. An important partof the job is to work out the best route tofollow. You have to keep a record of theitems you receive and pick up, collectingsignatures from clients as you deliverthem. Occasionally, you also have tocollect payment from the client. In manyorganizations, computers are used totrack the flow of pickups and deliveriesand to organize delivery schedules. Youmay need to become familiar with theseprograms to improve your productivity.

Work conditions and trainingDepending on your employer, you maywork outdoors in all kinds of weather.The job can be physically demanding andis tiring during peak periods. You may berequired to lift and move bulky andsometimes heavy packages. Messengersgenerally deal with smaller packages thancouriers. Usually you are paid an hourlyrate. Some messengers and couriers arepaid on a commission basis, others workon contract or are paid an hourly rate asemployees.

Most office messengers work regularoffice hours, but some commercialcompanies require messengers to workshifts. Couriers who own and operatetheir own service frequently workextended hours.

Who’s the right person?You like to be on the go. You enjoyworking long hours and being physicallyactive in your work. You are dependable,responsible, consistent and accurate. Youmust also be trustworthy because of thesensitive nature of some of the items youwill be delivering. You have a positiveoutlook and enjoy meeting people andrelate well to them. You are able to workindependently and make soundjudgement calls. You enjoy working in acustomer service environment.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredcomputer skills may be required inorder to be accepted into an in-housetraining programa driver’s licence or ability to ride abicycle may be requiredin the case of delivery trucks, a specialdriver’s licence may be requiredsecurity clearance and/or a medicalexam may be requiredgood physical condition is requireda working knowledge of the area orcity where you will be delivering maybe requireddepending on the work, bilingualismmay be an asset

Next steps?delivery driversupervisory or management positions

“I love the freedom of

being on the road all the

time, not stuck in an

office...You pick up a

very good direction of the

city and area you work

in.” Jerry S.


English, a second language,Mathematics, Social Studies,Computer Literacy


a national courier company,most have toll free numbers


letter carrierdelivery driverflyer distributortaxi driver/chauffeur




Nannies are employed by parentsand guardians to care forchildren while they are away.

You will probably live in the employer’sresidence as well as work there.

Caring for children requiresperforming a wide range of tasks whichvary depending on the ages of thechildren. For example, you may bathe,diaper and dress babies; help youngchildren dress and wash; and/or ensurethat older children are clean andappropriately clothed for plannedactivities. You may organize and overseeactivities such as games, outings andlearning activities for pre-school children,and/or drive or escort older children toschool and after-school activities.

You are responsible for the children’soverall well-being while they are in yourcare. This means that you are expectedto provide for the children’s social,emotional and intellectual developmentas well as their physical health and well-being. When it is necessary to disciplinechildren, you must use the methodsrequested by your employer.

Depending on the situation, you mayhave a variety of other responsibilities aswell. For example, you may be expectedto prepare nutritious meals for the family,do laundry, keep the house tidy, andperform other housekeeping duties astime allows.

Work conditions and trainingThis work can be both physically andemotionally demanding. You are on yourfeet most of the time, frequently liftingand moving children and equipment,and often work long and varied hours.Working with children and living withyour employers can be stressful. You maybe subject to restrictions regardingtelephone calls, visitors or time awayfrom the employer’s residence.

Maturity, related experience and goodreferences are the most importantqualifications for nannies. Someemployers prefer to hire applicants whohave a high school diploma and/or

training related to child care, childpsychology or early childhood education.

Who’s the right person?You really enjoy working with children,and can get along with both adults andchildren very well. You are patient, havegood communication skills, are physicallyable to keep up with children all day, andcan deal decisively and effectively withemergency situations.

What does it take?experience caring for children, first aidcertification and CPR training, a driver’slicence and courses related to childcare and development are definiteassetsa high school diploma and/or relatedpost-secondary education may berequiredemployers generally request work/character references and may require acriminal record check

Next steps?further education related to childdevelopmentsmall business operation

Nanny

“I like the closeness that

you develop with the

children and the family,

and the one-on-one

interaction with

children...” Jayne R.


Family Studies, Science,English


A NaniNet (Alliance ofProfessional NannyAgencies)www.nannynetwork.com

International NannyAssociationwww.nanny.org

National Association ofNannieswww.hometown.aol.com/nanannies/


day-care workerteaching assistantchild and youth workerpersonal care attendantdomestic housekeeper




Pet groomers shampoo, clip andgroom dogs, cats, and other petsto improve and maintain their

hygiene. You trim nails, clean ears andexpress anal glands. You bathe, cut,comb, style and blow-dry their coats.You answer enquiries from the public andschedule appointments. You recordowner information, and discussgrooming requirements and desiredstyles with pet owners. Recording eachpet’s name, sex, breed and disposition isrequired including any information abouthealth problems.

Work conditions and trainingYou generally work indoors, but itinvolves getting dirty or wet. You areexposed to unpleasant odours, and maybe bitten or scratched as working withaggressive animals is common. You mayhave to restrain or lift and carry theanimals so you must be fairly strong. Youmay have to work some evenings andweekends in order to meet yourcustomers’ needs. Self-employed petgroomers often work long hours but canearn anywhere from $15,000 - $50,000/year. There is no certification required;training is mainly on the job. Some salonsprovide more formalized training. Thereare private vocational schools that offerformal dog grooming education. It ishighly advised that you call anestablished pet groomer to discuss all thetraining options before choosing the bestroute for you.

Who’s the right person?You are physically fit and in good health,not allergic to dogs or cats and have areal love for animals. You need to bewilling to clean up after them. It’simportant to be able to maintain controlbut at the same time, be gentle andpatient with the animals. Having anartistic flair with grooming styles isbeneficial.

What does it take?a high school diploma is recommendedprevious animal care experienceunderstanding of the behaviour ofdogs, cats and other typical petanimalson-the-job training or a certificate informal dog grooming(it’s advised that you call an establishedpet groomer to discuss trainingoptions)one way to get started in this field is toget a part-time job during busy times(spring and summer) when manyemployers need extra staff

Next steps?supervisor/manager of animal carefacilitiescertified master groomergrooming instructorowner of grooming facility

Pet Groomer

“I have a deep love for

dogs and turned that love

into a money-making

proposition.” Sylvia C.


Business English andMathematics, GeneralScience, Biology


meet with a pet groomer

pet groomerwww.petgroomer.com


zoo attendantanimal care attendantanimal health technologistanimal trainershelter/kennel attendant




Police officers enforce the law,arrest criminals, control traffic,and help settle domestic disputes.

You help to protect citizens and theirproperty, maintain public peace, preventand detect crime. You write up shiftreports, make court appearances, andperform forensic investigations. Not onlyare you involved in the physical act ofprotection or arrest of law-breakers, butyou work with community groupsidentifying and solving policingproblems. Some officers do undercoverwork. Police work sometimes involvesactivities like returning stolen bicycles,helping victims of crime, contactingschools and performing other crimeprevention activities.

Work conditions and trainingYou are required to work both indoorsand outdoors, in all kinds of weather andmay be required to stand or walk forhours at a time, or ride in a vehicle for acomplete shift. You can often besubjected to severe emotional strain andsometimes work in dangerous situations.You may work a standard 40-hour weekor a compacted (four day) week. Shiftwork is often required. A communitycollege diploma in law enforcement or auniversity degree in this area issometimes required, and it is definitely anadvantage when trying to get a job. Athree- to six-month training program isprovided by your employer. There aremany opportunities for advancementsimilar to the military, receiving higherstatus and better pay. You start as aconstable and work your way up;however, promotion does tend to beslow.

Who’s the right person?You need to be physically fit, honest,patient, emotionally stable and havegood judgement. You must haveexcellent observation skills and basicgood humour. You need to be able towork with a minimum of supervision and

as part of a team. You enjoy having aclear set of rules and guidelines foranalyzing information and investigations.You are confident taking charge ofsituations and dealing with people in afair but firm manner.

What does it take?minimum age varies from 18 to 21depending upon the police serviceat least a high school diploma orequivalent educationmay require a college diploma oruniversity degree in law and security orsocial sciencesCanadian citizenship or lawfuladmittance to Canada for permanentresidencevalid driver’s licencetyping/keyboarding skillsvalid first aid and CPR certificates

Next steps?corporalsergeantstaff sergeantcorps sergeant majorinspectorsuperintendentcommissioned police officer

Police Officer

“I love the variety of work

plus the number of

specialized divisions you

can transfer to. The job

security and pension...

puts you at ease too.”

Paul H.


English, Computer Literacy,Sciences, Social Sciences


a community college thatoffers criminal justice or lawenforcement programs

local police service

Canadian Police Associationwww.cpa-acp.ca

Royal Canadian MountedPolicewww.rcmp-grc.gc.ca


bylaw enforcement officerCanadian Forces Personnel -Non Commissionedprivate investigatorsecurity guardCanadian Customs Officer




Real estate salespeople help peoplewith the process of selling orpurchasing houses,

condominiums, apartments, commercialbuildings, land and other types ofproperty. A large part of your day will bespent obtaining listings for your agency.You will also be responsible forcontacting various clients, contractors,advertisers, bankers, credit agencies andmortgage companies. You will need tobe familiar with different services in theneighbourhood in which you are sellingand buying properties.

You will hold ‘open houses’ to showprospective clients the features of theproperty you are trying to interest themin. You will also handle pricenegotiations between buyers and sellers.“Negotiating skills are not just important,but critical for a successful career in realestate!”

Commercial real estate sales demandthat you research market trends and payclose attention to the needs of the buyer.You will need good research skills and anintimate familiarity with the businesscommunity.

Work conditions and trainingReal estate salespeople typically workindoors in offices, though a good deal ofyour time will be spent travelling aboutshowing properties and talking to thevarious people involved in this complextransaction.

You will typically work long hours andspend much of your life on call.Weekend work is routine, as are eveningsand holidays. You need to be familiarwith communication technologies suchas cell phones, pagers, email andcomputer databases so as not to miss anysales.

After your training period your incomeis usually straight commission so you willneed to be able to budget well and dealwith the stress of living from commissioncheque to commission cheque.

Who’s the right person?You are outgoing and are an excellentcommunicator. You are dedicated anddisciplined and ready to work long hourson the possibility of a sale. You are amotivated self-starter!

You are methodical and meticulouscompiling information on the property,the client and the neighbourhood. Youare tactful and a skilled negotiator.

You have an ability to remembernames, faces and details and theimagination to understand how aproperty can be used to its bestadvantage.

Most importantly you have the abilityto persevere and hang in there until salesstart to happen!

What does it take?a high school diplomaa car and a driver’s licencefamiliarity with variouscommunications technology is stronglyrecommendedprovincial/territorial registration thatinvolves passing a three-week (ormore) realty course exam

Next steps?real estate brokercommercial specializationreal estate developer

Real Estate Salesperson

“This is a wonderful

profession if you are a

hard worker. I have put

people into their first

home and that is a

feeling that you can’t

take to the bank.”

Reg M.


English, Mathematics,Computer Literacy


Real Estate Institute ofCanadawww.reic.ca

Points on Real Estatewww.kevinclark.com/points.html


real estate appraiserproperty managerbuilding managermortgage specialistpersonal bankingrepresentative




Security Guard

“You have a lot of

personal contact with

people...When you show

concern for people, some

will ask for you by first

name.” Eric T.

Security guards patrol and monitorindustrial, commercial, and otherproperties as well as special events.

Their goals are to protect against theft,vandalism and illegal entry and tomaintain order, ensure safety and enforceregulations. Your duties could range fromcontrolling access at a rock concert toguarding art in a museum, and fromsearching luggage at an airport topatrolling an industrial site. You mightdrive an armoured vehicle or strollthrough a mall, checking for shoplifters.You make detailed reports on yourobservations, keeping accurateinformation on incidents or suspiciousbehaviour in case charges are laid later.

Something unexpected can happen atany time and it is your job to respond tothe situation. In many cases, you will becalled on later to give an accurateaccount of the incident or to describe thesuspect(s) involved. A large part of yourjob involves dealing with people. If youwork in a public place, you will be calledon to give directions, answer questions,or find help for someone who hasbecome ill.

Work conditions and trainingYou work either for a private securityagency or directly for an organization.Your work conditions will vary with thearea of employment. In some cases youmay work outside and you may berequired to drive as, for example, with amobile patrol service. Much of securitywork is routine. You may spend hoursstanding or sitting in an area having toremain alert. Security is a 24-hour-a-daybusiness and, in many cases, you willwork shift work. You are generally paidan hourly wage.

Most security companies offer on-the-job training. You may start as a trainee,and from there you can work your wayup to positions with more responsibilityand progress to a supervisory position.

Who’s the right person?Getting along with people andcommunicating well is important in thiswork. Because you lack enforcementpowers, you will have to rely on theseskills to control difficult situations. You areconfident, professional, neat and well-groomed. You are self-motivated and ableto work on your own, with little or nosupervision, following instructionsprecisely. You pride yourself on beinghonest and reliable. You are able toremain calm and use good judgement inemergency situations.

What does it take?some high school education isrequired, a high school diploma ispreferreda community college diploma isrecommended, with preference givento graduates of law and securitycoursesa university degree is an asset,preferably with courses in sociologyand psychologyyou must be bondableyou may need a valid driver’s licence

Next steps?with further training:

police workthe militarywork in a correctional institution

Relevant High SchoolCourses

English, Physical Education,Social Studies


Canadian General StandardsBoardwww.pwgsc.gc.ca/cgsb

Canadian Corp ofCommissionaireswww.commissionaires.ca

a local company providingsecurity services


correctional service officergate attendantshopping investigatorhouse detectivealarm investigator




Service station attendants sell fuel,automotive products andconvenience store items. You

greet customers and activate gas pumpspromptly. You accept cash, credit anddebit card payments, and offer a receiptif requested. You must stock shelves andkeep the station clean and tidy indoorsand out. You offer promotional materialsand ask if customers need otherproducts. Providing information aboutlocal roads and highways is oftenrequired. You may be required tooperate a car wash. At full servicestations you fill vehicles with gasoline,propane or diesel fuel, clean windshields,check levels of oil, and other fluids, andcheck and add air pressure to tires asrequested. You might have to performminor vehicle service and maintenanceduties such as replacing light bulbs orwindshield wipers.

Work conditions and trainingYou will work indoors and outdoors in allkinds of weather. At self-serve stationsyou usually have to work in a booth orbehind a counter in a convenience storethat is part of the station. You may getmud, grease or oil on your uniform. Shiftwork is generally required; andsometimes you will work split shifts.Training is usually done on the job. Mostmajor oil companies have trainingprograms to teach safety and securitypractices and/or customer service skills.This is a great way to gain experiencedealing with all kinds of people, as well asto learn how to work with money.

Who’s the right person?You like working with the public, andhave the ability to provide correctchange for cash payments. You also musthave the ability to fill out receipts andcredit card slips, and transact directdebits quickly and accurately. It’s veryimportant that you are polite and friendlyat all times. You must also be safetyconscious to avoid explosions caused by

gasoline vapours, and burns from hotengines and steam.

What does it take?some high school education;employers prefer high school graduatesmay be required to have valid driver’slicencea short training period from theemployerhydrocarbon training and certificationis required in most areas of Canada toperform light maintenance on or to fillpropane cylinders

Next steps?apprentice mechanicmechanicservice station managermany other roles in the sales andservice sector

Service Station Attendant

“I have learned cash

control and how to deal

with the public. This is

also good preparation for

future jobs...”

Patricia K.


Mathematics, English,Computer Literacy, Business


the manager of your localservice station


cashiermarina attendantcar detailerrust spray technicianassistant autobody paintercustomer service andinformation clerk

ShortTIPSThe word ‘decision’ is not asynonym for the word ‘final’. Adecision is one short path taken ina huge network of choices. You willalways have another and anotherand another to make.




Skin Care/Make-up Consultant

“ There’s never a boring

moment in this field.

You can branch out into

so many different

areas.” Deb L.

Skin care and make-up consultantsdemonstrate and sell cosmeticproducts and advise customers

about their use. You analyze a client’sskin, determine what products or coloursimprove its quality and appearance,demonstrate techniques to use theproducts and recommend a program forthe client to follow. You are veryknowledgeable about the products yousell and are able to advise clients aboutskin care in general and problem areas inparticular. You stay informed about newproduct developments and ensure yourcustomers use safe products. You knowwhen to refer your clients to medical carefor more serious skin problems. You mayprovide “makeovers” for some clients.You may need to keep careful records ofthe sales and services for each client toensure appropriate follow-up and repeatbusiness.

Work conditions and trainingYou might work at a beauty salon,department store, cosmetics shop, imageconsulting company, modelling agencyor you might be self-employed. Youspend most of your working day on yourfeet and may be required to work someevenings and weekends. You may bepaid an hourly rate, a salary, or in somecases, you may work on commission.Also, depending on your work setting,you may receive gratuities fromcustomers.

Some skin care and make-upconsultants enter the field with aminimum of preparation. You will receiveon-going training for new product linesfrom the company you represent. Tobegin, you could approach a cosmeticscompany and ask to be trained in theirproduct line. You could also workindependently by representing a productline through direct sales. Specializedtraining that includes theoreticalknowledge and practical experienceregarding skin care and makeup isavailable through beauty schools.

Who’s the right person?You are independent, highly motivatedand enjoy working with the public. As arepresentative in the image business, it isimportant to be well-groomed yourself.You need a creative eye and a strongcolour sense. You are dealing with thesensitive issue of image and must bediscreet with your clients. You areconfident in yourself and your productsand are comfortable makingrecommendations to your clients. Youhave the ability to be honest and tactfulin your communication with clients. Ifthey have serious skin problems, youmust recognize when it is appropriate torecommend they see a doctor.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredyou must be 16 to 18 years old toenter most beauty schools

Next steps?direct sales of a particular line ofcosmeticssupervisory or management positionsopen your own salon or spa


English, Chemistry, BeautyCulture, Drama


a beauty or cosmetics school

a local beauty salon

a drugstore or departmentstore representing a specificcosmetic line


airbrush artistphotograph retouchermannequin artistcolourist, photographytattoo artisttheatre makeup artistspa, owner/operator




Social services workers assess,counsel and treat individuals and/or their families to overcome

emotional, behavioural, social or financialdifficulties. You interview clientsindividually, in families or in groups todetermine the types of services theyneed. Investigating cases of child abuseor neglect and taking authorizedprotective action may be part of yourday. You may work as part of a healthcare team in hospitals or mental healthclinics or in a correctional services facilityrehabilitating criminal offenders. Youcould work in the education systemproviding counselling and consultationservices for students, parents andteachers, or as part of a governmentdepartment that delivers social policy andadvocacy programs including incomesupport programs, child protectionprograms, child care programs, andfoster care and adoption programs. Youcould work with employment assistanceprograms providing employment-relatedassessment.

Work conditions and trainingYou often must divide your time betweenface to face contact with clients,completing assessments, case studies/plans and reports. You may have to goto the client’s home for an interview, orbe involved in family counsellingsessions, attend meetings, or group workand co-ordinate services with othercommunity agencies. As a minimum,you usually need a two-year collegediploma. A university degree in socialwork may be required. You will probablyneed to become a member of yourprovincial/territorial association of socialworkers.

Who’s the right person?You are emotionally stable and mature.You need to be patient and have goodjudgement; be resourceful and have highenergy. You must generally enjoyworking with people and want to assistthem to find ways to solve theirproblems. You must be accepting ofother people and tolerant of their beliefsand values.

What does it take?high school diplomasocial work diploma from a communitycollege, and sometimes a universitydegree in social workvolunteer work is considered a greatasset

Next steps?social worker with Bachelor of SocialWork (BSW) or Master of Social Work(MSW) qualificationsrehabilitation specialistresearch position at college oruniversity

Social Services Worker

“I derive great

satisfaction from

reaching out to

individuals that may

have no one else to turn

to ... in what may seem

like hopeless

situations...” Karyn S.


English, second language,Computer Literacy, SocialStudies


Canadian Association ofSocial Workwww.casw-acts.ca


child and youth care workercorrectional services workermediatorwellness consultantmental health workeremployment counsellor




Teacher Assistant

“I like working with

children, and with

specific problems... Why

is he learning this not

that? You have to teach

in a different way and

it’s really fascinating!”

Karen G.

Teacher assistants or educationalassistants as they are sometimescalled, assist teachers in working

with students to enhance their learning.You may work as part of a team or withone teacher; at either the elementary orsecondary school level; with oneparticular child, or a group of children. Asa teacher assistant, you provide extrasupport to help students learn thematerial being taught in the classroom.This may include using alternate teachingmethods for those students who willbenefit from them. You may work withstudents who have serious behaviourproblems or physical disabilities. You mayalso assist students physically, forexample, helping young children getdressed to go outside. You may also assistteachers to prepare classroom materialsusing computers or copiers.

Your daily activities includesupervising students in the classroom, inthe school yard and on field trips.

Work conditions and trainingTeacher assistants usually work for schoolboards but are also found in specialtreatment centres where educationalprograms are offered. They work underthe direction of a teacher or principal, ina classroom, library, computer room orother area. Most of your work is inside.In a school setting, your hours will matchthe school hours with additional time putin before and after school and you willreceive the same holiday breaks as theteachers. Teacher assistants arefrequently employed on a 10-monthbasis and are not paid over the summerbreak.

Regardless of your level of trainingwhen you enter this work you will likelyreceive additional training or professionaldevelopment days and other special in-house training days.

Who’s the right person?You find this work rewarding because youenjoy working with a variety of people,especially children and youth. You are ateam player who accepts the direction ofthe teacher or other professionalsresponsible for the child or children inyour care. At the same time, you areflexible, able to work independently andfind creative ways to deal withchallenging situations. You are verypatient, sensitive to the needs of yourstudents and relate well to them. You areable to work with a variety of officemachines including computers. You are ingood health both physically andemotionally and can deal calmly withnoisy, active groups. You are enthusiastic,creative and love helping people.

What does it take?a high school diploma is generallyrequireda one- or two-year Teacher Assistant orRehabilitation Services program from acollege is preferredfirst aid and CPR training may berequiredfluency in (an) additional language(s)including sign language is an asset andmay be required depending on thework setting

Next steps?further study to obtain a Bachelor ofEducation degree and gain a job as ateacherschool secretarial or technologyassistant positionrehabilitation aide


English, Family Studies,Computer Literacy


a local college with aTeacher Assistant program

your local school districtoffice

websites of provincial/territorial governments’Departments of Education


library assistantaudio-visual specialistchildcare workerreceptionistcaregiver in group home/institution




Telemarketers sell goods andservices over the telephone. Youmay also solicit donations for

charitable organizations.You may call potential customers(businesses or private individuals), or theymay call you in response to anadvertisement. In either case, it is yourjob to promote certain products, servicesor charitable organizations; answerquestions and quote prices; and recordinformation about customer contacts andsales/donations. You may also makefollow-up calls, make appointments forsales representatives, or conduct polls orsurveys. You may be required to follow aprepared script very closely, or you mayfollow a core script and vary theconversation depending on the reactionsof the people you contact.

To obtain the names and telephonenumbers of potential customers, you mayuse various sources such as reversetelephone directories, reply cards frommagazines or purchased lists. Or, youmay use automatic dialers or othersophisticated telecommunicationsequipment, and special “contactmanager” software.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for a large organizationthat has its own telemarketingdepartment, or a direct marketing servicebureau which contracts telemarketingservices to other companies and charities.

Some telemarketers work from theirown homes, but most work in callcentres equipped with sophisticatedtelecommunications equipment andmultiple work stations. Although thework is not physically strenuous, it can beemotionally demanding. You willprobably be required to work someevening and weekend hours.

Telemarketers are usually trained onthe job. Some companies send traineesto short training programs that areoffered by technical institutes or privatevocational schools. You need to knowabout different sales techniques as well as

the organizations, products and servicesyou are expected to promote.

Who’s the right person?You must be able to speak clearly, hearwell, and sit for extended periods of time.To be a really successful sales person, youalso need to be confident, persuasive, andable to think quickly and answerquestions smoothly.

The ability to accept criticism andrejection without taking it personally is avery important characteristic fortelemarketers. Some customers can bedifficult. You must be able to remaincalm, tactful and patient.

What does it take?a high school diploma may be requiredsales and customer service experienceis an asset

Next steps?call centre supervisortrainerscript writer

Telemarketer

“I just love talking to

people. In this line of

work, I speak to lots of

different people and the

work is always varied and

available.” Scott G.


English, Business Practices


Canadian MarketingAssociation (formerlyCanadian Direct MarketingAssociation)www.CDMA.org

TelePlaza (directory of callcenter, telemarketing andcustomer service resources)www.teleplaza.com


customer service andinformation clerkadvertising salesrepresentativefood products salesrepresentativereal estate salesrepresentative




T ransportation managers, freighttraffic, plan, organize, direct andco-ordinate the transportation of

materials that come in from suppliers andproducts that go out to distributionhouses and customers. You managetransportation costs and provide the typeof transportation required to meetcompany objectives. You schedule theshipping of goods and keep track ofthem while in transit. You plan for thetransportation and storage of goods.You prepare and manage budgets andnegotiate with various carriers (air,water, rail, etc.). You train and supervisestaff and administer safety programs.Evaluating locations for new warehousesand distribution networks is part of yourjob as well as evaluating freight costs andthe inventory costs associated with transittimes.

Transportation managers, freighttraffic, are employed by chain stores, orother large businesses that distributelarge volumes of goods, like governmentdepartments and agencies, andmanufacturing companies.Advancement depends on yourperformance and qualifications.

Work conditions and trainingYou usually work in an officeenvironment, and it’s not unusual for youto work overtime, and under pressure.Depending on the size and nature of theorganization, you might be required todo some travelling. Regardless ofweather conditions or mechanicalbreakdowns, you must make sure thatshipments reach customers on time andin good condition. A bachelor’s degreein business administration or engineeringis increasingly required. Experience intransportation traffic is very importanttoo. Frequently, a transportationmanager is promoted from within. TheCanadian Institute of Traffic andTransportation offers a 10-courseDiploma in Transportation andDistribution Management. This

completed diploma and a minimum offive years work experience in the fieldleads to the professional designation“CITT.”

If you have had no previous training orrelated experience you could start inpositions such as clerk, route clerk,shipper/receiver or warehouse technician,but education is important foradvancement.

Who’s the right person?You have the ability to analyzeinformation. You have strong decision-making skills and sound businessjudgement. You can work quickly andaccurately with figures, and have creativeproblem-solving abilities. You have agood memory for details and good verbaland written communication skills.

What does it take?Post-secondary education related tocommerce or business administrationplus work experience in transportationoperations is recommended. As astudent, you could apply for a job in alarge railway yard or a municipality/citysweeping streets, setting up detours,planning detours, vehicle operation,etc.Degree in Civil Engineering may berequired in some provinces/territories

Next steps?facility operation managersenior transportation manager

Transportation Manager

“I work in a stimulating

and diverse environment...

It’s both enriching and

satisfying...” Guy B.


Business, Mathematics,Computer Literacy,Geography


Canadian Institute of Trafficand Transportationwww.citt.ca

Canadian Trucking HumanResources CouncilTel. (613) 244-4800


airport managerharbour master


191


This is a fast-growing area. Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, andit goes hand-in-hand with recreation and sports. This area combines service,entertainment and wellness. The work involves understanding people’s needs andmeeting those needs in personalized and creative ways. Whether serving touristsfrom another country, seniors seeking fitness activities or locals watching a sportingevent, you’ll do well if you’re people-oriented, attentive and creative. You’ll do evenbetter if you can combine your service speciality with your customers’ interests. Thebartender who can mix great drinks and talk about a town’s history, the flightattendant who knows emergency procedures and how to make a passenger morecomfortable, the outdoor guide who knows wilderness survival techniques and whounderstands clients’ needs for serenity in nature; these are the people who make thisarea thrive.

TIP: Take a golden opportunity - Co-op education!Make use of a co-op program to try something you’ve always been interested in.You can’t lose whether you go on in this line of work or try something different.

You’ll develop skills that can be used throughout your career. They are called basicemployability skills and you carry them with you from job to job. Punctuality,courteous behaviour, gathering relevant information, identifying problems andsuggesting positive solutions, sharing ideas with co-workers, and taking initiativeare some of the behaviours that every employer wants in an employee.

You’ll make good contacts. Co-op employers will be eager to refer you if youdemonstrate good employability skills.

You’ll learn how to accept constructive criticism and how to evaluate your ownwork.

You’ll learn where to look for new opportunities to expand or build on your ownwork or start your own small business.

You’ll learn about the job prospects in your own community.

You’ll learn which skills and accomplishments to highlight for certain occupationson a résumé or portfolio and you will have practice at being interviewed.

You’ll find out which areas of the industry you like the most.

Taking part in a co-op program can give you just the confidence and knowledge youneed for a successful career start.


Bartender 6452 193

Chef 6241 194

Cook 6242 195

Executive Housekeeper 6471 196

Fitness Instructor 5254 197

Flight Attendant 6432 198

Food and Beverage Server 6453 199

Food and BeverageSupervisor 6212 200

Front Desk Agent 6435 201

Hockey Player 5251 202

Maitre d’Hotel 6451 203

Outdoor Guide 6442 204

Recreation Leader 5254 205

Ski Lift Operator 6670 206

Special EventsCo-ordinator 1226 207

Taxi Driver 7413 208

Tourism Small BusinessOwner/Operator 0632 209

Tourism VisitorInformation Counsellor 1453 210

Travel Counsellor 6431 211

Talk about a range of options - indoors/outdoors, competitive/co-

operative, alone/in groups, leader/follower, land/water/air!





1. Thinking:

Be creative, original Make decisions Plan and organize job tasks

Find information Use memory Solve problems


Share stories Interact with employers, co-workers Greet and converse with customers/clients

Provide instructions Communicate with dispatchers Listen to and deal with the public

Present to groups Answer inquiries

Inform clients Speak courteously and effectively


Use word processing and other software for data entry Use computer-controlled equipment Enter data

Keep and access schedules, records, plans on computer Use billing and accounting software

4. Numeracy:

Perform calculations Make numerical estimations

Prepare schedules and budgets Analyze data (compare, contrast, predict; averages, summaries, rates)

Use money math (financial transactions)


Be respectful of others Make hiring decisions Assume a leadership role when appropriate

Make suggestions Recruit Participate in meetings and discussions

Train other workers Handle conflict with respect

6. Writing:

Write: Plans Explanations Sketches Reports Supply and equipment checklists

7. Reading:

Read: Magazines Equipment manuals Guides

Legislation and Regulations Pamphlets Schematic drawings

Training materials Legends and maps Scale drawings









Bartenders mix and serve alcoholicand non-alcoholic beverages inlounges, restaurants and other

licensed establishments. You takebeverage orders from customers orserving staff and prepare the orders. Thisinvolves mixing ingredients such asliquor, juice, soft drinks, cream, coffee,water and sugar in the right amounts tomake cocktails, specialty coffees andother drinks. You also serve preparedbeverages such as beer, wine and soda.

You put garnishes (fruit and fancyumbrellas) in the drinks to make themmore appealing. Some bartenders inventtheir own drinks.

Bartenders often have direct contactwith customers, especially those seated atthe bar. Therefore, you will have to greetthe customers and possibly serve theirfood and snack orders.

Bartenders maintain an inventory of allof the supplies and garnishes and ordersupplies when needed. You may have towash glasses and keep the bar area clean.You collect payment for drink orders andmay have to balance the cash receipts atthe end of the day. In manyestablishments this may involve the useof computerized registers.

Work conditions and trainingMost bartenders work indoors in lounges,nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. Youmay work irregular hours, split shifts andlate nights. You may work weekends andholidays.

Salary is usually supplemented bygratuities.

You must be of legal drinking age tobe a bartender. You may train on the jobor take a related training course. Somehigh school education is required and ifyou wish to advance on the job, a highschool diploma is recommended.Bartenders require knowledge ofgovernment liquor laws, cocktail recipes,and characteristics of wine, beer andliquor.

Who’s the right person?Bartenders enjoy working with people.You have to be able to listen to customerswithout getting personally involved. Youneed good math skills, motor co-ordination and a good memory fordetails. Tactfulness and good judgementare necessary skills since you will beasking customers for proof that they areof legal drinking age and you have toknow when a customer has had toomuch to drink. You have to be well-groomed and in good health because ofthe heavy lifting and long periods ofstanding.

What does it take?some high school education is requiredbut a diploma is preferredmust be of legal drinking agea related training course is an assetprofessional certification is availablethrough the Canadian Tourism HumanResource Council

Next steps?head bartenderwine stewardfood and beverage manager

Bartender

“I have a great time

serving and meeting a

variety of people --- the

tips are pretty good,

too!” Pat C.



Want moreinformation? Try …



food and beverage serverhost/hostesswine stewardsales representative (alcohol,bar supplies, restaurantequipment and supplies)




Chefs plan, prepare and presentfood in a variety of settings suchas restaurants, hotels, institutions,

catering companies, railways andcruiselines. A chef not only prepares thefood but also has input into what isserved (the menu) and how it ispresented. You prepare all the courses ofa meal or specialize in preparing only aportion of the meal. Specializationsinclude saucier (sauce specialist), gardemanger (salads, cold dishes and buffets),entremetier (vegetables, pasta and eggdishes) and patissier (desserts andpastries).

Additional duties may includeestimating food requirements andordering the food, regulating stock, andsupervising kitchen staff.

Sous-chefs supervise specialist chefs,cooks and other kitchen staff. In additionto food preparation, you plan the menuand order food and supplies. As a leader,you show kitchen staff new cookingtechniques or equipment.

As an executive chef, you may beresponsible for the food preparationactivities of several restaurants. You meetwith sales people, negotiate prices andbuy food supplies. You keep daily track offood costs in relation to sales.

Work conditions and trainingChefs spend most of the time in a kitchenand it can be very busy. Some light toheavy lifting is part of the job (10 – 25kgs.) The conditions and hours of workvary depending on the establishment.However, chefs often work differentshifts, including weekends, evenings andholidays. Overtime might be requiredespecially for sous chefs and executivechefs.

To become a certified chef, you mustfirst become an apprentice. In order toapprentice, you are strongly advised tolearn some basic skills by taking a post-secondary program that introduces youto basic food preparation, sanitation andsafety guidelines, food theories andnutrition. You then must try to find an

employer who is willing to train you as anapprentice. As an apprentice, you mustcomplete 6,000 hours of apprenticeshipand complete and pass an exam beforebecoming certified. You can apply for aRed Seal, which means that yourqualifications are recognized acrossCanada. To become a specialty chef, souschef or executive chef, several years ofwork experience and additional trainingare required.

Who’s the right person?Chefs genuinely enjoy preparing food andsatisfying customers’ appetites. You needto be very artistic, creative, flexible andorganized. Teamwork plays a large part inthis role. Good math skills, hand-eye co-ordination and a keen sense of smell andtaste are important. You need the abilityto remain in control during hectic times.

What does it take?in most provinces/territories, aminimum of grade 10 is required toapprentice however, a high schooldiploma is recommendeda post-secondary program thatintroduces you to the basics of theoccupationan apprenticeship which is usuallythree years-additional training toprogress to higher levels andspecializations

Next steps?specialty chef/cooksous chefred seal chefexecutive chef, food and beveragemanagerrestaurant owner

Chef

“A true talent of food

and food art means very,

very hard work - but it is

very gratifying.”

Cheryl N.


Cooking, Mathematics,English


Canadian Restaurant andFoodservice Association316 Bloor Street West,Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W5

Canadian Federation ofChefs and CooksE-mail [email protected]



cookcatering managerrestaurant food buyerrestaurant equipment andsupplies salesperson




Cooks prepare, season and cookfoods such as soups, salads,meats, fish, gravies, vegetables,

desserts, sauces and casseroles. Youprepare buffets or single portions on aplate. It is important to ensure the mealsare appealing and nutritious. You mayalso oversee some menu planning andprepare foods for special diets. You studymenus to estimate food requirements,and obtain the supplies you need fromstorage. You perform all tasks involved infood preparation, including cleaning andcutting meats; fish and poultry; washingand peeling vegetables; and cleaningkitchen equipment and cooking utensils.You work in places such as restaurants,schools, catering companies, bushcamps, food processing plants, prisons,etc. It is always a cook’s responsibility toensure that your work environment isconsistently clean and sanitary.

Working conditions and trainingMost cooks work shifts, includingweekends and holidays. You work underpressure with knives and around hotappliances; burns and cuts areoccupational hazards. Light lifting isroutinely required. Most cooks areencouraged to enter a three-yearapprenticeship program, but often youare trained on the job. It’s more likely,however, that you will get employment ifyou go through the apprenticeshipprogram. While still in high school youcould begin an apprenticeship programand earn high school credits at the sametime.

Apprentice cooks earn approximately60% of a journeyman wage in the firstyear; 75% in the second, and 85% in thethird.

Who’s the right person?You need to be patient and haveexcellent organizational skills. You areconstantly under pressure so you need tobe able to remain calm in hecticsituations. You need to have good

arithmetic and communication skills andthe ability to read and write in English.You must be able to be on your feet forlong periods of time. A keen sense oftaste and smell is necessary and a genuineinterest in preparing food.

What does it take?formal apprenticeship training, and/orsome secondary education

Next steps?sous-chefchefexecutive chef

Cook

“There is nothing like

the satisfaction of

properly preparing 50

meals at once and

pleasing the customers

with my quality and

efficiency.” Dave B.


Cooking, English,Mathematics


your local restaurantassociation

your local technologicalinstitution that offersapprenticeship programs

Canadian Restaurant & FoodService AssociationTel. 1-800-387-5649www.fbshow.com



bakermeat cutterdietitiancaterer




Executive housekeepers are themanagers responsible for thehousekeeping and laundry

departments in hotels and residentialinstitutions such as hospitals. You directand supervise the work of light and heavyduty cleaners. You may also supervise in-house laundry services, maintenance andrepair services, or dry cleaning and valetservices.

Like other managers, you train newpersonnel, schedule work hours, keepemployee records, supervise staff and doperformance appraisals. You also selectsuitable cleaning materials andequipment, and maintain adequatesupplies. In health care facilities, yourprimary concern is to prevent the spreadof infection.

You may also prepare and manage thehousekeeping department budget, ordersupplies, and make recommendationsregarding repairs and renovations.

Work conditions and trainingWork environments vary considerably inthis occupation, depending on the typeof employer. For example, you may workin a small nursing home in the healthcare industry, or a luxury hotel in thetourism industry. Most executivehousekeepers work standard office hours.

The best preparation for this type ofwork is a combination of experience andeducation related to housekeeping (e.g.experience as a janitor or house keepingroom attendant, knowledge of textilesand cleaning chemicals). Employersgenerally prefer to hire applicants whohave work experience in a cleaningposition. They may also require jobapplicants to have education orexperience related to management and/or the chemistry of cleaning solutions.Executive housekeepers must be able tounderstand and apply technicalinformation about cleaning chemicalsand procedures as well as supervise andmanage the work of others. Suppliers ofcleaning products often offer shortprofessional development courses.

Who’s the right person?You have good communication andinterpersonal skills, and are comfortable ina leadership role. You are a goodorganizer, have an eye for detail, and canmake sound decisions quickly.

You should enjoy working with peopleand supervising the work of others.

What does it take?a high school diploma plus experiencein a housekeeping position is usuallyrequiredpost-secondary courses in hoteladministration, health servicesadministration, personnelmanagement, quality control orchemistry are definite assetsWorkplace Hazardous MaterialsInformation System (WHMIS) training

Next steps?hotel/motel managerhealth services administrator

“I’ve worked my way up

to this job. I enjoy

working with the public—

I see people all day, and

every day is different.”

Teresa J.

Executive Housekeeper


English, Business, Chemistry



International ExecutiveHousekeepers Associationwww.ieha.org


laundry supervisormanager of a dry cleaningbusinessbuilding superintendent


ShortTIPSOver 400,000 new jobs areexpected in Canada’s TourismIndustry by 2005.



F itness instructors demonstratecorrect exercise methods and theproper use of exercise equipment.

You teach students, individually or ingroups, aerobics, weight training,flexibility, proper breathing techniques,etc., and sometimes evaluate theirabilities and monitor their progress asthey go. You may also provide materialon proper nutrition, weight control andlifestyle issues. You may developprograms for people who have specialrequirements.

If you teach aerobics, you planroutines and choose appropriate music.You make sure your routines involvemovements that work each set ofmuscles. You spend time on your ownpreparing for classes. If you work for ahealth club you may also have todemonstrate the use of equipment(weights and mechanical exercise gear),maintain equipment, record memberinformation and promote the clubthrough membership sales.

There is a growing interest in health,fitness and recreational activitiesthroughout most of Canada. You mayfind work in places like dance schools,private health clubs, retirement centres,resorts and hotels, public gymnasiums,municipal recreation centres, as well asYMCA and YWCA branches.

Work conditions and trainingA health club environment is usuallypleasant with showers and lockersspecifically for you with mirror-lined wallsand special flooring designed for injuryreduction. Community facilities oftenhave surroundings designed toaccommodate more kinds of activities.

You usually need training andcertification from a fitness association.Each province/territory has its own set ofrequirements for certification so it’s veryimportant you call the National FitnessLeadership Advisory Council forrequirements in your province/territory.The number is in the ‘Want moreinformation?’ section. Certification is

available in any of four areas: aerobics;strength and resistance; instruction ofolder adults; and aquatics. You can alsocontact a local reputable gym or fitnessclub in your area for their specificrequirements.

In order to ensure that instructors areup-to-date on new trends and methods,you have to be re-certified every twoyears. Some employers require a degreein physical education, and others such asthose at the YMCA and YWCA providetheir own in-house training andcertifications. You could move into asupervisory or management position,responsible for organizing classes. Youmay also set up your own business. Manyfitness instructors are employed for acertain number of classes per week.Some instructors use this as a second jobfor a variety of reasons. Others pursuethis work as a part-time opportunity.

Who’s the right person?You need to be physically fit, andknowledgeable on issues related tofitness. You must have good co-ordination, a good sense of rhythm, andexcellent verbal communication skills toexplain the movements clearly. It’simportant that you are approachable andopen to input from participants, as well asbeing a motivating instructor.

What does it take?high school diplomaFitness Leader’s Certification

Next steps?personal fitness trainertrainer of fitness instructormanager of health clubaerobics co-ordinator/programsathletic directorrecreation leader

“I wanted a job that was

exciting and challenged

me mentally and

physically. Being a

fitness instructor does

exactly that.” Shelley

McK.

Fitness Instructor


Sciences, Physical Education


National Fitness LeadershipAdvisory Council (NFLAC)Tel. [email protected]

local YMCA/YWCA

reputable fitness club


golf professionalsports instructorcoach




F light attendants greet passengers,serve food and beverages andensure the safety and comfort of

passengers during an airplane orhelicopter flight. While service isimportant, safety is also a primaryconcern. Before each flight, you check allemergency equipment, confirm that allthe necessary supplies are stocked in theservice area and on food carts, survey thecabin of the aircraft for any problems,and conduct a pre-flight briefing with therest of the crew.

Once passengers have boarded, youmay demonstrate emergency proceduresbefore the plane takes off. When theplane is airborne, you serve food andbeverages to passengers and offer suchitems as blankets, earphones and movies.Once the plane lands, you helppassengers disembark.

Work conditions and trainingFlight attendants work in a small workingenvironment and their work can bephysically demanding. You spend mostof the flight on your feet, moving heavygalley equipment and routinely liftingitems weighing up to ten kilograms. Youcannot work if you are congested due tothe risk of damage to your ear drums.

You are paid on an hourly basis andmay receive a benefits package. All flightattendants are given expense money or aper diem. You must work a minimumnumber of hours each month, yet notexceed the maximum number of hoursset by the airline for safety reasons.

Training for flight attendants isintensive and may be based on exactingstandards. Airlines provide their ownformal training, lasting about six weeks,during which you will learn the basicsabout the job. Most of the training dealswith safety issues. Emergency training isongoing for flight attendants. The airlineexpects you to keep up with any changesin standards.

Who’s the right person?You must be patient, efficient, adaptableand well-groomed. You must be able towork well as part of a team, yet operateindependently when required. As well,bilingualism is mandatory if applying tomost scheduled air carrier companies inCanada (Air Canada, Canadian). It isimportant for you to show confidence inyour work. In an emergency, passengerswill look to you for help and guidance. Atsuch times, you have to be able torespond promptly and communicateclearly.

What does it take?be a Canadian citizen or have landedimmigrant statusyou must be at least 18 years olda high school diploma or equivalenteducation is requiredmost airlines require one or two yearsof experience working in a serviceindustry (e.g. restaurant, retail)be fluent in English/bilingualism maybe required by some airlinesunion membership may be required -Airline Division of the Canadian Unionof Public Employees (CUPE)you may have to pass a medicalexaminationsome airlines have height restrictions (aminimum of 157 cm and/or amaximum of 186 cm tall)an up-to-date passport

Next steps?customer service directortraining instructorcustomer service agent

Flight Attendant

“ I feel very fortunate to

be able to explore

different cultures,

countries, and cities

while working.” Kevin G.


English, Social Studies,Computer Literacy, anotherlanguage


an airline company


Airline Division of theCanadian Union of PublicEmployees (CUPE)E-mail: [email protected]


instructor, airline attendantstravel guidepurserpassenger attendant, ship




Food and beverage servers take andserve customers’ food and beverageorders. Your main responsibilities

may include greeting and seatingcustomers, taking food orders, settingand clearing tables, picking up andserving orders, informing customers ofmenu items, calculating the bill andtaking payment.

Duties will depend on the type of foodservice establishment. A counter personin fast food restaurants operates acomputerized cash register, takes ordersand accepts payment, maintains a cleanwork area and stocks supplies. Inrestaurants you may be expected tosuggest menu items, serve alcoholicbeverages and prepare and servespecialty foods at the customers’ tables.In establishments that serve alcohol, youmay need to know cocktail mixtures andrecommend wines.

Work conditions and trainingFood and beverage servers work in avariety of settings including restaurants,banquet halls, bars, hotels, private clubs,coffee shops and fast food outlets. Duringbusy times these can be very fast-pacedenvironments, which means you will beon your feet for extended periods. Youmay be required to lift heavy objects suchas trays and supplies.

Food service establishments are oftenopen seven days a week and some areopen 24 hours a day. You may beexpected to work different shifts and splitshifts. There are many opportunities forpeople seeking part-time employment.Most food and beverage servers are paidan hourly rate. Wages are usuallysupplemented by gratuities.

There are training programs for foodand beverage servers available throughcolleges. Professional certification isavailable through the Canadian TourismHuman Resource Council. Training maybe provided on the job. You may startout as a bus person or kitchen helper andwork your way up to a server’s position.

You can progress to higher payingestablishments and supervisory positionsonce you have the necessary skills andexperience.

Who’s the right person?You should be outgoing, friendly, andcourteous. You must be neat inappearance and have excellent writtenand spoken communication skills. Inmany food service establishments, youare expected to work with littlesupervision and be a team player. Duringbusy periods, you will need a “cool head”and great organizational skills. Goodmath skills are important because you willbe dealing with money and a goodmemory is useful for remembering whoordered what.

What does it take?to serve liquor you must be of legaldrinking agesome secondary school may berequiredsome employers may require that yoube bondedfor some employers, you may need totake courses to show that you’velearned about hygiene in theworkplace and/or know how to serveliquorsome positions may require unionmembershipProfessional certification is availablethrough the Canadian Tourism HumanResource Council

Next steps?food and beverage supervisorfood and beverage managerrestaurant managerrestaurant ownerspecial events co-ordinatorcatering manager

Food and Beverage Server

“The work itself is fairly

routine, but meeting so

many different people

makes it fun.”

Celia M.


English, Business


The Food Service Networkhttp://fsnet.pnn.com/


Canadian Restaurant andFoodservices AssociationTel. (416) 923-8416


wine stewardmaitre d’hotelbanquet captainflight attendantbartender




Food and beverage supervisorsco-ordinate and supervise theactivities of workers who prepare

and serve food. They may also be knownas maitre d’hotel, captains, hosts orhostesses. The duties vary depending onthe type of food service establishment.

Food and beverage supervisorsschedule staff hours. You would supervisethe staff to ensure quality service and co-ordinate their activities. This involvestraining new staff in job duties andsanitation and safety procedures. Youmaintain records of stock, sales andwastage and order supplies andequipment. You may have to balance thecash receipts at the end of the day/shift.

Food and beverage supervisors havedirect contact with the customers. Youmay take reservations, greet and seatcustomers and present menus and winelists. You will be required to addresscustomer concerns.

Work conditions and trainingFood and beverage supervisors may workin restaurants, lounges, hospitals,cafeterias, catering companies, hotelsand other tourism establishments. Thework environment can be fast-pacedduring meal times and often involvesbeing on your feet for extended periods.Most supervisors work on a full-timebasis. You may work weekends andholidays and some shift work is required.Depending on the establishment, youmay be paid a salary or by the hour.

Most employers prefer to hire peoplewho have completed high school andsome post-secondary training in foodservices administration, hotel andrestaurant management or related areasof study. You need several years ofexperience in food preparation or service.

With experience, supervisors canadvance to higher managementpositions. They may become salesrepresentatives for food service supplycompanies.

Who’s the right person?You have excellent interpersonal skills.You are a good problem solver and havethe ability to remain pleasant and betactful with customers and staff. Food andbeverage supervisors must be able tocommunicate and work with all types ofpeople. You should have the ability towork in a team environment and remaincalm in stressful situations. Strongorganizational skills are importantbecause of the hectic pace.

You should be in excellent physicalcondition because the position mayrequire long hours, some heavy lifting,and standing for long periods of time.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequireda college diploma in an area related tofood and restaurant management isrecommendedseveral years of experience in the foodand beverage sector is required

Next steps?food and beverage managerrestaurant managerrestaurant ownercatering manager

Food and Beverage Supervisor

“Every day brings new

challenges and new skills.

There is a lot of variety

in what I do and who I

work with.” Kerry E.

Related high schoolsubjects

Business, Cooking,Mathematics, English


Canadian Restaurant andFoodservices AssociationTel. (416) 923-8416Fax (416) 923-1450

FoodNetwww.foodnet.com/service/W2-homepg.html



maitre d’hotelrestaurant managerbanquet/catering supervisorbanquet captainfood technologist




F ront desk agents, once known asfront desk clerks, check in andcheck out guests and receive

payment from hotel guests foraccommodation, room service andrestaurant meals. Your duties andresponsibilities vary depending on thehotel where you work. When guestsarrive, you register them and assign themtheir rooms. In deluxe hotels, you willalso assign a guest services attendant toescort guests to their rooms. You answerquestions about hotel services. You mayaccept and confirm reservations by letter,telephone, and in person. In largerproperties this may be the responsibilityof the reservations sales agents. Youhandle telephone and fax messages forguests. You may also handle incomingmail, packages, baggage, freight, andother items for hotel guests.

An important part of your job is torespond to concerns (and compliments!)from guests. If a guest says something,negative or positive, you respond inwriting as well as in person. You fill outand check daily record sheets, guestaccounts, receipts and vouchers, usingeither computerized or manual systems.

Work conditions and trainingYou work at a hotel, motel, or resort.Your first job in this industry, like in otherindustries, will likely be an entry-levelposition, since most hotel managementpositions require that you have previousexperience as well as the appropriateeducation and training as a front deskagent. Many hotels prefer to promotetheir employees rather than hire fromoutside. That way, they know that theperson already understands operations.Work may involve shift work and mayinclude some weekends and holidays.Agents make an hourly wage. Manyhotels provide their staff with non-monetary benefits.

Training may be on the job. Manycommunity colleges and CEGEP offerprograms (certificate and diploma) forhotel front office reception. Other

courses (ranging from one to four years)involve a wide variety of subjects in hotel,resort or tourism management.

Who’s the right person?You are outgoing, enthusiastic and enjoyworking with the public. You are tactfuland courteous, professional and mature,and able to manage stress well. You havegood communication and people-skills,are well-organized and responsible.

What does it take?high school diploma is essentialcompletion of community college orCEGEP programs in hotel managementmay be requiredsome experience working with thepublic in any area of tourism is a realassetprofessional certification is available forthis occupation through the CanadianTourism Human Resource Council

Next steps?front office managerreservations managernight auditorfood and beverage supervisor

Front Desk Agent

“If you like meeting

people from all over the

world, this is the job. It’s

exciting and something

new happens every day.”

Stacey G.


Business, English, French, athird language


Hotel Association of Canadawww.hotels.ca

a local hotel or motel



reservations sales agentrooms division directorhospital admitting clerktourism visitor informationcounsellor




Hockey players compete in one ofthe most physically and mentallydemanding sports. You need

exceptional skating skills and the abilityto apply those skills to the rules of thegame. You develop your skills throughregular training and practice under theguidance and instruction of coaches andtrainers.

Only the best and strongest playersmake it into the National Hockey League(N.H.L.). In Canada, the CanadianHockey League (C.H.L.) is made up ofregional leagues. You can play Bantamhockey at age 14 and be drafted by oneof the teams in the league. To play with aC.H.L. team, you must be between theages of 16 and 20 and you mustcomplete high school during that time.N.H.L. scouts attend C.H.L. games towatch for upcoming talent. Once youturn 18, you are eligible to be draftedinto the N.H.L. Then you would continueto play in the C.H.L. for a few years orjoin an affiliated N.H.L. team to furtherdevelop your skills. Most players do notenter the N.H.L. until they are at least 21years old.

In the amateur leagues, hockeyplayers usually get paid per game. Youmay also receive books and tuitiontowards college. Amateur players do notplay the sport full time. Most players alsowork and/or go to school.

Work conditions and trainingHockey players work very irregular hours.There are practice times, game times,and travel times. There is usually plentyof travelling involved in a hockey player’slife. As an amateur, you need tosuccessfully juggle the demands of thesport, school, work, and family. There isvery little time left for a social life.

Injuries are a common hazard in thegame of hockey. Many players sufferbroken arms and legs. Cuts that requirestitches and broken teeth are verycommon.

Your professional life as a hockey player isa short one. Therefore, you are advised tofurther your education to make sure thatyou will have a successful life afterhockey.

Who’s the right person?You have incredible endurance andperform extremely well under pressure.You not only skate really well, but youhave exceptional skills in stick handling,shooting, and passing the puck. You are ateam player and have leadership abilities.Hockey players must be able to followinstructions from coaches and managers.Scouts usually look for players who arephysically big. Small players still have achance if you have other exceptionalabilities such as speed.

What does it take?Canadian Hockey League players mustcomplete high school while playing inthe leaguetalent and persistence

Next steps?amateur playerprofessional playercoach/manager

Hockey Player

“Today’s player must be

committed all year long

to physical and mental

discipline --- it’s not just

talent anymore.”

Doug G.


Physical Education, Business


Canadian Hockey Leaguewww.cmtcanada.com/CHL/home.html

National Hockey LeaguePlayers Associationwww.nhlpa.com


refereecoachmanagerscoutsports announcer/commentator


ShortTIPSIf you think you would like aninternational career, start in highschool to expose yourself to travel,culture and languages. Start yourresearch early and find work beforeyou leave. Allow a good length oftime to investigate.



The maitre d’hôtel co-ordinatesmany of the elements required tomanage a restaurant or other

similar establishment, from greetingguests to ordering supplies. As a maitred’hôtel, you are in constant contact withmanagement, kitchen staff, and theserving staff. You ensure that parties andspecial occasions are planned in advance.You also hire, train, schedule and releasestaff, when necessary. Otherresponsibilities include ordering supplies,administering the staff payroll, bookingand budgeting events and acting as aliaison between the establishment andthe client, making sure, for example, thatconcerns are handled courteously andpromptly.

You have a large store of knowledgeof the available services provided by therestaurant, of the menu, of wines, and soon.

Work conditions and trainingYou work for a restaurant, hotel, bar,private club, or similar establishment.Depending upon the establishment, youmay be paid a salary or by the hour. Withexperience, you may play an importantpart in the overall management of thebusiness. Hours are flexible and shiftlength may vary. Some shifts mayinclude holidays and weekends.

Most maitre d’s start out as food andbeverage servers and over time worktheir way to the position of maitre d’.The initial training period gives you theopportunity to demonstrate that you canexecute events smoothly while managingthe day-to-day functions. You mustcontinually update your knowledge offood and wine to better serve customers.Seminars and management courses maybe available to help you keep up withnew ideas and trends.

College courses in hotel andrestaurant management or businessadministration are also a definite asset ifyou want to pursue this profession.Depending upon your province orterritory, the Tourism Education Council

or Industry Association may have acertification program that is recognizedby the tourism industry.

Who’s the right person?You are well-organized, creative,presentable and personable, and able tocommunicate clearly and easily with staffas well as clients. You are tactful, politeand accommodating in dealing with yourguests. You cope well with stress and canhandle crises calmly and professionally.Bilingualism or the ability to speak severallanguages is a definite advantage,especially in hotel restaurants wheremuch of the clientele may consist ofvisitors from foreign countries. You willhave to be sensitive to the variety ofneeds of guests from other cultures.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredprevious experience in the serviceindustrycomputer skillsa college diploma in food andbeverage management or businessadministration is an assetunion membership may be expectedprofessional certification may beavailable for this occupation

Next steps?food and beverage managerassistant general manager - hotelgeneral manager - hotel or restaurantowner or partner of a restaurant

Maitre d’Hotel

“No day is ever the same,

and no client’s needs are

ever the same; ... keeps it

constantly exciting.”

Paul D.


English, BusinessMathematics, ComputerLiteracy

Want moreinformation? Try....

the tourism program at alocal community college


tourism industry associationor tourism education councilin your province or territory


restaurant host/hostesstourism small businessowner/operator




Outdoor guides plan, organize,and conduct outdoorrecreational activities. You could

lead activities such as mountain trailriding, whitewater rafting and hunting orfishing expeditions. Most outdoor guidesfocus on one area of expertise and it isthe guide’s responsibility to make surethat all the members of the group havean enjoyable, successful, safe experience.You can work for private companies andresorts or be self-employed.

Outdoor guides plan the excursion bychecking out the territory, making sureyou have all the necessary equipmentand that it is in good working order,planning meals and preparing supplies.When the guests arrive, you greet them,teach them how to use the equipmentproperly, discuss safety and emergencyprocedures, and lead the expedition.

Work conditions and trainingAs expected, most of the work isperformed outdoors often in thewilderness and sometimes in extremeweather conditions. The work is seasonaldepending upon the type of guiding.During busy seasons, expect to be awayfrom home for days or weeks at a time.The work is very physically demanding.You put out more physical effort than theguests and often have to carry, lift andoperate heavy equipment and supplies.

The education and training requireddepends upon the type of guiding. Forexample, there are specific trainingcourses for skills such as rock climbing,whitewater rafting and canoeing. Ingeneral, guides need to be certified infirst aid and CPR (cardiopulmonaryresuscitation) and have a thoroughknowledge of their sport includingequipment and safety requirements.There are also college and universityprograms available in outdoor education,recreation technology or adventuretourism.

You can start out as an assistant to aguide then, once you develop the skillsand expertise necessary, become an

independent guide either working foryourself or an outfitter.

Who’s the right person?You thrive on challenge and adventureand enjoy working in the outdoors. Youare a leader and take pleasure fromsharing your skills and knowledge withothers. You enjoy physically demandingwork and have a high level of strengthand stamina. You are able to work wellalone and as part of a team. Outdoorguides have excellent organization skills.Since many outdoor guides are self-employed or contracted out, you need tobe a self-starter. Good communicationskills are a must.

Outdoor guides have a keen interest inthe environment and nature.

What does it take?some secondary school education maybe requiredspecial licences and/or certificationmay be required depending upon thetype of guidingcolleges and universities offer relatedprograms (outdoor recreation, outdoorleadership)first-aid and CPR certification are bothhighly recommendedprofessional certification is availablethrough the Canadian Tourism HumanResource Council

Next steps?partner or owner of outdoor guidingbusinessresort managerresort owner

Outdoor Guide

“I love being outdoors

and in touch with

nature. This work is a

constant physical and

mental challenge.”

Jerry S.


Physical Education(Orienteering), English,Business, Sciences



Professional Outfitters &Tourism Association(Saskatchewan)www.wwwdi.com


recreation leadertour/travel guideconservation officerforesterdude wranglercampground operatortourism small businessowner/operator




Recreation Leader

“The primary thing is

working with people... in a

recreational setting where

the main purpose is to

have fun.” Rick T.

Recreation leaders plan, organizeand co-ordinate recreational,cultural and athletic activities for

people of all ages. Special recreationprograms include arts and crafts, sports,games, music, drama and other activities.You choose which activities will beoffered at your recreation facility,following policies and budgets set by themanagement. You identify appropriateactivities based on the population youare working with, put together theresources you need, run the program andwrite a report on it. You will probablyteach or lead activities yourself, as well astrain volunteers and staff members to doso. Promotion and fund raising activitiesmay also be your responsibility. You mayplan and organize competitive events.

Work conditions and trainingRecreation leaders work in communitycentres, municipalities, corporations,clubs, correctional facilities, retirementhomes, institutions for the severelyhandicapped, and other facilities thatrecognize the therapeutic aspects ofrecreation. As people become moreinterested in living healthier lives andreducing stress, more opportunities areemerging in the field. You may berequired to work evenings and weekends,in a variety of facilities, both indoors andout, depending on the activities andprograms you are running. You arenormally paid a salary but can also workon contract.

In addition to the recreationbackground you bring to your work, youmay have the opportunity to attendworkshops and courses which allow youto build and maintain your skills,knowledge and any special certificationsyou have.

Who’s the right person?You have a high level of energy and loveworking with people. You have goodcommunication and leadership skills todeal with both participants and otherstaff. You must be able to explain ideasand plans clearly and accurately bothorally and in writing. You are flexible,have strong organizational skills and arecreative, especially with limited resources.You enjoy recreational activities such assports, games, and crafts. You are patientand caring with people of all ages.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requiredcompletion of either a two-yearrecreation program at a communitycollege or a four-year universityprogram is preferred and generallystandardcertification in first aid, CPR, aquatics,fitness or other areas may be requiredfor certain jobsrelevant experience and contactsthrough summer work is a major asseta second language may be an assetdepending on the work setting

Next steps?supervisory or directing positionscounsellorcoaches employed in their ownbusinessesself-employed providing recreational orfitness services



Physical Education, Business(Accounting, Marketing),Computer Literacy


Canadian IntramuralRecreation Association (CIRA)www.activeliving.ca/cira

Canadian Parks andRecreation Association(CPRA)Email [email protected]

Canadian Association ofHealth, Physical Education,Recreation and Dance(CAHPERD)Tel. Toll [email protected]


camp directorcamp counsellorstudent activities adviserrecreational therapistamateur athletic coachpersonal trainer



Ski lift operators supervise the useof ski lift equipment. Your mainresponsibilities are to check that

the passenger has the proper ticket andmake sure that the skiers get on and offthe lift safely. You provide assistance withloading and unloading passengers whennecessary.

Ski lift operators must monitor theequipment to ensure that it is operatingproperly and report any mechanicalproblems immediately. You need to beknowledgeable of lift shut down andevacuation procedures in case of anemergency.

As an ambassador of the ski hill, yougreet the guests, anticipate their needsand provide information about thefacilities and services. Yourcommunication skills will be put to usesince passengers may use you as a sourceof information. You may have to tellthem about the ski area including snowconditions, different trails, weatherconditions and hours of operation.

Work conditions and trainingSki lift operators work primarily outdoorsin cold weather. Some lift attendantswork in covered shelters where thepassengers load and unload but theseshelters are often cold. In many areas thework is seasonal. Most ski hills are onlyoperational during the winter months.

Some high school education isrequired. With further education andexperience, ski lift operators can move onto supervisory and managementpositions. Some ski hills may requiresuccessful completion of a Lift OperatorCertificate.

Who’s the right person?You love skiing and dealing with people.You have the ability to ski safely andefficiently down any trail. Ski liftoperators do not have a fear of heightsand function well at high altitudes.

You have a positive attitude, neatappearance and great customer service

skills. You need to work well as part of ateam and take initiative. Ski lift operatorsshould be in good physical healthbecause they may be required to assistwith lifting, repairing, loading andunloading equipment and passengers.

What does it take?some high school education ispreferredmay be required to complete a LiftOperator Certificate

Next steps?supervisor of lift operations

Ski Lift Operator

“It is great to be outside

and to have the ability to

ski or snowboard so

often.” Rich P.


Physical Education,Mechanics




ski instructorski patrollersports/fitness programleader


You don’t have to be employed tohave a business card. Invest insome attractive business cards anddon’t be shy about giving them out.You may get an unexpected callfrom someone who kept it handy.

ShortTIPS



Special events co-ordinators plan,organize and co-ordinate meetings,conferences, conventions,

seminars, exhibits and trade shows. As aco-ordinator you are not limited tobooking facilities and choosing menus.You are responsible for handlinginquiries, finances, mailings andpromotional material. You ensure thataudio-visual equipment, transportation,translation services and displays areavailable as needed. You must establishand stick to a strict budget.

As well as the speakers andparticipants that need to be looked after,you are often in charge of the socialschedule or programs for their spousesand children. Prior to the days of theevent, you inspect the facilities andensure that everything from registrationto the closing session runs smoothly. Youmust be ready to provide participantswith any information they need and dealwith any problems that arise.

Work conditions and trainingYou could work in a convention centre orhotel or for an association or corporationthat stages a large number of events. Youmay run your own company. Full-timeconvention co-ordinators are paid asalary but those working as consultantsare paid on a fee-for-service basis.Typically, you must work long hourswhen preparing for the event and theneven longer hours during the event itself.At the beginning you work answeringphones, performing administrationduties, data entry, etc. within the office.After a period of time your employer willmove you to the site of the event.

Many community colleges offerprograms leading to a Conventions andMeetings Management Certificate forpeople who have either two yearsexperience in the tourism service field ora diploma or a degree in these areas. Bytaking courses through a local chapter ofMeeting Professionals International, youcan become a Certified MeetingProfessional.

Who’s the right person?You are a natural organizer with first-ratepeople skills. You focus on details. Youshould enjoy making complexarrangements and have a knack forkeeping track of several things at once.You use interpersonal skills to deal withthe participants and speakers of thefunction, and the people behind thescenes (e.g., with hotels, caterers,transport firms, and many suppliers.)You’ll need good negotiation skills andthe ability to build a network of reliablesuppliers.

You must remain calm and collected inthe face of the unexpected problems thatarise during any convention. You shouldbe a self-starter who works well withoutsupervision and can handle pressure well.

What does it take?a high school diploma is essentiala college diploma or university degreein business, tourism or administration isan advantagecomputer skillsexcellent organizational skillshands-on event experience (volunteerwork with local charities is one route toconsider)

Next steps?convention managerspecial events managerpublic affairs program co-ordinatorowner of your own events planningcompany

Special Events Co-ordinator

“My career allows me to

use both right brain and

left brain... this line of

work keeps me enthused

every time I pick up the

phone.” Chris B.


English, Business(Accounting), ComputerLiteracy


a community college thatoffers courses in conventionmanagement co-ordination

Meeting ProfessionalsInternationalwww.mpiweb.org



public relations consultantmarketing managerpromotions manager




Taxi drivers drive automobiles,vans, limousines and large sedansto transport passengers. Your

passengers could include children, seniorcitizens, business people, famous people,tourists, and wedding parties. You couldbe taking them to medical appointments,schools, hotels, airports, graduations,weddings and meetings.

You keep a clean vehicle and makeminor repairs or take the vehicle forservicing. You make routine maintenancechecks on the vehicle to ensure that itmeets mechanical safety standards. Youcollect your fares and provide change toclients. You may have to provideinformation about the local area andpoints of interest or give advice on hotelsand restaurants.

Work conditions and trainingTaxi drivers can be self-employed. Youmay own, lease or rent your vehicle.Some drivers work for a company. Youcan work full time or part time and youwork day, evening and weekend hours.You must be able to sit for long periodsof time. Chauffeurs may be required towear suits or uniforms. Good physicalhealth is important since you will berequired to lift luggage and parcels orchange a flat tire. You must be preparedfor bad weather days, which canchallenge even the best drivers.

Salary levels vary depending on theemployer and the number of hoursworked. Chauffeurs may get an hourlyrate, a commission or a monthly salary.Taxi drivers may be paid a percentage ofthe total fares they collect if they work fora company. Income is usuallysupplemented by gratuities (tips).

Most provinces and territories requirea special driver’s licence, which mayinclude a written test and an on-the-roadtest. A Class G driver’s licence is requiredin Ontario and a Class 4 licence isrequired in the other provinces andterritories. You will be expected to have aclean driving record and a municipalpermit.

Who’s the right person?You are able to communicate well andhave excellent customer service skills. Youremain calm and courteous even whendealing with difficult clients. Taxi andlimousine drivers must be neat andprofessional in appearance and take pridein their vehicles.

You need a thorough knowledge ofthe local area, the house numberingsystems, points of interest, touristattractions and popular restaurants andnightclubs. You enjoy driving even in badweather conditions and busy traffic. Youare self-disciplined and patient.

What does it take?some secondary education is preferreda clean driving recordsome companies require a criminalrecord checkmost provinces and territories require aspecial chauffeur’s licenceextensive knowledge of the area or cityyou will be workingmay need a municipal taxi permitmay be required to attend a defensivedriving course

Next steps?private chauffeurpartner or owner of a taxi company

Taxi Driver

“I meet such a variety of

people and hear some very

interesting stories.”

Art N.


English, Business, Mechanics




taxi dispatcherbus driverdelivery drivertruck driver




Tourism small business owners/operators are owners and/ormanagers of businesses that fill a

need within the tourism industry. Yourbusiness provides a product or service tovisitors in your area. There are severalbusinesses that can fall under thiscategory.1. Accommodation – hotels, motels,

campgrounds, hostels, bed andbreakfast houses

2. Adventure tourism and recreation –whitewater rafting tours, heli-skiing,trail riding

3. Attractions – galleries, historical sites,museums

4. Events and conferences – concerts,conventions, festivals

5. Food and beverage – nightclubs, pubs,coffee shops, restaurants

6. Tourism services – informationservices, retail sales

7. Transportation – airlines, car rentals,taxi companies

8. Travel trades – tour operators, travelagencies

The tourism small business owner/operator is responsible for all aspects ofsetting up, operating and maintainingthe business. You need to determinewhether your business idea is feasible.From your research, you develop yourbusiness plan. If all goes well, you putyour plan into action and start up thebusiness.

Regardless of the type of product orservice you are providing, you will be inconstant contact with your customers toensure that you are meeting their needs.Since most of your customers will bevisitors/tourists, you may be asked toprovide information on the local area,upcoming events, and tourist attractions.

Work conditions and trainingThe work conditions and training willvary considerably depending upon thetype of business you establish. There isalways a certain degree of financial riskinvolved in starting up a business.

Most tourism small business owners/operators can expect to put in very longhours especially during peak seasons. Thisusually involves working weekends andholidays as well. Some businesses may beseasonal (e.g. heli-skiing, campgrounds).

Who’s the right person?Communication skills are of utmostimportance. You need to be able tocommunicate in writing and in personwith banks, suppliers, businessconsultants, staff and, above all, yourcustomers. You will put thosecommunication skills to good use whenyou are marketing and promoting yourbusiness. You need to be highlyorganized and efficient and be able tomanage your time effectively. You areable to provide leadership and makedecisions.

Tourism small business owners/operators are willing to take risks, have astrong business sense and know a greatdeal about the product or service beingsold.

What does it take?a high school diploma is stronglyrecommendeda post-secondary program or coursesrelated to small business managementor entrepreneurship is recommendedthorough knowledge of the service/product

Next steps?the owner/operator of more than onesmall business

Tourism Small Business Owner/Operator

“The key to this

business is building

relationships of trust and

loyalty with clients. It is

so gratifying to have a

satisfied client return

with more business.”

Sylvia E.


Business, English, French, athird language


Canadian Business ServiceCentreswww.cbsc.org


Strategiswww.strategis.ic.gc.ca


business consultantretail store assistant managermanager or owner




Tourism visitor informationcounsellors provide information totourists and visitors about the

area, zone, region, province, territory orcountry they represent. You greet thevisitors, determine their informationneeds and then respond with completeand accurate information. You promotethe tourism products and services toencourage a longer stay and return visits.

You provide information on localattractions and events and provide statusreports on weather and road conditions,fire hazards, trends, currency exchangerates and tourist alerts. You also providemaps, brochures, guidebooks andschedules. You may have to givedirections to points of interest or tellpeople how to get to specific addresses.You need to ensure that the guestunderstands the information you provide.

You need to keep the resources andinformation current and may be asked toassist in developing new resources. Youmay be required to open and close thefacility and make sure that it is neat andclean. You will gather and keep track ofvisitor statistics such as how manyinquiries you handled in person and byphone and what type of questions wereasked.

Work conditions and trainingMost tourism visitor informationcounsellors work indoors in a visitorinformation centre. The work may beseasonal depending on the area yourepresent. For example, some vacationareas have their busy season during thesummer and only require counsellorsduring that time. Flexible work schedulesare usually part of the job.

Who’s the right person?Tourism visitor information counsellorshave exceptional communication skills.You need to know how to ask the rightquestions and give out the information ina manner that the visitor understands.You need to treat every question as

though it was the first time you heard it.You are able to “read” the guests todetermine if they are in a hurry and ifthey understood the information youprovided. You are customer-oriented,friendly and confident in your knowledgeof the area.

A positive attitude and professionalappearance are vital since you may be thefirst contact the guest has with your area.You have good research skills that areused to gather information about the areathat you represent.

It is helpful if you have a secondlanguage and first hand knowledge of thearea you will be promoting. You need towork both independently and as part of ateam.

What does it take?a high school diploma is usuallyrequiredsome post-secondary education is anadvantagecomputer knowledge of databases andthe Internetfirst aid certification is recommendedfluency in a second language is anassetprofessional certification is availablethrough the Canadian TourismResource Council

Next steps?tourism/visitor information centresupervisortravel counsellor

Tourism Visitor Information Counsellor

“There is such a sense of

pride in knowing your

community and a sense

of accomplishment in

knowing how to promote

it well.” Nancy K.


English, Business (Marketing,Accounting), secondlanguage, ComputerLiteracy




travel counsellorpublic relations consultantheritage interpretermuseum guidelocal tour guide




T ravel counsellors promote and selltravel services to the public. Usingyour in-depth knowledge of travel

destinations, transportation companiesand hotels and resorts, you describe andsell these services to clients. You getinformation about costs, routes andschedules from computer databases,promotional brochures and the Internet.You make reservations and preparetickets, itinerary and travel insurancepolicies. The travel counsellor alsoprepares the bill and collects paymentfrom the customer. If the client has anyproblems during the trip, such as losttickets or reservation mix-ups, you dowhat you can to fix the situation.

You are often given the opportunity totravel to the places you promote in orderto become familiar with the destination.These familiarization trips are paid for bythe agency or the companies the agencyrepresents. Travel counsellors also benefitfrom reduced travel rates.

You work with a variety of clientsincluding recreational travellers, businesstravellers and tour groups.

Work conditions and trainingMost travel counsellors work in travelagencies or other travel serviceorganizations such as wholesale tourcompanies, hotel chains or governmenttourist boards. Most of the work isindoors in an office setting. Most of yourtime is spent behind a desk consultingwith clients and doing paperwork. Hoursof work may vary depending upon thetype of agency you work for and the timeof year. During the busy seasons,overtime may be necessary. Someagencies are open evenings andweekends.

Travel counsellors should have a highschool diploma as a minimum. Manyagencies prefer to hire people who alsohave post-secondary training in travelcounselling related courses. Programsoffered by business schools andcommunity colleges can range anywherefrom three months to three years.

ACCESS (ACTA/CITC) CanadianEducational Standards System providescertification to travel counsellors based onwork experience, education and exams. Itis helpful to have some sales and travelexperience, knowledge of geography andfluency in a second language.

Who’s the right person?Successful travel counsellors arecustomer-service oriented. This meansyou have excellent communications andsales skills. You enjoy serving a variety ofpeople quickly and efficiently. You needstrong mathematical, computer, andorganizational skills. A good memory is agreat advantage.

Travel counsellors have the ability towork well under pressure and adapt wellto change. You need to pay closeattention to details.

What does it take?a high school diplomamany employers prefer to hiregraduates of a travel-related program(three months to three years)professional certification is availablethrough ACCESS (ACTA/CITC) basedon related work experience andcompletion of course work and exams

Next steps?senior travel counsellorsupervisory positionsmanagerowner of a travel agency

Travel Counsellor

“Working with people -

helping people who are

travelling for pleasure

and those on business is

an interesting mix.”

Erin S.


English, Social Studies,Business, Computer Literacy


Alliance of Canadian TravelAssociationswww.hyde.com/acta.htm

Canadian Institutes of TravelCounsellorsACCESS (ACTA/CITC)3300 Bloor Street West,Suite 2880, Etobicoke, ONM8X 2X3



reservations sales agentspecial events co-ordinatortour guidespecial events managersales representative


213

Trades & ConstructionEnjoy high satisfaction and the potential for high earnings in an area

for skilled workers!

The trades occupations range from the simple to the highly sophisticated. Thisis a great area if you enjoy working with your hands and have good mechanical andtechnical skills (automotive service technician, electrician, machinist). It is also veryrewarding to those who enjoy seeing the immediate results of their work (painter/decorator, autobody technician, heavy equipment operator). Many of these jobsinvolve working in the outdoors (crane operator, construction driller, roofer). Inmany cases you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings andlocations. For those who like to be their own boss, there are good opportunities inmany trades to be in business for yourself. Without an exception, you will find safetyawareness to be critical to a successful career.

TIP: Watch for and be prepared to use exciting newinventions and developments in your work!Being on top of the latest technology can really increase the value of your work in thetrades. Every trade has been influenced in some way by modern technology such as:the new electronic diagnostic machines in the automotive industry; on-boardcomputers for heavy equipment operators; new soldering material for the plumberand machine mechanic; or a new type of paint for houses, machinery or vehicles.Easier and safer materials and equipment can add up to speedier, better-qualityresults for your customers and more business for you. Each new development calls forsome new learning and adjustment in the way you do your work. So, be on the alertfor new developments (through networking and trade journals) and make time tolearn how to apply them in your trade.


Autobody Technician 7322 215

Automotive ServiceTechnician 7321 216

Boiler Operator 7351 217

Crane Operator 7371 218

Driller, Construction 7372 219

Drywall Installer andFinisher 7284 220

Electrician 7241 221

Elevator Constructor andMechanic 7318 222

Furniture Finisher andRefinisher 949 223

Gas/Oil Burner Technician 7253 224

Heavy EquipmentOperator 742 225

Ironworker 7264 226

Machinist 723 227

Motorcycle Mechanic 7334 228

Painter/Decorator 7294 229

Plumber 7251 230

Power Linesman/woman 7244 231

Refrigeration & AirConditioning Mechanic 7313 232

Roofer 7291 233

Sheet Metal Worker 7261 234

Welder 9510 235





1. Thinking:

Be detailed Make decisions Be systematic Use memory

Solve problems Find information Plan and organize job tasks Be quality and safety-minded


Listen to instructions and act accordingly Clarify instructions

Interact with co-workers, supervisors, quality-control personnel, customers Call suppliers


Use: Software programs to confirm Transfer knowledge and skill frommeasurements and do adjustments one technology to another

Computer software programs

Computer-controlled machinery

4. Numeracy:

Measure and calculate Make numerical estimations Prepare schedules and budgets

Analyze data (compare, contrast, Use money math (financial transactions)predict; averages, summaries, rates)


Work independently or as part of a team Inform other workers Orient new employees

Be respectful of others Participate in discussions Monitor work performance of others

6. Writing:

Write: Defect reports Work order forms Job specifications Sketches

Lists Invoices Estimates

7. Reading:

Read: Memos Instructional manuals (machinist handbooks) Company regulations

Safety standards Schematic diagrams, blueprints, assembly drawings Detailed instructions

Job specifications Charts, grade plans, tables









Autobody technicians repair orreplace damaged motor vehiclebody parts and finishes. You

straighten bent parts, remove dents,refinish surfaces, and replace exterior andinterior components that are beyondrepair.

You may work on large trucks, busesor tractor-trailers, but most of thedamaged vehicles you work on willprobably be cars and small trucks of a“unibody” design. You need precisefactory specification charts andsophisticated measuring and repairsystems to accurately align unibodyvehicles because they are not builtaround a frame. Restoring the structuralintegrity of a damaged vehicle mayinvolve cutting away damagedcomponents, welding in or bolting onnew or recycled replacement parts,accurately aligning suspension andsteering components, and making surethat passenger protection systems workproperly.

Working out minor damage in bodypanels, fenders and other parts mayrequire body sheet metal work or plasticrepair. Refinishing may require removinglayers of subcoatings, applying anti-corrosion treatments, masking parts notto be painted, colour matching, primingand top coating. You may repair orreplace interior components.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably work a standard forty-hour week in an independent auto bodyrepair shop, or a shop associated with acar and truck dealership. Most shopshave special ventilation systems todisperse dust and paint fumes.

Apprenticeship training programs forautobody technicians vary somewhatfrom province/territory to province/territory, but generally require two orfour years of learning on the job andtaking related short courses. Keeping up-to-date with new technologicaldevelopment requires ongoing learningthrough professional development

activities such as reading, consultingexperts and attending upgrading courses.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy using tools and equipment,and solving problems. No two damagedvehicles are ever the same so you havedifferent problems to solve every time.You are patient, have good colour vision,can pay attention to details, and are verysafety conscious. You also work well in ateam environment and have goodcustomer service skills.

What does it take?some secondary school education isusually requiredrelated industrial education or trainingis a definite assetfor formal certification in this trade,you must complete a provincially/territorially sponsored apprenticeshipprogram

Next steps?supervisory positionsinsurance appraiserautobody shop owner/operator

Autobody Technician

“People are attached to

their cars. When I get a

damaged vehicle back to

factory finish, I’m

making someone happy.”

Larry S.


Mechanics, Industrial Shop,Science, Mathematics


Automotive IndustriesAssociation of Canadawww.aftmkt.com/associations/AIA/

Canadian Automotive Repairand Service Councilwww.cars-council.ca


sheet metal workeraircraft maintenancetechnicianautomotive servicetechnicianmachinistwelder


ShortTIPSAutomotive service technicians(formerly known as automechanics) who have computerknowledge and can diagnoseproblems using electronicinstruments can make between$45,000 and $70,000. Otherautomotive service technicians whodo general repair make about$30,000 to $45,000.



Automotive service technicianskeep cars and light trucksrunning smoothly. You prevent

problems by performing regularlyscheduled maintenance activities such asoil changes, lubrications and tune-ups,and diagnose and repair problems whenthey occur.

You may specialize in servicing andrepairing particular parts or work on alltypes of systems, including engines,electrical/electronic systems, brakingsystems, steering systems, drive trainsand suspension systems. Or, you mightservice race cars, using your high techcomputer knowledge and knowledge ofthe racing environment to quicklydiagnose performance problems.

In general, you begin by reviewing awork order or examining a vehicle. Todiagnose problems, you may take thevehicle for a test drive or usesophisticated testing equipment. Youtake parts apart, replace or repair worn ordamaged parts, put things backtogether, and check to make sure theproblem has been fixed. This may requireusing various types of diagnosticequipment, and consultingmanufacturers’ manuals or otherreferences.

You may also discuss vehicleperformance with customers, estimaterepair costs, write up work orders,provide advice and describe work thathas been done or will need to be done inthe future.

Work conditions and trainingMost automotive service technicianswork in the retail industry, in automotiverepair shops, service stations anddealerships. Some are employed by largeorganizations to maintain fleets ofvehicles. In retail shops, you may berequired to work evening, weekend andholiday hours. Race car mechanics spenda considerable amount of time travelling,and work in a fast-paced environmentwith high standards and intense decision-making requirements.

Apprenticeship training programs forautomotive service technicians varysomewhat from province/territory toprovince/territory, but generally requireabout four years of learning on the joband taking short courses. Related workexperience or completion of anautomotive service training program at acollege or technical institute can reducethe number of years required to completethe apprenticeship program, and make iteasier for you to find an employer willingto hire and train you.

To keep your skills current, you have tokeep up with new technologicaldevelopments by reading, talking withother technicians, and attendingupgrading seminars. Vehicle componentsare becoming increasingly complex, andstrong analytical and diagnostic skills arerequired to trouble-shoot problems.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy taking things apart andlearning how mechanical and electronicdevices work. When confronted with acomplex mechanical problem, you thinkit through, then try various possiblesolutions until you find one that works.You may need to wear ear protectors asthe working environment may be noisy.

To work with customers, you also needgood communication and customerservice skills.

What does it take?some secondary school education isusually requiredrelated industrial education or trainingis a definite assetfor formal certification in this trade,you must complete a provincial/territorial apprenticeship programextra certification may be needed forwork with alternate fuel systems

Next steps?supervisory positionsowner/operator of a repair shop

Automotive Service Technician

“I think this is one of the

most challenging trades

because cars are so high

tech these days,

especially the

electronics.” Warren D.


Industrial Shop, Mechanics,Electronics, Business English


Automotive IndustriesAssociation of Canadawww.aftmkt.com/associations/AIA/


Canadian Association forStock Car Auto Racingwww.cascar.ca


autobody technicianparts personmechanical installer andservicerheavy duty equipmenttechnicianelectronic equipment servicetechnician




Boiler operators control high-pressure boilers that supply steamto heat and cool buildings and

generate power for industrial purposes.Sometimes referred to as boilerengineers, power engineers, or stationaryengineers, they are employed inindustrial and manufacturing plants,hospitals, universities, utility companies,government offices and commercialinstitutions.

A boiler operator is responsible for theheat, cooling and power of buildings andindustrial plants. You operate automatedor computerized systems that control theboiler and other equipment. You monitorreadings of gauges, panel boardinstruments and recorder charts to ensurethat the boiler is operating properly. Youcheck the temperature and the pressureand make any necessary adjustments.

You also activate valves to maintainthe required amount of water in a boiler,adjust the supply of combustion air andcontrol the flow of fuel, such as gas or oilinto the burner. In addition, you addspecified amounts of chemicals (such assulphuric acid), into the boiler feedwaterto control lime build-up or to adjust thealkaline level of the water.

It’s your job to perform regularmaintenance such as cleaning andlubricating compressors or tighteningpipes and fittings. You’re also required tokeep a logbook, recording your operationof the boiler.

Work conditions and trainingBoiler operators usually work inconditions that are relatively clean andwell lit. You may have to crawl insideboilers and work in crouching or kneelingpositions to inspect, clean, or repairequipment. A certain amount of physicalwork is required.

You must be ready to work shifts,since boiler systems need to bemonitored around the clock. Boileroperators are usually paid an hourlywage.

Most large and some small employersencourage and pay for skill-improvementtraining for their employees. Training isalmost always provided when newequipment is introduced, or whenregulations concerning some aspect ofthe duties change.

Who’s the right person?Much of your time is spent monitoringcomputers, gauges and meters. The workis not stressful unless there is a powerfailure or a problem with the boilersystem. In that case, you are responsiblefor dealing with the situation and gettingthe system operating as quickly andefficiently as possible.

You will do well as a boiler operator ifyou are mechanically minded and enjoymachinery. An understanding of modernboilers and computer systems would be abenefit to you in finding a job in this area.

Since boiler operators work aroundboilers as well as electrical andmechanical equipment, they must bealert to avoid burns, electric shock, andother injuries.

What does it take?a high school diploma is requireda fourth class certificate issued by thelocal regulating authority based oncompletion of an inter-provincial/territorial certification programcompletion of a provincially/territorially-regulated apprenticeshipprogram and related work experienceto become a third, second or first classstationary engineercertification as an IndustrialMaintenance Technician may berequired for working with gas/oil firedburners

Next steps?boiler inspectorchief plant engineerbuilding and plant superintendentbuilding manager

Boiler Operator

“You have an awesome

responsibility in making

sure that your system is

working the way it should

be.” Gerry N.


Machine Shop, Electronics,Science


The International Union ofOperating Engineerswww.iuoe.org

The Canadian Union ofOperating Engineers andGeneral WorkersTel. (905) 238-0877


water treatment plantoperatorrefrigeration operatorcompressor operatorheating, ventilation and airconditioning mechanicprocess panel operator




C rane operators work on cranes ordraglines to lift, move, positionand place machinery, equipment

or other large objects at locations such asconstruction sites, industrial facilities, shiploading docks and railway yards.

The machinery varies. You could workon a tower crane (constructingbuildings), on a bridge crane (to build orfix a bridge), or on a mobile crane. Youcould operate a crane on or near thewater, working on equipment thatdredges waterways or loads and unloadsships. You might be loading a containership, operating a pile driver, or workingat a railway yard.

Your job involves using pedals andlevers to operate the machinery inresponse to hand signals from a co-worker or supervisor. You have to beaware of possible hazards such as powerlines. You know how to get the most outof your equipment without overturningit, causing safety problems, or doing anysort of damage.

You will likely have to drive the craneto a work site and help set it up for thejob. You carry out routine maintenance,which involves cleaning and lubricatingthe equipment, checking fluid levels andhydraulic lines, changing the oil andfilters and making minor repairs.

Work conditions and trainingCrane operators work for rentalcompanies, construction firms,manufacturers, shipbuilders, cargo-handlers, railways, and mines. You haveto move from job site to job site, as youare needed. You may have to live awayfrom home for long periods of time. Youneed to be certified in order to haveemployment in this field. You may alsoqualify for your Red Seal to work acrossCanada.

Modern cranes often have computersin the cab to assist the operator and theycan lift greater weights than ever before.This sophistication in the machinerymeans that you must continually

upgrade your skills in order to keep upwith changing technology.

Who’s the right person?A crane operator needs good eyesightand excellent hand-eye co-ordination todo the job well. You need good staminato deal with long hours of repetitive work.Assembling and disassembling theequipment takes strength and agility.

You should have above averagemechanical ability, and you mustunderstand the workings of yourequipment since you are required toperform maintenance and repair work onyour crane. You need to be veryresponsible and independent.

To be a successful crane operator, youmust have self-control and be able tokeep a cool head in critical situations.You also have to get along with people tobe able to work with other members ofyour crew. You must be able to followinstructions.

What does it take?some secondary school education isrequiredcompletion of crane operator training,and an apprenticeship program isrequired in some provinces/territoriesprovincial/territorial certification afterdemonstration of skills may also berequired

Next steps?supervisorpre-lift plannermanager

Crane Operator

“I like handling the

responsibility it requires.

It takes years to be really

good at this.” Kim K.


Machine Shop, Electronics,Mathematics


your provincial/territorialapprenticeship branch

a company employing craneoperators

a local office of theInternational Union ofOperating Engineers

The International Union ofOperating EngineersTel. Toll Free1-800-894-7689


heavy equipment operatorbulldozer operatorside boom tractor operatorbridge crane operatorboom truck operator




Construction drillers core holes forbuildings, take core samples forgeological testing, and drill holes

in rock for grouting or blasting. Theequipment you might operate rangesfrom a jackhammer to a rotary drill to atruck-mounted drill. You use your ownobservations to gauge how the drilling isgoing and control the process.

If you operate a truck-mounted drill,you’re responsible for getting your truckto and from the work site and makingsure it is safe. You’re also responsible forkeeping your equipment in good shape.

Your job as a driller is a veryspecialized one and requires experience.You must know the various conditions ofrock or concrete that you are drilling intoand be able to choose the right drill forthe job. Diamond drill bits are extremelyexpensive and a careless or inexperiencedoperator can cost a company thousandsof dollars.

Work conditions and trainingMost of the time you work outdoors, inall kinds of weather, although some jobshave to be done indoors or underground.You often work in remote locations acrossCanada and around the world. You maybe required to stay away from home forperiods of time.

Drillers can be paid by the hour or bythe foot drilled. Some work is unionized.In exploratory drilling, a driller may bepaid by the hour plus receive aproduction bonus so that the deeper youdrill, the more money you make.

Your work can be varied andinteresting. Each drilling job has its ownunique requirements and set ofproblems. You often work withoutsupervision and must solve problems onyour own, using your skill and experienceto find the most productive and efficientway of getting the job done.

Drillers learn the trade by first trainingfor one year as a driller’s helper at aconcrete drilling and sawing company.After becoming a driller operator, youwould work for one of the many drilling

companies and contractors acrossCanada.

Who’s the right person?You must be in good physical conditionand fairly strong as you will have to do alot of lifting when changing bits oradding rods. You enjoy workingoutdoors. You work in a variety oflocations and don’t mind spending sometime away from home. You must havegood mechanical abilities in case you arerequired to make your own repairs inremote areas. Much of the time, you areworking without supervision so you mustbe self-reliant and dependable to get thejob done safely and on time.

What does it take?a high school diploma is recommendedone year work experience as a driller’shelper is usually requiredmechanical ability is a definite asset

Next steps?sawerforemanestimator

Driller, Construction

“I like being a driller

because there is a huge

variety in the jobs I do,

and each one is another

challenge...” Ed M.


Mechanics, Geography,Science


a local constructioncompany

a local drilling contractor

Concrete Sawing & DrillingAssociation (International)Tel. (614) 798-2252


water well drillerfoundation drill operatorrotary drilling machineoperatorservice rig operatorblaster, constructiondriller, long hole


ShortTIPSYou can teach yourself to think thisabout everything you see and hear:“What does that mean for workopportunities?” A young womansaw a community news story aboutthe closing down of the only localsports store. She and some friendsorganized a sports equipmentexchange that provided a service tothe community and extra cash forthe young entrepreneurs.



D rywall installers attach drywallsheets to the inside framework ofhouses and other buildings.

Drywall finishers prepare walls andceilings for painting by taping andfinishing joints and imperfections.

Drywall sheets are thin layers ofgypsum between two layers of heavypaper. They are manufactured instandard sizes so you have to measure,cut and fit pieces around openings suchas doors and windows. You also have tosaw or cut holes to fit electrical outletsand plumbing. Depending on thesituation, you may use glue, nails orscrews to attach drywall panels to awood or metal framework.

Once walls and ceilings are covered indrywall panels, you fill the joints betweenthe panels with a joint compound andpress a paper tape into the compound toreinforce it. You may use a special trowelor an automatic taping tool. After thecompound is dry, you sand it down,apply another coat and repeat theprocess until the treated areas of the wallor ceiling are as smooth as the rest of thesurface. It takes skill to spread jointcompound around joints and over nailand screw depressions in such a way thatjoints and imperfections are not visibleonce the wall or ceiling is painted.

Work conditions and trainingDrywall installers and finishers areemployed by subcontractors in theconstruction industry. Experiencedfinishers may become self-employedsubcontractors. Overtime hours aresometimes required to meet constructiondeadlines.

The work is physically demanding.You are on your feet most of the time,working with drywall sheets that areheavy and cumbersome. Since sandingjoint compound creates a great deal offine dust, finishers generally wear masks.

Drywall installers and finishers aretrained on the job. You will probably startby helping installers move, position and

secure drywall panels. As you gainexperience, you can become an installerand learn how to finish drywall.British Columbia and Saskatchewan haveformal apprenticeship training programsfor drywall installers and finishers thatinclude several weeks of classroomtechnical training as well as on-the-jobtraining.

Who’s the right person?You have the strength and staminarequired to repeatedly move, lift andposition drywall panels. You are well co-ordinated, pay attention to details, andcan work well alone or in a team withothers.

If you wish to eventually become aself-employed subcontractor, you willneed business skills as well as drywallingskills. You will also need goodcommunication and interpersonal skills,particularly if you do home renovationwork (e.g. finishing basements) and dealwith customers directly.

What does it take?on-the-job training

Next steps?supervisorestimatorself-employed subcontractor

Drywall Installer and Finisher

“I like doing the physical

work. You have to use

your head too—to get the

angles right...”

Daryl G.


Building Construction,Business Mathematics andEnglish


AWCI (Association of Walland Ceiling Industries)Internationalwww.awci.org

Ceilings and Interior SystemsConstruction Associationwww.cisca.org

Women in Trades,Technology, Operations andBlue Collar Workwww.wittnn.com


plastererlather/interior systemsmechanicconcrete finisherbricklayertilesetter




E lectricians install, test and trouble-shoot electrical wiring, fixtures andcontrol devices. You may work

primarily in commercial buildings,industrial plants or residential housing.

During building construction, youread and interpret blueprints and otherspecifications to figure out wiring layoutsthat satisfy building and safety codes. Forinstitutional, commercial and industrialbuilding construction and non-combustible residential construction, youcut, thread, bend, assemble and installconduit; and pull cables and wiresthrough the conduit. In wood frameresidential construction and renovation,you would probably use plastic-coveredwiring instead of conduit. When thewiring is in place, you install switches,relays, outlets, motors, transformers andcontrol devices; splice, join and connectwire to form circuits; and, test circuits tomake sure everything is operating safelyand as designed. You may also modifyand expand electrical systems in olderbuildings.

In preventive maintenance jobs, youregularly inspect equipment and identifypotential problems. Depending on thenature of the problem, you may takecorrective action immediately or advisemanagement. For example, you mayreplace components such as controldevices or wire for safety reasons, oradvise management that differentelectrical system components will beneeded to accommodate plannedequipment changes. You make repairsand install new electrical equipment asneeded.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for a construction ormaintenance contractor, a developer or alarge organization such as a resourcecompany or manufacturer. Workingconditions vary considerably. You maywork indoors in heated buildings, inunheated buildings under construction,or outdoors. In the construction industry,you may work long hours during peak

construction periods, or be laid off duringeconomic downturns.

Apprenticeship training programs forelectricians vary somewhat across Canadabut generally require about four years oflearning on the job and taking classroomand shop courses. Related workexperience or completion of an electricalprogram at a college or technical institutecan reduce the number of years requiredto complete your apprenticeship.Certification is required to work as anelectrician.

To keep your skills current, you have tokeep up with new technologicaldevelopments by reading, talking withequipment/material manufacturers/suppliers and other electricians, andattending upgrading seminars.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy using tools and equipment,and analyzing information to determinewiring layouts and trouble-shootproblems. You get along well with otherpeople, and understand that your work isonly one of the components in theconstruction of building systems.

You need good reading andmathematical skills. You must bephysically fit, able to work at heights, andable to distinguish colours for colour-coded wiring.

What does it take?a high school diploma may be requiredand is generally preferredrelated industrial education or trainingis a definite assetcertification requires completion of aprovincially/territorially sponsoredapprenticeship program

Next steps?supervisory positionscontractorconstruction inspector

Electrician

“...it’s interesting,

challenging and I get to

work with tools. The most

satisfying part is

completing a job and

having everything work

properly.” Patrick R.


Mathematics, Industrial Arts(Electricity), English


Canadian ElectricalContractors Associationwww.ceca.org

Canadian ElectricityAssociationwww.canelect.ca


power system electriciancommunication electricianpower lineman/womanelectrical engineeringtechniciancable television servicetechnicianinstrumentation technician




E levator constructors and mechanicsassemble and install escalators andelevators. Their work may involve

electric or hydraulic elevators,installations to carry freight orpassengers, or moving walkways andsimilar types of equipment. This type ofwork offers a lot of variety - every job isdifferent.

You begin by studying the plans tofigure out the layout of the installation.You then install the hoisting machineryand equipment, counterweights, carplatforms and the elevator or escalatorchassis. The next step is to build theelevator car frame using hand and powertools. The car frame is then attached bycable to the counterweight. Finally, youinstall the control system and all relatedwiring and test its operation.

Maintenance and repair work is amajor part of your duties. You must keepan up-to-date, precise log book detailingall repairs and checks done on anelevator. Maintenance and repairassignments also require frequent contactwith the public.

Work conditions and trainingYou work for a company specializing inelevator construction and maintenance.Advancement is driven by the industryitself. The more education you have, thebetter chance there is of getting a job.

The Canadian Elevator IndustryEducation Program (CEIEP) is acombination of training courses offeredby the International Union of ElevatorConstructors (IUEC) and working as anapprentice in the elevator industry. For52 weeks, you work as a probationaryhelper, earning 55% of a mechanic’shourly wage to start. After 26 weeks, therate increases to 60%, and youparticipate in the company pension plan.After 52 weeks, you apply to become amember of the union. Then you canstart taking IUEC courses. You becomerecognized at the national level once youhave completed this apprenticeship

training program, which usually lasts fourto five years.

Hours of work are traditional businesshours (8 to 5) but you must be ready torespond at a moment’s notice if you areworking on call.

Who’s the right person?You have a feeling for how machineswork. You are methodical, hardworkingand responsible. You must be extremelysafety-conscious, for yourself, your co-workers and for the public you serve. Youmust not be colour blind or afraid ofheights. You have the people skills towork well with crew members and thepublic.

You must be able to read andunderstand blueprints and technicalspecifications. You should be able tofollow written instructions and tocalculate speeds, weights and heights.You should be good at keeping clearrecords.

The equipment is heavy and oftendifficult to handle so physical fitness isimportant.

What does it take?high school diploma or equivalenta grade 12-level understanding ofmathematics is requiredmembership in the International Unionof Elevator Constructors (IUEC) isoptionalfamiliarity with tools is usefulan apprenticeship program is required

Next steps?supervisorcorporate adjuster

Elevator Constructor and Mechanic

“ ... it makes me very

proud to say that I’ve

worked in every aspect of

the building trades.

Elevator Mechanics give

the world a lift.” Don L.


Mechanics, Physics,Mathematics, English


a local elevator company

a local office of theInternational Union ofElevator Constructors (IUEC)

the Canadian ElevatorIndustry EducationalProgramTel. Toll Free1-888-462-3437


escalator repairer




Furniture finishers put the finish onnew wood or metal furniture;refinishers replace the finish on old

furniture. If you work with metal you usea procedure called electrostatic finishing.As a finisher, you use brushes or sprayguns to stain or finish the wood pieces.You apply stains, paints, toners,highlights, glazes and shades developedwith special solvents to obtain thedesired look. You also use lacquer andother sealers.

Much of your time is spent sandingand touching up the surfaces of wood ormetal furniture to prepare them for thenext step in the process. The furnituremust also be cleaned and polished. Tocreate special effects, such as an antiquelook, you may need to use hand orpower woodworking tools.

As a refinisher, you carry out the sametasks as a finisher - but first, you must doa good deal of work to prepare the piecefor finishing. You strip off the old finish,using stripping tools and solvents or dipbaths. Then you clean and prepare thesurface and make any necessary repairsto the piece. It’s important to use theright shades of stain and the correctfinishes to achieve the look that thecustomer wants. The reward comes fromseeing the beauty you’ve helped tocreate.

Work conditions and trainingFinishers work in furniture factories andsometimes in retail establishments.Refinishers work for refinishing shops oron their own. The work involves the useof a variety of chemicals, some of whichare dangerous and messy. You beginworking in the sanding and strippingarea, and as you develop more skills youmove to tasks with more responsibilityand rewards. Generally, you are paid anhourly rate that reflects your level ofexperience.

There are no required college coursesfor furniture finishing or refinishing,though the subject is taught in somecolleges as part of the furniture

woodworking curriculum. There are noadditional educational or trainingrequirements for furniture finishing orrefinishing. Training is on the job. Theuse of new manufacturing technologies inthe furniture sector will require newentrants to this sector be able to usecomputer programs, read and interpretprintouts and adjust productionmachinery.

Who’s the right person?You love woodworking, furniture andantiques. It’s a job for a perfectionist,especially when working with antiques orhigh-quality furniture. You needpatience, persistence and a very goodeye. Some physical strength is requiredfor moving pieces.

What does it take?some secondary school education isrequiredexperience in woodworking is usefulcompanies provide on-the-job trainingno certification, union membership, orspecific diploma is required

Next steps?owner of your own business

Furniture Finisher and Refinisher

“It’s very rewarding to

turn a piece of junk into

a beautiful finished

product...” Ted S.


Woodworking, Mathematics,Business English


a woodworking teacher atschool

a community college thatoffers woodworking courses

a furniture manufacturer orrestorer in your area


decoratorspray paint operatortouch-up finisherstainerdecal applierrefinisher technician




Gas/Oil Burner Technician

Gas technicians may install,inspect, alter, purge, activate,repair, service or remove natural

gas or propane appliances and theequipment and accessories needed fortheir operation.

Oil burner technicians may install,inspect, alter, purge, activate, repair,service or remove an oil-fired applianceand the accessories that form a part of itwhether they are attached to it directlyor remotely.

These systems may be located in awide variety of settings, includingresidential and institutional such asschools, hospitals, office buildings, etc.

To install either warm-air heating orhot water heating systems, you read andinterpret blueprints, drawings or otherspecifications and measure and lay outreference points before starting the work.You assemble and install componentssuch as piping and tubing, the ventingsystem, and draft control devices. Inmost areas you can also install, repair,service and maintain the electrical wiringfor natural gas or propane-poweredappliances. You would also be requiredto test the various heating systems todetect leaks and make sure the systemsare working properly.

To service and maintain existingsystems and installations, you wouldregularly check system parts; lubricatethe moving parts; test, repair and servicethe systems as needed.

Work conditions and trainingYou could be employed by a contractingcompany that installs and/or services gas/oil-fired appliances such as furnaces,water heaters, stoves, dryers, fireplaces,etc. A 40-hour work week is common,although you may be required to workovertime to complete projects. If youhappen to work for a contractor that isprimarily involved with service work, youcould also be expected to be on-call,especially during the heating season.Your working conditions may vary

considerably from one project to another.Some working environments will becleaner and more comfortable thanothers.

Training and certification requirementsfor gas/oil technicians vary across thecountry. You should check with the localRegulating Authority to make sure youhave met the certification requirementsand are following any legislation that mayapply to this occupation.

To keep your skills current, you shouldkeep up with new technologicaldevelopments by reading, talking withother technicians and attendingupgrading seminars.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy learning about and working

with heating systems and trouble-shooting mechanical and electricalproblems. You are well co-ordinated andenjoy challenging work.

Since you often work independently,you are self-reliant. You work well withothers in a team environment and havegood customer service skills.

What does it take?some provinces/territories require ahigh school diplomarelated industrial education or trainingis a definite assetfor formal certification, you mustcomplete a training programrecognized by the respective regulatingauthority in your jurisdictiontraining and certification is compulsoryin all provinces/territories at this time.Technicians are required to hold acertificate of qualification issued by theprovince/territory in which they intendto work

Next steps?supervisory positionscontractor businessconsulting/training


Industrial Arts (BlueprintReading), BusinessMathematics & English,Science


Technical Standards &Safety Authority (TSSA)www.tssa.org

Canadian Oil HeatAssociation (COHA)www.coha.ca

Propane Gas Association ofCanada (PGAC)www.propanegas.ca/PTI


refrigeration and airconditioning technicianplumbersteamfittersheet metal workerpipe fitter


“An exciting, challenging

opportunity with

something different to do

every day and

opportunities to meet with

a variety of interesting

people.” Connor P.



Heavy equipment operators usebulldozers, back-hoes, front-endloaders, graders and related

equipment to move earth, constructionmaterials and other heavy materials overshort distances. You operate machines bymoving levers or foot pedals, and usingswitches, dials or other controls. You mayoperate a particular type of equipment orlearn to operate several types.

As a back-hoe operator, you usevarious attachments to scoop and dumpmaterials, dig trenches, load heavymaterials, vibrate and break rock orconcrete, and back-fill excavations.

As a bulldozer operator, you clear andlevel land. You may also use a bulldozerto push other machines when they needextra traction.

As a front-end loader operator, youpick up loads of earth, rock, sand, gravelor snow, then move and dump them.You may deposit loads of materials intotrucks or excavations, or simply pilematerials in a specific location.

As a grader operator, you control theheight and angle of grader blades tospread and level earth or other materialssuch as snow. You may be required tolevel surfaces to a specific grade. Forexample, “finish” grader operators inroad construction are required toaccurately and consistently level surfacesto within a centimetre or two ofsurveyors’ marks on grade stakes.

Work conditions and trainingYou may work for a wide variety ofemployers, including highwayconstruction contractors, pipelinecompanies, logging companies,landscape maintenance contractors andmunicipal government public worksdepartments. Although you workoutdoors in all kinds of weatherconditions, you may work in a climateand dust-controlled cab. Considerableovertime may be required at some timesof the year. Some jobs are seasonal.

You will probably start as a labourer ortruck driver, and learn from experiencedheavy equipment operators. You may berequired to take a few weeks of trainingsponsored by an industry-relatedorganization such as an equipmentmanufacturer or union. Some post-secondary institutions offer certificateprograms in the operation of specifictypes of equipment.

In addition to learning how to operateequipment, you need to know how tomaintain the equipment, and recognizeand deal with minor mechanicalproblems before they become majorones. Grader operators also need to knowhow to read grade plans and use gradestakes to measure the amount of earth tobe moved.

Who’s the right person?You have good eye and hand/foot co-ordination, fast reflexes, good vision anddepth perception, and mechanical ability.You are also careful and safety-conscious.

What does it take?on-the-job training and/or severalweeks of formal training are requiredyou should be in good physicalconditiona driver’s licence is usually required


Heavy Equipment Operator

“I like being out in the

open constructing

something from raw land,

and seeing a finished

product.” Louie V.


Mechanics, Machine Shop,English, Physics


Women in Trades,Technology, Operations andBlue Collar Workwww.wittnn.com

Canadian EquipmentIndustry Training Committeewww.caed.org/ceitc


truck drivercrane operatormining machine operatorservice rig operator




I ronworkers help put up buildings,bridges and other structures. Withyour crew, you read blueprints and

follow instructions to hoist and installstructural steel, pre-cast concrete,reinforce materials, and other metals usedin construction. You help set up theframework of a building by positioningsteel girders or other structural elementsand then bolting them into place.

You may carry out a number of othertasks: assemble prefabricated buildings;do welding; and reinforce concrete byinserting metal bars or mesh into it whileit’s setting. You may frame interior walls,concrete floors, or ceilings, or workornamental steel or other structuralmetalwork such as railings, metalstairways and handrails.

One important task is putting upscaffolding. This is almost a trade in itself,and accuracy is necessary for everyone atthe construction site. Putting up riggingis tricky, since the cables must be able tobear heavy weights. You must calculatethe strength required of the cables beforeyou begin.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably work for a constructioncompany or contractor. Wages dependon factors such as demand and skills level.Ironwork is both physically demandingand dangerous so safety is a concern.You may find yourself working outside, inbad weather, and at great heights.People who are qualified can also getinter-provincial/territorial tradecertification (Red Seal) which enables youto work anywhere in Canada.

Who’s the right person?You have to be able to read andunderstand blueprints. You understandthe complicated process of buildingscaffolding. You need to be extremely fit.You need good upper body strengthcombined with agility, and you shouldnot be afraid of heights. You need goodmechanical ability to take on a variety of

tasks that require manual skills andabilities with tools. You must beadaptable enough to deal with a varietyof tasks and mobile enough to go fromsite to site, often on short notice. You aresafety conscious and can work well aspart of a team.

This is no job for a daredevil. Youneed communication and interpersonalskills to work with a crew. At the sametime, you should be serious andconscientious enough to solve problemson your own and take the initiative, ifnecessary.

What does it take?some secondary school education isrequiredexperience in welding can also beusefultrade certification is voluntary in everyprovince/territory except Alberta andQuébec, but most employers requireironworkers to be provincially/territorially certifiedto be certified, you must successfullycomplete a three-year provincial/territorial apprenticeship programavailable through community collegesor technical institutes

Next steps?supervisorplannerlabour relations

Ironworker

“It gives me a great sense

of accomplishment to see a

finished product. I’ve

learned how to read

blueprints, and ... had

opportunities to travel.”

John S.


Industrial Arts, English


a local construction orironworking company

The International Associationof Bridge, Structural,Ornamental and ReinforcingIron WorkersTel. (613) 225-0573

Canadian Steel Trade andEmployment Congresswww.cstec.ca


ornamental ironworkermetal building assemblerreinforcing ironworkerstructural steel erector’shelperstructural metal workersteel fabricator




Machinists use machining toolssuch as lathes, drill presses,milling machines and grinders

to fabricate and repair parts and productsthat meet very precise specifications. Youprobably work mostly with metals, butmay use other materials such as plastics,rubber textiles or fiberglass as well. Youmust know how various treatments affectthese materials and understand theimplications for the parts you are making.For example, you not only need to knowhow to apply heat treatments to metals,you also have to know how thosetreatments will affect the properties ofthe metal.

You work from blueprints andspecifications, or use logic and your ownmeasurements to calculate dimensionsand tolerances, and determine themachining operations required. Youselect tools and materials, and carefullyplan the sequence of operations. Thismay involve calculating factors such asmachine speed and feed rates as well ascomputing the size and position of cuts.

To do the actual machining, you mayuse manually operated machining toolsor computer numerically controlled(CNC) tools with digital readouts. Tooperate CNC tools, you program detailedinstructions. Once the tools have beenset up, you may produce many copies ofthe same part or make just one part tosatisfy a particular need. For example,you may fabricate a replacement partwhen waiting for a stock part to comefrom a supplier would not beeconomically feasible.

Work conditions and trainingYou work wherever machinery andequipment are manufactured or repaired.You probably work a standard five-daywork week, although overtime may berequired for emergency projects. Metalfabrication shops are often noisy, andparts and equipment may be dirty.

Apprenticeship training programs formachinists vary somewhat fromprovince/territory to province/territory,

but generally require three or four yearsof learning on the job and takingapprenticeship training courses. Relatedwork experience or training can reducethe number of years required to completethe apprenticeship program, and make iteasier for you to find an employer who iswilling to hire and train you.

To keep your skills current, you have tokeep up with new technologicaldevelopments by reading, talking withother machinists and attendingupgrading seminars.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy working with tools andequipment, calculating and thinkingproblems through. Careful planning andpreparation are required to meet precisemachining specifications. You havemathematical and mechanical abilities,and are able to estimate sizes anddistances accurately. You work quicklyand independently at tasks requiringconcentration as well as physical effort.

What does it take?some secondary school education isusually requirededucation or training related toblueprint reading, metalworking anddrafting is a definite asseta basic knowledge of computers andelectronics is helpfulfor formal certification in this trade,you must complete a provincially/territorially sponsored apprenticeshipprogram


Machinist

“I like making things.

You get a lot of

satisfaction from doing

precision work.”

Doug C.


Machine Shop,Mathematics, Electronics,English


International Association ofMachinists and AerospaceWorkerswww.iamaw.org/canada/main.htm

The Machinists’ ExchangeOnlinewww.machinist.net


millwrighttool and die makersawfilerindustrial instrumentationtechnician/technologistlocksmithwelder




Motorcycle mechanics maintain,repair and restore motorcycles,motor scooters, mopeds and

all-terrain vehicles. You prevent problemsby routinely inspecting, cleaning andadjusting brakes, electrical systems, sparkplugs, carburetors and other parts, anddiagnose and repair problems when theyoccur. If you work for a dealership, youmay also assemble machines andconduct pre-delivery inspections.

To diagnose a mechanical, fuel orelectrical problem, you discuss theproblem with the vehicle owner, listen tothe vehicle operate if possible, and/or usediagnostic equipment. Once you knowthe source of the problem, you take apartthe appropriate parts, replace or repairworn or damaged parts, make anynecessary adjustments, reassemble partsand check to make sure the problem hasbeen fixed. You may have to consultmanufacturers’ manuals andspecifications. You may also rebuild partsor machine parts using tools such asboring bar mills and lathes.

You may also provide customerservice, estimate repair costs, write upwork orders, advise customers, describework that has been done or will need tobe done in the future, and acceptpayments.

Work conditions and trainingMost motorcycle mechanics work in theretail industry, in repair shops anddealerships. You may work long hoursduring spring and summer months, andbe laid off or work part time during thewinter. Some motorcycle mechanicsservice other types of equipment such assnowmobiles during the winter months.

You can get started in this occupationby working with experienced motorcyclemechanics. However, related workexperience or completion of a trainingprogram at a college or technicalinstitute is a definite asset when you arelooking for a training position. Someprovinces and territories have formalapprenticeship programs which involve

up to four years of on-the-job trainingcombined with short periods of classroomtraining. Some manufacturers have theirown training programs which recognizevarious levels of competence.

To keep your skills current, you have tokeep up with new technologicaldevelopments by reading, talking withother mechanics and attendingupgrading seminars.

Who’s the right person?You have a passion for motorcycles andenjoy the company of people who shareyour interest. You also enjoy taking thingsapart and learning how mechanical andelectronic devices work. When confrontedwith a complex mechanical problem, youthink it through, then try various possiblesolutions until you find one that works.Equipment may be dirty and you mayneed to use ear protection because theenvironment may be noisy.

To work with customers, you also needgood communication and customerservice skills.


Next steps?supervisory/training positionsowner/operator of a motorcycledealership

Motorcycle Mechanic

“It’s more fun than it is

work most of the time.

It’s an easy atmosphere

to work in—the people are

great.” Dave W.


Industrial Arts, Mechanics,Mathematics, English


local motorcycle shop

Fairview College programwww.fairviewc.ab.ca/pages/programsfs.html



outdoor power equipmenttechnicianautomotive servicetechnicianappliance service/repairtechnicianoffice machine technician




Painters and decorators applyvarious types of decorative finishesto interior and exterior building

surfaces. Depending on the nature of thesurface to be covered and the customer’swishes, you may use paint, stain, varnishor other finishes. Or, you may hangdecorative wall coverings made of paper,vinyl or fabric.

A considerable amount of work mustbe done before you are ready to actuallybegin painting or hanging wallcoverings. As a painting contractor orsubcontractor, you may discussrequirements with potential customersand contractors, recommend specifictypes of covering materials, measuresurfaces to estimate quantities required,and prepare written cost estimates andwork orders. As a company employee,you may simply review work ordersprepared by others. You may be requiredto match specified colours or meet otherrequirements.

Walls and other surfaces must beprepared before you paint or wallpaper.You sand older surfaces or use solvents,heat or other techniques to removegrime and old surface coverings. Thenyou clean the surface, fill in nail holes andcracks, and smooth out rough spots.New surfaces generally require a coat ofprimer, sealer or “sizing.” For sponged orragged finishes, you must apply severalcoats of different finishes to achieve thedesired look.

Work conditions and trainingMost painters and decorators work in theconstruction industry. Many are self-employed contractors. You may workprimarily in new construction or inremodelling, or do both types of work.Since you can’t paint outdoors when it iscold, your work may be somewhatseasonal. You may work long hoursduring the warmer months and/or doindoor work during the winter months.

Apprenticeship training programs forpainters and decorators vary somewhatfrom province/territory to province/

territory, but generally require aboutthree years of learning on the job as wellas classroom and shop courses. Relatedwork experience is a definite asset whenyou are looking for apprenticeshiptraining employment.

To keep your skills current, you have tokeep up with new products andtechniques by reading, talking with otherpainters and equipment and materialmanufacturers and suppliers, andattending upgrading seminars.

Who’s the right person?You have good colour vision, and enjoyusing colour to change the look and feelof a room or building. You take pride indoing a precise and thorough job. Youprefer “hands on” work, are able to workat heights, and have the strengthrequired to move heavy ladders and setup scaffolding.

If you work with commercialcustomers, you need goodcommunication skills and the ability toget along well with all types of people.Working in private homes andapartments requires strong interpersonalskills combined with a respect forpersonal property.


Next steps?supervisory positionscontractorconstruction inspector

Painter/Decorator

“You get to go to

different job sites, and

you get a sense of

satisfaction from

improving the appearance

of a building.” Todd H.


Industrial Shop, BusinessMathematics and English


International Brotherhood ofPainters & Allied Tradeswww.ibpat.org

National Paint and CoatingsAssociationwww.paint.org


autobody techniciancommercial sign painterestimatorfloor covering installerglazier




P lumbers install and repair pipes,fixtures and other plumbingequipment. You might simply

install a pipe or fix a faucet, or you mightrip out old plumbing and clear awaydebris in a renovation.

A plumber must be able to readblueprints and understand plumbing andbuilding codes and specifications. Youmay also have to produce detailedreports of your work. If you are self-employed, you negotiate your owncontracts, make estimates and keeprecords of your jobs.

You may work with computer-assistedwelding techniques for small pipes orpiping used in the fabrication ofmicrochips. You may install oxygen andmedical gas in hospitals.

Plumbers tend to concentrate oneither residential or commercial/institutional work. One importantemerging specialization isenvironmentally friendly sewage andwater treatment, as well as the storageand flow systems for toxic waste. Withthe background and training of aplumber, you could become a pipefitter(working in oil refineries) or a natural gaspiping installer (gas technician).

Work conditions and trainingYou work in buildings ranging fromresidences to factories, offices andhospitals. You could work for aplumbing company, a maintenancedepartment in a factory, a constructioncompany, or be self-employed.Plumbing is a trade that offers aconsiderable degree of variety.

Some company employees aremembers of the United Association ofPlumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters ofthe United States and Canada. Theunion regulates the scale of hourlywages. The wage you earn with unioncontractors usually is the same rate.Independent plumbers charge by the jobor contract.

An apprenticeship program (lastingtwo to five years) is administered by the

province/territory (usually by the Ministryof Education or Labour), and includesboth on-the-job and in-class training.Once you pass the final exams, you get ajourneyman/woman certificate, whichqualifies you to work in the province/territory.

Who’s the right person?You are disciplined and able toconcentrate on a single task for longperiods of time and take the time to do itright. You are highly responsible and canwork without supervision. You have theability to visualize systems from theinformation in drawings or blueprints.You enjoy learning new skills andtechniques.

Interpersonal skills are important fordealing with co-workers, clients and othertrades people. You need goodcommunication and planning skills. Youshould be mechanically inclined and fairlystrong, as the work can be physicallydemanding.

What does it take?some secondary school educationa provincially/territorially regulatedtwo- to five-year apprenticeshiptraining program is mandatory in mostprovinces/territoriesprofessional certification (Red Sealcertification) is also a requirement inmany provinces/territories althoughthe eligibility criteria may varyunion membership may also be aprerequisite in certain parts of thecountry, especially in commercial andindustrial plumbing

Next steps?foremansupervisorestimatorowner of your own business

Plumber

“It gives me great

satisfaction in

completing a project and

seeing what I’ve done.

Plumbing offers a quick

path to a good paying

job...” John L.


Mathematics, Industrial Arts,Construction, Business,Science


a technological institute thatoffers an apprenticeshipprogram

a local office of theplumbers’ union

Mechanical ContractorsAssociation of Canadawww.mcac.ca


maintenance worker, sewerand water mainspipe fitter, constructionplumber gas techniciansteamfitter-pipefittergas main and line techniciansprinkler systems installer




Power linesmen/women build andrepair overhead and undergroundpower lines used to conduct

electricity from generating plants toconsumers.

As a power linesperson, you erect andmaintain poles and towers. You alsoinstall and maintain street lightingsystems. You will work with overheadand underground power lines and cables,insulators, conductors, lightningarrestors, switches, transformers andother associated equipment. You splice,solder and insulate conductors andwiring. You inspect and test overheadand underground power lines, cables andauxiliary equipment, using electrical testequipment. You use hydraulic buckets towork high up on a pole or a tower.

Work conditions and trainingLinespersons are employed by electriccompanies and other utilities. In somecompanies, they are known as powerlinemaintainers. Generally, you are paid anhourly wage. You may do a lot oftravelling, especially if you work for alarge company.

The job can be extremely dangerous.Sometimes you will be working with livelines that may be transmitting as much as500,000 volts.

This is physically challenging workthat will appeal to you if you love theoutdoors. Often you are called upon tolocate and fix damaged lines late atnight, during a storm, or in the middle ofa blizzard. You have to do a lot ofclimbing where you may have to pullheavy equipment up after yourself. Youmay have to work in confined spaces,such as trenches and tunnels.

Electric companies offer newemployees a four-year apprenticeshipprogram involving a mixture of theoryand practice. Some companies sendtheir people to community collegecourses, or CEGEP electrical technologyor electricity courses.

On completion of the training, theemployer will give you a certificate. Insome provinces/territories, you can take avoluntary exam to get a provincial/territorial certificate. This is useful if youwant to work for an employer other thanthe one that trained you. Linespersonscan also write an exam to get aninterprovincial/territorial trade certificate,known as a Red Seal, which enables themto work in some provinces/territoriesother than the one in which they weretrained.

Who’s the right person?You are alert, safety-minded, and able tothink for yourself and work with others asa team. Physical fitness is a requirementfor this job. A summer job that will getyou used to the outdoors and thatinvolves physical work will help youprepare for this line of work.

What does it take?a minimum of grade 11 Matha high school diploma is usuallyrequiredcompletion of an apprenticeshipprogram

Next steps?line supervisorforeman/womanpower system electricianelectrical technologistcontrol room operator

Power Linesman/woman

“I love being able to work

outside and this job

enables me to do that.

It’s also physically

challenging and I like

that as well.” Ken R.


Mathematics, Physics,Electricity


your local technologicalinstitute

any local utility company

Canadian ElectricalAssociationTel. (514) 866-6121www.canelect.ca


cable installer, electricalpowerline repairertelecommunications cableworkercable splicerelectrical power




Refrigeration and air conditioningmechanics install, maintain, repairand overhaul residential,

commercial and industrial coolingsystems. These systems may be located ina wide variety of settings, including foodprocessing plants, ice arenas, computerfacilities and hospitals. You may also workon combined heating and coolingsystems, or work on refrigerated trucks,box cars or ships.

To install refrigeration and airconditioning systems, you read andinterpret blueprints, drawings or otherspecifications, and measure and lay outreference points. You assemble and installcomponents such as compressors,condensers, evaporators, meteringdevices and motors; weld or brazepiping; and connect wiring. Then youtest the system to detect leaks, chargethe system with refrigerant, make surethe system is working properly andcalibrate control devices.

To maintain existing systems, youregularly check system components;lubricate moving parts; test, repair andrecharge systems with refrigerant; andadjust control devices. You diagnoseproblems, and replace or repair faultyparts.

Work conditions and trainingYou will probably be employed by acontracting company that installs and/orservices refrigeration and air conditioningsystems. A 40-hour work week iscommon, although you may be requiredto work overtime to complete projects.Your working conditions may varyconsiderably from one project to another.Some working environments will becleaner and more comfortable thanothers.

Refrigeration and air conditioningmechanic apprenticeship programs varyfrom province/territory to province/territory, but generally require theequivalent of four years of learning onthe job and taking short courses. Relatedwork experience or training can reduce

the number of years required to completeyour apprenticeship, and make it easier tofind an employer who is willing to hireand train you.

To keep your skills current, you keepup with new technological developmentsby reading, talking with other mechanicsand attending upgrading seminars.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy learning about and workingwith mechanical devices, and trouble-shooting mechanical problems. You arewell co-ordinated and have the strengthrequired to work with heavy parts.

Since you often work independently,you are self-reliant. You work well withothers in a team environment, and havegood customer service skills.

What does it take?most provinces/territories require ahigh school diplomathe minimum provincial/territorialapprenticeship requirement is Grade10 with passing grades in math andscience, and on an entrance examrelated industrial education or trainingis a definite assetfor formal certification in this trade,you must complete a provincially/territorially sponsored apprenticeshipprogram (certification is compulsory inall provinces/territories exceptNewfoundland and Prince EdwardIsland)if you achieve over 75% on theCertification Examination at the end ofyour apprenticeship, you receive a RedSeal which is a qualification recognizedin any province/territory

Next steps?supervisory positionscontractor businessconstruction inspector

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

“Every day, there is

something new and

challenging. You don’t

often work on the same

problem with the same

piece of equipment.”

Scott K.


Industrial Arts (BlueprintReading), BusinessMathematics and English,Science


Heating, Refrigeration andAir Conditioning Institute ofCanadawww.hrai.ca

Refrigeration ServiceEngineers Societywww.rses.org


gas technicianinstrument techniciansheet metal workerpipefitter




Roofers apply and repair protectivecoverings on flat and slopedsurfaces. You may work on all

types of roofs, specialize in the flat orslightly sloping roofs found oncommercial and industrial buildings, orspecialize in the pitched (sloped) roofsfound on most residential buildings. Youmay also waterproof basements,foundations, decks or parkades.

For a flat roof, you may apply a layerof insulation and/or vapour barrierfollowed by coats of hot bitumen (a tar-like substance) over layers of roofing felt(fabric soaked in bitumen) to seal seamsand make the surface watertight. Youglaze the top layer for a smooth finish orembed gravel in the hot bitumen for arough surface. Or, you may apply asingle-ply membrane of waterproofrubber or thermoplastic compounds overthe insulation. To hold the membrane inplace, you use adhesives, mechanicalfasteners or stone ballast (if the structureis strong enough to support ballast).

On pitched roofs, you will probablyuse shingles. First, you apply plasticcoatings or membranes, fibreglass or felt.Then you attach overlapping rows ofasphalt, fibreglass, tile, slate, wood,cement or metal shingles. You have toput flashing over the joints, around ventpipes and chimneys, and cover exposednail heads with cement to prevent rustand water leakage.

Work conditions and trainingRoofers work outdoors on flat andpitched roof surfaces, sometimes fromladders and scaffolds. You will berequired to use a fall arrest safety harnessin many job situations.

You will probably be employed by aroofing contractor in the constructionindustry. You may work long hoursduring the warmer months, weatherpermitting, and may be laid off duringthe winter.

You get started in this occupation byworking as a helper. Construction-relatedexperience is a definite asset when you

are looking for entry-level employment.Some provinces and territories haveformal apprenticeship programs thatinvolve up to three years of on-the-jobtraining combined with short periods ofclassroom training.

Who’s the right person?You enjoy working outdoors at physicallydemanding tasks. You are able to work onsloped surfaces at various heights, andcan carry heavy loads of materials up anddown ladders. You can also tolerate heat.In the summer sun, working with moltenbitumen on a roof can be extremely hot.

What does it take?some secondary school education isusually requiredfor formal certification in this trade,you must complete a provincially/territorially sponsored apprenticeshipprogramadditional certification may be requiredto operate propane-powered tar pots,kettles, etc.

Next steps?supervisory positionsindependent contractorconstruction inspector

Roofer

“You get a nice tan in

the summer! You can

work a whole day or a half

day ... when it rains, you

get the day off.”

Brian D.


Construction, Mathematics,Business English


local roofing company

local contractor


carpentersheet metal workerinsulatordrywallerfloor covering installerironworker




Sheet metal workers design,fabricate, assemble, install andrepair the sheet metal products

required in a wide variety of industriesand settings. You make and/or installanything from furnaces to ventilatingsystems to any sheet metal products usedin the construction industry. A sizeableamount of installation of heating andventilation work is common. You workwith drawings, sketches or specifications.You lay out, measure and mark the sheetsof metal and cut the pieces, using shears,brakes, presses, drill presses, or the newplasma arc or laser cutters. You canspecialize in different areas, such asornamental work, weather proofing, airconditioning, or systems balancing. Youwork with many types of metal and overthe last decade many sheet metalworkers have found themselves workingwith plastics when constructing certaintypes of air systems.

Work conditions and trainingMost sheet metal workers are employedby sheet metal, air-conditioning andheating contractors involved inresidential, commercial and industrialconstruction. Some work is in the shopbut most work is on a construction site.It is physically and mentally challenging.It may involve outdoor work includingworking from heights. You mustcomplete a three- to five-yearapprenticeship program. Qualified sheetmetal workers may also obtaininterprovincial/territorial tradecertification, a Red Seal that provides jobmobility throughout the country.

Who’s the right person?You like to work alone and can workwithout much supervision. You arephysically fit, with good manual skills andthe ability to visualize and design pieceson your own. You have the drive to getahead. You are dependable and hardworking, a steady, skillful worker.

What does it take?grade 10 mathematics or equivalentsome secondary school is requiredcompletion of a three- to five- yearapprenticeship program in someprovinces/territories

Next steps?supervisorestimatormunicipal or provincial/territorialheating inspectorteacher

Sheet Metal Worker

“I like the variety of jobs

and the independence it

offers. There is also a

limitless amount of

opportunity for

advancement.”

Eric S.


Mathematics, Geometry,Blueprint Reading


a community college thatoffers courses in sheet metalwork

Sheet Metal Workers’International Associationwww.smwia.org

Mechanical ContractorsAssociationwww.mcac.ca


coppersmithmodel makercutterair conditioning mechanicaircraft sheet metal workersheet metal welder


ShortTIPSYou see a news article that statesthat there will be an increase in jobopenings for landscape gardeners.If you check on how many newlandscape gardeners are graduating,you may find that there will bemany more graduates than therewill be jobs. The news story hasnew meaning.



Welders permanently join metalparts needed in theconstruction of a wide variety

of products. You weld pipes, vessels,girders, tools and other components forconstruction or manufacturing activities.You may also add layers of metal alloys tobuild up worn parts, or cut apart metalstructures.

You start by looking at or developinga pattern for a project, and cleaning andchecking component parts. Then you useheat to fuse parts together. Dependingon factors such as the type, size andshape of the metal parts and strengthyou want, you select the mostappropriate welding processes andmaterials. You may use electric arcwelding equipment which arcs an electriccurrent between an electrode and themetal to create heat; oxy-acetyleneequipment which uses burning gases tocreate heat; or resistance welding whichinvolves passing an electric currentthrough the metal itself. You may usemanual equipment or semi-automaticequipment that automates tasks such asfeeding filler.

You have to pass many job tests forwelding methods that are constantlybeing developed for new metal alloys.When you are working on pressurepiping, your performance is checkedcontinuously.

Work conditions and trainingWelders are employed in a wide varietyof industries, but most work in theconstruction and metal fabricationindustries. Working conditions can vary agreat deal from one job to another. Forexample, in pipeline construction, youwork outdoors and often work longhours in the warmer months, sometimesa long way from home. In a metalfabrication shop, you may work indoorsand standard Monday to Friday hours.

Apprenticeship training programs forwelders vary from province/territory toprovince/territory, but generally requirethree to four years of learning on the job

as well as short courses. Related workexperience or training can reduce thenumber of years needed to completeyour apprenticeship, and make it easier tofind an employer willing to hire and trainyou.

To keep your skills current, you have tokeep up with new developments byreading, talking with other welders andattending upgrading seminars.

Who’s the right person?You have good vision, are wellco-ordinated, can stand for long periodsof time and work in awkward positions,and have the strength required to workwith heavy tools and materials. You arepatient when performing tasks requiringprecision, and able to concentrate ondetailed work.

What does it take?some secondary school education isusually requiredfor formal certification in this trade,you must complete a provincially/territorially sponsored apprenticeshipprogram (certification is not needed inall provinces/territories)

Next steps?supervisory positionsconstruction inspector

Welder

“I like building things. I

like having a finished

product.” Jennifer B.


Metalworking, Drafting,Mathematics, Physics,Computer Literacy


Mechanical ContractorsAssociation of Canadawww.mcac.ca


machinistboilermakercommercial divermaterials engineeringtechnologistsheet metal workerironworkerpipefitter


236

AcknowledgementsThe Canada Career Consortium wishes to thank all those involved in the development of Career Directions. Thank you to themany volunteers who provided valuable input and expertise through their participation in interviews, focus groups andreference groups. A big thank-you to our project team members for their expertise and feedback throughout thedevelopment process.

Career Directions Project Team

Murielle BallantyneHuman Resources Development Canada

Joseph BrennanNew Brunswick Department of Education

Belinda BrownCanada Career Consortium

Monique ComeauCanadian Technology Human Resources Board

Wesley CrichowOntario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto Faculty of Education

Victor DeyglioCanadian Professional Logistics Institute

Sandra DobrowolskyAssociation of Service Providers of Employability and Career Training

Julia FuchsHuman Resources Development Canada

Sarita GodboleNational Seafood Sector Council

Gary GreenmanCanada Career Consortium

Duane HerpergerCanada Career Consortium

Mary Ellen KellyCanadian Tourism Human Resource Council

Pamela LoganNational Seafood Sector Council

Gregg MurtaghElectric/Electronic Sectoral Skills Council

David SmythGovernment of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Human Resources and Employment

CAREER DIRECTIONS

237

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