Interested in the Trades? Here are 5 In-Demand Trades You Should Consider

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Before reading the article, this article only has the most basic information of the Red Seal Endorsement Certificate and the jobs that are in-demand currently, as of May 11, 2022. 

The Red Seal Endorsement is a certificate that holds high regard to any tradesperson. It is basically a sign on your neck saying: “I am qualified for the job”, without any of the condescending tones one gives out when saying it because you actually have the right to say it.  

According to the Government of Canada’s website, the top five jobs in Canada, with the most coverage are: 

  1. Automotive Service Technician 
  2. Carpenter 
  3. Cook 
  4. Hairstylist 
  5. Welder  

On average, Red Seal Endorsed certified workers make as low as $63,259 and as high as $84,748, with a median of $71,273 as according to Talent.com, as of May 11, 2022.  

In this article, we will go through what they are and what they do, just keep in mind that you must have completed a list of prerequisites before you become your desired occupation, and you can check each occupation’s prerequisites when you check out their respective Statistics Canada links. However, generally, it will ask that you have completed your secondary school and the occupation’s specific apprenticeship programs or have job experience first before qualifying for the Red Seal Endorsement certificate. But without further ado, the following are brief overviews of the top five in-demand trade jobs in Canada. 

 

1. Automotive Service Technician (High demand in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan) 

I like to call them “vehicle doctors” because that is what they are. They generally repair, inspect, and service any vehicle that is not considered heavy duty equipment, the type you would see in construction sites. At that point, it is the job of the Welder, but right now, you are responsible for keeping one of, if not, the most used mode of transportation in Canada operating and getting people on time from point A to point B without any issues. 

On average, in Vancouver BC as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Automotive Service Technicians earn $28.16 per hour or $66,088 annually, according to Indeed.ca. 

For Automotive Service Technicians, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the Red Seal Occupational Standards. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, drivelines systems, engine support systems, steering systems, and suspension systems. 

You can check our Automotive Service Technician Red Seal exam prep course page for more information.  

 

2. Carpenter (High demand in Alberta, Atlantic Canada, BC, and Saskatchewan) 

Carpenters are like artists, they have power that can range from creating beautiful works of art to everyday objects that everyone needs, like cabinets, doors, tables, or pretty much anything that can be crafted out of wood. Besides creating, carpenters also have the ability to maintain and repair structures so long as they are made of wood or something similar to it. The possibilities are there for you, you could be your own boss and do the work yourself, or you could be part of the process of an intricate sculpting process where you would be in charge of “finishing” a sculpture. 

On average, in Vancouver BC as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Carpenters earn $30.35 per hour or $77,355 annually, according to Indeed.ca.  

For Carpenters, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the National Occupation Analyses. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, safety, concrete, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and organization. 

You can check our Carpenter Red Seal exam prep course page for more information. 

 

3. Cook (High demand in Alberta, Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan) 

These people are the ones that are responsible for feeding the population, including people like you and me. Although you can cook for yourself, when equipped with the right tools, methods, and ingredients, you can make money by making food for other people. Without them, with their culinary creativity and science, we would still be eating nothing but raw fruit and vegetables. There even is a dedicated science, called Gastronomy, that pushes the limits of what food can do, albeit being safe to eat or how different tastes can be blended together. They are artists in their own right. 

On average, in Vancouver BC as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Cooks earn $18.42 per hour or $55,400 annually, according to Indeed.ca.  

For Cooks, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the Red Seal Occupational Standards. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, sanitation, protein based foods, sauces, produce, and desserts. 

You can check our Cook Red Seal exam prep course page for more information. 

 

4. Hairstylist (High demand in Atlantic Canada, BC, Quebec, and Saskatchewan) 

Hairstylists are self-explanatory, they style your hair. However, they have the power to define the hairstyles of your average Jane and Joe. Hairstylists have the skill to give you the trendiest hair or create the trend themselves. They could work in normal places like your average hair salon, or if you have the skills and the courage, you could see yourself in establishments that help bring the looks of your favourite media stars onto the big screen. 

On average, generally in Canada as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Hairstylists earn $16.99 per hour or $48,859 annually, according to Indeed.ca. 

For Hairstylists, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the Red Seal Occupational Standards. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, health and safety, facial grooming techniques, and the environmental impacts of hairstyling. 

You can check our Hairstylist Red Seal exam prep course page for more information. 

 

5. Welder (High demand in Alberta, Atlantic Canada, BC, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan) 

Much like Carpenters, you are a “creator” but with metal. For standard work, you put metal pieces together to manufacture and repair items that require said metals. Examples include aircraft, ships, and even heavy machinery that the Automotive Service Technicians could not do. Keep in mind that they are in charge of the big stuff and welding exclusively, so unless you want to be a supervisor or an electronics welder, it is an entirely different occupation altogether. 

On average, generally in Canada as of April 28, 2022 (recorded on May 11, 2022), Welders earn $25.91 per hour or $54,683 annually, according to Indeed.ca. 

For Welders, the exam prep course is based on competencies, according to the National Occupation Analyses. You would be tested on theory and practical skills, which include, but not limited to, welding processes, fabrication, cutting, and gouging. 

You can check our Welder Red Seal exam prep course page for more information. 

 

Conclusion 

If you still think that you have to go through the process of finishing high school, getting a degree in university, covered with written tests galore, just to get a job, well think again. You can go straight to earning a good wage, so long as you have the energy and the drive, you can start your trades career today. All you need is to learn the right skills, gain some experience, then obtain the Red Seal Endorsement, and you will be making a substantial income in no time. Note that Employment and Social Development Canada (Federal Agency) promotes tradespeople obtaining their Red Seal Endorsement qualifications, so that means when obtaining one, you would be in higher demand than just having the occupation by itself. And if you already have the qualifications, congratulations! When you are ready, complete a Red Seal exam prep course with us and get the recognition you deserve. 

How Technology Courses Can Help Small Businesses

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Technology can be a very beneficial tool to use, especially for individuals who own a small business. It can make for more effective communication, efficient stock management and ordering systems as well as more effective marketing and promotion opportunities. Staying current with technology can prevent your employees’ skills from becoming stale. Encouraging employees to keep their tech skills fresh and up to date will not only benefit them but the business as well. In the long run it can also save your business money from using the most up-to-date devices and software. 

The newest and best technology appears to come at a rapid pace. Ashton College specializes in Continuous Learning and understands that the world is constantly changing with new and more modern technological resources. That is why the college offers fast-track courses in technology to help small business stay up to date with the latest technology. 

Some of the courses we offer include AWS Certified Security, Microsoft Azure Certification Advanced, Python Fundamentals and Python Advanced.  

AWS Certified Security – Specialty Course 

Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing areas in the tech sector and organizations need individuals with cloud skills to help create and maintain their cloud infrastructures. AWS Certified Security Training helps you to build up your cloud skills and work towards earning an Amazon certification, so you can get more out of the cloud and your career. Certifications are highly valued in IT with 91% of employers believing them to be an important part of the hiring process and a key indicator of a successful employee. 

This course will focus on the security and monitoring of Amazon Web Services and prepare for AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification. The course will discuss attack vectors and defense methods through exploring AWS built-in services and settings from identity management to network security, monitoring, and content delivery (CDN) components. 

Microsoft Azure Certification Advanced 

Microsoft Azure is one of the most popular cloud computing services and many businesses need certified Azure professionals to maintain their cloud infrastructures. Our Azure Certification Advanced course will help you learn the skills you need to work as a cloud computing professional specializing in Microsoft Azure. This course builds on the foundational knowledge taught in the Microsoft Azure Certification Basics course and goes in-depth on Microsoft Azure administrative and security features and functions. The course will help prepare students for the following Microsoft certifications: Azure Administrator Associate and Azure Security Engineer Associate. 

Python Fundamentals  

Python is a versatile and accessible language, making it a valuable language to learn, and a great starting point for newcomers to programming. The uses for Python vary from web apps and development to data science, machine learning, and other projects.  

This course is designed as an introduction to Python for beginners and will allow programming newcomers to discover the core principles, concepts and various uses of Python. Students will become familiar with Python through discussion of programming theory, as well as through practical assignments, in which students will learn how to run and write basic Python scripts that include built-in functions and variables.  

Python Advanced  

The Python Advanced course is designed to help students with prior knowledge and experience in Python take their skills to the next level. Students will learn more complex Python concepts and push the limits of their abilities through practical exercises and assignments using Python 3. By building on fundamental Python principles, students will learn to confidently experiment with the scripts they write and to produce exciting, functional results. The Python certification also teaches students how to use applications that interact with Python, such as the Jupyter Notebook system.  

Learning new technology is always a benefit, especially for small business owners. It is never too late to learn something new or freshen up on the current skills you already have.  

7 Signs You Were Meant to Work in Human Services

7 Signs You Were Meant to Work in Human Services 

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Have you found yourself considering a career in Human Services?  

This interdisciplinary field aspires to meet human needs through service stemming from an applied knowledge base. It is both preventative and remedial in its effort to improve the overall quality of life of the populations it serves. It ties together social theory with scientific theory such as developmental psychology. 

Examples of human service career programs include Education Assistant Program, Developmental Service Worker Diploma, or Professional Coach Program. 

As an Education Assistant, you would be working in schools, primarily with children. Your support would allow students with special needs to navigate their coursework and classroom learning environment.  

As a Developmental Service Worker, your clients could be of a variety of ages. You might work with families to assist a client in the home environment, typically with the goal of maximizing the independence of your client. Clients could have developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or social or personal problems that a service worker could be engaged to support.  

As a Professional Coach, you would provide guidance and support as your clients work to meet goals in the personal, professional, or financial spheres. You may help clients break down goals into more manageable parts, check in with clients on progress and provide encouragement and support when obstacles are encountered. 

 

You may be wondering whether such a career is right for you. Let us look at 7 indications that you may be well-suited to this rewarding field. 

  1. You are a compassionate person; yes, it sounds simple, but this is one of the most essential traits of those working in the Human Services field. To have empathy for others, to be able to connect emotionally and to be emotionally present. 
  2. You are curious about community resources, and you are motivated to make connections in your community that could benefit your clients. 
  3. You are curious about human development, from a theoretical point of view but also in practice. 
  4. You are creative with your methods of delivery, understanding that each client has a unique ability to understand, express, and connect. 
  5. You are patient; often healing is not linear and supporting another person’s development requires a level of understanding that progress may not always be evident, or immediate. 
  6. You have an ability to reframe challenges as opportunities.  
  7. You can work within a structure (following guidelines, reporting to a manager in a structured system), but you are also spontaneous and aware that in working with people, the element of uncertainty exists. It is important to note that this does not mean that you operate with disregard for the code of ethics of your profession. 

 

If after reading this list, you think you may be right for a career in Human Services, why not explore some of the exciting career programs available at Ashton College? Or check out our continuing education courses, like our Gerontology course, or dyslexia training.  

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month; mental health touches all of us, and in service professions there is a particular need to check in with self, in order to maintain well-being while caring for others. The B.C. government has launched a service for students, Here2Talk, with free counselling available to students in post-secondary. HealthLinkBC also provides a list of resources.