Career in Trades?

[Fazar]

Seems like the smart thing to do but I know nothing of trades what ones are needed what ones are over saturated and its been stressing me out a little. Was thinking of becoming an electrician but everyone I hear of in trades is one and can't find work in Vancouver.

It's so hard to find any meaningful info on a career because I don't want to waste 5 years of my life with the wrong choice :(

More a rant than anything.

[Trigger]

I just did a heavy equipment operator course, they are in high demand, at the moment not so much being it's winter, but if you head up north (either BC or alberta) there will be plenty of work in the coming months, Plumbers are in high demand, really a lot of trades are needing new people because all the baby boomers are starting to retire.

[Kirkus]

Have two brothers who are in the trades- one a pipefitter and the other a heavy duty mechanic with CAT Finning- and many many friends from home! These are incredibly-rewarding jobs financially and don't take too long to get your ticket or certification, but unfortunately finding the right position in the trades often means living in a less-desirable location. Taking Fort Mac for example, you might even find the best work in Canada's butthole.

As Trigger also mentioned, most of my lifer friends in the trades are in Northern Alberta working for companies like Cenovus or Pillar, notably in welding and pipefitting. If those don't sound like great options for you, head on over to BCIT and chat with a counselor about potential options. They'd be happy to show you some guidance (as they know that's where you'd probably end up if you went into a program ;3).

[heartsend]

trades are a pretty high reward for low investment. during your apprenticeship you'll usually get regular raises...the 1-2 months of formal training/certification per year is almost free after you consider the grants and tax breaks from the government. when i finished my apprenticeship in automotive i was making nearly $30 an hour here in kelowna. if i went up north i could potentially add $20 an hour, but i'm fine going home every night ^  ^

[Gizmo]

contact BCIT and talk to a counselor ... Most likely will be helpful

[Anzo]

Hiya.

I'm a Sparky-Fox (Electrician), and yes it is a bit common lately to have difficulty finding work due to the slow-down of large construction projects.

If you are looking to be a fully certified Electrician, it is a 5-7 year program on average (due to not having full-employment for the 4 solid years required).

The electrical program is a 4 year program, which involves 2.5 months every year of in-class training (Very math/electronics heavy). years 1 and 2 can be taken at a few colleges, but years 3 and 4 I believe are only offered by BCIT

Employment as an electrician is most common 2 ways:

Unionized Employment : You apply to the electrical union with resume/application/interview. If you are approved/hired, then you have met the union standards/requirements to work for any union electrical contractor. You are put onto a "waiting-list" where electrical contractors can call in to  have union filtered/interviewed/approved electricians/apprentices dispatched to work for them. (makes it easier for a contractor to call the union and say they need electrician/apprentice, knowing the union has already done all interview/hiring/standards process, instead of contractors having to place employment ads and going through the messy filtering process every time they need and electrician/apprentice). Benefits/Wage/Work Agreement is all pre-set between employer and union. Union office keeps track recording all apprentice hours (towards becoming certified) for you.

Direct Employment: You apply to individual job postings with your resume/credentials just like any other job. It is on you to discuss terms/agreement/wage/benifits with your employer. You are responsible to keep track of your apprentice hours and make sure your employer signs off on your hours, properly submitting. The benefit of this route is most employers are willing to pay more per hour because it is your responsibility to get your own health insurance/benifits/dental/etc this way.

Feel free to let me know if any further quesitons, I'll try to answer. :3

[Talajay]

Automotive Service Technician is ok. You still have to buy your own tools, pay for your own tuition (depending on where you are employed). Salaries can varies from min wage to $25/hr during your apprenticeship. Most I've seen AST make for yearly salary is $55k average for busting your back full time. I would have made a different career choice if I could go back in time.