What trade am I?

Auto Refinishing Technician Commercial Diver/Underwater Welder Security Alarm Installer Landscaping/Horticultural Maintenance Millwright/Industrial Mechanic Baker Power Line Technician Embalmer Cabinetmaker/Joiner Painter/Decorator

Who am I? I use a lot of different tools and machines in my job. When I first started off, I did a lot of sanding and surface preparation. Now I work on vehicles that need to be air brushed. I specialize in customizing vehicles. Some require a lot of artistic ability. I went to work right after I graduated from high school. The entry level yearly salary of this type of job is $27,000. According to industry sources, experienced, skilled workers can expect to earn in the range of $36,000 to more than $100,000 for a full time, full year position.

Automotive refinishing technician

What is my occupation? I work in a small shop with three other people. We share tools and machines. One of my colleagues makes guitars, another repairs furniture, and I assist my boss in making cabinets and shelves. Contractors hire us when they are remodelling kitchens. We make customised cabinets and shelves based on the specifications the contractors give us. A survey of recent college graduates found that entry level workers in these occupations started at $1870 per month ($22,400 full time, full year).

Cabinetmaker/Joiner

What do I work as? I install and repair security systems. (Believe it or not, I became interested in them after my family’s house was robbed) I test and modify the main circuits and the power panels in the buildings where I am working. I am expected to know all the safety codes and regulations. I studied electronics in high school and am finishing up my apprenticeship. I will get the Trades Qualifications Certificate when I am done. According to a survey of recent college graduates, new entrants to this occupation earned an average of $2,280 per month ($27,600 per year)

Security alarm installer

What is my occupation I create recipes, prepare and mix ingredients, form dough, decorate items, regulate ovens, order supplies and set prices. I can work in a small retail setting, a super market, or in a large production facility. I took a number of culinary arts courses in high school and always enjoyed the kitchen environment. An experienced journey person in this trade can earn $45,000 per year or more.

Baker

Who am I? I work on a crew of 6 people. Most of our work is outdoors. We take care of lawns, trim shrubs and plant foliage on commercial and residential properties. We also build retaining walls, instal pathways, and apply fertilzers and other chemicals to plants to encourage growth and prevent disease. According to a survey of … guess who … recent college graduates, new entrants to this occupation earned an average of $2,000 per month but work tends to be seasonal …so I have time for my snowboarding … right on!

Landscape Horticulturist

Guess who? I install, maintain and repair all of the machines that factories rely on to produce their goods. When installing new equipment, I study blueprints and drawings to determine the safest and most efficient way complete the installation. I use screwdrivers, wrenches and even welding torches to repair and rebuild equipment. As well, I use computers to diagnose problems with machinery. Entry level workers in the occupation earn between $31,000 to $42,000 per year while a journey person earns between $52,000 and $73,000 per year.

Millwright (Industrial Mechanic)

What do I do? I construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground electrical power lines. As well, I erect electrical pole and towers and dig trenches for underground cables. I work on ladders, poles or in a truck mounted bucket which lifts me to the top of the poles. I can work with a partner or as a member of a crew. Often, I am called out after and accident or during a sever storm to do emergency repairs. There is a great demand for workers with my skills across Canada and throughout the United States. An experienced journey person in this trade can earn over $70,000 per year.

Power Line Technician

What is my occupation I became a certified scuba diver in high school. I got this job because of my certification and my knowledge of metalwork. I work under water on construction projects. Sometimes these projects involve laying under water pipelines, other times repairing underwater steel reinforcements on bridges and in tunnels. I learned my trade at a vocational technical school and continued my training in the armed services. Many people in my occupation are self employed and work part time or part year, with an average salary of $32,300 and $31,000 per year.

Commercial Diver/Underwater Welder

Guess who? I work with people, most of whom are dead, in a funeral home with a mortician. May work focuses on preparing the deceased for public viewing. I use photographs the family has given me in order to match the skin tones, hair colour, and overall appearance of the deceased with their “normal” appearance. Those wanting to enter this occupation need to be employed in order to apprentice in this field. Industry sources indicate that apprentices currently earn between $22,000 and $31,000.

Embalmer

Who am I? My work requires a combination of craftsmanship and artistic flare. I play an important part in the home decoration process. I advise my clients on colour patterns and colour blending. I remover old wall covering and repair cracks and holes in walls. I use brushes, rollers or spray guns to apply different liquid or paper coatings. A first year apprentice in this trade earns between $10 - $15 per hour while a journey person earns between $35,000 - $62,000 per year.

Painter and Decorator