Building a path will help maintenance career

Hot Tip - by Joe Cameron

There are many interesting and challenging career options in building maintenance. Choosing the right path, however, can be both overwhelming and frustrating. Below are a few suggestions to help guide you on your journey. You can start today!

1) Career research -- figure out what career you like
Drop by the Calgary Youth Employment Centre and speak with a career advisor or check out the Career Planning section of our Web site. The Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) contains great info on hundreds of occupations as well.

2) Learn more about the industry
Visit Web sites from industry groups such as the Calgary Construction Association or Alberta Construction Association to learn more about the broad industry where building maintenance workers work.

3) Develop a rŽsumŽ and cover letter
Remember, along with your cover letter, your rŽsumŽ is your initial "first person" introduction to a prospective employer. It must be a professional looking document that clearly communicates all of your qualifications. Without a great cover letter or rŽsumŽ you may not get the interview.

4) Enhance your qualifications
Contact the Alberta Construction Safety Association for information on safety courses that are employer recognized. Enquire about the interactive CD-ROM training system which also includes generic WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) worker training. WHMIS training includes topics such as: worker responsibilities and rights; labelling of material; material safety data sheets (MSDS); safe storage; and handling of hazardous materials in the workplace.

Taking basic first aid training will boost any rŽsumŽ. First aid courses are offered by many organizations including St. John Ambulance and the Canadian Red Cross Society.

A driver's licence is not always a requirement but can be considered an asset to employment.

Contact the Calgary Construction Association and enquire about its three-week work experience program available to those between 16 and 24.

5) Job search
There are many ways and places to search for a job. Temp agencies are businesses paid by employers to find workers. There are many of them in Calgary. Check the Yellow Pages under Employment-Temporary. You can also find work by reading the newspapers' Help Wanted and Careers sections or by asking people you know.