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Hot Tip -- by Shane Clements
There are some tricks for getting into the trades that people sometimes assume you already know and don't tell you. Here's some answers to questions we often get:
How does it work?
An employer who is willing to train an apprentice hires you and the two of you apply to the provincial apprenticeship board. You will then receive a contract stating the number of hours on the job you must complete to become a journeyman. A journeyman is a person (man or woman) who has been certified in a particular trade. You may have to take courses as part of the apprenticeship as well. Different careers have different criteria. For more, check out www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.
Pre-apprenticeship: Do I need this?
The colleges near you are offering "pre-apprenticeship" programs for all kinds of trades. But do you HAVE to have these courses or can you get a job without them? Truth is, you don't have to have these courses to get into a trade. These courses don't hurt you though, and they count for a certain number of hours towards your trade certificate.
Should you do them? Not at first. If you apply for a lot of jobs in your trade but aren't finding work or you're being told by employers the courses would help then consider springing for them (they aren't free). See if you can get hired on first.
High school: Can I quit?
Some trades don't require you having high school, but don't quit just yet. Most employers would PREFER to hire high school graduates even if the trade doesn't require it. If you really must quit, try to take as many math and English courses as you can. Yep, you heard right, math and English. The higher the level you have in those courses the more trade options you have. But there's more....
High school: How does high school help me?
Your school will likely offer the RAP (registered apprenticeship program) program. Ask a teacher or guidance counsellor at your school about your opportunities. The RAP program makes it possible for you to work, earn high school credit and make money all at the same time! It's good, trust me. More about RAP can be found at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.
Finding work: Why are there only ads for 3rd-4th year apprentices and journeymen?
Employers don't need job ads to recruit new apprentices. Often, new apprentices are selected from the group of helpers or labourers who have been good for the employer over time.
Finding work: If there are no ads, how do I get an apprenticeship?
Almost every employer wants an opportunity to "try out" a worker before offering them positions of trust and additional investment (training). If you decide you would like in a trade, apply for a job as a "helper or labourer." You have to spend some time earning the trust of employers before they'll offer you training. This is especially true if there are expensive materials and/or equipment involved.
Go to companies you would like to work for and apply whether or not they are advertising. You'll be surprised how many are hiring but not letting on!
What do I need?
At a minimum, you should find some work boots CSA approved with steel plate and toecaps. You won't be allowed near the job site without these. You will want to also obtain things --eventually-- like:
- hard hat;
- hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, tape measure);
- safety/first aid training;
- your own vehicle.
You will have an easier time finding work as you obtain these.
Which trade should I pick?
Pick one you think you might enjoy and be able to commit to for the one to four years it takes to complete the apprenticeship process. Have a look at the apprenticeable trades at this address:
www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.
Getting the job: Once I have a labourer position, how do I move up?
You need to show you are interested in learning more (and making more). You do this by showing your interest in the trade:
- Ask the trades people you work with lots of questions;
- Tell your boss you would like to learn more;
- Invest in your own tools;
- Don't quit if you don't get a raise or promotion as fast as you would like. Earning employer trust takes time.
(Shane Clements is a career advisor at the Calgary Youth Employment Centre.)
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