Curiosity may have killed the proverbial cat, but when it comes to planning your career journey, curiosity could be one of the best personality traits you can have! By satisfying your curiosity about options for the future, you can ensure you uncover enough to make informed choices.
Curious people are, by nature, interested in a variety of subjects and activities. They are inquisitive and constantly on the lookout for answers to questions that begin with: who, what, when, where, why and how. They enjoy taking objects apart to see how they work and they're eager to experiment with their creativity to see where the results will take them.
One area that attracts many a curious career seeker is the trades. From aircraft mechanics and electricians, to hairdressers and carpenters, trades careers comprise a wide array of highly skilled and creative jobs.
Here's a look at a few trades which may pique your curiosity:
Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Technicians and Mechanical Repairers are employed by motor vehicle dealers, garages and stations, automotive specialty shops, trucking firms and motor vehicle manufacturing companies. Workers in this occupation usually must have completed high school. Auto technicians and mechanics require a four-year apprenticeship program, while mechanical repairers usually receive two to three years' on-the-job training. Average annual full-time earnings for these occupations are $36,800.
Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers work in construction companies, for trade and labour contractors, and within manufacturing, utility and service companies. They also assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring activities. Some high school education may be required, although many labourers receive on-the-job training. The average annual full-time earnings for this occupation are $31,682.
Upholsterers, Tailors, Shoe Repairers and Jewellers work in furniture, jewellery, garment, clock and watch repair shops, as well as in custom shoemaking establishments. Many in these trades are self-employed. People in these occupations usually require some high school education or a high school diploma. They may also need college or other courses in their field, an apprenticeship, several years' experience, on-the-job training or demonstrated sewing and creative skills. Average annual full-time earnings for these occupations range from $18,145 for tailors to $27,920 for upholsterers.
Cooks and Chefs find employment in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, catering companies and anywhere else that requires food preparation. Cooks are involved directly in food preparation, whereas chefs work more at a managerial level, overseeing staff and budgets. People in this industry generally require completion of high school, as well as a post-secondary diploma or certificate in a trade or vocational college. Average annual full-time earnings for people in this industry are $20,982 for cooks to $27,197 for chefs.
Crane Operators work for construction, industrial, cargo handling and railway companies and contractors. They may also be self-employed. People in this group usually have some high school education and require an apprenticeship of one to three years or crane operation courses. Average annual full-time earnings are $47,584 for this occupation.
Heavy Equipment Operators work for construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, pipeline, logging, cargo-handling and other companies and contractors. Heavy equipment operators must complete a one-year apprenticeship or high school, college or industry courses in heavy equipment operating combined with on-the-job training. Average annual full-time earnings for this occupation are $44,934.
Masonry and Plastering Trades include bricklayers (masons), cement finishers, tilesetters, plasterers, drywall installers and lathers. Most are employed in the construction industry by subcontractors, other are self-employed. High school graduates are preferred by employers, and apprenticeships are available in each of these areas. Average annual full-time earnings for this group range from $28,114 for plasterers to $33,536 for bricklayers.
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers make parts for metal products and produce tools, dies, fixtures and gauges. They work in manufacturing plants or machine shops and generally require the completion of a four- or five-year apprenticeship. Average annual full-time earnings for these occupations are $40,951 for tool and die makers and $42,535 for machinists.
These are just a few of the many career opportunities in the trades. There are currently 225 trades in which you can register for apprenticeship training, a process that takes about four years, and which alternates in-class schooling with on-the-job learning.
So follow your curiosity and see where it leads you. You might just find yourself on the trail of a fascinating career path.
