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Find Diverse Skills in Apprenticeships

apprenticeship job strategyLearn diverse skills in apprenticeship programs

Apprenticeship programs pays for more than just skills and job training. Searching and settling on any one career choice, can be daunting when hopes, expectations and aspirations are high. Some do not even consider Trade Apprenticeship programs and not realize these offer a more direct route and career. Are you aware that a Certified apprentice can also achieve a high pay grade?

Today’s age has gone high tech and so have the requirements for training and skills in a apprenticeship program. An apprentice will learn skills and knowledge, to help further and complement their existing literacy, mathematical and analytical abilities but also build their creative, problem solving, and coordination in dexterity, stamina, improve hand-eye coordination and balance, for their chosen trade.

learn earn in Trades

The skills and traits will refine their abilities, to perform complex duties such as reading blueprints, effects of weather conditions, weight, distances, volumes, pressures and myriad of other influences and factors, that may affect over all work, equipment and production efforts.

The education of an apprentice will learn theory in the classroom setting and then apply this knowledge, directly in a work environment, learning with his tools and equipment plus personal safety under the supervision of a Certified Journeyman. He or she, will learn the most up-to-date applications and techniques next to learning the use, of the latest high technology equipment, in all area’s, to master the technical skills for their trade.

Statistics and reports show Need for Skilled Trades people

A couple interesting side notes that have been learned in reports and statistics ;

– the unemployment rate for those with college or trades training skills, has been lower, compared to University graduates

– An apprenticeship program allows one to ‘earn while they learn’

– not have a major post-secondary education debt upon graduation

– statistics have shown that the skilled trades person can earn a salary at estimates of 3.1% higher, than the national average of all Canadian careers combined

– employers are already having and will have, difficulty finding qualified staff with technological, trades skills training.

solar technician

Apprenticeships have been around for centuries. It is classroom and on-the-job training and requires a input of time and specific hours. Upon graduation and an award, of a, Certificate of Qualification in ( your chosen ) Trade, the apprentice will be able to have a good future, may face being in high demand, receive good pay, option to travel, and lower rates of unemployment.

Available Student Assistance

Apprentice programs may also offer grants to offset costs for the student. These may only be awarded after a specific length of time in the program but recommend that you learn through the education providers or student counselor, all available information.

Apprenticeship programs can be found at our colleges, employment centers and/or specific apprenticeship training sites, and government training web sites too. Take a look online and see what you can find that may be of interest.

The delivery of an apprenticeship program is 20% in-class learning and 80% on-the-job training. A training program offers the opportunity to learn a great skill, career, good salary, and is available to both men and women. There are over 200 trades to choose from in Canada and fall within these categories :

– Construction, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipe fitters, welders, heavy equipment operators, painters.

– Manufacturing, tool & die makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), precision metal fabricators.

– Transportation, automotive service technicians, aircraft structural technicians, heavy duty equipment technicians, automotive painters, fuel/electrical systems technicians

– Service, horticultaralists, chefs, florists

Pay Range in Trade careers

The pay rate for a skilled Journeyman/woman, can range from $12 – $40.00+ per hour. A skilled tool and die maker in Windsor can earn a average up to $100K per year. One may start off as a Journeyman but move into positions as supervisors, management, instructor, and/or start their own business. It is a career that can go places and at your own pace. The following is a list of some trades and their pay rates :

– Crop Duster Pilot, up to $80K

– Commercial diver, $74K

– Plumber, pipe fitter, or steamfitter, $63,500

– Water Vessel Pilot, $51,200

– Millwright, $50,900

– Certified Electrician, $50,400

A few people don’t relish the idea of a whole day in the class room and prefer a more direct route to learning, earning and lucrative employment. Statistics and news reports have stated, that the baby boomers are aging out, and, their retirements, will open doors to the trade careers.

blueprint reading

Forecasts are showing, a great need for skilled trades people does exist. A bonus! knowing a trade skill can offer a boost to bring home extra earnings, and, keep up with rising living costs.

Learning in Motion

Extra Reading

Careers in Trades

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

Ontario College of Trades

Apprenticeship Search

How long would you wait, for your plumber, electrician or carpenter, to make repairs? A shortage of qualified trades people, lengthens the time of arrival for a repair person. Go ahead, bring a friend along and visit your local employment centre or college, and, explore the Apprenticeship programs they have available, and, when the next classes begin.

I hope you found this article informative and gained some new insight. Please feel free to leave your comments and share your new found knowledge with others. Use the ‘Ask a Question’ form to make a request on a topic of your own interest. It is FREE to subscribe to my RSS feed.

 AIC| An Informal Cornr, all rights reserved. Ginsense writes articles on business skills, development, health, science, technology and society and enjoys advocating for independence, security and a better world for all of us.

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BioPharming for Meds

science tools for study of biology
study of plant biology for medicines

Plant Made Pharmaceuticals, PMP

Bio-engineering – the field of study that utilizes engineering techniques to improve the health and well being of people aka biomedical engineering– Encyclopedia & Dictionary of Medicine & Allied Health.

Bio-Engineers in Bio-Pharmaceuticals

Research and development personnel of Pharmaceutical companies don’t just spend their time in laboratories or out in the field collecting samples. They can be found on plant farms that are specifically designated and segregated from the public. Let’s examine the world of ‘Biopharming for meds‘.

The farm may be growing alfalfa, corn, duckweed, rice, safflower, tomatoes and tobacco to name a few crops. These crops are used in bio-engineering for new drugs, to combat disease that afflicts people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

Bio-engineering requires knowledge from a mix of studies like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and cell biology. These skills can also be utilized in other industries such as chemical engineering, agriculture, information technology and bio-robotics.  Pathobio-technology refers to the exploitation and modification of pathogens or it’s compounds for beneficial effect.

The use of plants for medical research has found compounds that assist with integration, catalyzers, metabolizing, attachment, and, non-toxicity. It is the ease and edibility of the use and structure of the plants, for recombining and modification, that makes this science exciting and successful.

Exploring plant types

Plants such as the following have been manufactured by pharmaceutical companies for treatment of various illnesses ;

Papaver somniferum – Codeine, treatment of pain

Catharanthus roseus – Vinblastine, treatment of cancer.

Cinchonas officinalis – Quinine, treatment of malaria.

Hyoscyamus niger – Atropine, treatment of iritis, bradycardia.

Digitalis purpurea – Digitalis, treatment of heart conditions.

Beginnings of a Bio-Pharmaceutical Farm

Permission from the government is required by the pharmaceutical companies to open this sort of farm. An application for permits must be submitted. Inspections a few times a year are done. They are never de-regulated.

All equipment is dedicated, meaning that use is specific for the crops and farm only, and, never to be available for public use. These crops are confined for pharmaceutical use only. It is a very tightly controlled industry to maintain safety for both personnel and the public.

Journey into a Science career

A career in these areas of science would be exciting and highly recommended, if you enjoy the idea of helping discover new medicines. Who knows? maybe your son or daughter may find the cure for our worst diseases.

Monetary rewards are great even for new graduates and this type of research, is an ever-evolving and on-going field. Check out the types of pharmacy related science fields at colleges and universities online!

Extra Reading

BioWorld, The Daily Biopharmaceutical News Source

Careers in Biopharmaceutical Sciences 

Biopharmaceutical  Salary

Learning in Motion

I hope you found this article informative and gained some new insight. Please feel free to leave your comments and share your new found knowledge with others. Use the ‘Ask a Question’ form to make a request on a topic of your own interest. It is FREE to subscribe by email or RSS feed.

 AIC\ An Informal Cornr, all rights reserved. Ginsense writes articles on business skills, development, health, science, technology and society and enjoys advocating for independence, security and a better world for all of us.

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How to Start a Rental Guest House

a Guest Cottage

The idea of entering and starting a ‘cottage/guest house‘ rental side business, can operate with success, if done with great marketing and management. Let’s explore ‘how to start a rental guest house‘ for a second income.

A search online having to do with cottage rentals, you will find quite a few listings about such places. Such an endeavor can provide an extra source of income. Where do we start?

2nd Income Trends

A trend in the housing and rental industry was recommending to have a ‘guest‘ house built on your property. One could use it for their elderly parent or as a rental income.

You will need to do research into local municipal by- laws, zoning laws and regulations about providing such accommodations. Applications and fee’s can be found at the local municipal city hall office. Also, one must get a business license to operate such accommodations.

Cottage/Guest house short-term rentals have been an ongoing popular operation and source of income, for many years. Those who are able to afford buying their guest house may live in their own primary residence or have a second cottage for personal use.

It does take money to begin this project but the long term pay off can be quite rewarding. A successful operation can bring repeat business, continuous bookings, a good reputation and sense of prestige. A family could poor their money together to have one built, get it successfully listed for repeat rentals, and then build another.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Operating a rental business does require knowledge in the hospitality and tourism industry, local Landlords Act along with business management skills.

It is IMPORTANT to have these skills, and I do recommend at least taking a course in these areas. A business plan will help you keep ‘direction‘ and ‘overview‘ of maintaining the following skills ;

  • business
  • marketing skills will help you learn to promote, advertise
  • know your competition
  • financial skills will help you stay in operation
  • business law will help you be aware of rights and responsibilities ,as an owner and for the customer/tenant.
  • Paper work is involved with this business, as all businesses do have to provide for tax reporting.

The owner of a cottage or guest house will have some steps to follow once skills and knowledge are gained. A first step is having the property, for a cottage or guest house, and figuring out, how to set it up their occupancy rates.

second income rental
earn with second income property

A Peek into a Part of this Type of Operation

If it’s a two to three bedroom, one can offer a occupancy of three to six people, if functioning as a ‘cottage‘. This is done if you have bunk beds in the bedrooms and/or pull out beds. Furniture would have to be sturdy and removal of ‘personal‘ items done. Keep it to bare necessities as the ‘guests‘ will bring their own. Just think how a hotel room provides for their guests.

A method to deliver keys for the guest(s) would be required. Some may have a ‘lock-box‘ on site, a key pad lock may also be used or just go out and meet them in person, to deliver the keys. A major consideration and requirement for any business, is insurance.

Liability and Equipment for Safety

Do shop around and meet with insurance agencies who can provide for ‘vacation‘ or ‘rental‘ accommodation businesses, and they provide a good pricing range. Insurance protects you, your property and customers.

Hotels have computerized programs which help them with their booking schedules. As a small owner/operator of your guest house or cottage, you can also find computer software programs to help you with your own booking schedules.

One can also offer to add the traditional method, of signing a guest book upon arrival and departure, if you’d like to add sense of ‘vintage‘ to your operations.

gypsy wagon rental
gypsy wagon beach rental

Promotion for Building Awareness

The advertising and promotion of your cottage or guest house will create awareness and bring customers. This can be done with attending trade shows related to the tourism and hospitality industry, registering with ‘vacation‘ or ‘rental‘ agencies, creating your own website with option to ‘book‘ a time schedule. Check on how to get on tourism sites, partner with local hotels.

Excellent photographs will be needed since these will help provide prospective customers with an idea of what they will find. This is also a good time to share available local sights and amenities, available activities and resources (boat, canoe, etc.). It’s suggested with your advertising, that it be done on international, national and regional sites to build and gain a wider awareness of your service(s).

Live in Action

Extra Reading

How to Start a Bed and Breakfast in Ontario

CMHC- Dealing With Problems

Brian’s Backyard Tiny Guest House

Conclusions

Owning a cottage or guest house can provide an interesting and rewarding experience. You can eventually hire and allow a property manager to oversee this small venture once able to afford the extra costs of hiring.

This area of business would be considered part of the real estate industry and why it’s popular. It can provide a source of supplemental or eventual full time income, and improve your quality of living. It will take patience to learn all that’s involved along with the costs to acquire such a property but as mentioned, the long term benefits can be rewarding.

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments and share with your Friends. Use the ‘Ask a Question’ form and recommend a topic of your own interest, for the next Post! 

AIC|An Informal Cornr, all rights reserved. Ginsense writes articles on business skills, development, health, science, technology and society and enjoys advocating for independence, security and a better world for all of us.

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