Careers

Our students will succeed in a much different future from the one we envisioned 10 or 15 years ago. It is our responsibility to prepare students for success in whatever life path they choose, which includes connecting learning opportunities with future career possibilities. We know that real-life experiences - like community involvement, gaining business knowledge, and hands-on-learning - build better students and life-long citizens.  

Recently, AVS' grade 8-10 Fusion students attended a guest speaker presentation entitled, "Futures in Red Seal Trades," by Ralph Vergara of the BC Building Trades Council, who himself is an electrician by trade, and took advantage of the program his school district offered to start his certification during high school. Ralph was a super engaging and animated presenter who connected immediately with our students. It was eye-opening for students to see someone just a few years older than themselves in such a successful position already.  

While you might think of common careers in the trades being jobs such as bricklayer, carpenter, and electrician, Ralph introduced our students to a host of other careers in this sector.  

Did you know, for example, that a "glazier" is someone who specializes in installing windows, and that huge panels of glass (such as at the front of the Apple store) can cost $1 million each? This is certainly not a profession for the clumsy-handed.  

Also, a "sprinkler fitter" is not someone who comes to water your lawn, but rather someone who outfits buildings with ceiling sprinklers in case of fire. Interesting to note that the water that emerges from these sprinklers is usually black and gunky as it has been sitting in the pipes in a "ready to go" position for years. Certainly not optimal shower water.

A "sheet metal worker" is someone who creates shapes out of large, pliable sheets of metal to create ducts and vents for buildings to ensure adequate ventilation.  
Ralph shared that there is an increasing demand for workers in the trades, especially women, and that funding is often available to help with schooling costs. High wages can be earned; often around $50/hour after certifications are completed, and sometimes as high as $75/hour (specifically for refrigeration mechanics). This is in addition to retirement and benefits. 

Ralph had groups of AVS students compete in an activity called "Spot the Trade," where they identified 20 trades on a large diagram of a building project. Most students scored 100% on this, but it was challenging (and therefore time-consuming) to identify trades, the majority of which are less well-known. Description cards of each trade were provided to help students figure out the jobs on the diagram, and to provide more insight into what each trade entails.  
 
If you are interested in gathering more information about what trade may be a match for you, or where to enroll in schooling for it, visit the BC Building Trades website at bcbuildingtrades.org, or get in touch with Ryan at info@collegeofthebcbt.ca 

If you have questions about high school courses you may need for careers in various specific trades, first do all the research you can online, and email Mrs. Nairn in counselling at AVS.