http://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/newsTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 ESTPalomino WebPal/CMS - www.palominosys.comen-caCopyright NATS LondonTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 ESTnewsdQWLGSfDIIhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/shellie.htmlBangon March 10, 2012 CareersWritten by the London Home Builders Association President, Shellie ChownsWeve certainly heard a lot about how our local job market is changing. This is evident by thescores of lost manufacturing jobs in our region, and validated by a stubbornly high unemploymentrate. Some say manufacturing and assembly work may never return to our region due to thecompetitive global economy while others blame automation. Regardless of the reason, the daysof making a decent living on a high school education are probably behind us, but that doesntmean there arent well paying jobs for those who enjoy working with their hands.Stats Canada recently published 2012 Ontario employment information that identifies trades,transport & equipment operators and related occupations as having a labour force of over690,000 workers earning an average of $22.55/hour in Ontario. I found it interesting that business,finance and administrative occupations workers are earning almost the identical average wage of$22.66/hour while processing, manufacturing and utility roles earn an average wage of only$19.65/hour. This information could be deemed welcomed news to those worried about lostmanufacturing jobs in our region, since it demonstrates that careers in construction are readilyavailable and pay as well as business and finance jobs might.Living in Canada (www.livingin-Canada.com) lists the average wages of a variety of skilled tradecareers by region, and identifies electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter and bricklayer as just afew of the skilled trades earning good wages across Canada.What is even more encouraging about skilled trade work is that the current workforce is aging at arate greater than replacement workers have been trained, meaning that jobs will continue tobecome more plentiful over the next 15 20 years. The workforce shortage has already begun,and is driving construction wages higher while providing job security for skilled trade workers.Furthermore, unlike manufacturing and assembly industries that have moved to automation, skilledtrade work is primarily practiced by hand; and since we are always going to need to build and fixthings, there will always be a need for skilled trades.Owning a pick up truck and some tools does not make you a skilled trade worker, no matter howhandy you think you are. Just like most other industries, construction has changed and become alot more technical. Building science and conservation has penetrated every aspect of theconstruction industry while codes and regulations are much more rigid than they were even 10years ago.The key to any successful career is education, and since most trades and careers in theconstruction industry are certified, you will likely require an apprenticeship, college or universityeducation. High school students can get a head start on a career in construction by registering forthe Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), while others may be eligible for retraininggrants through the government. Regardless of the path, a career is construction can be arewarding and well paying career.Toby Stolee of Sifton Properties and LHBA President-Elect was studying English at Western, butalways loved working his summer jobs in construction. After pursuing his dream and having ownedhis own business while working in the construction industry, his greatest enjoyment is in the diversityof the work - from design through completion. The challenges keep it fresh and exciting.I on the other hand knew at an early age that I wanted to work in construction, and pursuedtechnical high school courses and a college education in Architectural Technology. Myeducation, experience and passion are what have kept me engaged and driven to learn, performand succeed. Although Toby and I chose very different paths, we both love our careers inconstruction.The London Home Builders Association is committed to promoting careers in construction to ensurethe health of our industry. For more information, visit our website at www.lhba.on.ca.Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:00:00 ESTnewsCuwdcCfKywhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/OpenHouse.htmlNorth American Trade School Open HouseTue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 ESTnewsyqpqCQrfWghttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/cabinet.htmlCabinetmaking If you like to build things, have an eye for detail, mechanical ability and manual dexterity - then Cabinetmaking may be the choice for you.This is a great for the independent, “do it yourself” individuals. Great careers are waiting for people who are passionate about Carpentry, Cabinetmaking, Furniture Construction and Architectural Millwork. Learn More!Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:00:00 ESTnewsrvgYtKcoqBhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/OpenHouseAugust.htmlNorth American Trade School Open HouseWed, 22 Jun 2011 09:00:00 ESTnewsXFSjnNEVqihttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/EssayContest.htmlNATS Essay contest : Write an essay and win scholarshipsThu, 07 Apr 2011 09:00:00 ESTnewsPHJsTnUaUDhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/OpenHouseNATS.htmlNATS open house was a big success. Catch some moments.Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:00:00 ESTnewsrPcOUSFtuGhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/OpenHouse.htmlNorth American Trade School Open HouseTue, 14 Dec 2010 09:00:00 ESTnewsMMaJHBClDthttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/NATSWINTER.htmlSchool News Dec 14th 2010Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:00:00 ESTnewsxLnQIcGOBBhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/SantaToyShop.htmlNorth American Trade Schools is lending a hand in Santa’s toy shopWed, 29 Sep 2010 09:00:00 ESTnewsMCOYQLwIUEhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/News1.htmlView ArticleClick hereWed, 08 Sep 2010 09:00:00 ESTnewsPVVuTLUPfRhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/news2.htmlNorth American Trade Schools (NATS) students have been doing their part for the community in recent months, working on a pair of building projects for the London chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit agency that builds simple, solid houses for low-income families. Two new Habitat houses – one in the Egerton and Francis area and another that will eventually be finished on Burslem Street – feature handy work by NATS students in the Home Renovations Technology program. “I think this is a win-win situation for both organizations,” says Habitat Build Manager Chuck Nyland. “It helps us out a great deal, but it’s also a great opportunity for the school because students are learning on a real project. It’s very important to understand the goings-on on-site, and the best way to teach somebody that is to take them on-site and let them do it for themselves. That’s exactly what the students are doing, which is fantastic.” The Egerton Street project drew a lot of attention in London over the summer. While the site was being prepared, volunteers were building the house itself in the John Labatt Centre parking lot – a very public venue for Habitat. NATS students spent about a week helping with the footing and foundation work, and had the opportunity to observe further construction after the house was moved from the JLC and put back in place. NATS students will take the opposite role on Burslem Street. While the foundation is being prepared for that house, NATS crews have been involved in some demolition, and will ultimately be responsible for virtually the entire build, from framing straight through to finishing work. Students have already developed and submitted a plan for the job, and worked on initial drawings. All told, the project will take about three months, including on-site and classroom time – an important piece of the experience for students. “We have to be sure we teach curriculum,” says NATS instructor Neil Suter, who will supervise some of the students. “It’s as important to learn why to do things as it is to learn how to do them, so we want to give students some theory to go with their on-site work.” Habitat CEO Jeff Duncan says his organization’s growing relationship with NATS is exactly the kind of partnership he wants to build with other groups in the area. “I always want any partnership to be mutually beneficial,” Duncan says. “There’s obviously a benefit here for us, but we also see a benefit for the school because the students are getting a real living experience. They’re seeing what it’s like to get into a pit and knock some wood down and do some other things that are a little more real than in the classroom setting. It’s also good for the school from a public relations point of view. They’re engaged in a community, which is an important thing corporately.” NATS and its students are looking forward to finishing the Burslem Street job, and doing more work with Habitat For Humanity in the future. Located at 847 Highbury Avenue, North American Trade Schools offers practical, hands-on training in programs including Home Renovation Technician, Electrical Technology, HVAC Technology, and Welding Technology. Programs run between 40 and 50 weeks, with frequent student intakes, allowing students flexible start times and schedules. NATS graduates enjoy exceptional employment and apprenticeship placement rates, backed by a recognized college diploma. For more information on this story or on NATS, please contact: Robert Middleton London Campus Director North American Trade Schools 519.963.0680 rmiddleton@natradeschools.caOR Todd Foster Director of Admissions / Marketing North American Trade Schools 519.963.0680 x 106 tfoster@natradeschools.caWed, 07 Oct 2009 09:00:00 ESTnewsyJHreDXyRFhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/Program_appeals_to_students_who_want_to_get_the_job_done.htmlFor some, it's their third career switch in their working livesTue, 08 Sep 2009 09:00:00 ESTnewsJOiJeqUiQChttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/Trades_show_offers_alternatives_.html"for Ontario to maintain its comparative advantage on skilled workers, we need to scrap the misguided notion that a university degree is the right goal for every student".Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:00:00 ESTnewsUTIikiMwexhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/Holmes_Foundation_Scholarship_Winners_.htmlResearch shows that many students who enroll in college, including those enrolled in construction courses, drop out before completing their training.Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:00:00 ESTnewsNIRXNGSHXMhttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/Letter_of_Thanks.htmlAs always we get a real charge out of sharing letters like this with everyone........this is the real stuff!Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:00:00 ESTnewsCexiRwJGHphttp://www.natradeschools.ca/news_events/Open_Arms_at_School_Open_House.htmlThe trade school is holding an open house to showcase the courses and opportunities it offers.