3 jobs that let you earn while you learn

There’s lots of pressure to pursue a university degree given today’s competitive job market, but that makes many of us turn a blind eye to other possibilities.

But here’s the truth – you can find creative and challenging jobs right here in BC that don’t require four years of lecture halls, text books, and group projects. The problem is nobody’s told you until now.

Pursuing a skilled trades career right here in BC means you can work in a challenging environment that inspires you to think creatively, all while building a strong financial base. Instead of spending four years in university, you’re getting a head start on your career.

Daily Hive teamed up with the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to find out about three creative skilled trade jobs that don’t require you to take four years of university.

Steamfitter/pipefitter

Pipefitter/Shutterstock

Salary: $73K per year, $17 to $45 per hour. 40 hours per week (some night and weekend work)

There’s more than meets the eye with this challenging and creative job. You’ll get to think outside of box and channel all your creative energy in a career as a steamfitter/pipefitter. Just make sure not to confuse a pipefitter with a plumber since they’re two different things. Pipefitters are skilled in the art of working with pipes made of special metals. These pipes can withstand high-pressure water, chemicals, acids, and gases. A pipefitter gets to come up with creative solutions and strategies when designing systems – they also enjoy the challenge of mastering the ability to heat and bend pipes at high temperatures. A pipefitter works for utility companies, oil refineries, gas plants, pulp mills, chemical plants, and much more. Check out these ITA program details to find out how you can get started.

Professional cook

Chef/Shutterstock

Salary: $31K per year, $10.25 to $22 per hour. 20 to 40 hours per week (weekdays and weekends)

As a professional cook you’ll be working with a team to make sure that every meal leaving the kitchen is delicious – but that takes lots of creativity and brainstorming. Working under tight deadlines you’ll enjoy the adrenalin rush of working in a kitchen that makes no single day the same. As a professional cook you’ll be an inventive visionary that works for restaurants, hotels, resorts, hospitals, institutions, and more. Check out these ITA program details for more information.

Machinist

Machinist/Shutterstock

Salary: $66K per year, $23 to $40 per hour. 40 hours per week (gaps between projects)

You’d be amazed to hear what machinists are capable of. From the bolts that hold the tires on your car to the robots that are sent to space, machinists are the masters of highly specialized parts. As a machinist you’ll transform raw  materials like metal, plastic, and titanium into precision parts that ultimately power machines we rely on. They work for manufacturing companies, food processing plants, shipyards, pulp and paper mills, and much more. Check out these ITA program details to find out more about pursuing a career as a machinist.

Check out these cool trades along with many others online via ITA. Get in touch about ITA youth programs by emailing [email protected] and call 1-866-660-6011 for more information.

You can find ITA on the 8th floor of 8100 Granville Avenue in Richmond. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Stay in the know about skilled trade jobs via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.