Dream Jobs in Informal Technology

At a time when more skilled technical workers are needed, the “Cutting-Edge Careers in Technical Education” series is designed to catch students’ interest and provide information about a variety of career paths worth considering. Each of the six books in the series includes information on 11 jobs, for a total of 66 careers in the series so far. There is some overlap, with, for example, environmental and sustainable careers included in both Dream Jobs in Green & Sustainable Living and in Dream Jobs in Manufacturing.

Although three authors have each written two books, the format of the books is consistent. Each book begins with an introduction to CTE - Careers and Technical Education. While this is an American term, the information in these books is applicable to Canadian students, and references to Canadian institutions and professional organizations are included regularly. The biographies of people working in the employment fields include several Canadians. For example, Dream Jobs in Architecture & Construction references Marissa McTasney from Whitby, ON, who “founded Moxie Trades, which began as a company that employed teams of women to do home renovations.”

Each book includes a “How to Use This Book” and a “Your Path”.

Each two-page spread focuses on a specific career in Green and Sustainable Living. For each career, you will find a detailed description of life on the job, advice on the best educational path to take (see right), and tips on what you can do right now to begin preparing for your dream career. (Dream Jobs in Green & Sustainable Living)

The “Your Path” includes separate sections for Secondary and Post-Secondary and includes apprenticeships, certification, college, and university requirements to help the reader identify the best path to take during and after high school.

Each book also includes a list of additional book and web resources, a glossary, a table of contents, and an index. Unfortunately, there are few specifically Canadian resources included in the lists.

A feature that may be helpful to young readers is “What Can You Do Now?” which identifies opportunities outside of formal education for gaining knowledge and experience in each career.
For example, for Motorcycle Technician:

Learn how engines operate. Research how the design of a motorcycle can affect its speed. See if any local riding clubs have programs for junior riders. Honda sometimes offers junior racers programs for kids ages 6-12.

The text is well-supported by a large amount of colourful photos, including many different young adults of a variety of ethnic origins, both male and female in the job roles.

Because these are career reference books that follow a very similar format, there isn’t much difference in the quality and significant characteristics among the books. Therefore, I am going to focus the remainder of this review on the different careers that are included in each book.

Dream Jobs in Architecture & Construction, by Adrianna Morganelli, looks at careers as an Architect, CAD Technician, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Concrete Finisher, Construction Inspector, Electrician, Heavy Equipment Operator, Ironworker, Plumber, and Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Mechanic.

Dream Jobs in Green & Sustainable Living, by Cynthia O’Brien, looks at careers as a Solar Panel Installer, Wind Turbine Technician, Energy Adviser, Sustainable Agriculture Technician, Geothermal Drilling Technician, Biomass Farmer, Environmental Management Technician, Green Roof Installer, Green Architectural Technician, Hydropower Technician, and Water and Wastewater Laboratory Technician.

This book identifies Green and Sustainable Living Job Pathways in other career pathways.
For example: “Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources: Green jobs in this pathway include sustainable agriculture technician and biomass farmer.”

Dream Jobs in Human Services, by Helen Mason, looks at careers as a Preschool Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Art Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Physical Therapist Assistant, Child and Youth Worker, Esthetician, Funeral Attendant, In-Home Health Aide, Credit Counselor, and Special Events Coordinator.

Dream Jobs in Information Technology, also by Helen Mason, looks at careers as a Network Architect, IT Manager, User Support Specialist, Database Administrator, Technical Writer, Cybersecurity Expert, Animator, Web Developer, Game Designer, Software Developer, and Computer Systems Analyst.

Dream Jobs in Manufacturing, by Adrianna Morganelli, looks at careers as an Assembler, Welder, Tool and Die Maker, Industrial Painter, Design Engineer, Pipefitter, Boilermaker, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Quality Control Technician, Logistics Engineer, and Environmental Engineer.

Dream Jobs in Transportation, Distribution & Logistics, by Cynthia O’Brien, looks at careers as an Automotive Service Technician, Auto Body Repair Technician, Motorcycle Technician, Able Seafarer, Traffic, Shipping, and Receiving Clerks, Railroad Conductor, Reservation, Travel, and Transport Agents, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Air Traffic Controller, Avionics Technician, and Logistician.

Overall, I highly recommend these books in the “Cutting-Edge Careers in Technical Education” series. They contain many technical careers in a presentation that is accessible and engaging for younger students. The only drawback is that they could easily have included more Canadian specific links and references. Since most of the information is relevant to both American and Canadian students, the omission of more Canadian examples is unlikely to be of any major concern to students.