Canada and the United States have jobs that are called union jobs. What that means is that job status is guaranteed.  Employees of a particular trade can organize and band together to address particular concerns in specific employment areas which can include working conditions.  Trade unions vote for representatives in their union that will go to the employer and help form employment agreements that become the union contracts. This process is called collective bargaining. The agreements can cover things like wages, benefits, human resource policies and safety issues. When this agreement is signed by both parties it is considered binding. Trade unions can also act as mediators between union employees and company representatives when there are issues that need to be resolved.

Union jobs have advantages because there are typically contracts in place. By having the support of not only the members that work in that particular company, but also members that work in similar trades that are in the same union in other companies, trade unions can set a precedence of expected performance as well as overall workplace environment.  Somewhat similar to early practice of guild membership, skilled tradesmen have specific qualifications that have to be met in order to enter into a union job. The stability and advantages the union brings for the workers can be also range from legal advice to humanitarian needs that can cover things like unemployment, illness and retirements.  Unions can also be involved in training and cultivation of skilled workers by offering scholarships and training to qualified individuals preparing to enter into a skilled trade career. Employers benefit by knowing the union staff have the undergone in-depth training to become skilled tradesmen.

Although there is a demand in the skilled trades sector, your past experience can make the difference between you getting a great union job or not. Apprenticeship programs are a prerequisite for many skilled trade jobs prior to becoming a union employee. Knowing this is the beginning can really help you plan the best career strategy to get into the career of your dreams. A career placement agency that specializes in skilled trade placement also understands the level of dedication it takes to become a skilled tradesperson.

With the current economic climate the stability of several career sectors has come into question as several businesses have experienced downturns.  Trade jobs that have been stable for years might not be the best choice right now. Depending on what types of career skills you are seeking to cultivate it is possible to find skilled trades that are still in demand and are union based. By taking time to work on your career plan, not only will you be prepared skill wise, you will also be prepared to answer the questions that make a difference between being hired or not.