Winter is a time when many jobs come to an end for the season. Lawn care and gardening, for example, end in fall and start up again when the snow has melted. Many trades are also dependent on the weather, but some can continue even in winter. If you are interested in one of these trades, you can have a steady income to keep you going, even in the depths of winter.

In many parts of Canada, the weather is too cold in winter for any trades that involve being outside for long periods of time. Outdoor construction usually ends once the cold weather comes, partly because many parts of the process are difficult when the weather goes below freezing. The workers get cold, snow and ice get in the way, and materials such as concrete cannot dry properly. Construction workers could still find some work on indoor jobs such as kitchen or bathroom renovations, but the work in these areas is much harder to come across in winter than in summer.

Trucking is a good choice for year-round work. Even in winter, people need to have food or other goods from other parts of the country, and truckers help to haul the goods from one area to another. Driving on icy roads can be challenging, and the shorter hours of daylight can also be a problem. However, this job can be good for people who have a certain amount of physical strength and who are efficient and good drivers.

For people who want an extra challenge, driving on the ice roads in northern Canada is another possibility. Many northern communities have no regular road access in winter, but ice roads are available for drivers who are able to handle the slippery conditions, darkness, and other challenges.

Other jobs are also available in the trucking industry. Workers can load cargo onto trucks at the beginning of the route or unload it at the end, making sure that it gets to the right place, or they can help the drivers with this task. Packing or unpacking the boxes can also be a good option. Another option is to work in the office as a dispatcher, sending drivers to different destinations and keeping track of packages and other deliveries.

Many outdoor activities close down in winter, but others open up for the cold season. Maintenance work at a ski resort or an ice rink could be two options for trade work in winter. Some people might choose to maintain ski lifts, while other tradespeople might choose to work with grooming ski trails or ice rinks.  The amount of work available depends on the size of the recreation area and the amount of snow that falls over the season.

With ice rinks, the number of people who use the rink will affect the amount of work that people need to do. The blades of skates tend to cut into the ice, and gashes in the ice can cause skaters to fall. Keeping the ice smooth and clean is important for skaters to be able to keep themselves safe. For cities with large hockey rinks, being able to operate a Zamboni machine is an asset.

Setting up or maintaining displays in malls and other public areas can be another good option. Christmas lights and trees need someone to set them up, while work might also be available in ensuring that the electrical connections for the lights are working properly.

Another option is hairstyling, which can continue all year. If you enjoy people and can work with your hands, this might be a good option.

Trade jobs tend to be most active in summer because of the weather. However, some trades are still possible in the cold season. These jobs can help people hone their skills or learn new ones as they get through the winter.

Bibliography:

Bromley, Sam. “Tips for Tradespeople Working in Winter.” https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2019/11/working-in-winter-tips-for-tradesmen/.

Dixon, Brad. “Busting Skilled Trades Myths: “Skilled Trades Jobs are Inconsistent.” http://blog.getatrade.com/blog/busting-skilled-trades-myths-skilled-trades-jobs-are-inconsistent.

Indeed.com. “Seasonal Winter Jobs (with Salaries) 2021.” https://ca.indeed.com/Seasonal-Winter-jobs?vjk=fda9b7d01fc168da.

Winter Jobs. “Winter Jobs in Canada.” https://www.winterjobs.ca/.