Kelly Kienleitner, My First Electrical Mentor

I met Kelly when I walked into my first year electrical school class room.  She was the teacher, to my relief.  I was the only other female in the class, and it gave me hope that I wouldn't experience any of the sexism I was so afraid of going into trades, if the person in … Continue reading Kelly Kienleitner, My First Electrical Mentor

Advertisement

ELECTRIC SHOCK AND HOW TO AVOID IT

Apparently electricians are crazy. Ā They work with electricity, a dangerous form of energy that can kill you! They magically put life into things and go home at the end of the day as though they are JUST average bears. Ā They risk their lives, so the rest of the world can have lights on at night … Continue reading ELECTRIC SHOCK AND HOW TO AVOID IT

Mental Health and Addiction In The Trades

I’ve been thinking a lot about mental health and addiction in the trades these days. So much so that I frequent the Centre For Disease Control and World Health Organization websites looking for interesting articles and statistics regarding construction workers and their overall relationship to mental health and addiction. I have heard that rates of … Continue reading Mental Health and Addiction In The Trades

Unions, Get In One and Get Off Your Butt. A Trade Workers Perspective.

 An electrician’s perspective on why joining a union as a tradesperson is the smartest thing you’ll ever do, and why just paying your dues isn't good enough. What’s a union?  A labour union is a group of workers who group themselves together to bargain with governments, industry and employers to improve working conditions.  Its me, you, … Continue reading Unions, Get In One and Get Off Your Butt. A Trade Workers Perspective.

I Was A Pain In The Ass Apprentice.

I was a pain in the ass apprentice. Not so long ago I was an electrical apprentice. Ā It took me 6 years to complete the 6000 hours of workplace experience and 40 weeks of schooling. Ā I had good days and bad days, and made some friends along the way. Ā I also met some people I … Continue reading I Was A Pain In The Ass Apprentice.

Electricians Without Borders Interview

Ā  Ā  Ā Nearly two months ago, an article in my union locals newsletter caught my eye about Ā a non-governmental organization called Electricians Without Borders. They are a group of volunteer electricians, paying their own travel to communities in need, to share their talents and time. This sounded awesome and I had to know more. I … Continue reading Electricians Without Borders Interview