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
the journey
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. It took me 6 years to complete the 6000 hours of workplace experience and 40 weeks of schooling. I had good days and bad days, and made some friends along the way. I also met some people I … Continue reading I Was A Pain In The Ass Apprentice.
Trade Comic Book, For Construction Trade Workers
I have completed a comic book! So very excited to announce the publication of my comics as a 75 page perfect bound comic book. Its called TRADE COMICS For Construction Trade Workers and is now available for order on etsy: HERE!
Frequency
I would like to take a moment to discuss frequency. In electrical, frequency is defined as the number of cycles per second that an alternating current will change direction (measured as a Hertz, the symbol used is HZ, and is named after German physicist Heinrich Hertz, the first to broadcast and receive radio … Continue reading Frequency
Choosing And Using Assertiveness
In the trades, life is easier if you can communicate clearly with others. Heck, ALL OF LIFE is easier when you can communicate clearly with others! And communicating assertively has pretty much become my new daily mantra. What is assertiveness? An honest, direct, and appropriate expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, beliefs and needs without undue … Continue reading Choosing And Using Assertiveness
Some Comics
On Becoming Journeyed; Four lessons I have learned the hard way as a trade woman.
I have recently officially received my papers showing I have completed my apprenticeship. I have endured 6000 workplace hours, taken four levels of electrical schooling, and am now called a journeyman/journeywoman/journeyperson. I have been working towards this accomplishment vehemently for about five years, and oh, what a journey it has been. I am now … Continue reading On Becoming Journeyed; Four lessons I have learned the hard way as a trade woman.
NEARING THE END OF MY APPRENTICESHIP, WHAT I HAVE LEARNED.
I have been taking my sweet time in finishing my apprenticeship. I still don’t feel ready to be called a journey person, but I feel close. I have learnt how to make a good mechanical tie between two conductors, and grown to understand the meaning behind the neat and tidy electrical work, assuming it … Continue reading NEARING THE END OF MY APPRENTICESHIP, WHAT I HAVE LEARNED.
Mental Health and Addiction Within The Trades
I recently asked some other electricians, that I consider my peers, what advice they would give to other electrical apprentices. I got some great advice, such as from Oleg: ‘Take as little time off as possible. Only turn down over time if you have a really good reason. Don't talk about the weird shit you're … Continue reading Mental Health and Addiction Within The Trades
Secret Life Of An Apprentice Ellectrician 