many years' experience in the electrician trade as a 309A Construction and Maintenance
electrician, which is a Red Seal trade.
Enforcement Officer with the College?
working in the skilled trades today?
to women and youth who are thinking about
entering the skilled trades in Ontario?
some of the more male-dominated fields and
sectors or has that changed?
involved with?
Officer with the Compliance and Enforcement
Division of the College. I have worked as an
electrician from the time I began as an apprentice
in 1999 until early 2013 when I joined the College.
apprenticeship can be. Prior to my position with
the College, I worked voluntarily as an advocate
for apprentices and trades promotion. I was
attracted to this the position because I am a
journeyperson and have a good understanding of
current apprenticeship and training and believe I
can introduce the concept of compliance and the
benefits of enforcement in a positive manner.
something meaningful. No two days are the same.
You have a chance to meet so many people from
all over the world and make lasting friendships.
Experiencing different cultures and continuous
learning are just the tip of the iceberg. As far
as compensation goes, it's fair and sustainable.
Working hours will vary from employer to employer.
There are definitely jobs where you work eight
hours a day and can still have a family life. There
are so many grants and bursaries available for
employees and employers now that weren't
available when I started. Getting paid to learn is a
great way to start a career.
thing any apprentice or journeyperson can
do. It will keep you organized; it will help you
to remember and stay on task. Besides, it is a
record of everything you have done, learned and
achieved. It is an accurate account of your hours
of progression and career achievements. Believe in
yourself and keep your standards high.
know anyone there. It is difficult to be new in any
workplace, but when you are different from anyone
else, it can be somewhat isolating. The culture of
the trades is slowly changing. Some trades are
slower to change than others. I found out the
hard way that written workplace policies do not
always reflect the culture of the workplace. In an
ideal world the workplace would be welcoming to
everyone. One way to achieve this is with small
gestures such as proper fitting uniforms, suitable,
properly sized personal protective equipment and a
seat at the crew lunch table.
the following sectors: Motive Power, Construction,
and Service.
desire to build something lasting. I knocked on
doors and made phone calls, learned everything
I could. I did it all on my own merit. I did not have
the comfort of working with my father, uncles or
relatives because they are not in the trades.