Ontario Electrical Contractor 11 EC: What was the biggest help? MJ: I think the biggest help was taking my electrical program in Winnipeg. Not only was it something that looked great on my resume to get me into the union, it also allowed me to go into my apprenticeship with prior knowledge that put me a step ahead of the game. EC: Has your employer been supportive on your road to becoming a journeyman? MJ: I started working with Northwest Electric inThunder Bay in 2014 and they have been very supportive in my growth and development through my first four years as an apprentice. EC: What do you think would make it easier to become an electrical apprentice? MJ:I found the hardest part to becoming an apprentice was just getting started. Lots of opportunities to gain apprenticeships are found by knowing the right people within the trade, which results in less jobs being posted. If you happen to be the guy with the inside track it’s great, but I was the guy on the outside. I wasn't fromThunder Bay and I didn't know any contractors or journeymen. I had to sit and wait intertek.com/inspections icenter@intertek.com 1-905-678-7820 Intertek is pleased to offer field labelling and inspection for both electrical equipment to SPE-1000 and medical electrical equipment to SPE-3000. The ETL mark on our special inspection label tells inspectors, or AHJ’s, that the product complies with nationally accepted standards and includes a unique serial number that is recorded in your report. FIELD LABELING OF ELECTRICAL & MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO SCHEDULE A SPECIAL INSPECTION IN ONTARIO Northwest Electric powers up Thunder Bay’s industrial, commercial and maintenance electrical. They offer lighting system design, panel installation, fire alarm installation, electrical troubleshooting and repair and more. Call 807-345-7475. for an opportunity to be posted. Even when one finally came I didn't make the first list of guys selected, which was frustrating considering my schooling and previous experience. EC: What tips would you pass on to anyone else looking to become an electrical apprentice? MJ: Get involved early! Do co-ops in high school. Making connections could help lead to a future apprenticeship.Take extra courses and programs when they are available; they give you a leg up on any competition. EC: What is your favourite part of being an electrician? MJ: I really do enjoy my line of work. My favourite part would be finishing a job. You get to take a step back and take in what you’ve accomplished. I take pride in my work and seeing it complete and done right gives me a great feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. EC: What are your future plans in the trade? Own your own business? MJ: I am very happy where I am. My company has allowed me to continue to grow each year. With being able to become a journeyman in the coming months, that will not change. I plan on continuing to learn and move onto more complex jobs under other journeymen, eventually branching off to run my own jobs within the company. EC: If you had to go back now and make the decision again, would you still pick the electrical trade? MJ: If I had to do it all over again I would. My journey may have taken longer than most, but it all worked out. I have a job I enjoy and work with a great group of guys that have taught me a lot.They’ve become a second family to me and my own family.