“I did not know there were so many different areas of electrical work. This mentorship showed me there is much more to choose from.”
Zachery was considering pursuing a career in electrical work, but there are many kinds of electrical work. A mentorship was facilitated with Matt at BC Hydro to give Zachery an idea of what to expect as an electrician working with high voltage.
Matt brought Zachery on a tour of a BC Hydro sub-station. The first thing Zachery learned is that safety is number one when you’re near high voltage systems. They wore safety equipment and Zachery was instructed to “be like a Tyrannosaurus rex with arms held close to the chest.”
After all safety measures were followed, the tour started the way BC Hydro crews start their day. They checked that day’s work schedule and discussed the potential hazards they would have to prepare for. Safety is always first.
Matt also talked about his career journey that started as a labourer at an electrical company. He apprenticed and studied for four years, then worked with journeypersons. He liked working with the larger wires and switches and obtained his certification in high voltage systems. Zachery learned that high voltage work can also be done for hospitals, universities, and large building complexes.
While high voltage seems exciting, Zachery would like to focus first on building his skills, maybe in home construction. “I knew there were some, but I did not know there were so many different areas of electrical work. This mentorship showed me there is much more to choose from.”
We know that whatever electrical career Zachery chooses, he’ll always put safety first!