Jennifer Geddes: Electrician

Summary

The speaker shares their passion for being an electrician, highlighting the excitement of working at heights and the diverse nature of the job. They discuss the strong sense of community and 'brotherhood' within the construction trades, which now includes women, creating a family-like atmosphere. The speaker emphasizes the importance of math and science skills, particularly for troubleshooting, and shares how their career choice positively impacted their personal growth and confidence. They encourage others to pursue a career in construction trades if it aligns with their interests, regardless of naysayers.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The speaker finds excitement in working at high heights and handling electrical wiring for buildings and large facilities.
• 🏗️ Becoming an electrician was a practical choice for the speaker due to financial needs and the potential for good income, despite having a university background.
• 👷‍♂️ There's a strong sense of community and mutual support among construction workers, historically referred to as a 'Brotherhood', now including women as well.
• 🛠️ The construction trade offers various paths, including residential, commercial, industrial, and service work, as well as opportunities in troubleshooting and renovations.
• 🧮 Strong mathematical skills are essential for an electrician, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of academic math from high school.
• 🏢 The speaker's career choice not only provided financial stability but also personal growth and increased self-confidence.
• 👨‍🏫 The speaker suggests that those interested in the construction trades should pursue it, regardless of naysayers, as it can lead to personal and professional success.
• 💡 The speaker's experience in the trade has been transformative, highlighting the value of finding a career that aligns with one's personality and interests.
• 🏛️ The construction industry is dynamic, with growing opportunities in renovation and service work, indicating a robust job market for skilled electricians.
• 🌟 The speaker's story serves as an inspiration, showing that perseverance and following one's passion can lead to recognition and respect in one's field.

Q & A

What does the speaker find exciting about their job as an electrician?

The speaker finds working at high heights on lifts to be exciting.

How did the speaker end up becoming an electrician?

The speaker became an electrician by fluke, needing to make money while being a university student with debt.

What is the sense of community like among construction workers?

There is a strong sense of community and brotherhood among construction workers, where they look out for and help each other on the job.

What opportunities are available for an electrician in terms of work settings?

An electrician can work in residential, commercial construction, industrial facilities, and service work, including troubleshooting and renovations.

Why is math and science important for an electrician?

Math and science are crucial for an electrician for troubleshooting and understanding electrical systems.

What educational background did the speaker find helpful in their career?

The speaker found taking academic math in high school, specifically grades 10, 11, and 12, to be very helpful.

How has being an electrician impacted the speaker's personal growth?

Being an electrician has helped the speaker grow as a person, gain self-confidence, and develop mechanical skills that have benefited them in all aspects of life and career.

What advice does the speaker give to those considering a career in construction trades?

The speaker advises to follow one's heart and pursue a career in construction trades regardless of what others say.

How does the speaker describe the transition of the construction trades from being male-dominated to more inclusive?

The speaker acknowledges the historical 'brotherhood' in construction trades but notes the increasing inclusion of women, maintaining a family-like sense of community.

What kind of challenges did the speaker face when they first started as an electrician?

The speaker faced challenges such as skepticism from others who doubted their ability to succeed in the field, but they overcame these by proving themselves through their work.