Hannah (6 years)

What were you doing prior to working in the trades?

Finishing a degree in Geology, working on art projects and working low paying low commitment jobs to pay the bills

 

What contractor have you liked working for and why?

Gunner Electric, is a company I appreciated and learned with. They are partially owned by a woman who makes a point of hiring a more diverse work force. I also benefited from working with this smaller crew for a longer time than the apprenticeship normally allows. With that dynamic I was able to find multiple allies who took time to get to know me. Eventually we came trust each others ability to better learn from one another.

 

What's an average day look like for you?

Start the day with small talk and task assignments of the day. As an apprentice the assignment is usually building a small portion of the larger electrical design. For example; installing a pipe or multiple pipes that carry wires and/or cables to a separate location, digging a trench for the pipes, drilling through concrete for the pipe to pass through, mounting electrical devices to specification. It also often includes organizing and maintaining the worksite and assisting/observing a journeyman do a task. As the day ends we tidy work area and make sure everyone is accounted for before leaving.

 

What's something that surprised you?

The wide variety of jobs and places that electricians work in. I have participated in the installation of lights for commercial buildings, a computer run and operated conveyor belt system for the airport, a triply redundant electrical system (for emergencies) in a parking garage, hospital rooms and currently I am organizing an electrical companies warehouse over the winter.

 

What's something unpleasant about your job?

Toxic masculinity, white supremacy and sexual harassment. I remind myself that these exist in other work environments. I find allies where I can. I show up for and believe when other people share their encounters. I make sure I have people and hobbies that add to my sense of fulfillment in the world. I seek therapy when this sometimes isn't enough. Create solidarity with people who want a healthier future for our industry. Construction is an important gateway to achieving financial stability without going into debt for many people, Don't let the Nazis choose who is allowed utilize it, because it wont be us<3 :)

 

Work wear recommendations?

WEAR THE MOST COMFORTABLE BOOTS YOU CAN AFFORD! If I don't have to wear a safety toe I buy Oboz mountain hiking boots, if I do have to wear safety toe Danner and Redwing are fine. Caterpillar also makes a safety toe shoe(not boot) for under a hundred dollars.

 

What advice would you give someone starting out?

Find allies on and off the job and show up for each other. Ask to participate in a task you are interested in. It shows interest and it probably isn't digging.