BLAZENKA JURCIC MONACHINO
Overview
Blazenka is a Protection and Control Technologist at Hydro One Inc. She received her diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology – Controls from Mohawk College and her Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) from Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians (OACETT). She has been working with electrical power, private and public sector for over 20 years.
Mentor Profile
Who: Blazenka Jurcic Monachino
What: Protection and Control Technologist
Where: Hydro One Inc.
Why: I enjoy solving technical problems at the same time working in the field
Education: Electrical Engineering Technology – Controls
Average Salary: $55,000 – $125,000
Technical Skills: Experience working in high voltage stations, with knowledge of protection and controls in the transmission and distribution systems
Soft Skills: Strong Analytical Skills, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail and Accuracy, Communication Skills, Reading and Comprehension Skills
Let’s Know More:
1. I’m not sure what career path options are available to me. Can you help me make a final decision?
When choosing a career, it is important to choose something you love to do. Know yourself and what you are passionate about. For example: if you like to work with your hands then explore careers that will give you that opportunity. If you cannot decide if you want to pursue academics or trades because you are interested in both, my advice is to do both. Get as much education as possible. Go get that degree but you can also pursue trades after the degree. Down the road you could combine two paths.
2. What kind of professional development opportunities are available in your career?
There are lots of opportunities. Technologies change all the time so it is always exciting to get training on new devices, equipment, etc. Also there are always opportunities for personal growth, depending what I get involved with.
3. Can you tell me how your job helps or works with the community?
I am part of the team that makes sure station’s equipment and systems are operational so that customers experience no power interruptions. We keep the lights on in Ontario.
4. What qualities do you need to succeed in this field?
Be a team player; Detail oriented; Love learning about new technologies; Enjoy problem-solving.
5. How do you get to be creative on your job?
Working in the stations mean working outside, and some stations are remote, so there are lots of opportunities for me to be creative. I am limited to work with tools and equipment I bring with me, so having experience, training and using common sense is helpful in troubleshooting, identifying a problem and fixing it.
6. What are you most proud of?
I was involved in building two new Transformer stations. To this day whenever I pass by them I am reminded of my accomplishment, as well as the team that was part of constructing the station.
Find More Information
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program