Overview
Hollie is a 5th year 309A Construction & Maintenance Electrician. She has worked in a variety of settings, from residential construction, commercial projects and service & maintenance. Hollie has had many experiences with the varying responses from other tradespeople and customers alike to being a female in a male-dominated workplace.
Mentor Profile
Who:
Hollie Cook
What:
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Why:
The career options are endless. You can get into Project Management, become an Electrical Safety Authority Inspector, or teach trade school at a college, to name a few.
Education:
Construction & Maintenance Electrical
Average Salary:
$50,000 – $100,000
Technical Skills:
Experience working in electrical wires, ability to follow technical drawings, building plans and wiring diagrams
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?
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to get into a skilled trade. When I was in high school, there wasn’t a big push for apprenticeships. I didn’t pursue a trade until I was 24. Fast forward, and I’m now a 5th year 309A Construction & Maintenance Electrical apprentice.
2. What kind of professional development opportunities are available in your career?
The career options are endless. You can get into Project Management, become an Electrical Safety Authority Inspector, or teach trade school at a college, to name a few.
3. What is the average salary in the field?
At first, my pay was at $12.50/hour. Now as a 5th year I’m more than double that at $27.00/hr and that will increase again when I get my license. I can’t think of other careers where your wages more than double so quickly.
4. What qualities do you need to succeed in this field?
For any workplace, the best advice I can give is to just do your job. There will always be some politics or opinions or personalities that don’t always work well together, but at the end of the day, you’re hired to do your job. Take pride in the work you leave behind. What you say might be important, but what you do can speak volumes.
5. How do you get to be creative on your job?
Trade school teaches you the fundamentals, after which there are many courses and classes available to further your
knowledge. The majority of learning is on the job. Every jobsite you work on will give you different experiences. Sometimes you have to think outside the box, and come up with creative solutions.
Find More Information
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program