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So you’re wondering what you’regoing to do with your life…

You want to have a job where youmake a positive difference.Where there’s a real need for whatyou do. A job with a future.

Think electric.Everyone depends on electricity.We all use it every day. That’s notgoing to change.

If you’re looking for a careerwhere you make top dollar, where

you can live just about anywhereand where there are plenty ofopportunities, the electricity sector is for you. It offers dozensand dozens of different kindsof jobs with great pay and lotsof room to advance.

Energize Your Future!

NOW is the best time to move up FAST

The big population bubble of people born just afterWorld War II, the Baby Boomer Generation, is startingto retire. That ’s going to leave a big hole in the jobmarket. You can be there to fill it.

The pros who are coming to the end of their careers needto pass on the torch. You can be sure that they want thepower grid to keep working smoothly once they leave.Now is the time to benefit from their years of experience.They are ready to help you fast-track your career if you’reeager to learn.

Each time you advance in career level your salary goesup and so does your level of responsibility. You leadbigger and bigger teams and projects. You tackleincreasingly complex problems. BC’s Electricity sectoris always on the lookout for talented people who aren’tafraid to meet the challenge. People like you!

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Ok, so now you know that theElectricity sector has lots of greatcareer options. You still need tofind out what’s in it for you.

Check out the next page for theanswer!

What’s in it for me?

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respect

opportunity

Bringing power to the people - it’s important. Look at how vulnerable folks feel when they’re stranded without electricity during apower outage. In the electrical sector, there is never any doubt that your work serves a useful purpose. Without you, everyone wouldbe in the dark. Literally.

choicesAre you good with your hands? A math whiz? A technology guru? A people person? No matter what flavour of person youare, there’s a job for you in electricity. The variety of jobs in the sector is simply astounding. And as the current workforcegets older the demand for skilled people keeps growing. Your options keep on multiplying.

coolness factorImagine the rush of handling high voltage power, doing helicopter inspections of hydro lines or controlling millions of tonsof water flow. The electricity sector offers all that and much, much more. And you get to play with the best toys: articulatedbucket trucks, sophisticated high-tech equipment and massive engines and turbines. Not too many people can say thatabout their job!

rewardThe electricity sector pays some of the best salaries out there. As you gain experience and move up to more senior positions, your paywill increase. Learning is important…if the skill set you have is a rare commodity, people will pay you more. What’s more, if you’re in asituation where you need to start making money today, there are lots of opportunities for apprenticeships that allow you to earn whileyou learn.

You are unlikely to hear of massive layoffs in the electricity sector. That’s because electricity is a necessity…and becauseelectricity is used everywhere, you’ll never be stuck in one place. With the right training and experience, you can move allover Canada or even the world.

Some people mistakenly believe that electricity sectoris a ‘men’s-only’ club. Not true. Women CAN andDO work in every type of job. While it’s commonknowledge that in the old days, almost all Engineersand Electricians were men, that’s certainly not the caseanymore. A lot more women are entering these fieldsnowadays and the electricity sector is putting out thewelcome mat.

Some of the work is physically demanding…and weare seeing that the myth that says women aren’t cutout to work with their hands is absolutely wrong!Women are proving this everywhere in the industry.Electricians, for example, sometimes work in extremeweather conditions, dizzying heights and on heavymachinery. Women who do this job are every bit ascapable as men. What’s important is not your gender;it’s that you enjoy that type of challenge.

Women are welcome!The electricity sector supports diversity. We valueand are committed to an equitable workplace whereeveryone can realize their full potential with equalaccess to opportunities. We understand that a mixof talents, perspectives, backgrounds and experiencesultimately increases our collective capability.

Diversity

Lots of ways to get there!

There are as many electricity career paths as there are jobs in the sector. It’s safe to say, however, that most jobs in theindustry require a certain amount of technical expertise.

You can acquire this specialized know-how in lots of ways, such as an on-the-job apprenticeship, a technicianor technology diploma at a community college or a university degree. Of course, the longer you stay in school,the more things you’ll learn. With greater knowledge come more options and, in general, the higher your educationlevel, the higher your salary.

If you like to learn things by actuallydoing them, an apprenticeship is theway to go. On-the-job training (along-side an electrician, for example) countsfor about 80% of apprenticeships. Theremaining 20% involves classroominstruction at a community college orother training institution. This is whereyou get to connect your practical know-how with the theory behind it.

One of the best rewards of apprentice-ships is that you get paid while you’relearning. No need to rack up huge stu-dent debt in order to get a good job.Once you earn your certification youcan write your own ticket…like workingin different parts of Canada, being yourown boss or teaching others to getwhere you are.

Pre-apprenticeship programs are agood option for BC students interestedin developing their skills. Part-timeSecondary School Apprenticeships, Ace-It and Foundation Programs are alldesigned to help you take your firststeps towards getting your certification.Visit www.itabc.ca to find out more.

Apprenticeship

Community Colleges specialize in offer-ing a combination of practical and theo-retical knowledge. They are great placesto learn the skills you need for a varietyof jobs. Some schools even offer co-opprograms that allow you to get real-world job experience between semesters.

There are so many college programs thatcan open the door to a career in theelectricity sector, we couldn’t possibly go

into them all. Seeing that the electricalgrid is entirely based on technology, it’spretty obvious that a large number ofjobs require specialized technical knowl-edge. If you want a job in the industry,you can’t go wrong with a diploma as anelectrical technologist or technician.

Colleges offer the advantage of beingaccessible to more people. Since they arefound in a larger number of cities and

towns than universities, you have a bet-ter chance of receiving an education inor near the place where you live.

Typically, college programs run 2-3years. Talk to your school guidancecounsellor if you’d like to find out moreabout your options.

College Diploma

Certain jobs are only open to you if youhave qualifications such as a bachelor’s ormaster’s degree in a specialized field.People from all kinds of university back-grounds work in the electricity sector,from Environmental Science or Financemajors to Civil Engineers. Given thetechnical challenges of running a systemas complex as the power grid, it’s notsurprising that the industry relies heavily

on the Engineering profession, withElectrical, Civil and Mechanical Engineersbeing the most common.

During your university studies, youhave the option of taking courses inother fields. Knowledge you’ve acquiredoutside your particular field (in businessadministration or communications forexample) can really come in handy inyour job.

Generally, a bachelor’s degree takes 4years to complete, a master’s degree isanother 2 years, and it takes a few yearsmore to get all the way to a PhD. Someprofessions such as Engineering, requireyou pass a test and gain work experienceafter graduation before you can get yourfull credentials.

University Degree

There is no substitute for experience, however. The skills you acquire on the job are important to your career.The more work experience you have, the more situations you can handle and the more valuable you are to youremployer. Every education and career choice you make opens up new opportunities.

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Green is the colour of your future…and British Columbia is committedto doing its part to help save theplanet by putting a stop to globalwarming. Reducing waste throughenergy conservation is a big part ofthe answer. This means that cut-ting-edge expertise will be neededto help the province create greentechnology solutions. Eco-specialistssuch as Energy Efficiency Evaluatorswill be in big demand, helpinghomes and businesses take advan-tage of advances like smart meteringand new energy efficient lighting,heating and cooling systems. Byjoining the electricity sector, youcan make a positive difference.

Your future will also see improve-ments in construction techniques asBC rolls out new energy efficientbuilding standards. If you are up tospeed in green construction you couldbe busy working on new projects andretro-fitting older buildings andhomes. Power generation facilities willalso be upgraded to make them more

efficient and green technology expertswill be leading the charge. In a simi-lar vein, a new shift towards small-scale electricity production will spellbig opportunities for people whodesign, build and install small powergeneration systems such as rooftopsolar collectors and windmills.

Upgrades to the power grid willmean great work opportunities.Increased computer control of powertransmission and distribution sys-tems will require people who under-stand the technology, software andelectronics behind these new sys-tems. Staying ahead of the curve isimportant and the electricity work-ers of tomorrow will need to con-stantly fine-tune their expertise astechnology breakthroughs changethe industry. For example, advancedsystems that allow data transferalong electrical power lines look likethe answer for connecting rural andremote areas to theInternet.

As people become more environ-mentally aware, electric and hybridcars will become more common.Fuel-cell technology is gainingmomentum and the people whoknow how to maintain and repairelectrical engines and energy stor-age systems are becoming hot prop-erty. Public transit is seeing anongoing shift from fossil fuels toelectricity. As a result, electricityconsumption patterns will change,and this needs to be studied andplanned for by utilities such as BCHydro and BC Transmission Corp.,who builds the grid. Engineers,Project Managers and OperationsManagers will be on the front linesof this green revolution. The skill,creativity and ingenuity of manytalented people will be required tobuild this sustainable energy future.Maybe you will be one of them!

The Future of Electricity in BC is Your Future!

Greening the Grid

Move Over, Baby!

Hydroelectric

BC has always shown a strong commitment to renewable energy, with around 90% of powergenerated from hydro-electric dams. But we’realways trying to do more. A new commitment to clean, renewable energy sources means we’llbe seeing more projects that use bioenergy,geo-thermal energy, tidal, run-of-river, solarand wind power.

Baby boomers are retiring in record numbersand this is creating opportunities for up-and-coming electricity workers. In fact, the futurehas never looked so bright for new recruits!The first wave of new talent is already learningthe ropes from experienced pros who arenearing retirement. Eager new workers aretaking advantage of this and fast-trackingtheir careers in order to fill the void.

Generation

Fossil

Power plants that run on oil, gasor coal are called fossil plantsbecause the fuels they burn wereformed from the remains of prehis-toric organisms. BC has limitedfossil fuel generation.

Existing and new generationwill have requirements to offsetor sequester greenhouse gasemissions.

Wind and solar powered electricalpower generation are considered eco-friendly because they make useof a renewable energy source thatwill never be used up and won’t createharmful greenhouse gases. Othersources of green power generationinclude geo-thermal (using heat energy

Renewables

Biomass

Power generation from biomass convertsthe energy stored in living things intoelectricity. It can be considered greenwhen this is done efficiently or useswaste product. Biomass energy isoften derived from forest waste, suchas sawdust or beetle-killed timber,

or from agricultural plant and animalwaste. Electricity generated by burningmethane gas produced by garbagelandfills is also considered eco-friendlybecause it is better to burn landfill gasand put it to work than to vent itdirectly to the atmosphere.

from the earth) and ocean energy(harnessing ocean waves and tidalcurrents). Although these types ofpower generation are still rare, wemay see them used more widely astechnological advances help us findnew ways to tap into these sourcesof energy.

Hydroelectric power is generated bythe force of falling water that turnshuge magnets. Hydroelectric energymakes up about 90% of the BC’soverall electricity output.

Low production costs and zerogreenhouse gas emissions makethis type of energy somethingwe will rely on far into the future.

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1. Make a list of what you are good at.2. Figure out what naturally appeals to you,

look at your strengths, skills and abilities.3. Make three (3) lists – what am I good at,

what makes me happy and what do I not want to do?4. Consider a wide range of jobs.5. Narrow your choices down to 2 or 3 jobs.6. Do some research to find out more about them.7. Talk to people doing the work.

Choosing the Right Job

Job What’s it all about? What do I need?

Power Line Technician You are responsible for the construction,repair and maintenance of high voltagetransmission and distribution lines onpoles, towers or underground systems.

For your apprenticeship, a high school diploma or equivalent isrecommended, including Gr 12 English and at least Gr 11 Mathand Physics. (Some employers may set a higher standard.)

A good driving record and an ability to work at heights and harshweather are important.

Electrician You will plan out, assemble, connect,repair, maintain, operate and test a widerange of electrical operational and controlsystems and related equipment.

For your apprenticeship, a high school diploma or equivalent isrecommended, including Gr 12 English and Gr 12 Math and Physics.

Related employment experience, a pre-apprenticeship and a solidbackground in science are definite assets.

Power System Operator You will control the transmission anddistribution of electrical power. Thisinvolves monitoring and switching portionsof the power grid and communicating withfield crews and the public in case of outages.

For your apprenticeship, a high school diploma or equivalentis required, including Gr 12 Math, English or Technical andProfessional Communications, Gr 11 Physics.

Related employment experience is a definite asset.

Sustainable FutureFacilitator

You may be called upon to design, install,maintain configure and test sophisticatedequipment used to control and monitorthe electrical grid.

A college or university degree in a relevant field or a mix of workexperience and training in energy efficiency practices.

Good knowledge of green technology solutions and sustainableenergy practices.

Smart Energy Specialist You may be called upon to design, install,maintain configure and test sophisticatedequipment used to control and monitorthe electrical grid.

A university degree in Engineering or a college degree as aTechnologist or Technician.

Good knowledge of advanced power generation, transmissionand distribution systems.

Several years experience in the electricity industry and a proventrack record in implementing technology solutions.

Engineer Your high school grade averages must meet university admissionrequirements, including Gr 12 English, Chemistry, Math and Physics.

A degree in Engineering from a recognized university.

To obtain your P. Eng. credentials you must gain work experienceand pass a licensing exam.

You use mathematics, science and business knowledge to find cost-effectiveand safe solutions to difficult problems.You also estimate the time, cost andresources necessary to complete projects.

Project Manager A university degree in a relevant field of study, typicallyEngineering.

Good knowledge of power generation, transmission and distributionsystems.

An ability to work your way up and gain knowledge of the industry.

You are in charge of supervising projectsfrom start to finish, overseeing the variousstages of design and execution all the wayto completion. This involves projectingcosts, time and people needed to get thejob done and making sure everyone sticksto the schedule.

Operations Manager A university degree in a relevant field of study, typicallyEngineering.

Good knowledge of power generation, transmission and distributionsystems.

Several years experience in the electricity industry and a proventrack record in leading teams of people.

You are in charge of power generation,distribution, transmission or field opera-tions. As the person responsible for thefinancial performance of your area ofoperations, you set targets and budget themoney that will be spent to reach them.You create processes and procedures foryour staff to follow and make sure that thepower grid operates smoothly and safely.

Choosing a career in the electricitysector means a lot of doors are opento you. Many workers who start theirjob with one skill set will be trainedto acquire many different skills anddo a variety of jobs. This type ofcross-training multiplies your careeroptions and allows you to discover andspecialize in an area you particularly love.

The electricity industry also offers achance to work in almost any geographic

location. There are plenty of jobs whereyou can work in a big city like Vancouveror in a small town surrounded by nature.Country mouse or city mouse, it makesno difference. There is a job to fit thelifestyle you want.

A great many jobs in the electricalsector are fairly recession proof. It onlymakes sense: even in tough economictimes, people still need to use electricity!What’s more, many of workers in the

sector are part of a union and benefitfrom the power of collective bargaining.This means that co-workers havejoined together to gain good workconditions, high pay and excellentbenefits such as drug and dentalplans. This is a big bonus, especiallyif you have a family.

Smart Choice

Environmental ImpactBC’s electricity sector takes its respon-sibility to the environment very seri-ously. Specialists are called in to ensurethat we follow all environmental lawsand minimize our impact on theatmosphere. Projects are designed sothey will protect fish and wildlife andhave the smallest ecological footprint.

More and more effort is being made touse power more efficiently and educateconsumers on how to conserve energy.We also make a positive impact whenBC sells its surplus electrical power toother regions that might otherwise relyon more polluting energy sources.

Everyone working in the electrical sec-tor makes a commitment to help pre-serve the environment and help out inthe following areas:

Ecosystem protection

Energy & resource use efficiency

Pollution prevention

Community relations

The world is changing and we all needto do what we can to help save theplanet. Reducing waste by using ener-gy more efficiently is a major goal. Ina lot of cases technology is the solu-tion. If you’re a green technologyexpert, new opportunities are openingup for you.

For more detailed information about any of these jobs, check out the profiles at www.brightfuturesBC.ca

Power Systems Operator

“I enjoy working as a Load Operator at BCTC becausethere is always interesting work to be done and newthings to learn. My job is exciting because you neverknow when something big is going to happen; it could bea quiet day and then something might occur half-wayacross the province which causes your day to speed up.My managers are helpful in showing the way when I havea question and allow me time for on-the-job training.With the Real Time Operations team, I am able to facechallenges and complete work with the satisfaction of ajob well done.”

Lee Baxter, Load Operator, BCTC

Sustainable Future Facilitator

“I focus on alternative energy technologies that aren’t yetpart of B.C.’s electricity mix. One of my current projects is accelerating the deployment of geothermal energy – atechnology that uses underground heat to make electric-ity. It all started in high school when I enjoyed a lot of different things: hiking, snowboarding, music, but espe-cially geology. After a bachelor’s in Geology, I pursued a Masters in Resource Management and EnvironmentalStudies. Both degrees helped me understand energy andthe environment, but I also learned multi-disciplinary andcreative problem solving. What I enjoy most about my jobis being able to help the environment.”

Jana Hanova, Strategic Technology Professional, BC Hydro

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Here’s what some electricity workers have to say about the smart choices they made:Testimonials

Power Line Technician

“To me, there was no other job I had heard of thatoffered what this trade does; that is, the exciting,changing environment that is working with electricityon this scale. Every day, you must be focused and readyto learn, and the reward is a career with lots of oppor-tunity's, and many challenges to continually grow andserve the needs of our society. I especially enjoy thechallenge of combining all of our technical and practi-cal skills to create the finished product, and have theconfidence to do it safely and be home at the endof the day.”

Matt Wilson, Power Line Technician, FortisBC

Electrician

“For an active person like myself, the idea of sittingbehind a desk felt too much like school and the ideaof working a labour job where there was no mentalchallenge was not appealing either. So what was I todo? This is where the trades appealed to me, andended up being the right choice for me as I haveworked the last 15 years as an electrician. The job isphysically active and also challenges me mentally; it'sa great fit for who I am. Skilled trades are wide openand have lots to offer many different people. Just takea look!”

Karen Porter, IBEW Journeyperson Electricianworking at BC Hydro

Project Manager

“I like working at BCTC as a research and develop-ment project manager because my job is profes-sionally challenging, intellectually interesting andpersonally rewarding. My job gives me opportunityto meet people from all over the word from otherutilities, universities, research institutions, andcompanies. In my work I can grow professionallyand personally while at the same time meeting thecompany’s objectives and achieving my careergoals.”

Janos Toth, Ph.D., P.Eng., P.E., PMP, Project Manager, BCTC

Operations Manager

“I really appreciate and value my Engineering educationand profession. It provides a solid basis for a wide varietyof careers, from design, construction and operations rolesto sales, business and management. The education waspractical and interesting. The profession has a high ethicalstandard and encourages its members to practiceEngineering for the benefit of public safety, social valuesand the environment. This practice of applying technicalknowledge to find solutions in a complex framework oftechnical, social and environmental framework is of keyimportance in our world today.”

Amy Stevenson,Vice President, Operations, Columbia Power

Smart Energy Specialist

“I became a Certified Energy Advisor after working as an advi-sor's assistant for a number of months. The job was a perfectfit for me as it allowed me to combine my environmental edu-cation and communication skills with my desire to help bringabout positive environmental change. The combination ofworking from home and working in the field, which in this jobmeans conducting home energy assessments, provides a nicebalance of office work, computer work, public engagementand hands-on investigation. At times it feels like you are adetective, trying to solve the mystery of the high heating bills,cold rooms or moisture issues. It’s a job where you really feellike you’re making a difference.”

Joy Beauchamp, Certified Energy Advisor

Engineer

“How would you like to have the electricity network at thepalm of your hands? That’s what it feels like when you’re anElectrical Engineer. You can do so many cool things that willhelp improve power delivery, conserve energy or shorten thetime without electricity. In this career you will use very spe-cialized knowledge and advanced technologies to make ourelectrical distribution system more reliable and sustainable.This is my dream job. I enjoy working in a dynamic environ-ment where technology is constantly changing and I neverstop learning. University provides a solid foundation for thiscareer and from there you will have the ability to build onthat knowledge and expand it through your work.”

Valentina Dabic, Senior Engineer, BC Hydro

BC Transmission Corporation is BC’sindependent electric transmissioncompany, responsible for planning,building, operating and maintainingthe Province’s grid in a safe, reliableand cost-effective manner.

BCTC was created as a Crowncorporation in May 2003 and is100% owned by the people ofBritish Columbia. Prior to 2003,BCTC was a part of BC Hydro andthis history brings a strong legacyof knowledge and experience inelectricity transmission.

BCTC operates independently of allpower producers, and ensures fairand open access to the transmissionsystem for all electricity producers.In February 2007, the Provincereleased the BC Energy Plan: AVision for Clean Energy Leadership.The Energy Plan empowers BCTC

to take an innovative approach toensuring BC’s transmission technol-ogy and infrastructure remain at theleading edge and have the capacityto deliver power efficiently andreliably to meet growing demand.

Founded in 2005, the ElectricitySector Council (ESC) is a nationwide, not for profit organizationfunded by the Government ofCanada with support of industrypartners. Its mandate is to increasethe supply of interested and qualified

candidates to meet the workforcedemand of the electricity sector inCanada. The Council is composedof representatives from utilities, private companies, trade unions, andeducators from across the country. The Council provides human resourceand workplace development supportto workers employed by the electricity,

renewable energy industries and relatedcogeneration, energy efficiency, andmanufacturing and service/consultingindustries. Through its research andwork with industry employers,the Council is resolving issuessuch as recruiting and retrainingworkers, facilitating school-to-work transitions and developing

sector and career awarenessstrategies. The Electricity Sector Counciloperates under the guidance of CEO and Executive DirectorCatherine Cottingham, a volunteerBoard of Directors and a dedicatedstaff team in Ottawa.

Established in 1994, ColumbiaPower Corporation develops, buildsand operates commercially viable,environmentally sound and safe

power projects for the benefitof the Province and the residentsof the Columbia Basin.

A small organization with approxi-mately 50 full-time positions locatedin Castlegar in the West Kootenays,

Columbia Power oversees the opera-tions of the 145 megawatt BrilliantDam and Power Plant (purchasedin 1996), the 120 megawattBrilliant Expansion (completed in 2007), and the 185 megawattArrow Lakes Generating Station

(completed in 2002).

Planning is ongoing for theWaneta Expansion Project, aproposed second power plantat the Waneta Dam on thePend d’Oreille River near Trail.

The Ministry of Energy, Mines andPetroleum Resources is tasked withmanaging the responsible develop-ment of British Columbia’s energy,

mining and petroleum resourcesectors. Through the promotion ofteamwork and positive workingrelationships with our clients, theministry facilitates a climate of safe,environmentally responsible andcompetitive resource management.

It is through these initiatives thatthe ministry will continue to contribute to the economic growthand development of communitiesthroughout British Columbia.The Ministry’s BC Energy Plan: A Vision for Clean Energy

Leadership is a made-in-B.C.solution to the global challengeof ensuring a secure, reliable supplyof affordable energy in an environ-mental responsible way. For moreinformation on the BC Energy Plan,go to www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca/

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Please check out the companies below and learn about where you might find a job in the electricity sector.

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Myths and Realities

Much the same as the fact that newdrivers are the highest risk group fortraffic accidents, young people startingout their careers are more prone toworkplace mishaps. That’s why safetyprocedures and protocols are the firstthing you learn about when starting

a job in the electrical sector. Safety isALWAYS the number one priority.

Let’s face it, high voltage can be dangerous,so staying focused is important. Safetyis only as good as the weakest link inthe chain, which explains why there arealways multiple backup systems in place

to protect you and the public. What’smore, your co-workers are constantlywatching your back and you’re doingthe same for them. When you dependon each other in this way to get thejob done safely, the friendships thatform are real and lasting.

MythJobs in the electrical sector are moredangerous because of high voltage.

RealityAlthough it is true that high voltage mustbe handled with caution, the electricitysector has an exemplary safety record and does its best to maintain the verysafest work environment possible.

MythPhysically oriented jobs are not forstudents that get good grades.

RealityNot true, and the most common mispercep-tion about physically demanding jobs.Reality is that the electrical sector requiresindividuals with a strong academic founda-tion in reading, writing, math and science.Building a career in electricity takes intelli-gence, dedication, focus and hard work.

MythYou need a university or college degree to geta good job.

RealityAchieving a certificate of qualification fora skilled trade is also a ticket to a goodfuture, given the high demand, good payand travel opportunities.

MythA great deal of physical strength isrequired to work to do technical jobs in the electricity sector.

RealityPhysical work requires a wide range of capabilities. Technical jobs requiredexterity, stamina, good hand-eye coor-dination and balance – all attributes thathave little to do with strength.

MythJobs in the electricity sector are so special-ized you only get to do one thing.

RealityWhen you take a job in the electricity sector,you embark upon a career path with manychances for advancement. From supervi-sory positions to management positionsto the possibility of owning your ownbusiness, the options are unlimited. It’s up to you.

MythWomen are not cut out for jobs in Engineering.

RealityEngineering jobs require good aptitudes in math and science as well as superiorproblem solving and people skills. Theseaptitudes have nothing to do with gender.Women who work in the field of Engineeringhave proven time and again that they are everybit as capable as their male peers.

MythMany of the jobs are dirty, noisy and physi-cally demanding.

RealityNo doubt many electricity jobs involvehands-on and outdoor work. But this iswhy many people choose these jobs in thebeginning. For many, this type of work is far more rewarding than a job thatwhere you’re stuck at a desk all day.

Safety is #1

The electrical sector is constantlylooking to the future. We are alwaysworking to find new ways to be moreefficient, safe and productive. That’swhy we need people like you to helpus get there. There are lots of oppor-tunities for people with the rightstuff…why not start planning yourcourse of action now?

The first step is deciding on what careeryou’d like to have. Once you’ve donethat, you can start planning for it rightaway by taking the right courses in highschool. Many college and universityprograms require you to complete certaincourses in order to be admitted. Someof the more common courses that youmay need, depending on the job, are

Grade 12 English and at least Grade 11Math and Physics.

For more details, check out the brochuresavailable at your guidance counselor’soffice www.brightfuturesBC.ca and besure you speak to your guidance counseloror career studies teacher if you have anyspecific questions.

How do I fit in?

At BC Hydro, we provide morethan just electricity. We provide awork environment that includes

challenging careers with opportu-nities for growth. As the thirdlargest electric utility in Canada,BC Hydro serves customers in an area containing over 94% ofBritish Columbia's population.

Our primary business activities arethe generation and distribution ofelectricity. We operate 30 hydro-electric facilities and three naturalgas-fueled thermal power plants.We live by five core values: safety,

integrity, service, accountabilityand teamwork. As the province'sneed for power keeps growing, sodoes BC Hydro's need for talentednew team members who careabout our future.

Incorporated in 1897, FortisBC hasa proud history as the oldest electricutility in British Columbia. TheCompany’s roots go back to the late1800s and early 1900s when mining,

gold prospecting and wartimeactivities all contributed to signif-icant growth in Kootenay region.

Today FortisBC serves, directly andindirectly, a diverse base of approxi-mately 155,000 customers in a serviceterritory that is close to 90,000

square kilometers. FortisBC ownshydroelectric generating plants, highvoltage transmission lines, and a largenetwork of distribution assets, alllocated in the southern interior of BC.

The majority of FortisBC’s customers are located in urban

centres, including the cities of Kelowna, Oliver, Osoyoos,Princeton, Rossland, Creston, Trail and Castlegar. The Company’sindirect customers include whole-sale municipal utilities in Nelson,Grand Forks, Penticton,Summerland and Kelowna.

Local 258 of the InternationalBrotherhood of Electrical Workers

(IBEW) represents working menand women in the utility and relatedindustries – operations, maintenanceand construction – as well as inmanufacturing and traffic control.

We also own a training school(EITI) that provides the classroomportions of the apprenticeships forPower Line Technicians and UtilityArborists in British Columbia.

We take pride in a commitment to thetrades we represent, seeking the besttraining programs and opportunitiesavailable to ensure that our membershave highly marketable skill sets.

So, you’re interested in a career in theelectricity sector, but want some moreinformation? Check out www.brightfuturesBC.ca

to find out everything you need to knowabout the various careers that are out there,as well as the courses you’ll need to takewhile in high school to get yourself ready.

Tell me more!

Through the Sector CouncilProgram, the Government of Canada is working with theprivate sector to enhance adult

workers‚ skills through activitiessuch as increasing employerinvestments in skills develop-ment and promoting workplacelearning and training.

Sector councils are pan-Canadianorganizations that bring togetherbusiness, labour and learningstakeholders to share ideas, concerns and perspectives about

human resources and skills issuesin an industrial sector.

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Alternating and direct currents; used to measure electrical current.Gases containing acid that are discharged into the air.Rain containing acids that form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions combine with water.A system that cools and dries air.The basic unit of electric current.Hands-on training to learn a trade, art, or business while getting paid.A specialist in the care of trees.The sparking that results when undesirable current flows between two points of differing potential.An entitlement available that covers the cost of some or all medical and well-being expenses.Plant material, vegetation, or agricultural waste used as a fuel or energy source.A temporary loss of power caused by a failure in generation or transmission.Someone who makes the boilers.A reduction or cutback in electric power, especially as a result of a shortage, a mechanicalfailure, or overuse by consumers.A truck with an aerial lift device used to work on lines, towers and poles. To check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard.A continuous path for the flow of electricity.A fossil fuel that is burned to heat the water the water and produce electricity in a fossil power plant.The act of granting certain work to external companies to carry out a particular task or duty.The art, trade, or work of building.Performs installations, commissioning, fabrications, modifications, overhaul inspections,troubleshooting, predictive maintenance, repair and preventive maintenance. Lower voltages of electricity that are distributed to households.People who install, maintain, repair, or operate the electrical equipment and circuitry.Electric current used as a source of power.The organizations, regulatory bodies and companies that are involved in the generation anddelivery of electricity.The amount of electricity used by a customer.Devices that operate on electricity.Connecting to a source of power.A source of usable power.Mechanical equipment used to extract fuel from a nuclear unit.Things that are made or created.A worker who clears trees and brush away from electrical lines and rights-of-way.A remnant or trace of an organism of the past, such as a skeleton or leaf imprint, embedded andpreserved in the earth's crust.A generation plant fueled by fossil fuels: coal, oil or natural gas.A gaseous fuel, such as natural gas.The maximum amount of electric power produced by a generator.The process of production of electric power.The internal heat of the earth.An increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere, especially a sustained increasesufficient to cause climatic change.Electricity produced from renewable sources such as wind, low-impact hydroelectric, biomassand solar.

AC/DCAcid gas emissions

Acid Rain

Air conditioning systemAmp

ApprenticeshipArborist

ArcBenefitsBiomassBlackout

Boiler makerBrownout

Bucket truckCalibrate

CircuitsCoal

CommissioningConstruction

Control Technician

DistributionElectricians

ElectricityElectricity sector

Electricity usageElectronic

EnergizeEnergy

Extraction equipmentFabrications

ForesterFossil

Fossil plantGas

Generating capacityGeneration

Geo-thermalGlobal warming

Green power

Learn the Lingo

13

www.brightfuturesBC.ca .................................................................... Energize Your Future Website

www.brightfutures.ca ........................................................................ Electricity Sector Council (ESC)

www.tradeup.ca ................................................................................ Tradeup For Success

www.gov.bc.ca/empr/........................................................................ Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources BC

www.bchydro.com/careers/ ................................................................ BC Hydro – Career Link

www.ibew258.bc.ca .......................................................................... International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

www.bctc.com/careers/...................................................................... BC Transmission Corporation – Career Link

www.columbiapower.org.................................................................... Columbia Power Corporation

www.fortisinc.com............................................................................ FortisBC

www.eiti.bc.ca.................................................................................... Electrical Industry Training Institute Ltd.

www.jlattc.ca/training.html .............................................................. Joint Line Apprenticeship & Trades Training Committee

www.apprenticesearch.com................................................................ Search for Opportunities

www.apprenticeshiptrades.ca............................................................ Apprenticeship Trades

www.apprenticetrades.ca.................................................................... Skilled Trades – A Career You Can Build On

www.careerccc.org ............................................................................ Canadian Career Consortium

www.councils.org .............................................................................. Alliance of Sector Councils

www.jobfutures.ca ............................................................................ Information on the World of “Work”

www.hrsdc.gc.ca ................................................................................ Human Resources & Skills Development Canada

www.passporttosafety.com................................................................ Youth – Health and Safety

www.red-seal.ca ................................................................................ Red Seal Program – Inter-Provincial Standards

www.skilledtrades.ca .......................................................................... Good Careers – Great Futures

www.takeourkidstowork.ca ................................................................ Take Our Kids to Work

www.youth.gc.ca................................................................................ Government of Canada – Youth

www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca ................................................................ BC Energy Plan

Helpful Links

16

Constructs, repairs and maintains transmission and distribution lines on poles, towers and structures.Plant material from the prehistoric age, in fossil form. Pressurised water or heavy water flows through the pressure tubes and conveys the heat to a steam generator.Cutting off or removing parts or branches to improve shape or growth.Equipment that moves alternatively backwards and forwards, such as pumps, saws and other tools.Bringing generation back on line to the transmission and distribution network. To make new through repair and replacement of worn parts. Principles, rules, or laws designed to control or standardize.A device that supplies oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide for breathing. A right-of-way is a type of easement that gives a utility company the right to erect power linesor bury a gas pipeline across a tract of land.A system of pulleys, ropes and cables used to assist in lifting operations.Mechanical equipment that has rotating devices.Lower voltages of electricity that are distributed to households outside of urban areas.Individuals working within the safety field.A job or career that requires a lengthy apprenticeship and considerable skill and expertise. Energy that is harnessed from the sun’s rays and transformed into usable energy.Mechanical equipment without rotating devices.Water converted to an invisible vapour or gas by being heated to the boiling point.Someone who installs and repairs heating, ventilating, refrigerating and air-conditioning systems.Installing electrical wires from pole to pole.A secondary or branch station.One whose occupation requires training in a specific technical process.A specialist in technology.Fabricates a wide variety of tools, jigs, fixtures and dies for use in industrial and manufacturingproduction.Work or ornamentation done with tools.A turning or twisting force.Harmful substances that are discharged into the air or water.Converts the electricity produced at a generating station or from transmission lines into thevoltage required for distribution lines.System that carries the electricity at high voltage from various generation points.Metal structures that support the transmission lines.To determine and solve problems through methodical investigation.Services and maintains all types of vehicles and equipment.

Use the transit time principle to calculate flow rate.Devices that measure flow rates through a variety of methods.

Power Line Technician

Prehistoric plantsPressure tube

PruningReciprocating

equipmentReconnect to grid

RefurbishRegulationsRespirators

Rights-of-way

Roping/riggingRotating equipment

Rural distributionSafety advocates

Skilled tradesSolar

Stationary equipmentSteam

SteamfitterString wire busses

SubstationTechnician

TechnologistTool and Die Maker

ToolingTorque

Toxic emissionsTransformer station

TransmissionTransmission towers

TroubleshootTruck and Coach

TechnicianUltrasonic measure flow

Universal flow measuring equipment

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GridHealth and safety

HeatHeat exchanger

Hydro poleHydroelectric

HydrostaticImaging equipment

Industrial MechanicalMillwrightInsulator

JourneypersonLandfills

Lathe

Leak DetectionMachinist

Mechanical Maintainer

MechanicsMetering

Methane gasMilling machine

MillwrightMould making

MWNon-intrusive infrared

thermographyOil

OutageOverhaul

Overhead linesPassPort to Safety

Pension

PlumberPneumatic

Pole-top transformers

The wires, transformation and distribution stations that make up the electrical system.The promotion of awareness to achieve a safe environment and work ethic/procedure.A form of energy associated with the motion of atoms or molecules.A device which transfers heat through a conducting wall from one fluid to another.A wooden, steel or concrete pole that is used to support the distribution lines.Generating electricity by converting the energy of running water.Relating to fluids at rest or to the pressures they use or transmit.Equipment used to examine devices for internal damage not visible to the naked eye. A skilled tradesperson that works on machinery in an industrial environment.

A material that insulates, in particular a nonconductor of electricity.A tradesperson who has completed his or her apprenticeship.Where waste material is disposed.A machine for shaping a piece of material, such as wood or metal, by rotating it rapidly alongits axis while pressing against a fixed cutting or abrading tool.Finding leaks in buried transmission lines or pipelines.One who makes, operates, or repairs machines. Plays an essential role in equipment surveillance and maintenance programs to ensure safe andreliable plant operations.Workers skilled in making, using or repairing vehicles.Measuring the amount of electricity used by a consumer for billing purposes. An odorless, colorless, flammable gas, which is the major component of natural gas.A machine in which metal that is secured to a carriage is fed against rotating cutters that shape it.Someone who designs, builds, or repairs mills or mill machinery.Creating a mould that is used to shape or form a needed part, tool or product. A megawatt; one million watts.Used to detect heat variations on the transmission system that indicate areas in need of repair. Any of numerous mineral, vegetable, synthetic substances, and animal and vegetable fats thatare generally slippery, combustible, viscous, liquid or liquefiable at room temperatures, solublein various organic solvents such as ether but not in water, and used in a great variety ofproducts, especially lubricants and fuels.A temporary suspension of operation (e.g. power outage).To refurbish a system or machine so that it is restored to 100 per cent form and function.Above ground distribution and transmission wires.An innovative national youth health and safety test and transcript program that verifies youthhave a basic understanding of what they need to know to protect themselves from injury at work.A sum of money paid regularly as a retirement benefit, earned after a defined number of yearsof service.A person who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing.A structure that is filled with air or powered by air pressure.About the size of a garbage can, these devices convert the voltage from the distribution linesinto a usable voltage for the customer.

17

VentilationVibration Analysis

VoltageVoltage — highVoltage — low

WelderWind Energy

Wire conductorWires

Admits fresh air in to replace stale or harmful air.The process of monitoring the condition of equipment, and the diagnosis of faults in equip-ment through the measurement and analysis of vibration.The difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit; expressed in volts.A voltage greater than 750 volts.A voltage less than 750 volts.A person who joins metals by welding them together.Energy that is produced with the wind turns the blades on a windmill, which in turn turns theturbine that drives the generator producing electricity.A wire that carries an electrical charge.Flexible metallic strands or rods made in many lengths and diametres, often electrically insulated,used to conduct electricity.