http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Competitors+plan+wire+room+hours/1938885/story.html
Craig Spady initially saw the trades as a way to make some fast cash to go back to school.
It was more an ends to a means than a career option, as Spady was interested in engineering but lacked the funds to make it happen.
He started his electrician training in high school through a registered apprenticeship program.
Funny thing was, within a couple of weeks the Red Deer lad discovered he really enjoyed the work.
"I thought it would be a great career option," said Spady.
Spady will compete in the electrical wiring category of WorldSkills Calgary 2009.
The competition will see Spady and other competitors given a plan to build and wire a room.
Competitors will have to install different types of materials, including wireways, cables and conduits.
"We start from scratch and build it up over four days on four different modules, said Spady.
Competitors have 22 hours over four days to complete the tasks.
Judges will be looking for functionality, accuracy and neatness, and ensuring all facets of the job are completed.
Competitors have had a preview of the test project, but its requirements will be changed by 30 per cent for the competition.
Spady, who does commercial construction field work for Q-2 Electrical Contractors, is up to the challenge.
A journeyman electrician who's achieved his Interprovincial Red Sea Designation, Spady in 2008 took home a gold medal in the provincial skills competition and a bronze in the Canadian competition.
Spady said the electrician trade would appeal to anyone who enjoys hands on work and always likes to learn something new.
He's go zero regrets about not pursuing a career in engineering.
"It's still a viable option at my age, but I'll continue to do this for a few years I'm sure, if I enjoy it. It's a great career," he said. - Who to watch: Team Canada's Craig Spady - Who won last time: Japan - What are judges looking for: Functionality, accuracy and neatness, and ensuring all facets of the job are completed - What kind of job could one expect: Electrician - What kind of salary to expect: In 2007, the average annual salary in this occupational group in alberta was $50,500. those in industrial electricians earned $59,800.
Source: WorldSkills Calgary 2009
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