Searching for wisdom from delica owners.

[spentinkootenays]

I live between Fruitvale and Salmo, bought an acre just off the highway.

Having family nearby is definately a big plus and Kimberly is nice, unfortunately though since the mine closed I don't really think there is much work in Kimberly, I am sure you would find residential electrical opportunities in Cranbrook though as lots of building going on there. Alot of people in Cranbrook actually commute to Skokumchuk Pulp mill or further to Sparwood and the coal mines.

Nice thing about this side of the mountains is that the winters are much milder, still great skiing at Red Mountain and Whitewater, but it isn't -20 like in Kimberly or Fernie. For tree skiing or boarding in waist deep powder, I have never seen anything better than Red on a fresh snow day. Spent some time in Cranbrook and don't find the winters much better than in Calgary.

It is also a compromise regarding work and lifestyle, unfortunately you need to live close to some industry to support the employment market. With-in half an hour there are several large lumber mills, a pulp mill and of course Cominco. There are also 5 dams on just the Kootenay river between Nelson and Castelgar, not to mention another 3 nearby. Several large substations are also in the area due to the number of dams. All that means lots of work in the electrical trades, mostly industrial, but obviously some commercial and residential due to local growth in the communities.

If you are considering an electrical apprenticeship with anyone other than Hydro or Fortis, then you really need to complete the pre-apprenticeship course at Selkirk College in Castlegar before anyone will look at you, especially since you don't have math or physics 12. It provides a good foundation and lets the employer know you can handle the math element of the trade. Due to the shortage of skilled and able bodies in the area, this may have changed and maybe some of the smaller companies will hire you with-out it.

Everyone wants cheap 1st year labour. Look at it as an opportunity though to prove yourself and accept it for the first year. Learn fast, work hard, show initiative, show up on time, ask questions and listen to the answers. I don't want to sound like I am lecturing, but after beign a Project Manager for a large electrical company in the area and seeing lots of electricans work I can tell you that those traits will make you stand out and provide you with leverage when you are talking to your boss about raises.

As far as companies, I would look up electrical contractors in the trail area, here is a link

http://mytelus.yellowpages.ca/search/?s ... C&x=65&y=7

Also contact the local IBEW 1003 in Nelson.

Hope it helps. Good luck.