Tayna – Electrical Maintenance Technician

AWIC interviewed different local professionals for an inside look into their work. You can learn more about Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 2241) through a detailed Career Profile.

Tayna Forde is an Electrical Maintenance Technician, with Tenaris in Sault Ste. Marie.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day consists of doing daily running inspections of the process and equipment in order to identify any possible problems that can be mitigated. Installation of electrical equipment is another aspect of my job. It is my responsibility to respond to electrical breakdowns and to fix the issue as quickly as possible to avoid any downtime.  Any work that is performed is then professionally documented.

What was the education and training needed for your job? Any additional training for your current position?

3-year diploma program in Electrical Engineering Technologist at Sault College as well as being hired on as an apprentice and then completing 3 levels of education to become a journeyperson. Each level consisted of 10 weeks.

Why and when did you choose this career? What have you learned since you started?

I was laid off from my previous job and had an opportunity through a “Second Career” program to attend college for 2 years. I chose electrician as it appealed to me the most at the time and I knew that a career in the trades was going to be in high demand.

I have learned how to install, maintain and operate electrical systems with confidence. I am still learning new things every day.

What skills do you have that make you great at your job?

The skills that help me succeed in this position are my leadership skills, written and verbal soft skills and being able to de-escalate a situation, excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, time management, and a knowledge of the tools and programs we use. When you are willing and open to learning and growing every day, you can be successful in any position.

What is the biggest thing you have learned on the job?

That I am smart and capable of doing my job with confidence.

What is the best part of your job?

The people I work with and that I learn new things every day

What is something challenging about your job?

The most challenging part of my job is troubleshooting during a breakdown. Usually, the pressure is high to find the problem quickly and fix it to avoid downtime. It can be very rewarding when you’ve solved a problem quickly and also frustrating when you don’t. that’s what I love about it.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing the career?

If you are looking to challenge yourself mentally and physically. You like to work with your hands and like getting dirty. If you like math and working with numbers. 

How would you say COVID-19 has affected your day-today-work? (Job duties, commute, check-in process, etc.)

I don’t think it has affected my day-to-day work as of yet. It can get annoying wearing a mask all the time, but it’s something I have gotten used to.

What has it been like to be an essential worker during a worldwide pandemic?

I am thankful that I was able to keep working.

Have you experienced loss or personal struggles since the beginning of the pandemic? How have you and your co-workers coped with working through the shutdown?

Thankfully I have not experienced loss. I have experienced some mental health issues as a result of being cooped up at home and the fear of the unknown at the beginning of the pandemic.

My coworkers and I just tried to make the best of it and we always found a way to laugh.

Could you share how being an essential worker during the pandemic has made this more personally fulfilling career?

I felt good knowing that I could still provide for my family and possibly have the means to help others that were not so fortunate.