Watt's the Word - An Electrical Industry Podcast

In this episode, John Wiesel from Suderman Estimating shares his extensive background in the electrical industry and the evolution of his career into estimating. He discusses the importance of estimating in the electrical trade, the challenges faced by new business owners, and the role of AI. John also highlights the courses offered by Suderman Estimating, which aim to equip individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships, accuracy in quotes, and the commitment required to thrive in the electrical business.Learn more by visiting sudermanestimating.comSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

In this episode of Watt's the Word, we sit down with Fietje van der Lee and Carmen Thirsk, directors of DiversiTrade, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting diversity in the skilled trades. The conversation explores the origins of DiversiTrade, the importance of community support, mental health awareness, and the necessity of inclusivity in the trades. The guests share their successes, future plans, and the vital role of parents in shaping perceptions of trade careers. The episode emphasizes the need for diverse voices in the industry and the resources available to support underrepresented groups.Find out more at diversitrade.caSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Zack and Jason sit down with Jessica Loney, a co-founder of Pride in Construction and a director at DiversiTrade, to discuss the challenges and progress of the LGBTQ2S+ community within the construction industry. Jessica shares her personal journey, from starting in the trades in 2007 to coming out as a transgender woman in 2019, and the difficulties she faced in gaining acceptance. The conversation covers various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, the development of supportive policies, and the importance of creating a safe and welcoming work environment for all. Jessica also recounts impactful moments that propelled her advocacy work, and discusses the broader implications for retention and recruitment in the trades. Tune in to learn more about the strides made and the work still needed to ensure equality and support for underrepresented communities in the construction industry.  Get in touch and learn more: diversitrade.caSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Brandon Cooper joins Watt's the Word to talk all about recycling. Copper, aluminum, steel, and so much more.We discuss the reality of copper thefts and tips to prevent it, along with the legal requirements for recyclers to help curb theft.Learn more at barewirerecycling.ca and sign up for their app today to earn tons of extra benefits!Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC) and commissioning are three crucial steps in the construction process. Often these steps are seen by only a few people involved in a project, so we are shedding some light on what they are, how they work, and why they are so important.  We are joined by Andrew Bleackley from Wood Group, to walk us through the basics of QA, QC, and Commissioning.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Back for a new year of Watt's the Word Podcast. Starting things off with Melvin Newman, the CTO and co-founder of PataBid. We dive into the world of electrical innovation, discussing PataBid's groundbreaking estimating software in the construction industry.Find more information at patabid.comUse our promo code below to save $150 on your first year of PataBid software.PROMO CODE: WattsCastSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

We are back for 2024 with a new episode coming out January 8th!Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Join us for a special episode of Watt's the Word in honour of the first Electrical Injury Day of Recognition. This marks an important day for everyone in the industry to take a moment to reflect on electrical injury and the effect it can have on our lives.Visit these links for more information:ELECTRICAL INJURY DAY OF RECOGNITION - CECAEpisode No. 3 with John KnollEpisode No. 14 with Terry BeckerSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

The IDEAL National Championship is a chance for Electricians from all over to go head-to-head to take home major bragging rights and win over $600,000 in cash and prizes. On this episode we are joined by Grahame Brown of IDEAL Industries and Paul Hannania former competitor and owner of Panel Upgrade Experts.Grahame discusses the scope and importance of this event, while giving us an inside look at what makes IDEAL Industries such a titan of the industry when it comes to electrical tools.Paul digs into what it was like to compete at the National Competition in Florida providing that inside perspective on what it takes to win it all!Check out IDEAL Industries website to find out more info and a qualifying event near you!https://www.idealind.com/us/en/nationals-home-page/event-locator.htmlSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

This months episode covers the extreme hazard of electrical shock and arc flash. We are joined by Terry Becker of TW Becker Electrical Safety Consulting.Find more info on LinkedIn or by visiting twbesc.caAs promised, here is a list of acronyms used this episode:NFPA 70E - (USA) National fire protection association (NFPA)  70E document covers procedures and requirements to limit and avoid shock, electrocution, arc flash/blast workplace incidentsCSA Z462 - Canadian Safety Association Standard Z462 provides workplace requirements to protect workers from the possible dangers associated with live electrical work tasks.MOU - memorandum of understanding OH&S - Occupational Health and Safety (Canada) TSBC - Technical Safety BC (British Columbia, Canada) TWBESC - TW Becker Electrical Safety Consulting Ltd.Please consult with official organizations for legal descriptions of the content listed above.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

We are joined by Cindy Cameron from Gescan discussing the valuable partnerships between electrical contractors and electrical wholesalers.We discuss the importance of relationships with your wholesaler and dive into some of the current supply chain issues.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

We are joined by Dan Olesen, Senior Program Coordinator with CAREERS (previously CAREERS: the next generation). Dan has a passion for helping young people enter the trades as a viable career option after High School. We discuss the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), how the stigma of the trades is changing, services offered by CAREERS, and dig into why this is so important.Find out more about the RAP or CAREERS by visiting: Careers The Next Generation - Careers The Next Generation (careersnextgen.ca)Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

With the 2021 Canadian Electrical Code (25th Edition) now in effect (in Alberta), we thought this was a great time to re-visit our first episode of the show. We are chatting with David Myers about some of the biggest changes coming to the new edition, plus discuss the logistics and importance of taking a code updating course.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Adam Ghani, City of Calgary Chief Electrical Inspector joins Zack and Jason on this episode of Watt's the Word.  We discuss the processes and procedures for electrical inspections, conductor colour coding, permitting requirements, adoption of the 2021 Code, and much more.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Kai Fahrion and Gursh Bal met as electrical apprentices, quickly became friends and are now business partners.  The Co-CEO's of Virtuoso Energy are very passionate about environmental sustainability, and that is clear as we discuss the building of their business. We chat about solar PV, electric vehicle charging, green energy rebates and the roles of electricians moving forward during the "Just Transition" movement.  We can also report that Virtuoso Energy has some ambitious plans which include a name change, rebranding and adding more employees! Listen to this episode as we talk about the future vision of the company and stay tuned for more information early in the new year.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Neil Moffat of Canem Systems Ltd. shares with us how they navigated the COVID-19 pandemic safely and effectively. From service vans with one person to sites with over 1000, we explore how COVID has affected and changed the daily operations of an electrical contracting company. This was all possible through planning of logistics and effective communication with the field staff.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Watt’s the Word Podcast co-host Zack Hartle is featured in this episode.  Zack explains his early path into the trade. The somewhat predictable high school career aptitude test revealed Locksmith and Electrician as suitable career paths.  Zack went with the key-less option and gained his entry into the electrical industry via the RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program). Along the way Skills competition participation taught Zack the importance of working efficiently.  Using computers and tech is a natural way to work and learn efficiently.   Zack’s YouTube channel provides efficient supplemental mini lessons The channel has over 2000 subscribers and over 100 videos ranging from using Microsoft programs to troubleshooting an air conditioner.  Zack describes his desire for continued learning and the ideas behind starting the Watt’s the Word Podcast. Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

This week instead of having a guest in the show we decided to dig a little deeper into your co-host Jason Cox.Listen as Zack Hartle asks about his entry into the trade, dual-ticket, education, and career as an Electrical Trades Instructor.Plus hear some inside looks at how the podcast started, how it's going, and our vision for the future.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Instead of continuing to University after graduating High School, Chelsea Dyck decided to detour and take a year off to work.  After 4 days on the jobsite Chelsea founder her calling and was indentured into the electrical trade.  Fast forward to today and Chelsea has completed her apprenticeship and discusses with Zack and Jason many topics and apprenticeship stories including why she prefers the title of “Journeyman” and her decision to start a new apprenticeship in HVAC.  Chelsea is advocate for young people to pursue the trades as a viable career path. Her Skills Canada Alberta volunteer work includes Skills Alumni Group of Alberta (SAGA) and Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT). Chelsea credits volunteering as a source for personal growth and a view of the trade beyond the marrettes, splices, and conduit runs. Chelsea considers herself lucky to have had the strong support of her colleagues when she entered the electrical trade, and now wants to help others as they consider careers in the skilled trades.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Talking and learning with passionate electrical industry individuals is the goal of Watt’s the Word and this week we are joined by Scott Crichton, the Assistant Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 424.  Scott explains his career path and an overview of the IBEW. He talks passionately about the future of the trade, alternative energy projects, the importance of training, maintaining integrity in the trade, and the benefits of the IBEW for the members.Scott’s energy is obvious, he is a wealth of information, and a key part of the electrical trade. Join us as we learn the basis of how the union operates and the benefits it can bring to our industry.Learn more about the IBEW by visiting www.ibew424.netSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Despite electrical shock being a serious and potentially dangerous event, it is frequently portrayed in a cringeworthy comedic narrative.  While arc flash safety requirements have changed work procedures, they may have overshadowed the dangers of electrical shock.   This week Zack and Jason speak with electrical shock awareness advocate John Knoll about his story, and the possible long term health effects (sequelae) from electrical shock.  The lasting effects can be neurological, physical, and psychological.  This information may be news to members of the construction industry, and if not, it is an excellent reminder that electrical shock is no joke.    #OSHA #CSA-Z462 #NFPA70 #apprentices #sunnybrook #electricalsafety #electricians Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

The Watt's the Word Podcast is a show linking the electrical industry through relevant conversations. We are speaking with real people to hear about the opportunities that the industry has given to them while they share what makes them passionate about the future of the trade. The electrical industry is a vast one, our goal is to learn from each other! This show is for anyone and everyone involved in the electrical trade or industry. Let's get the word out about how great the industry can be and learn something along the way. Hosted by Zack Hartle and Jason Cox with new episodes coming out every second Monday.www.wattsthewordpodcast.comSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

In Episode No. 2 of Watt's the Word, we chat with Nathan Ward the Renewable Energy Manager of the Crestview Group.We discuss his electrical journey, learn a little bit about solar installations and talk about the future of solar PV power.Connect with Nathan on LinkedInSend a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com

Join electricians Zack Hartle and Jason Cox on the inaugural episode of Watt's the Word Podcast. They will be joined by electrical code Instructor David Myers. He will talk about his journey in the trade, opportunities it has provided him, and finally share the significant changes in the electrical code.The 25th edition of the Canadian Electrical Code was published January 2021 and (in Alberta) will come into effect February 2022.Leave us a review or comment to let us know if you like this episode and to leave suggestions for future episodes.Send a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com