Profiles

Electrician

Keri Boyko, a young woman from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan has worked diligently to become a skilled electrician. At twenty-five years of age she has already managed to gain significant work experience with a couple of different electrical companies in Saskatchewan.
She is currently employed by Regal Electric in Moose Jaw. Keri sits on the Saskatchewan Electrical Trade Advisory Board and is a proud member of Saskatchewan Women in Trades and Technology (SaskWITT).

Ms. Boyko developed an interest in the Skilled Trades during high school where she took an electrical course as an elective. The course allowed Keri to work with her school's electrician as part of the School to Work transition program at Carleton Comprehensive High School.

Keri spent four years of field training at businesses in Prince Albert and Moose Jaw. She gives credit to her high school teacher Mr. Donavon Elliott, for inspiring her to pursue a career as an electrician. "He was a very motivating teacher and he pushed me to work towards my goals," she declares. In an interview with Mr. Elliot he claimed, "right from the start I knew she would make an excellent electrician. She excelled in my class and enjoyed it very much."

When asked what Keri enjoys about her job she is not at a loss for words. "Each day I am doing something new," says Keri, and her interest is upheld by the various opportunities and challenges that she faces on a daily basis. A normal day at work for Keri involves residential and commercial wiring, but her favourite part of the day is pricing quotes for proposals, she claims, "I love the competition aspect of this part of the job." She also enjoys working with many incredible people, as well as the hands-on aspect of her job.

"I have the opportunity to build something that people are able to use. I can see the results of my work and it is very gratifying."

Working as an electrician is more physically demanding then most people believe, states Keri, but it is not difficult to enter the field if you are in good physical shape. There is however more to the trade than just working with your hands and she believes that there are prevalent misconceptions about the range of skills needed to be successful in this profession. Strong math skills for example are required to perform regular tasks as an electrician. Keri also believes that it is not difficult for women to enter the field if they remain focused on their goals. "The workplace has become much more encouraging for women to enter the electrician trade."

While still early in her career, Keri is making more than $40,000 a year and looking forward to future opportunities for advancement.

What advice does Keri have to offer to anyone interested in following a career in the skilled trades?

"Set goals for yourself and work hard towards them. A career as a tradesperson is very rewarding."

In fact, Keri has inspired her two younger sisters to work in the engaging field of skilled trades. One sister is a cabinetmaker and the other has decided to follow in Keri's footsteps to become an electrician! In future years, Keri would like to continue her studies so she can become an electrical engineer. In the meantime, she continues to encourage others to work in the skilled trades.

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