“I’ve done a heck of a lot of stuff. I’ve traveled the world, I’ve served in the military, graduated college, it’s been a heck of a journey, that’s for sure.”
Gabriel Perron is the type of person who seizes each day and makes sure he lives life to the fullest. His passion for adventure is evident when he talks about his previous journeys across the globe. “I’ve traveled through South East Asia – nine countries, Europe about eight countries, Australia, New Zealand, a bit of Africa, Canada, The U.S., and a bit of the Dominican. I’ve done some sailing, hitchhiking, bike riding, I’ve also been tent living and experienced “van life”… you name it!” While living in New Zealand, Gabriel was surfing the web looking for long-term career options when he stumbled upon the Electrical Joint Training Committee (EJTC). “I heard about becoming a unionized electrical apprentice, and it had some great benefits. It has the skill set that I like; physical work, problem-solving, etc. It seemed like the right fit for me.”
“I’ve been an electronics technician, a fire alarm technician, and a system security technician. I watched a lot of electricians’ work, and I thought it was a cool job. That’s what drew me into it.”
Gabriel has claimed many of Canada’s provinces to be “home”. This time around, he was looking to settle into a province that he had not yet explored. “When I was living in New Zealand, I wanted to come home to Canada. I didn’t want to go back home to somewhere that I knew so, I decided on British Columbia.” Soon after Gabriel’s arrival to B.C., he found himself a job as a fire alarm technician. “I liked the job as a fire alarm technician, but I realized electricians mostly contracted us. As fire alarm technicians, we are programming and using our computer, and then we tell the electricians what they need to know, then they do the work. While watching the electricians work, I decided that I wanted to be doing what they were doing. Watching the electricians work is what furthered my interest in becoming an electrician. I applied soon after with the EJTC and got in!”
“This trade has given me something to look forward to. It’s given me a boost for sure.”
Gabriel is now finishing up his first year of the electrical apprenticeship program with the EJTC. “My first time doing certain things is very memorable to me. My first time wiring a receptacle on the job, then testing and making sure it works, is always nice. Pulling big wires is always cool, and operating control systems are exciting. I also like the whole idea of getting paid to workout.” Travel and adventure will always be a large part of Gabriel Perron’s life. He uses his memories from his travels as motivation to keep working hard and pushing forward to achieve his end goal; The Red Seal. After that, who knows, you might spot Gabriel climbing the utility poles of Australia or installing lights in New Zealand’s homes. Each day is an adventure to be enjoyed, and that is exactly how Gabriel Perron chooses to live.
Written by: Savannah Davis, ClearWater Communications Co.
