Shows
Skillz & Thrillz: Alberta's Trade & Tech YouthCurrents of Change: Zack Hartle on Competing, Teaching, and Empowering the Industry In this episode, we sit down with Zack Hartle, a Skills Canada Alberta alumnus, two-time gold medalist in Industrial Control, Electrical Trades Instructor at SAIT, and co-host of the Watts the Word podcast. Zack shares his inspiring journey from competing in Skills competitions to representing Canada at WorldSkills Germany, and how those experiences shaped his career path. Now a Provincial Technical Committee member and passionate educator, Zack discusses launching a podcast with Jason Cox to spotlight the electrical industry, creating a YouTube channel to support learners, and what it means to give back to the trades community. Tune in f...2025-06-0651 min
Watt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastSuderman Estimating w/ John WieselIn 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.com...2025-03-3143 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastDiversiTrade w/ Fietje van der Lee & Carmen ThirskIn 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...2025-02-0440 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastBreaking Barriers: Pride in Construction w/ Jessica LoneyZack 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...2024-06-2844 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastBare Wire and Beyond w/ Brandon CooperBrandon 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 us a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com2024-03-0542 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastABCs of QA/QC w/ Andrew BleackleyQuality 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 us a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com2024-02-1252 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastEstimating the Future w/ Melvin NewmanBack 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 us a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com2024-01-081h 22Watt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastWatt's the Word is Back in 2024!We are back for 2024 with a new episode coming out January 8th!Send us a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com2023-12-3101 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastElectrical Injury Day of Recognition - October 6thJoin 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 us a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast 2022-10-0513 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastDo you have what it takes? The IDEAL National ChampionshipThe 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...2022-09-1239 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastElectrical Shock and Arc Flash with Terry BeckerThis 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 t...2022-05-0955 minWatt's the Word - An Electrical Industry PodcastSolutions, Partnerships, and Wholesalers with Cindy CameronWe 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 us a textSupport the showConnect with us on Instagram or Facebook - @wattsthewordpodcast wattsthewordpodcast.com2022-04-1246 min