Name : Jacob Wyers
Skills Yukon Affiliation: 2019 Territorial Skills Competition Competitor
Age: 25
Trade & Certifications: Level 2 Plumbing Apprentice at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Current workplace: For Hire Plumbing Services
Can you tell us about your experience in the trade/technology sector so far?
My experience learning the trade of plumbing has been great. Like every job, there are highs and lows. But I get to see different aspects of the trade that others may not be aware of.
How did you start exploring the trades and/or technology career?
I started exploring this trade by attending Yukon University’s Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing Program.
Was there someone who inspired your journey into the trades and/or technology sector?
I began showing more interest in the trade after a conversation with Fletcher, from Fletcher’s Plumbing & Heating. We met up for coffee and he told me his day-to-day basis of what it is like to be a plumber. He talked up the trade to a point where I really wanted to try it out.
Was this your first interest in the trades? And did you have an occupation or trade that you may have wanted to try before this conversation?
Plumbing was not my first interest or introduction into the trades. I first got taken on as a butcher at one of our local grocery stores where I learned how to be a butcher for two years. After I get my plumbing journeyperson certification, I would like to return to school to also get my butchering certification and bring it back to the Yukon.
How has your trade and/or technology career made your life better?
It has allowed me to find a career to succeed in and has supplied me with skills to where I can do my own plumbing at home.
What does a regular day on the job look like?
Every day is different. Some days we could be going on service calls or a rough-in. Recently we have been working on a 100-year-old boiler in Horwood’s Mall.
What is your favourite type of day in regards to working on service calls, rough-ins or longer projects?
My favourite type of day is either going on service calls or working on longer projects. The service calls are always a little exciting because they are all different throughout the day. Working on longer projects is also great. They are easy to come [back to] and just pick up right where you left off the day before.
If you met someone who was looking at exploring the trades and/or technology sector, what piece of advice would you give them?
I would advise them to keep their head high and not take feedback to heart. The trades can be a difficult environment to work in, but you definitely feel rewarded at the end of the day.
What is the most-interesting thing/project you have worked on?
The most-interesting project that I have ever worked on is still currently being worked on! It is the 100-year-old boiler I mentioned in the basement of Horwood’s Mall. The story I have heard was that the boiler arrived in Whitehorse on one of the paddle-wheel boats!
Is there something about your trade that you think not many people know?
I do not think many people acknowledge the physical demand. We do not have much down time in plumbing as, nowadays, not many others are entering the plumbing trade. The lack of plumbers in town has definitely grown the demand and workload.
Where do you see your career in five to 10 years?
I see myself with my full journeyperson certification and starting my own business, to where I can start building a clientele.
If you competed at the Territorial or National Skills Competition, tell us about your experience!
I competed back in 2019 where I won the Territorial Skills Competition. It was a very fun project that touched on a little bit of each aspect of plumbing. The instructors there want you to succeed and lend a hand when needed. It was a fun experience and I hope more will be encouraged to try it themselves.
