Schuyler Kahgee
Industrial Millwright Apprentice (433A) Bruce Power L.P.
I was born/grew up in: Southampton, Ontario, Canada.
I now live in: Southampton, Ontario, Canada.
I completed my training/education at: Saugeen District Secondary School (Port Elgin, Ontario), Ashtonbee Campus Centennial College (Scarborough, Ontario), Fanshawe College (Tiverton, Ontario)
Do you self-identify as Indigenous?
Saugeen First Nation, Ontario
Describe what you do at work.
What I do on any given day depends on what needs to be done. I may be involved in the removal, rebuild or installation of various valves, pumps, and equipment on site. Depending on the job, I might be using machining and milling tools to manufacture required parts to complete tasks. Or I might be using rigging and lifting equipment to move tools and parts to various locations.
This job requires a very good understanding of math for measuring, and calculations. (e.g., Trigonometry, calculating mass of an object per cubic foot, etc.). You also have to have an understanding of mechanical advantage, hydraulics and pneumatic power. Schematics and written procedures are used to help diagnose faulty equipment.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
How does your job affect peoples lives?
Bruce power supplies 30% of Ontario's electricity and I am proud to have a helping hand in safely providing that. I take a lot of pride in the work I do.
What motivates you in your career?
I enjoy the challenge of learning something new every day. What gets me the most excited is working with my hands, and figuring out how exactly a piece of equipment works.
When I was a student, I would have described myself as someone who:
Describe your career path to this career.
When I was in high school I always wanted to be an auto mechanic. When I was 17 I was given the opportunity to begin an Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship (310S) through a local automotive dealer. I completed the Ford ASSET (automotive student service educational training) at Centennial College in Scarborough, Ontario. I than wrote my certificate of qualification and worked as a licensed mechanic for four years. Then an opportunity came up for me to join another trade and work at getting a red seal in the industrial millwright trade. I completed this program at Fanshawe College. Now I’m working at Bruce Power as an apprentice industrial millwright.
What activities do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy taking trips on my motorcycle or ATV.
What advice or encouragement would you give others seeking a similar career?
Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, and absorb every bit of information that you can.
Lets Talk Science is grateful to Skills Canada Ontario for connecting us with this individual.