Knowledge and Knocks

Electrical X-Factor is all about the fast-paced, ever-changing world of the electrical trade as seen by a seasoned electrician who’s been in the business for over 40 years. David Moss, CEO and founder of Patriot Electric in Victoria, BC, doesn’t hold back. He comes from the school of hard knocks… and class is in session.

In this episode, he discusses the challenges of starting out, what it takes to remain in the industry, the necessity of always staying current, and paving the way for the next generation of electricians coming up behind him. What legacy will he leave behind? What does it even mean to someone like David? He emphasizes the need for rigorous training and more financial support for apprentices to help them overcome barriers.

Then, the apprentice’s journey. We talk to two members of David’s team, Paul Goetz and Mark Chappell. One’s an up-and-coming electrician and engineer, while the other is an experienced tradesperson, and we highlight the different perspectives they bring to the table. Technology both helps and hinders. What happens when the next generation of electricians doesn’t seem prepared for the rigors of the trade? What happens when young people are too afraid to talk to people on the phone? How do you hand over the reins?

It’s about mentorship and personalized supervision. David knows that the younger generation has their own set of obstacles he never faced in his day, but in many ways the electrical trade is old-school and there is only one way to learn: through hands-on experience. But in this trade, there’s no room for error. You cut into the wrong wire, and it could be the last thing you do. It’s important that the older and younger generation of electricians get along.

But with the way things are going in the industry, the electric vehicle boom and need for sustainable energy, there’s a new wave on the horizon. This is no time to retire.

#podcast

About David Moss & Patriot Electric (https://www.patriotelectric.ca/)

David Moss has over 40 years of experience being in the electrical trade. He is a big believer in giving opportunities to and training the next generation of electricians, offering highly successful co-op and apprenticeship programs with Patriot Electric. David himself has been a member of the Camosun College Advisory Apprenticeship Board since 2001.

Patriot Electric is continuously evolving and learning as technology leaps forward, and is committed to offering the most recent and cutting-edge tech to their clients. They have grown from just a few to a team of over 30 in the last two decades. The expertise of founder David Moss, along with the new practices and skills of their co-op EIT students creates a unique mix of knowledge and expertise across a number of areas. This has led to recognition in the form of the 2013 Business Of The Year Award from the Greater Victoria Chamber Of Commerce, and Trades Company Of The Year at the 14th annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.

Host: David Moss (CEO and Founder, Patriot Electric)
Guests: Mark Chappell (Senior Project Manager, Patriot Electric), Paul Goetz (Project Coordinator, Patriot Electric)
Narrator: Tamara
Producer: Eric
Writer: Jordan