Cliff Kelsey: The Perfect Job for Me
Cliff Kelsey is a retired electrical journeyperson who enjoys working with his hands, loves the outdoors, and has a passion for health and safety in the workplace. He is now ten years retired, yet he still gets a boost of excitement while speaking about his 40-year-long journey in the electrical trade.
Cliff graduated from Sir Charles Tupper high school in Vancouver in 1967 and then began attending UBC (University of British Columbia) to study math and computer sciences for 2.5 years. He was, however, searching for some specific occupation and decided to take an instrument technician course when he got a call from the IBEW Local 213, who had found his request for an apprenticeship. “That is what I was really looking for.” Cliff wanted to work with his body, hands, and mind, not to be stuck behind a desk or a computer. Shortly after the IBEW contacted Cliff, they took him on as an apprentice. “I completed my apprenticeship school courses a bit earlier than most because of my previous education.”
After completing his apprenticeship, Cliff worked for several companies (big and small) for 17 years through the IBEW Local 213. “I met some wonderful people along the way. Many were the old hands, just coming out of the trade. They told me stories that had me rolling on the floor, holding my stomach, they had me laughing so hard. It was amazing what they accomplished in those days (1950s-60s) because there wasn’t much in the way of support or rules to work by (not like there are now.) They did their best, and some of the things they did and handled were quite amazing. I was proud that I knew and worked with them.”
When Cliff was eventually offered a position at the Petro-Canada Refinery in Port Moody as the company electrician, he transferred to the CEP local 601, as that was the union onsite. “For my whole time working there, the union was such a huge support, and they really helped me to grow and later take on the role of Bargaining Unit Chairperson for seven years. It made a huge change in my life and that of my family.” Cliff worked there for 23 years until his retirement and was a proud member of the unions he was a member of.
Throughout his trade journey, Cliff was fortunate to work with several female apprentices and noticed the opportunities for more women to join the trade. “We did have women on the job site as apprentices with such great attention to detail, which is important in the trade. I feel that the electrical trade is a good place for women to work and be a part of as there is a mindset that has to change.” Cliff is proud of his accomplishments. His secret is not to lose enthusiasm for the work that he does. “Without enthusiasm, we start to lose our edge, our enjoyment. Your passion and enthusiasm for your work help keep you keen and safe on the job.”
Recently, Cliff biked along the Coquitlam River, took a side path, and came upon the (new to him) Electrical Joint Training Committee (EJTC) building. “I was amazed and proud at how built up and impressive it looked. Along with being such a beautiful building, there were multiple green energy sources, such as its DC electrical supercharger and solar panels, that covered its roof. When I went in to say hello, the instructors and administrative staff that I talked to were really something! I was also very proud of the number of women and Indigenous students working on their apprenticeships in class. It felt great to connect back to my passion.”
The electrical trade was everything Cliff wanted. It was a positive working experience for him. “It was the perfect job for me.”
Written by: Savannah Davis, ClearWater Communications Co.