In this episode, Lia Lamela speaks  with Will Betances, a master electrician and founder of Energize Us, about his initiative to transform skilled trades education. Energize Us ia an accredited Not for Profit 501(c)(3) Education Center Trade Pre-Apprenticeship program, training the next generation. A revolution is underway, spearheaded by Energize Us Edu Inc. This visionary institution,  Energize Us Edu Inc. doesn’t settle for ordinary; it aspires to be the ‘Ivy League’ of trade schools, a testament to the pursuit of excellence in trade education. From high school students exploring ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Ryan, an 18-year-old entrepreneur and HVAC apprentice. They discuss the urgent need for tradespeople and the opportunities within the HVAC industry. Ryan shares his proactive approach to learning and his plans to obtain multiple trade licenses. They discuss the academic system and encourage exploring various fields, including skilled trades, to find one's passion. Ryan emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and offers practical advice to those entering the trade. In our discussion, we delved into the concerning t ..read more

Viola Vargas, is 12 years old and already a trailblazer.  She started her journey with the trades when she was a toddler and growing up she always loved working with tools with her dad. Viola started with cutting wires, but today she helps her dad with HVAC projects.  Not only is she skilled in HVAC but she is an athlete as well, taekwondo, soccer, and track and field. Viola hopes to continue in HVAC as she gets older. She is a proud member of the non for profit Women Pioneers In Unity since August 2023. At such a young age, she has already developed a keen interest in HVAC systems ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela talks with Cate, a second-year apprentice carpenter from British Columbia, about the challenges and experiences of women in the skilled trades. Cate discusses her transition from administrative work to carpentry, and the importance of self-confidence. They address the balance between strength and softness.  Cate discloses how after leaving school, she had to learn a lot about the real world of construction.  Her goal is to achieve the red seal in carpentry and move into a mentorship role for other young women entering the tr ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Laura Stevenson, a red seal electrician and founder of Salty Mountain, a women's workwear brand. They discuss their experiences in the electrical trade, the differences in licensing between Canada and the US, and the pros and cons of union and non-union apprenticeships. Laura shares her journey of starting Salty Mountain, from winning a $25,000 grant to creating prototypes of high-rise pants and overalls. She emphasizes her mission to empower women in the construction industry with workwear that combines comfort, style, a ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Rachel Samala about her journey into the HVAC industry. Rachel shares her initial struggles with employment, her transition into HVAC, and her decision to start her own business. She emphasizes the importance of humility in her success.  After facing challenges in finding the right company, Rachel decided to become self-employed and start her own business. She now enjoys the freedom of being her own boss and creating a positive work environment. Rachel's journey underscores the importance of resilience and the potent ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Becky Sagen, a former entertainment industry professional turned custom furniture builder and coach. They discuss their shared experiences in career exploration, with Becky detailing her journey from theatre to teaching, to starting her own custom furniture business. Becky shares her unique approach to coaching clients on DIY projects, including a story about designing a cassette tape table. The conversation also covers the importance of physical fitness in manual labor, the value of having multiple careers, and the role ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Live podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with author Simone Stolzoff about his book "The Good Enough Job." They discuss the concept of finding meaning outside of work and the observations Simone has made about blue collar and white collar workers. Simone shares his perspective on work, emphasizing that it shouldn't be the sole measure of self-worth. He explores the idea of a "good enough job" and contrasts it with a dream job, highlighting the importance of recognizing when a job supports the life one wants to lead. Connect with our guest Simone Stolzoff Links: http ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with  Alexis Armstrong, a geologist and host of the Smoko Podcast. Alexis shares her experiences working on a deep-sea drilling vessel and her passion for representing women in STEM and skilled trades. They discuss the barriers and biases faced by women in these fields, the origin of the name "Smoko" for Alexis' podcast, and the differences in gender representation and support between Canada, Australia, and the United States. Alexis shares her journey in the mining industry and offers advice for women interested in pursui ..read more

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Jeff Bond, the creator of Trade Jobs, a platform that connects skilled tradespeople with job opportunities. Jeff shares his background in the skilled trades and explains how the idea for Trade Jobs came about. They discuss the challenges of finding qualified tradespeople and the need for better education and awareness of trade career options. Jeff explains the benefits of using the Trade Jobs platform for both employers and employees, and they also discuss the changing nature of employment in the trades industry. Jeff sha ..read more