"I was very hands-on growing up. I think that is what prepared me to be an apprentice electrician in the mining industry," says 27-year-old Brian Melis.

Melis is in his third year with Dynatec Corp. and has been based at the Levack Mine for four months, where he is part of a team preparing to put the former Inco property (now owned by FNX Mining and Dynatec) back into production.

He credits his family and school influences for helping him decide on his career path.

"My parents owned a garage for over 26 years - Bob's Service Centre in Spanish, 110 km west of Sudbury. Apart from liking the mechanical aspects of vehicles, I found that electronics came naturally to me," says Brian.

In high school, he took carpentry, mechanics and electrical classes.

"With these home and school influences, I found I became a very hands-on person so I wanted to pursue a career in that direction."

Brian graduated from a three-year technology program in electronics engineering at Cambrian College in Sudbury.

Pay
Good pay was a major factor for joining the mining industry.

"I am only six months from getting my journeyman's papers. After that, it's not uncommon to make $35 to $40 an hour," he says.

"I enjoy working underground. I have been working on maintaining the automated process controls for the hoists. The systems are complex so it is a challenge to understand them."

Brian likes the independence he has at work. "I see my boss in the morning and at noon. In between, I work by myself and with my colleagues. On every shift there are two electricians. Because I am an apprentice I get to partner with the other electricians. You learn a lot from them."

Brian cherishes the friendly atmosphere at work and in the small town of Levack where he is based.

"Levack reminds me of the small town I grew up in. At home people are friendly. I find that here. I couldn't ask for better co-workers."

For now, Brian works 10-hour shifts Mondays through Fridays, giving him weekends off.

"Later I will be placed on shifts - say seven days on, four days off or four nights on and then five days off. I appreciate having those days off to enjoy my hobbies like snowmobiling and remote controlled models."

Safety
What really impresses Brian is the emphasis on safety that his workplace fosters.

"If it is not safe, we don't do it. We think up a safe plan to deal with what we have to do. If need be, we talk to our supervisor and then execute our plan."

Brian believes the mining sector is much safer today.

"For example, the safety gear I wear is much improved. In the old days you just wore a safety belt around your waist for fall protection. Today, I wear a five-point harness across my chest, over my shoulders and between my legs."

Conditions underground have improved in other ways as well, says Brian.

"Take the air quality issue. Today, the ventilation systems are much improved, so the air you breathe is cleaner. The attitude of the men today is much more professional. A lot of the myths or stereotypes that are out there about working underground are just not true anymore."

Brian thinks his career path has a lot to offer young people if they get the education they need.

Download PDF