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Laura Allgrove Photo
WorldSkills Profile
Laura Allgrove
Steven Dingwall, Fourth-year electrical apprentice
Electrician. It’s a nice clean job. But somebody’s got to do it.
Steven Dingwall, a fourth-year electrical student at SAIT, got into the trade after working at his uncle’s fabrication and general mechanical shop.
He wanted a career that challenged him mentally and physically, said Dingwall. Besides it’s clean, he said, at least compared to other trades.
Clean job? Okay. But what about the potential electrocution thing? “You’re aware that it could happen,” said Dingwall. He’s been shocked seven or eight times, maybe more, but nothing serious.
“Blown out lots of tools too,” said Dingwall. “Put a hole through (pliers) and blown up a screwdriver too.”
Despite excelling in his shocking career choice, Dingwall is a quiet and reserved guy.
Winning gold at nationals in industrial control has been his greatest achievement, said Dingwall. But he admits the media attention makes him uncomfortable.
“I never know how to answer their questions,” said Dingwall. He is pretty happy he’s managed to avoid most of the media attention, including the WorldSkills commercial.
In fact, after winning at WorldSkills Dingwall went home and celebrated by relaxing and listening to music.
He cannot live without his iPod.
“Anything heavy metal, rock, and a bit of country,” he said, but confessed to at least one Britney Spears song on there.
In a few years Dingwall plans to be back at school earning his Masters ticket. But if you want a ringside seat for a potential shocking tool blow out, he’ll be competing at WorldSkills in Calgary Sept. 1 - 7.