Meet our Industry Person of the Week, Jessica Bannister, HVAC Technician Cam Cool Refrigeration Inc.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Jessica: My dad and brother are both HVAC technicians. I was working in the office of our family business and asked to go on some ride-alongs with them to get more familiar with the equipment and components they worked with. I enjoyed being out in the field more than I ever thought I would, so I registered officially as an apprentice and started my journey. It has taken me a little over 5 years to complete my Red Seal in British Columbia, but now I am fully qualified like my dad and my brother!
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Jessica: I am most proud of obtaining my Red Seal certification.
I love many things about my job. We work primarily in commercial HVACR and I get to work on a large variety of equipment. I love that no two days are the same and that I get to meet interesting people in very interesting places. I love helping people solve real problems and I feel like a hero when I get their equipment back up an running (think of an air conditioner not working in the middle of summer!). I love the challenge and problem-solving that comes with HVACR work, and the rewarding feeling you get working through those challengers.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Jessica: Definitely give it a try if you’re considering any career in the skilled trades. Even if you don’t end up sticking with it for whatever reason – the skills, knowledge and confidence you’ll get will translate to other parts of your life you wouldn’t think of. I have fixed a number of random things around my house since joining my trade, saving me money and giving me self satisfaction.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Jessica: We recently installed a heat pump system in a community house serving people with disabilities. We installed 5 indoor units to 2 outdoor units. This job was not without its challenges, including working in a very tight attic space and coming up with a creative solution for the outdoor units placements. Completing a project like this felt very rewarding as the occupants will now have comfort in their space during all seasons.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Jessica: A skilled trade was never a consideration for me growing up, even coming from a family with two skilled tradesmen. I only realized how much I enjoy this work later in life, and I just wish I had started sooner. I advocate for girls and women in the skilled trades and have been fortunate to have opportunities to share my journey and inspire others to consider this type of career. If you are willing to put yourself out there, it is so important for us to have more representation of women not only succeeding in these careers, but thriving in them.
Connect with Jessica on Instagram @hvacjess: https://www.instagram.com/hvacjess/ and check out her YouTube channel, “The HVAC Diaries”: https://www.youtube.com/@hvacjess
THANK YOU, JESSICA! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
