Skills for the Green Economy
GREEN CAREER PROFILE Key Skills
Tony Telford, Industrial Electrician, CEO Orser Technical Services, Orillia, ON Introduction As President and CEO of Orser Technical Services (OTS), Tony Telford oversees and manages the operations of the company, which includes installation and repair groups as well as a retail store. Tony worked his way up through the company from beginning as an electrical student in 1977, but is still active in the hands-on installation and repair work of many projects.
Some of the skills and qualities that have helped Tony be successful in solar installations include: Strong understanding of electrical fundamentals Willingness to learn new about new technologies Strong reputation for being a trusted and credible installer
When we first got into [solar], we were almost afraid of it. And then we had to slap ourselves and say, “Hey, this is just a machine, that’s all it is. When [we] bring a new machine into a company to get repaired or connected, [we] learn it. So let’s just back off and go back to our fundamental roots and learn about it.” - Tony Telford
Why Go Green?
Advice on Careers in the Green Economy
Tony has worked with renewable energy throughout his 38 year career at Orser. In fact, his first job was repairing a hydroelectric generator at Swift Rapids in Severn Falls. However, he really became interested in solar energy in 2009 after the Green Energy Act was implemented. Tony recognized the potential of renewable energy and believed that it was a good thing to use. After months of researching the technology and different manufacturers, Tony and his team at OTS expanded into solar installations.
To anyone considering a job in the solar industry, Tony highly recommends going to college for handson training, or university if you’re interested in the design and engineering side of solar. However, a strong understanding of the fundamentals of electricity is a core competency Tony looks for in all apprentices and applicants.
Education & Training By trade, Tony is an industrial electrician, a Certified Electrical Engineering Technician, and a Certified Electrical Engineering Technologist specializing in controls and pumps. Tony’s education and training in solar energy has been a combination of self-directed, manufacturer-based, and on-the-job training. There is a strong culture of continuous learning at Orser, and transfer of knowledge between employees at all levels is a core company value.
“…even if it’s just a year-long course to get the fundamentals of electricity, you need to understand electricity, no matter what you do…”
Future Job Prospects Tony foresees a growing demand for workers in the solar industry, particularly as the technology improves and becomes more affordable.
Interested in a career in the solar industry? Check out the Canadian Solar Industry Association (CanSIA) website for more information.
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