Working in the Trades: Nick Prenzel
Bay of Quinte native, Nick Prenzel, is a Traffic Technician Electrician for the City of Belleville. Nick is in his second year with the City, and in his eighth year in his career as an electrician. After graduating from high school, Nick attended St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, for trades school. Nick completed his apprenticeship with Rutty Electric in Stirling, Ontario, and then worked for the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers before starting with the City of Belleville.
Nick always knew he wanted to join the trades because he was always interested in the work. “I love working with my hands and being outside,” Nick explained. “Electrical always interested me and I was curious about how it all worked,” he continued.
Something that Nick loves about his trade is the job security. “We are such a high-demand trade. Almost everyone needs power to do their job and to make a living,” he said. He also loves the lifestyle he’s able to lead because of his career in the trades, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $120,000. “I don’t have to stress about living paycheque to paycheque. It’s a great feeling, especially in today’s economy.”
In his free time, Nick is an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. “I love fishing. I have my own boat that I use to fish for salmon in Lake Ontario and other types of fish in the Bay of Quinte,” he told us. “I also love to drive my side by side on the beautiful trails just outside the city,” he added.
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering the skilled trades as a career, Nick had this to say, “Do it. You won’t regret it. Starting off is a bit tough because, as an apprentice, you don’t get paid a whole lot. But, if you stick with it, and you can join a union, the pay is usually very good with a pension and great benefits.”
If you’re interested in learning more about career opportunities in the skilled trades, go to skilledtradesontario.ca
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