Rankin tradesman compiling impressive resume
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Apr 04/01) - Six years ago, James Sateana's career changed while he was out for a walk one day.
The former Rankin bylaw officer was stopped on the side of the road by Keewatin Plumbing and Heating's (KP&H) Dan Scobie, who promptly offered him a job on the spot.
Sateana accepted, and just that quickly was at work for KP&H as a labourer.
He took to his new job and after one unsuccessful attempt, quickly passed his exam for the plumbing apprenticeship.
"That first exam was the only thing I've failed in the trades and I never gave up on what I wanted to do," says Sateana. "I've been with KP&H for five years and finished my four-year apprenticeship in June of 1999.
"It feels like I've been waiting forever to get this piece of paper."
Sateana wasn't done after becoming a journeyman plumber.
He quickly set his eyes on going after his residential oil burner mechanic papers.
"Oil burners are part of the business and you have your hand in it daily, especially here because there's not that much gas on this side of the territories and it's easier to get work with this ticket."
Sateana passed his six-week course at Aurora College in Fort Smith to gain his residential oil burner mechanic ticket.
Although looking to begin a correspondence course shortly on stationary engineering, Sateana also has his eyes set on bigger and better things.
"Myself, Dan, Danny Kowmuk and Theo Panika are looking at phasing out KP&H and starting a new business, Unaaq Enterprises.
"If possible, I would like to get my stationary engineer ticket before we start the new company."
Looking back, Sateana says it was difficult being away from his family for two months a year during his four-year apprenticeship.
But, he quickly adds, it was well worth every moment of loneliness.
"If you think you can do it, you have to go for it.
"If it gets a little hard -- and it often does away from home -- don't quit.
"The time away from home will end sooner than you think."
