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Transcript: Mining Millwright
A child says, WEE!
T.V.O. Kids and Riverbank Pictures Original.
[Child giggles, upbeat music plays, pop]
Text reads, “T.V.O. Kids presents.”
[Energetic music plays]
Akeylah and Brody stand in front of a screen, which shows a sparking blowtorch. Akeylah wears a dark grey tunic. Her short black hair is tightly braided. Brody’s dark brown hair is short. He wears a light brown shirt and grey pants.
Akeylah and Brody say, WELCOME TO TRADING SKILLS!
Akeylah says, THE SHOW WHERE WE TAKE TURNS TRYING A SKILLED TRADE. I'M AKEYLAH.
Brody says, AND I'M BRODY.
Video footage behind Akeylah shows a welder and a mechanic.
Akeylah says, A SKILLED TRADE IS A JOB THAT REQUIRES A SPECIAL SKILL.
Akeylah and Brody say, THERE ARE LOTS OF SKILL TRADES.
Brody says, AND YOU MIGHT FIND THE PERFECT TRADE FOR YOU.
Akeylah says, MAYBE THERE'S A TRADE THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
[Whooshing]
Brody says, SO COME WITH US INTO THE TRADES ON TRADING SKILLS.
Title: Trading Skills.
In the Skill Space, Akeylah and Brody put tools on a workbench. Both have grease smudges on their faces and clothes.
[Both sighing, clanking, upbeat music plays]
Akeylah says, OKAY, ANOTHER BREAKDOWN MEANS IT'S BREAK TIME.
Brody says, YOU SAID IT.
Akeylah explains, WE BUILT A BIG MACHINE OUT BACK TO SEE IF WE COULD BREAK THROUGH ROCKS AND DIG OUR WAY TO AUSTRALIA.
Brody says, HERE IS THE ARTISTIC IMAGE OF SAID MACHINE.
Brody and Akeylah unroll a piece of paper between them. A drawing shows two stick people standing behind a lawnmower with a hammer tied to one handle and a shovel tied to the hammer. In front of the lawnmower, an arrow pointing down is labelled “Australia.”
Brody says, AS YOU CAN VERY CLEARLY SEE, WE ATTACHED A SHOVEL TO A HAMMER TO A LAWNMOWER. AND AS YOU CAN ALSO VERY CLEARLY SEE, THIS IS ME AND THIS IS AKEYLA.
Akeylah says, ONLY PROBLEM IS IT KEEPS BREAKING DOWN INSTEAD OF BREAKING THROUGH.
Anna walks behind Akeylah. She polishes a shiny metal part. Anna wears a hairnet over her wavy hair and a grey and white plaid shirt over a white shirt.
Anna says, SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE.
Akeylah says, THIS IS OUR FRIEND ANNA. SHE KNOWS A TONNE ABOUT SKILLED TRADES.
Anna says, I REALLY THINK A TRADESPERSON COULD HELP. AND I'M THINKING A MINING MILLWRIGHT.
Brody asks, WHAT DOES A MINING MILLWRIGHT DO?
Anna says, WELL, A MINING MILLWRIGHT IS A TRADESPERSON WHO INSTALLS AND REPAIRS MACHINERY IN A MINE, WHICH IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE DIG IN THE GROUND TO FIND RESOURCES.
Brody and Akeylah say, WE DIG IT!
Anna says, WELL, MY FRIEND KENDRA IS A MINING MILLWRIGHT. I BET SHE'D BE THRILLED TO HELP.
Beside a display with different types of rocks on marble slats. Kendra Liinamaa wears an orange jumpsuit with grey stripes. The mining millwright holds a white helmet under her arm. Her red hair brushes her shoulders.
Akeylah says, BRODY, I'LL TAKE THIS ONE. RADIO ME IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG OUT BACK.
Brody asks, WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
Akeylah narrates, I MADE MY WAY TO CAMBRIAN COLLEGE IN SUDBURY, ONTARIO, THE SCHOOL WHERE KENDRA LEARNED HOW TO MILLWRIGHT RIGHT.
[Gentle music plays]
Akeylah walks down a school hallway. A person pulling boxes on a cart nods at her as they pass each other. Akeylah enters a workroom.
[Cart rumbling]
Akeylah says, HEY KENDRA.
[Upbeat music plays]
Kendra says, HI AKEYLAH.
Akeylah says, OKAY, I GOT HEAR IT FROM YOU. WHAT DOES A MINING MILLWRIGHT DO?
Kendra says, SO A MINING MILLWRIGHT INSTALLS AND REPAIRS HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT IN MINES. WE ALSO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN THE MINE HAS THE RIGHT TOOLS AND EVERYONE STAYS SAFE.
Akeylah says, AHA! SO YOU TURNED MILL WRONGS INTO MILL RIGHTS. WHERE DO WE START?
Kendra says, FIRST, WE GET YOU GEARED UP.
Akeylah zips up a jumper, puts on safety glasses, safety boots, gloves, and a helmet, and then goes to work.
[Zipping]
Akeylah narrates, KENDRA SHOWED ME HOW TO USE HOISTS TO PUT SOME POWER INTO LIFTING.
Kendra and Akeylah walk to a large tank.
Kendra says, OKAY AKEYLA, WE'RE GONNA LIFT THIS TANK UP.
Akeylah says, WE, AS IN YOU AND ME?
Kendra says, DON'T WORRY, WE'RE GONNA USE CHAIN FALLS, AND THAT'S GONNA MAKE IT WAY EASIER. IN ORDER TO LIFT THIS, WE'RE GONNA NEED SOME SLINGS, AND THAT MEANS WE'RE GONNA ATTACH THEM OVER HERE AND OVER THERE.
Akeylah asks, WHAT ARE SLINGS?
Kendra says, OH, THOSE YELLOW STRAPS OVER THERE. WE'RE GONNA USE THEM TO PICK THIS UP. CAN YOU GRAB THEM FOR ME?
Akeylah says, GOT IT.
Akeylah carries the yellow straps to Kendra.
[Audio fast forwarding, clanking]
Kendra says, THESE ARE A LITTLE LONG, SO WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO DOUBLE-WRAP THIS ONE. AND THEN WE'RE GONNA PULL IT INTO A CHOKE.
Kendra loops a sling around a cylinder on one end of the tank.
Akeylah asks, WHAT'S A CHOKE? THAT SOUNDS DANGEROUS.
Kendra says, NOT IN THIS CASE. IT'S GONNA KEEP US SAFER 'CAUSE IT'S GONNA KEEP OUR LOAD TIGHTER. WE'RE JUST GONNA ATTACH THESE SHACKLES HERE AND HERE. WATCH HOW I DO THIS ONE.
Kendra turns a large bolt in the openings of a shackle.
[Clanking]
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, AKEYLAH, NOW IT'S YOUR TURN.
[Clanking, Akeylah muttering]
Akeylah says, ALL RIGHT. LIKE THIS.
[Clanking]
Kendra says, YOU'RE DOING GREAT.
Kendra says, GREAT.
Akeylah asks, OKAY, WHAT'S NEXT?
Kendra replies, WE'RE JUST GONNA PICK THIS UP WITH THE CHAIN FALLS OVER THERE. COME WITH ME. I'M GONNA GET YOU TO PULL ON THIS CHAIN AND WE'RE GONNA MOVE THE TROLLEY.
Akeylah and Kendra pull on hanging chains.
[Chains rattling]
Akeylah says, WHOA.
Kendra says, SO I'M JUST GONNA GRAB THE SHACKLE, AND I'M GONNA PUT IT IN LIKE THIS. DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DO YOUR SIDE?
Kendra attaches the shackle to a chain dangling from the ceiling.
[Snapping]
Akeylah says, YEP.
Akeylah attaches the shackle to a chain.
[Snapping]
Akeylah says, WE'VE CAUGHT OURSELVES A TANK.
Kendra says, SO WE'RE JUST GOING TO START PICKING THIS UP.
Akeylah says, GOING UP.
They pull on the chains, and the tank lifts.
[Chain rattling]
Akeylah narrates, I LEARNED THAT MILLWRIGHTS CAN DO THE HEAVY LIFTING, NO MATTER YOUR SIZE.
Akeylah says, WHOA, IT'S FLOATING. WHAT MAKES IT SO EASY?
Kendra says, SO WHEN WE PULL ON THIS CHAIN, IT SPINS A WHEEL UP THERE. AND IT'S KIND OF LIKE THE GEARS ON YOUR BIKE. SO WHEN YOU SWITCH GEARS GOING UPHILL AND IT FEELS EASIER, IT'S JUST LIKE THAT.
[Chain rattling]
Akeylah asks, AND YOU LIFT THESE IN A MINE?
The tank turns 90 degrees, with one end over the ground.
[Chains rattling]
Kendra replies, WE LIFT LOTS OF HEAVY STUFF IN THE MINES. NOW THAT IT'S STRAIGHT, WE'RE GONNA LOWER IT DOWN. YOU CAN DO THE HONOURS.
Akeylah lowers the tank.
[Chains rattling, upbeat music continues]
Akeylah says, WHOA, WHOA.
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, WE FLIPPED THE TANK.
Akeylah says, THAT WAS A SMOOTH LANDING.
Logo: Trading Skills.
Akeylah and Kendra walk to a pump in a basin of water. A pipe from the pump points outside over the grass.
[Upbeat music continues]
Akeylah asks, WHAT DOES THIS THING DO?
Kendra says, THIS IS A PUMP. WE USE THEM FOR DEWATERING UNDERGROUND. I'LL SHOW YOU, IT DOESN'T WORK YET. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO TURN IT ON, BUT WE GOT NOTHING.
Akeylah asks, SO, WE HAVE TO FIX IT?
Kendra says, YEAH, BUT FIRST WE HAVE TO DIAGNOSE IT. THINK OF MILLWRIGHTS LIKE DOCTORS FOR MACHINES.
Later, the pump lies in pieces on a work table. Akeylah looks at it.
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT AKEYLAH, EARLIER THIS PUMP WAS NOT PUMPING, BUT I THINK I FOUND THE CULPRIT. WE GOT SOME PIECES OF WOOD SUCKED UP AT THE INLET. WHAT HAPPENED IS IT DAMAGED THIS BALL HERE, AND NOW IT WON'T SEAL.
[Buzzer buzzing]
Akeylah says, WELL, I'M PUMPED TO GET THIS WORKING.
Kendra says, I'M GONNA NEED A NEW ONE. CAN YOU PASS ME THAT?
Akeylah says, SURE CAN.
Kendra says, THANK YOU. WE'RE GONNA PUT THIS IN AND THEN WE'RE GONNA PUT THE CASING ON. CAN I GET YOU TO PASS ME THAT CLAMP?
[Clattering, rattling]
Akeylah says, THIS ONE. THERE YOU GO. DO YOU NEED THESE TOO?
Kendra says, YEAH. THANK YOU. CAN YOU PUT THAT BOLT IN THERE?
Akeylah says, OK. THROUGH.
Kendra says, AND PUT THE NUT ON THE END.
Akeylah says, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THINGS BREAK IN THE MINE?
[Rattling]
Kendra says, WE ACTUALLY LOAD UP OUR TRUCK FULL OF TOOLS AND WE GO DIAGNOSE IT FIRST AND SEE IF WE CAN FIX IT WITH WHAT WE HAVE ON HAND. I'LL GET YOU TO PUT THIS NUT ON NOW.
Akeylah turns a nut on a screw.
Akeylah says, OKAY, AND STAY.
Kendra says, PUT THESE IN. ALL RIGHT, CAN YOU PASS ME THAT?
[Phone ringing]
Akeylah picks up a large pipe curved like a telephone receiver.
Akeylah says, DID SOMEONE CALL FOR A MILLWRIGHT?
[Both chuckling]
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, NOW WE'RE PUTTING ON OUR OUTLET.
[Clattering]
Back at the basin, Kendra holds the pump in the water. Akeylah stands beside the power switch.
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, NOW THAT WE GOT THIS FIXED, WE CAN GIVE IT A GO. CAN YOU OPEN THAT VALVE FOR ME?
Water sprays out of the pump and over treetops.
[Clanking, water spraying]
Akeylah shouts, IT'S ALIVE!
They high-five.
[Hands slapping]
Logo: Trading Skills.
Outside, Akeylah and Kendra sit at a picnic table.
[Birds cawing, cheerful music plays quietly]
Akeylah narrates, IT WAS TIME TO DO SOME MORE DIGGING TO DISCOVER KENDRA'S JOURNEY AS A MILLWRIGHT.
Akeylah asks, KENDRA, HOW'D YOU GET INTO THIS TRADE?
Kendra says, IT ALL STARTED IN HIGH SCHOOL, SO I TOOK AUTOMOTIVE AND WELDING, AND THEN I DECIDED I REALLY LIKED THAT, BUT I DIDN'T LIKE THE IDEA OF KIND OF JUST DOING ONE OR THE OTHER. SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT A MILLWRIGHT WAS KIND OF A JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES AND I'D GET TO SEE IT ALL, SO I SIGNED UP AT CAMBRIAN COLLEGE THE NEXT YEAR.
Akeylah asks, WERE YOU A BIT NERVOUS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED AT COLLEGE?
Kendra says, OH, DEFINITELY. I WAS ONE OF THE ONLY GIRLS IN MY CLASS. BUT AS YOU KEEP GOING, YOU KIND OF DEVELOP A LOT OF STRENGTH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERYTHING STARTS TO GET A BIT EASIER, AND YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF DOING THESE THINGS.
Akeylah asks, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE MY AGE WHO LIKES TO WORK WITH BIG MACHINES?
Kendra says, WELL, I GUESS YOU KIND OF HAVE TO START OFF SMALL. SO IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE AROUND THAT YOU TRUST AND LOVE, GET THEM TO GET YOU INTO THEIR GARAGE, START TAKING APART LAWNMOWERS.
ONCE YOU GET INTO HIGH SCHOOL, GO INTO AUTOMOTIVE, DO WELDING, DO CARPENTRY. JUST ANYTHING WITH HANDS-ON TOOLS EXPERIENCE IS GOING TO GET YOU A LOT FARTHER ONCE YOU ENTER THE INDUSTRY. OH, AND LEARN HOW TO READ A TAPE MEASURE.
Akeylah pulls the tape out of her tape measure and nods.
[Rustling]
Logo: Trading Skills.
Outside, Akeylah and Kendra wear their safety gear. They walk beside a long conveyor belt.
[Upbeat music plays]
Akeylah narrates, I CAN'T CONVEY HOW COOL THE NEXT MACHINE WAS. IT WAS THE CONVEYOR.
Akeylah asks, HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Kendra says, THIS IS A CONVEYOR. IT GRABS MATERIAL POINT A, AND IT TAKES IT TO POINT B.
Akeylah asks, SO IF WE'RE IN A MINE, WHAT KIND OF MATERIAL ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
Kendra says, WE'RE TALKING ROCK AND WE'RE TALKING ORE. AND ORE IS THE REASON WE HAVE ALL THIS METAL AROUND US TODAY. ALRIGHT, IF WE'RE GOING TO GET THIS RUNNING, WE'VE GOT TO DO QUICK REPAIR.
Kendra flips a switch and pushes a button. Akeylah watches the conveyor start moving.
[Banging, clicking, whooshing]
Akeylah says, IT'S GOOD.
Kendra walks to Akeylah beside the end of the conveyor belt.
Akeylah asks, WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?
An arrow points to the left side of the conveyor belt and labels it with “belt gap.” The right side of the belt rubs against the frame as it turns.
Kendra says, WE'RE GONNA TRACK THIS BELT AS YOU CAN SEE THERE IS NO GAP ON THIS SIDE AND WAY TOO MUCH ON THIS SIDE. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU KEEP IT RUNNING LIKE THAT IS IT STARTS TO EAT AWAY AT THE METAL AND THEN EVENTUALLY IT WEARS THROUGH THE FRAME. SO WE'RE JUST GONNA TURN THIS OVER AND IT'S GONNA PULL IT TO THE OTHER SIDE.
Kendra uses a wrench to turn a handle. The belt moves to the left.
[Squeaking]
Akeylah says, COOL. LOOK AT IT GO.
A person crouches above the conveyor belt and drops rocks.
[Conveyor whirring, rumbling, rocks clattering]
Akeylah says, THIS ROCKS!
Logo: Trading Skills.
In a dark wooden mineshaft, Akeylah holds a flashlight.
Akeylah says, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN MINING FOR CENTURIES AND IT WASN'T ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST. COME WITH ME ON A JOURNEY TO DIG INTO THE HISTORY OF MILLWRIGHTS. WATCH YOUR HEAD!
Black-and-white video footage shows Brody sawing a wood plank. A wrench appears in his hand. Other tools appear, and he puts them in his pockets in his overalls. Brody looks at a blueprint.
[Saw grinding, dinging, upbeat music plays]
Akeylah narrates, THE MILLWRIGHT GOT ITS NAME BECAUSE THEY BUILT MILLS. INTO THE NINETEENTH CENTURY, MILL RIGHTS EARNED A REPUTATION FOR BEING A JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES, SINCE THEY HAD TO BE SKILLED WOODWORKERS BUT ALSO ENGINEERS TO GET A WINDMILL WORKING PROPERLY.
In the video footage, Brody bangs on rocks.
[Banging]
Akeylah narrates, IN THE EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY, ONTARIO MINES WERE PRODUCING COPPER, NICKEL AND GOLD, AND THEY WERE GROWING.
The video footage appears in colour. Brody uses a socket wrench on a machine.
[Rattling, upbeat music continues]
Akeylah narrates, AS MINES GREW, SO DID THE MACHINES, AND MILLWRIGHTS CONTINUED TO BE JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES TO THIS DAY.
In reality, Kendra leads Akeylah past large tires in a display in front of a building.
Kendra says, THIS IS DYNAMIC EARTH. IT'S A MUSEUM ABOUT MINING AND EARTH SCIENCES, AND OF COURSE, HOME TO THE BIG NICKEL.
Kendra points at a large nickel statue.
Akeylah says, WHOA! HI, BIG NICKEL!
Kendra says, HI!
The nickel animates, and a voice says, WELCOME TO DYNAMIC EARTH, AKEYLAH!
Akeylah narrates, IT WAS TIME TO GO UNDERGROUND. I MEAN, WAY UNDERGROUND.
Akeylah and Kendra board an elevator.
[Upbeat music plays]
A brown-haired woman says, CAGE GOING DOWN!
Green lights glow in the mine.
Akeylah says, THIS IS PRETTY COOL. THIS IS AMAZING!
Kendra asks, SEE ALL THE WATER YOU'RE STEPPING IN? THAT'S WHY WE NEED DEWATERING UNDERGROUND.
Akeylah says, IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW.
Kendra says, WELCOME TO THE UNDERGROUND EXPERIENCE AT DYNAMIC EARTH.
Akeylah shouts, HELLO!
Akeylah and Kendra walk in a long tunnel. They both carry flashlights.
Akeylah asks, HOW IS THIS TUNNEL REALLY CREATED?
Kendra says, THEY BLASTED A HOLE IN THE GROUND OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL IT GOT TO BE THIS LONG. AND THEN A SCOOP CAME AND IT PICKED UP ALL THAT ROCK AND IT BROUGHT IT TO GO GET PROCESSED.
Akeylah says, WHOA! YOU KNOW, KENDRA, THIS REALLY ISN'T AS SCARY AS I THOUGHT IT WAS GONNA BE!
Akeylah notices a wax miner statue on a display.
[Akeylah shrieks]
Kendra says, OH, DON'T WORRY. THAT'S JUST A MINER FROM THE 1800’S.
Akeylah says, OH! MINER FROM THE 1800’S? NO PROBLEM!
Kendra opens a door, and they enter a well-lit room. They walk past picnic tables and stop beside first aid kits on the wall.
[Popping, background chatter]
Akeylah narrates, WE HEADED INTO WHAT'S CALLED A REFUGE STATION, WHICH IS KIND OF LIKE AN UNDERGROUND HIDEOUT.
SO THIS IS WHERE WE EAT LUNCH AND WHERE WE REFUGE WHEN THINGS GO WRONG IN THE MINE. SO IF THERE'S EVER A FIRE UNDERGROUND, WE ACTUALLY HAVE TO CLAY THAT DOOR SHUT, MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S NO AIR GAPS, CRACK OPEN AN AIRLINE, AND THIS IS WHERE WE STAY UNTIL THAT FIRE IS DONE.
AND OVER HERE, WE HAVE OUR CONVEYOR BELTS, WHICH I ALREADY SHOWED YOU EARLIER. OUR CRUSHER IS UP HERE AND THIS IS A CHUTE.
Kendra points to rooms displayed on a monitor.
Akeylah asks, HMM, ANYTHING NEED FIXING?
Kendra says, DON'T WORRY, ANYTIME NOW.
Logo: Trading Skills.
In the Skill Space, Brody and Akeylah enter wearing helmets.
[Cheerful music plays]
Akeylah cheers, WE MADE IT TO AUSTRALIA!
Brody chants, OH YEAH! WE MADE IT TO AUSTRALIA. SUCCESS!
Brody holds a koala stuffy.
Brody says, WE DID IT, AND WE BROKE THROUGH TO AUSTRALIA.
Akeylah says, WE EVEN PICKED UP A LITTLE SOUVENIR FOR THE SKILL SPACE. SAY HELLO TO KIRBY THE KOALA!
Brody says, JOIN US NEXT TIME AS WE TRADE PLACES TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER ROCKING TRADE.
Akeylah says, IT COULD BE THE TRADE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE TOP.
Both say, SEE YA!
[Upbeat music plays]
End credits. Hosts: Akeylah James, Brody Agmon. Tradesperson: Kendra Liinamaa. Written and directed by Emma Fox. Produced by Francis Mitchell, Johnny Mitchell, David Mitchell. Co-producers: Emma Fox, Anthony Gullace. Executive producers: Richard Bergmann, Thomas Kritsch. Music by: Joseph Shabason, Christine Bougie. Special thanks to Cambrian College, Daniel Lessard, J.P. Delaire, Dynamic Earth, Julia Aelick, Jennifer Beaudry, Ava Reaume. Produced in association with T.V.O. Kids. Executive producer, T.V.O.: Kirsten Hurd. Production executive, T.V.O.: Austin Guervara Mastretta. Riverbank Pictures. Copyright 2024 Riverbank Pictures.
T.V.O. Kids and Riverbank Pictures Original.
[Child giggles, upbeat music plays, pop]
Text reads, “T.V.O. Kids presents.”
[Energetic music plays]
Akeylah and Brody stand in front of a screen, which shows a sparking blowtorch. Akeylah wears a dark grey tunic. Her short black hair is tightly braided. Brody’s dark brown hair is short. He wears a light brown shirt and grey pants.
Akeylah and Brody say, WELCOME TO TRADING SKILLS!
Akeylah says, THE SHOW WHERE WE TAKE TURNS TRYING A SKILLED TRADE. I'M AKEYLAH.
Brody says, AND I'M BRODY.
Video footage behind Akeylah shows a welder and a mechanic.
Akeylah says, A SKILLED TRADE IS A JOB THAT REQUIRES A SPECIAL SKILL.
Akeylah and Brody say, THERE ARE LOTS OF SKILL TRADES.
Brody says, AND YOU MIGHT FIND THE PERFECT TRADE FOR YOU.
Akeylah says, MAYBE THERE'S A TRADE THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
[Whooshing]
Brody says, SO COME WITH US INTO THE TRADES ON TRADING SKILLS.
Title: Trading Skills.
In the Skill Space, Akeylah and Brody put tools on a workbench. Both have grease smudges on their faces and clothes.
[Both sighing, clanking, upbeat music plays]
Akeylah says, OKAY, ANOTHER BREAKDOWN MEANS IT'S BREAK TIME.
Brody says, YOU SAID IT.
Akeylah explains, WE BUILT A BIG MACHINE OUT BACK TO SEE IF WE COULD BREAK THROUGH ROCKS AND DIG OUR WAY TO AUSTRALIA.
Brody says, HERE IS THE ARTISTIC IMAGE OF SAID MACHINE.
Brody and Akeylah unroll a piece of paper between them. A drawing shows two stick people standing behind a lawnmower with a hammer tied to one handle and a shovel tied to the hammer. In front of the lawnmower, an arrow pointing down is labelled “Australia.”
Brody says, AS YOU CAN VERY CLEARLY SEE, WE ATTACHED A SHOVEL TO A HAMMER TO A LAWNMOWER. AND AS YOU CAN ALSO VERY CLEARLY SEE, THIS IS ME AND THIS IS AKEYLA.
Akeylah says, ONLY PROBLEM IS IT KEEPS BREAKING DOWN INSTEAD OF BREAKING THROUGH.
Anna walks behind Akeylah. She polishes a shiny metal part. Anna wears a hairnet over her wavy hair and a grey and white plaid shirt over a white shirt.
Anna says, SOUNDS LIKE YOU'RE STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE.
Akeylah says, THIS IS OUR FRIEND ANNA. SHE KNOWS A TONNE ABOUT SKILLED TRADES.
Anna says, I REALLY THINK A TRADESPERSON COULD HELP. AND I'M THINKING A MINING MILLWRIGHT.
Brody asks, WHAT DOES A MINING MILLWRIGHT DO?
Anna says, WELL, A MINING MILLWRIGHT IS A TRADESPERSON WHO INSTALLS AND REPAIRS MACHINERY IN A MINE, WHICH IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE DIG IN THE GROUND TO FIND RESOURCES.
Brody and Akeylah say, WE DIG IT!
Anna says, WELL, MY FRIEND KENDRA IS A MINING MILLWRIGHT. I BET SHE'D BE THRILLED TO HELP.
Beside a display with different types of rocks on marble slats. Kendra Liinamaa wears an orange jumpsuit with grey stripes. The mining millwright holds a white helmet under her arm. Her red hair brushes her shoulders.
Akeylah says, BRODY, I'LL TAKE THIS ONE. RADIO ME IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG OUT BACK.
Brody asks, WHAT COULD GO WRONG?
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
Akeylah narrates, I MADE MY WAY TO CAMBRIAN COLLEGE IN SUDBURY, ONTARIO, THE SCHOOL WHERE KENDRA LEARNED HOW TO MILLWRIGHT RIGHT.
[Gentle music plays]
Akeylah walks down a school hallway. A person pulling boxes on a cart nods at her as they pass each other. Akeylah enters a workroom.
[Cart rumbling]
Akeylah says, HEY KENDRA.
[Upbeat music plays]
Kendra says, HI AKEYLAH.
Akeylah says, OKAY, I GOT HEAR IT FROM YOU. WHAT DOES A MINING MILLWRIGHT DO?
Kendra says, SO A MINING MILLWRIGHT INSTALLS AND REPAIRS HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT IN MINES. WE ALSO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN THE MINE HAS THE RIGHT TOOLS AND EVERYONE STAYS SAFE.
Akeylah says, AHA! SO YOU TURNED MILL WRONGS INTO MILL RIGHTS. WHERE DO WE START?
Kendra says, FIRST, WE GET YOU GEARED UP.
Akeylah zips up a jumper, puts on safety glasses, safety boots, gloves, and a helmet, and then goes to work.
[Zipping]
Akeylah narrates, KENDRA SHOWED ME HOW TO USE HOISTS TO PUT SOME POWER INTO LIFTING.
Kendra and Akeylah walk to a large tank.
Kendra says, OKAY AKEYLA, WE'RE GONNA LIFT THIS TANK UP.
Akeylah says, WE, AS IN YOU AND ME?
Kendra says, DON'T WORRY, WE'RE GONNA USE CHAIN FALLS, AND THAT'S GONNA MAKE IT WAY EASIER. IN ORDER TO LIFT THIS, WE'RE GONNA NEED SOME SLINGS, AND THAT MEANS WE'RE GONNA ATTACH THEM OVER HERE AND OVER THERE.
Akeylah asks, WHAT ARE SLINGS?
Kendra says, OH, THOSE YELLOW STRAPS OVER THERE. WE'RE GONNA USE THEM TO PICK THIS UP. CAN YOU GRAB THEM FOR ME?
Akeylah says, GOT IT.
Akeylah carries the yellow straps to Kendra.
[Audio fast forwarding, clanking]
Kendra says, THESE ARE A LITTLE LONG, SO WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO DOUBLE-WRAP THIS ONE. AND THEN WE'RE GONNA PULL IT INTO A CHOKE.
Kendra loops a sling around a cylinder on one end of the tank.
Akeylah asks, WHAT'S A CHOKE? THAT SOUNDS DANGEROUS.
Kendra says, NOT IN THIS CASE. IT'S GONNA KEEP US SAFER 'CAUSE IT'S GONNA KEEP OUR LOAD TIGHTER. WE'RE JUST GONNA ATTACH THESE SHACKLES HERE AND HERE. WATCH HOW I DO THIS ONE.
Kendra turns a large bolt in the openings of a shackle.
[Clanking]
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, AKEYLAH, NOW IT'S YOUR TURN.
[Clanking, Akeylah muttering]
Akeylah says, ALL RIGHT. LIKE THIS.
[Clanking]
Kendra says, YOU'RE DOING GREAT.
Kendra says, GREAT.
Akeylah asks, OKAY, WHAT'S NEXT?
Kendra replies, WE'RE JUST GONNA PICK THIS UP WITH THE CHAIN FALLS OVER THERE. COME WITH ME. I'M GONNA GET YOU TO PULL ON THIS CHAIN AND WE'RE GONNA MOVE THE TROLLEY.
Akeylah and Kendra pull on hanging chains.
[Chains rattling]
Akeylah says, WHOA.
Kendra says, SO I'M JUST GONNA GRAB THE SHACKLE, AND I'M GONNA PUT IT IN LIKE THIS. DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DO YOUR SIDE?
Kendra attaches the shackle to a chain dangling from the ceiling.
[Snapping]
Akeylah says, YEP.
Akeylah attaches the shackle to a chain.
[Snapping]
Akeylah says, WE'VE CAUGHT OURSELVES A TANK.
Kendra says, SO WE'RE JUST GOING TO START PICKING THIS UP.
Akeylah says, GOING UP.
They pull on the chains, and the tank lifts.
[Chain rattling]
Akeylah narrates, I LEARNED THAT MILLWRIGHTS CAN DO THE HEAVY LIFTING, NO MATTER YOUR SIZE.
Akeylah says, WHOA, IT'S FLOATING. WHAT MAKES IT SO EASY?
Kendra says, SO WHEN WE PULL ON THIS CHAIN, IT SPINS A WHEEL UP THERE. AND IT'S KIND OF LIKE THE GEARS ON YOUR BIKE. SO WHEN YOU SWITCH GEARS GOING UPHILL AND IT FEELS EASIER, IT'S JUST LIKE THAT.
[Chain rattling]
Akeylah asks, AND YOU LIFT THESE IN A MINE?
The tank turns 90 degrees, with one end over the ground.
[Chains rattling]
Kendra replies, WE LIFT LOTS OF HEAVY STUFF IN THE MINES. NOW THAT IT'S STRAIGHT, WE'RE GONNA LOWER IT DOWN. YOU CAN DO THE HONOURS.
Akeylah lowers the tank.
[Chains rattling, upbeat music continues]
Akeylah says, WHOA, WHOA.
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, WE FLIPPED THE TANK.
Akeylah says, THAT WAS A SMOOTH LANDING.
Logo: Trading Skills.
Akeylah and Kendra walk to a pump in a basin of water. A pipe from the pump points outside over the grass.
[Upbeat music continues]
Akeylah asks, WHAT DOES THIS THING DO?
Kendra says, THIS IS A PUMP. WE USE THEM FOR DEWATERING UNDERGROUND. I'LL SHOW YOU, IT DOESN'T WORK YET. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO TURN IT ON, BUT WE GOT NOTHING.
Akeylah asks, SO, WE HAVE TO FIX IT?
Kendra says, YEAH, BUT FIRST WE HAVE TO DIAGNOSE IT. THINK OF MILLWRIGHTS LIKE DOCTORS FOR MACHINES.
Later, the pump lies in pieces on a work table. Akeylah looks at it.
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT AKEYLAH, EARLIER THIS PUMP WAS NOT PUMPING, BUT I THINK I FOUND THE CULPRIT. WE GOT SOME PIECES OF WOOD SUCKED UP AT THE INLET. WHAT HAPPENED IS IT DAMAGED THIS BALL HERE, AND NOW IT WON'T SEAL.
[Buzzer buzzing]
Akeylah says, WELL, I'M PUMPED TO GET THIS WORKING.
Kendra says, I'M GONNA NEED A NEW ONE. CAN YOU PASS ME THAT?
Akeylah says, SURE CAN.
Kendra says, THANK YOU. WE'RE GONNA PUT THIS IN AND THEN WE'RE GONNA PUT THE CASING ON. CAN I GET YOU TO PASS ME THAT CLAMP?
[Clattering, rattling]
Akeylah says, THIS ONE. THERE YOU GO. DO YOU NEED THESE TOO?
Kendra says, YEAH. THANK YOU. CAN YOU PUT THAT BOLT IN THERE?
Akeylah says, OK. THROUGH.
Kendra says, AND PUT THE NUT ON THE END.
Akeylah says, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THINGS BREAK IN THE MINE?
[Rattling]
Kendra says, WE ACTUALLY LOAD UP OUR TRUCK FULL OF TOOLS AND WE GO DIAGNOSE IT FIRST AND SEE IF WE CAN FIX IT WITH WHAT WE HAVE ON HAND. I'LL GET YOU TO PUT THIS NUT ON NOW.
Akeylah turns a nut on a screw.
Akeylah says, OKAY, AND STAY.
Kendra says, PUT THESE IN. ALL RIGHT, CAN YOU PASS ME THAT?
[Phone ringing]
Akeylah picks up a large pipe curved like a telephone receiver.
Akeylah says, DID SOMEONE CALL FOR A MILLWRIGHT?
[Both chuckling]
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, NOW WE'RE PUTTING ON OUR OUTLET.
[Clattering]
Back at the basin, Kendra holds the pump in the water. Akeylah stands beside the power switch.
Kendra says, ALL RIGHT, NOW THAT WE GOT THIS FIXED, WE CAN GIVE IT A GO. CAN YOU OPEN THAT VALVE FOR ME?
Water sprays out of the pump and over treetops.
[Clanking, water spraying]
Akeylah shouts, IT'S ALIVE!
They high-five.
[Hands slapping]
Logo: Trading Skills.
Outside, Akeylah and Kendra sit at a picnic table.
[Birds cawing, cheerful music plays quietly]
Akeylah narrates, IT WAS TIME TO DO SOME MORE DIGGING TO DISCOVER KENDRA'S JOURNEY AS A MILLWRIGHT.
Akeylah asks, KENDRA, HOW'D YOU GET INTO THIS TRADE?
Kendra says, IT ALL STARTED IN HIGH SCHOOL, SO I TOOK AUTOMOTIVE AND WELDING, AND THEN I DECIDED I REALLY LIKED THAT, BUT I DIDN'T LIKE THE IDEA OF KIND OF JUST DOING ONE OR THE OTHER. SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT A MILLWRIGHT WAS KIND OF A JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES AND I'D GET TO SEE IT ALL, SO I SIGNED UP AT CAMBRIAN COLLEGE THE NEXT YEAR.
Akeylah asks, WERE YOU A BIT NERVOUS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED AT COLLEGE?
Kendra says, OH, DEFINITELY. I WAS ONE OF THE ONLY GIRLS IN MY CLASS. BUT AS YOU KEEP GOING, YOU KIND OF DEVELOP A LOT OF STRENGTH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERYTHING STARTS TO GET A BIT EASIER, AND YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF DOING THESE THINGS.
Akeylah asks, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE MY AGE WHO LIKES TO WORK WITH BIG MACHINES?
Kendra says, WELL, I GUESS YOU KIND OF HAVE TO START OFF SMALL. SO IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE AROUND THAT YOU TRUST AND LOVE, GET THEM TO GET YOU INTO THEIR GARAGE, START TAKING APART LAWNMOWERS.
ONCE YOU GET INTO HIGH SCHOOL, GO INTO AUTOMOTIVE, DO WELDING, DO CARPENTRY. JUST ANYTHING WITH HANDS-ON TOOLS EXPERIENCE IS GOING TO GET YOU A LOT FARTHER ONCE YOU ENTER THE INDUSTRY. OH, AND LEARN HOW TO READ A TAPE MEASURE.
Akeylah pulls the tape out of her tape measure and nods.
[Rustling]
Logo: Trading Skills.
Outside, Akeylah and Kendra wear their safety gear. They walk beside a long conveyor belt.
[Upbeat music plays]
Akeylah narrates, I CAN'T CONVEY HOW COOL THE NEXT MACHINE WAS. IT WAS THE CONVEYOR.
Akeylah asks, HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Kendra says, THIS IS A CONVEYOR. IT GRABS MATERIAL POINT A, AND IT TAKES IT TO POINT B.
Akeylah asks, SO IF WE'RE IN A MINE, WHAT KIND OF MATERIAL ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
Kendra says, WE'RE TALKING ROCK AND WE'RE TALKING ORE. AND ORE IS THE REASON WE HAVE ALL THIS METAL AROUND US TODAY. ALRIGHT, IF WE'RE GOING TO GET THIS RUNNING, WE'VE GOT TO DO QUICK REPAIR.
Kendra flips a switch and pushes a button. Akeylah watches the conveyor start moving.
[Banging, clicking, whooshing]
Akeylah says, IT'S GOOD.
Kendra walks to Akeylah beside the end of the conveyor belt.
Akeylah asks, WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?
An arrow points to the left side of the conveyor belt and labels it with “belt gap.” The right side of the belt rubs against the frame as it turns.
Kendra says, WE'RE GONNA TRACK THIS BELT AS YOU CAN SEE THERE IS NO GAP ON THIS SIDE AND WAY TOO MUCH ON THIS SIDE. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU KEEP IT RUNNING LIKE THAT IS IT STARTS TO EAT AWAY AT THE METAL AND THEN EVENTUALLY IT WEARS THROUGH THE FRAME. SO WE'RE JUST GONNA TURN THIS OVER AND IT'S GONNA PULL IT TO THE OTHER SIDE.
Kendra uses a wrench to turn a handle. The belt moves to the left.
[Squeaking]
Akeylah says, COOL. LOOK AT IT GO.
A person crouches above the conveyor belt and drops rocks.
[Conveyor whirring, rumbling, rocks clattering]
Akeylah says, THIS ROCKS!
Logo: Trading Skills.
In a dark wooden mineshaft, Akeylah holds a flashlight.
Akeylah says, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN MINING FOR CENTURIES AND IT WASN'T ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST. COME WITH ME ON A JOURNEY TO DIG INTO THE HISTORY OF MILLWRIGHTS. WATCH YOUR HEAD!
Black-and-white video footage shows Brody sawing a wood plank. A wrench appears in his hand. Other tools appear, and he puts them in his pockets in his overalls. Brody looks at a blueprint.
[Saw grinding, dinging, upbeat music plays]
Akeylah narrates, THE MILLWRIGHT GOT ITS NAME BECAUSE THEY BUILT MILLS. INTO THE NINETEENTH CENTURY, MILL RIGHTS EARNED A REPUTATION FOR BEING A JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES, SINCE THEY HAD TO BE SKILLED WOODWORKERS BUT ALSO ENGINEERS TO GET A WINDMILL WORKING PROPERLY.
In the video footage, Brody bangs on rocks.
[Banging]
Akeylah narrates, IN THE EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY, ONTARIO MINES WERE PRODUCING COPPER, NICKEL AND GOLD, AND THEY WERE GROWING.
The video footage appears in colour. Brody uses a socket wrench on a machine.
[Rattling, upbeat music continues]
Akeylah narrates, AS MINES GREW, SO DID THE MACHINES, AND MILLWRIGHTS CONTINUED TO BE JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES TO THIS DAY.
In reality, Kendra leads Akeylah past large tires in a display in front of a building.
Kendra says, THIS IS DYNAMIC EARTH. IT'S A MUSEUM ABOUT MINING AND EARTH SCIENCES, AND OF COURSE, HOME TO THE BIG NICKEL.
Kendra points at a large nickel statue.
Akeylah says, WHOA! HI, BIG NICKEL!
Kendra says, HI!
The nickel animates, and a voice says, WELCOME TO DYNAMIC EARTH, AKEYLAH!
Akeylah narrates, IT WAS TIME TO GO UNDERGROUND. I MEAN, WAY UNDERGROUND.
Akeylah and Kendra board an elevator.
[Upbeat music plays]
A brown-haired woman says, CAGE GOING DOWN!
Green lights glow in the mine.
Akeylah says, THIS IS PRETTY COOL. THIS IS AMAZING!
Kendra asks, SEE ALL THE WATER YOU'RE STEPPING IN? THAT'S WHY WE NEED DEWATERING UNDERGROUND.
Akeylah says, IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW.
Kendra says, WELCOME TO THE UNDERGROUND EXPERIENCE AT DYNAMIC EARTH.
Akeylah shouts, HELLO!
Akeylah and Kendra walk in a long tunnel. They both carry flashlights.
Akeylah asks, HOW IS THIS TUNNEL REALLY CREATED?
Kendra says, THEY BLASTED A HOLE IN THE GROUND OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL IT GOT TO BE THIS LONG. AND THEN A SCOOP CAME AND IT PICKED UP ALL THAT ROCK AND IT BROUGHT IT TO GO GET PROCESSED.
Akeylah says, WHOA! YOU KNOW, KENDRA, THIS REALLY ISN'T AS SCARY AS I THOUGHT IT WAS GONNA BE!
Akeylah notices a wax miner statue on a display.
[Akeylah shrieks]
Kendra says, OH, DON'T WORRY. THAT'S JUST A MINER FROM THE 1800’S.
Akeylah says, OH! MINER FROM THE 1800’S? NO PROBLEM!
Kendra opens a door, and they enter a well-lit room. They walk past picnic tables and stop beside first aid kits on the wall.
[Popping, background chatter]
Akeylah narrates, WE HEADED INTO WHAT'S CALLED A REFUGE STATION, WHICH IS KIND OF LIKE AN UNDERGROUND HIDEOUT.
SO THIS IS WHERE WE EAT LUNCH AND WHERE WE REFUGE WHEN THINGS GO WRONG IN THE MINE. SO IF THERE'S EVER A FIRE UNDERGROUND, WE ACTUALLY HAVE TO CLAY THAT DOOR SHUT, MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S NO AIR GAPS, CRACK OPEN AN AIRLINE, AND THIS IS WHERE WE STAY UNTIL THAT FIRE IS DONE.
AND OVER HERE, WE HAVE OUR CONVEYOR BELTS, WHICH I ALREADY SHOWED YOU EARLIER. OUR CRUSHER IS UP HERE AND THIS IS A CHUTE.
Kendra points to rooms displayed on a monitor.
Akeylah asks, HMM, ANYTHING NEED FIXING?
Kendra says, DON'T WORRY, ANYTIME NOW.
Logo: Trading Skills.
In the Skill Space, Brody and Akeylah enter wearing helmets.
[Cheerful music plays]
Akeylah cheers, WE MADE IT TO AUSTRALIA!
Brody chants, OH YEAH! WE MADE IT TO AUSTRALIA. SUCCESS!
Brody holds a koala stuffy.
Brody says, WE DID IT, AND WE BROKE THROUGH TO AUSTRALIA.
Akeylah says, WE EVEN PICKED UP A LITTLE SOUVENIR FOR THE SKILL SPACE. SAY HELLO TO KIRBY THE KOALA!
Brody says, JOIN US NEXT TIME AS WE TRADE PLACES TO LEARN ABOUT ANOTHER ROCKING TRADE.
Akeylah says, IT COULD BE THE TRADE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE TOP.
Both say, SEE YA!
[Upbeat music plays]
End credits. Hosts: Akeylah James, Brody Agmon. Tradesperson: Kendra Liinamaa. Written and directed by Emma Fox. Produced by Francis Mitchell, Johnny Mitchell, David Mitchell. Co-producers: Emma Fox, Anthony Gullace. Executive producers: Richard Bergmann, Thomas Kritsch. Music by: Joseph Shabason, Christine Bougie. Special thanks to Cambrian College, Daniel Lessard, J.P. Delaire, Dynamic Earth, Julia Aelick, Jennifer Beaudry, Ava Reaume. Produced in association with T.V.O. Kids. Executive producer, T.V.O.: Kirsten Hurd. Production executive, T.V.O.: Austin Guervara Mastretta. Riverbank Pictures. Copyright 2024 Riverbank Pictures.
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