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Transcript: Elevator Mechanic
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 showing a sparking blowtorch. Akeylah wears a dark grey tunic, and her short black hair is tightly braided. Brody’s dark brown hair is short, and 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 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.
[Upbeat music plays]
In the Skill Space, Brody and Akeylah sit on a
Akeylah says, WELCOME TO THE SKILL SPACE. BRODY AND I ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO ADD NEW STUFF TO THE SPACE.
Brody says, THAT'S RIGHT. WE LOVE TO TINKER AND TODAY IS NO DIFFERENT.
Akeylah says, WE'RE TRYING TO BUILD AN ELEVATOR SO WE CAN GET THINGS UPSTAIRS FASTER.
Brody says, IT HASN'T BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL. THERE WAS ELEVATOR ATTEMPT NUMBER THREE.
[Punk rock music plays]
Brody holds a chain slingshot taut, and Akeylah pulls it back and shoots a balloon toward the second floor.
Akeylah says, AND WE CAN'T FORGET ELEVATOR ATTEMPT NUMBER SIX.
[Punk rock music plays]
Brody pulls on a rope attached to a board. A cup on the board falls on the floor.
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody says, CLEARLY, WE NEED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ELEVATORS.
Akeylah says, OUR FRIEND ANNA, AN EXPERT IN SKILLED TRADES, KNOWS AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC. RIGHT ANNA?
Anna says, THAT'S RIGHT. MY FRIEND GABBY IS AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC, AND SHE SAYS SHE'S VERY EXCITED TO SHOW YOU THE UPS AND DOWNS OF ELEVATOR REPAIR. SHOULD I TELL GABBY YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY?
[Upbeat music continues]
In video footage, Gabby De Sousa, the elevator mechanic, leans against an elevator doorway with her arms crossed. Gabby has shoulder-length, curly black hair and wears a blue t-shirt and black slacks.
Akeylah says, YES, PLEASE. BRODY, I KNOW YOU LOVE RIDING IN ELEVATORS, SO WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THIS ONE?
Brody says, I'M IN. FOLLOW ME AS I OPEN THE DOORS TO ELEVATOR REPAIR.
[Clapping]
Brody claps his hands together and then moves them apart, imitating an elevator door opening.
[Whooshing]
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody enters a two-story building and walks across a mat that reads, “Welcome to Mohawk. Future-ready.”
Brody narrates, MY TRADES JOURNEY ELEVATED ME TO MOHAWK COLLEGE IN STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. IF YOU WANT TO LEARN A SKILLED TRADE, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE.
Brody walks past windows opening into a large two-story room with machines on the wall.
Brody says, THAT'S COOL.
Brody enters the room.
Brody says, GABBY.
Gabby walks down a staircase from the second floor.
Gabby says, HEY BRODY. OVER HERE.
Brody says, HEY, THERE YOU ARE.
[Hands slapping]
Brody and Gabby high-five.
Gabby says, HEY, WELCOME TO MOHAWK.
Brody says, WHOA, THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. AND HUGE. AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC REPAIRS ELEVATORS, RIGHT?
Gabby says, YEP. WE REPAIR THEM.
Gabby climbs down a ladder to the bottom of an elevator shaft and crouches beside a drive sheave.
Gabby says, SERVICE THEM.
[Pages rustling]
Gabby opens a large book. She pushes buttons on a panel.
Gabby says, AND INSTALL THEM.
Gabby repairs equipment at the bottom of the shaft.
Gabby says, AND WHEN SOMEONE'S STUCK, WE GET THEM OUT.
Brody says, MY DAY IS ALREADY ELEVATED. CAN YOU SHOW ME THE TRICKS OF YOUR TRADE?
Gabby says, FOR SURE, FOLLOW ME.
Brody follows Gabby towards the door of the room.
Brody says, LET'S GO! LOOK AT THAT!
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music continues]
Beside metal grill walls around an elevator shaft, Gabby and Brody stand at a table. She gives him safety glasses.
Gabby says, SAFETY FIRST.
Brody says, RIGHT. SAFETY GLASSES ON. ARE THESE THE TOOLS FOR THE ELEVATOR TRADE?
Gabby says, YEAH. THIS ONE'S THE ELEVATOR LUNAR KEY. IT HELPS ME GET INTO THE HOIST WAY OF THE ELEVATOR ON TOP AND UNDERNEATH THE ELEVATOR.
[Key clicking]
Brody ways the lunar key in front of him.
Brody says, COOL.
Gabby says, THIS ONE'S A ROPE GAUGE. IT HELPS ME MEASURE THE ROPES.
[Whooshing, popping]
Brody holds the rope gauge.
Brody asks, WHY DO YOU HAVE TO MEASURE THE ROPES?
Gabby says, TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY DON'T LOSE DIAMETER AND THEY DON'T BREAK. THIS ONE'S A DOOR PRESSURE GAUGE. IT SHOWS HOW MUCH PRESSURE THE DOOR PUSHES.
[Whooshing, popping, squeaking]
Gabby pushes the door gauge against her palm.
Gabby asks, HOW STRONG ARE YOU?
[Squeaking]
Brody pushes the door gauge against his palm.
Brody says, JUST OVER 50. YES.
Gabby says, NICE.
[Whooshing, popping, clicking, upbeat music continues]
Gabby puts the door gauge on the table and picks up a door wedge. She gives it to Brody.
Gabby says, THIS ONE'S A DOOR WEDGE. IT HOLDS OPEN THE DOOR WHILE I DO MAINTENANCE.
Brody says, THIS GUY RIGHT HERE PRETTY MUCH JUST SAVED YOUR LIFE EVERY SINGLE TIME.
[Gabby laughing]
Brody asks, WHAT'S THIS?
Brody and Gabby walk to a wall with control panels and wires.
Gabby replies, THIS IS THE ELEVATOR CONTROLLER.
Brody asks, WHAT'S A CONTROLLER DO?
Gabby replies, IT'S THE BRAINS OF THE ELEVATOR.
Brody asks, WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THE BRAINS?
Gabby replies, IT TELLS IT WHERE TO GO AND WHICH ELEVATOR CALLS TO ANSWER.
Brody asks, HOW DOES IT DO THAT?
Gabby replies, WELL, IT TAKES A SIGNAL FROM THE ELEVATOR AND BRINGS IT BACK TO THE CONTROLLER. THEN THE CONTROLLER TELLS IT WHERE TO GO. EITHER IT GOES TO THE SECOND FLOOR TO THE THIRD FLOOR OR THIRD FLOOR TO THE FOURTH FLOOR.
Brody says, SO, THIS IS AN ELEVATOR'S BRAIN.
Gabby says, THIS IS AN OLDER BRAIN. THERE'S NEWER BRAINS NOW.
Brody asks, CAN WE GO SEE IT?
Gabby replies, FOR SURE. IT'S JUST OVER THERE.
Brody and Gabby walk to a metal box with two controller panels.
Brody asks, HOW'S THIS BRAIN DIFFERENT?
Gabby replies, WELL, IT'S A LOT SMALLER. SOMETIMES, WHEN TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES, THINGS GET SMALLER. BUT IT STILL HAS THE SAME COMPONENTS, LIKE RELAYS, TRANSFORMERS AND FUSES.
Brody says, YOU'RE SUCH A BRAINIAC.
[Gabby chuckling]
Brody asks, SO, THE CONTROLLER POWERS THE MOTOR OF THE ELEVATOR?
Gabby says, YEP, IT MAKES THE ELEVATOR GO UP AND DOWN.
Brody asks, CAN I SEE A MOTOR?
Gabby says, FOR SURE. IT'S DOWN THIS WAY.
Brody says, LET'S MOTOR.
[Whooshing]
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
An elevator door closes. On the other side of the metal grid wall, Brody and Gabby stand beside the motor.
Gabby says, THERE'S TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELEVATORS. ONE'S A TRACTION, AND ONE'S HYDRAULIC. THIS ONE'S A HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR.
An arrow points at the motor, and text reads, “Hydraulic Motor.”
[Popping]
Brody asks, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?
Gabby replies, WELL, THIS ONE USES OIL TO MOVE THE ELEVATOR UP AND DOWN. TO GO UP, THE PUMP PUMPS THE OIL THROUGH THE PIPE AND PUSHES THE PISTONS UP.
Brody asks, CAN I SEE THE MOTOR RUNNING?
Gabby replies, FOR SURE!
Gabby pushes a button, and the oil level in the motor lowers. The elevator beside Brody rises.
[Air hissing, elevator whirring]
Brody says, THERE IT GOES! WHOO!
Gabby says, WHEN IT WANTS TO COME BACK DOWN, IT RELEASES THE OIL BACK INTO THE TANK.
[Elevator whirring]
Brody asks, SO, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOOK OUT FOR WITH THE HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR?
Gabby replies, WELL, YOU HAVE TO LOOK FOR LEAKS AND SPILLS AND MAKE SURE THAT THE OIL DOESN'T GET DIRTY OR CONTAMINATED.
Brody says, SO, THIS IS HYDRAULIC. WHERE'S THE TRACTION?
Gabby replies, THAT'S UPSTAIRS.
Brody says, LET'S GO!
Gabby says, YEP!
Brody says, GOOD WORK.
[Tapping]
Brody pats the motor and then follows Gabby.
Text read, “Trading Skills.”
[Banging, whirring, popping]
Gabby pushes buttons on an elevator controller. A traction motor with four thick cables around it spins.
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody narrates, GABBY SHOWED ME THAT A TRACTION MOTOR USES PULLEYS, GEARS AND A COUNTERWEIGHT TO PULL THE ELEVATOR UP AND DOWN.
Brody says, KEEPING AN ELEVATOR RUNNING IS HOW TO KEEP IT FROM GETTING STUCK. BUT WHAT IF? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF SOMEONE'S STUCK?
Gabby replies, THAT'S A REALLY GOOD QUESTION BRODY. FIRST THING TO DO IS ALWAYS REMEMBER TO REMAIN CALM.
[Brody inhaling, exhaling]
Gabby says, NEXT THING, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE SOMEONE'S ACTUALLY STUCK.
[Knocking]
Gabby knocks on the elevator door.
Gabby says, HELLO? IS SOMEONE STUCK?
Brody, in a high-pitched voice, says, HELLO? HELLO? SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME. I'M VERY HUNGRY.
Brody says, SOMEONE'S DEFINITELY STUCK IN THERE.
Gabby says, THIS IS WHAT WE USE, OUR LUNAR KEY. WE'RE GOING TO USE THAT TO UNLOCK THE HALLWAY DOOR AND GET THE PERSON OUT.
Brody says, I DON'T SEE A KEYHOLE ANYWHERE.
Gabby points to a small hole at the top of one of the elevator doors.
Gabby says, THAT ONE.
Brody says, SO THAT'S WHAT THAT DOES.
Gabby says, YEP. SO, LET'S GET THIS PERSON OUT.
Brody says, ALL RIGHT.
[Clicking]
Gabby puts the lunar key in the hole and turns it.
Gabby says, YOU PUT IT IN, AND YOU TURN IT, AND IT UNLOCKS THE DOOR.
Gabby slides the elevator door open, revealing a second closed door.
Brody says, YOU'RE SAFE. OHHHH!
Gabby says, NOT YET. THERE'S TWO DOORS TO AN ELEVATOR. THIS IS ANOTHER DOOR.
[Clicking]
Gabby grabs the second door and pushes it open.
Brody stands in the elevator.
Brody says, I'M SAFE!
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
In the two-storey room, Brody and Gabby sit at a table with a plate of sliced fruit and napkins between them.
Brody narrates, NEXT, GABBY AND I ENJOYED THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR, AND I HAD A LOT TO ASK HER.
Brody says, GABBY, I GOTTA KNOW. HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC?
Gabby says, WELL, FUNNY ENOUGH, I WANTED TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN AT FIRST, BUT IT NEVER WORKED OUT. SO, I WENT INTO ELEVATORS. A FRIEND OF MINE SAID THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE WORK FOR YOU IF YOU GOT INTO ELEVATORS.
Brody asks, WHY WOULD YOU ALWAYS WORK IF YOU DO ELEVATOR REPAIRS?
Gabby replies, WELL, LOOK AT ANY BUILDING YOU SEE NOWADAYS. THERE'S ELEVATORS ALL OVER THE PLACE, EVEN TO GO ONE STOREY. SO THAT MEANS THERE'SA LOT OF MECHANICS OUT THERE TOO.
Brody asks, WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL FOR ELEVATOR REPAIR?
Gabby replies, I WENT TO DURHAM COLLEGE, BUT THEY ALSO OFFER IT HERE AT MOHAWK. I WAS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE FIRST STUDENTS AT DURHAM COLLEGE TO TAKE THEIR ELEVATOR PROGRAM.
Brody asks, HOW LONG DID YOUR SCHOOLING TAKE?
Gabby replies, IT TAKES AROUND SIX MONTHS, WHICH IS AROUND 720 HOURS. THE WHOLE APPRENTICESHIP IS 8,000 HOURS, WHICH IS FOUR AND A HALF YEARS.
Brody says, THAT'S A LOT.
Gabby says, YEAH, BUT THE THING IS, YOU GET PAID THE WHOLE TIME YOU'RE IN SCHOOL AND WORKING.
Brody says, 8,000 HOURS AND, THAT'S A GOOD DEAL! WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC?
Gabby says, WELL, I LOVE TRAVELING TO NEW PLACES EVERY DAY. EVERY DAY'S A NEW ADVENTURE. I'M ALWAYS SOMEWHERE NEW. SO MANY PEOPLE USE ELEVATORS, AND I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE RUNNING SMOOTHLY. SO, A LOT OF PEOPLE PUT THEIR TRUST IN ME TO MAINTAIN AND FIX THEIR ELEVATORS. I GOT INTO ELEVATORS, AND NOW I LOVE THEM. THESE DAYS, I'M A PRETTY BIG ELEVATOR GEEK.
Brody says, I THINK I'M BECOMING AN ELEVATOR GEEK TOO.
Gabby says, NICE.
[Hands slapping]
They high-five.
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
Brody walks in the two-storey room.
Brody says, IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, YOU'RE PROBABLY WONDERING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF ELEVATOR REPAIR. WELL, LET'S FIND OUT.
[Lively music plays]
In a black-and-white video, Akeylah wears a bowtie and hat and stands in front of a closed elevator gate.
Brody narrates, ELEVATORS BECAME WIDELY USED JUST OVER 200 YEARS AGO, BUT THEY WERE UNSAFE, SO MANY PEOPLE CHOSE NOT TO RIDE. IN THE EARLY 1900’S, ADVANCEMENTS IN ELECTRICITY AND MOTOR TECHNOLOGY MEANT ELEVATORS GOT SAFER AND ELEVATOR REPAIR PEOPLE MADE SURE IT WAS A SMOOTH RIDE.
In the black-and-white video, Akeylah holds a large wrench and smiles.
[Upbeat music plays]
Video footage shows the C.N. Tower in Toronto, Ontario. Akeylah wears sunglasses and stands in front of two elevators in the C.N. Tower lobby.
Brody narrates, SAFER ELEVATORS MEANT BUILDINGS COULD BE BUILT HIGHER AND HIGHER. LIKE THE C.N. TOWER IN TORONTO AND ELEVATOR REPAIR TECHNICIANS WERE ALONG FOR THE RIDE.
[Upbeat music plays]
The video ends. In reality, Brody leans against the wall beside an elevator, facing Gabby.
Brody narrates, WHEN IT COMES TO FIXING AN ELEVATOR, I THOUGHT I'D TAKE A LISTEN.
Brody puts on a stethoscope and holds the end against the elevator doorway.
Brody says, HMM. WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM, MR. ELEVATOR? WELL, THAT DIDN'T WORK. SO, GABBY, HOW CAN WE DIAGNOSE WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE ELEVATOR?
Gabby says, WELL, THERE'S A COUPLE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT. REMEMBER THE BRAIN?
Brody says, YEAH.
Gabby says, WE'VE GOT TO GO CHECK THAT OUT FIRST.
Brody says, LET'S GO!
At the elevator controller, Gabby looks at a screen. She pushes buttons on a panel.
Brody narrates, GABBY, SHOWED ME THE HIGH-TECH BRAIN OF AN ELEVATOR AND HOW TO TAKE IT OUT OF SERVICE. ONCE IT WAS OUT OF SERVICE, WE TOOK READINGS USING A VOLTAGE METER TO MAKE SURE THE ELEVATOR HAD PROPER POWER.
[Background chattering, beeping]
Gabby touches a wire to the voltage reader. She gives Brody two wires and holds the voltage reader. Brody touches them to the voltage reader. Gabby measures the wires on the panel with the voltage reader, and the results are shown on a screen.
Gabby says, IT'S 121 VOLTS, 120 VOLTS.
They give each other a thumbs up.
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody approaches the elevator shaft and finds Gabby standing on top of the elevator.
Brody says, WHOA, WHAT IS THIS?
Gabby says, THIS IS TOP OF THE ELEVATOR. DO YOU WANT TO HELP ME SERVICE IT?
Brody says, I GOT THE TOOLS.
Gabby says, PERFECT. CAN I SEE THE ROPE GAUGE?
Brody says, YEAH, HERE YOU GO.
Gabby says, THE ROPE GAUGE HELPS US MEASURE THE SIZE OF THE ROPES. AND MAKES SURE THERE'S NO FRAYED WIRES.
Brody asks, HOW'S IT LOOKING GABBY?
Gabby says, THEY LOOK GOOD TO ME.
Brody asks, WHAT'S NEXT?
Gabby says, WE GOTTA CHECK THE GUIDE ROLLERS NEXT. AND MAKE SURE THEY'RE NOT LOOSE. CAN I SEE THE PLIERS?
Brody says, YEP. HERE YOU GO.
Gabby says, THANKS.
[Rattling, whooshing, popping]
Gabby turns the guide roller with the pliers.
Brody says, WHAT'S A GUIDE ROLLER? THE GUIDE ROLLER HELPS MOVE THE ELEVATOR UP AND DOWN SMOOTHLY.
Brody asks, HOW'S IT LOOKING?
Gabby says, YEP. THIS ONE WAS A LITTLE LOOSE. GOOD THING WE CHECKED.
Brody asks, SO, IS THAT IT?
Gabby says, NOPE. WE GOTTA GO DOWN.
Brody says, JUST ONE MORE THING.
[Bell ringing]
Brody taps a bell with a wrench.
He says, NOW WE CAN MOVE ON.
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
On the first floor, Gabby and Brody kneel by the edge of the open elevator shaft.
Gabby says, AND ONE OF THE FINAL THINGS WE HAVE TO DO IS CHECK THE PIT.
Brody says, WHOA, I'VE NEVER SEEN THE BOTTOM OF AN ELEVATOR BEFORE. GABBY, WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN THE PIT?
Gabby says, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S NOTHING DOWN THERE THAT'S GOING TO MAKE THE ELEVATOR ACT FUNNY.
Brody asks, WHAT KIND OF STUFF DO YOU FIND DOWN THERE?
Gabby says, YOU CAN FIND PHONES, HEADPHONES, AND SOMETIMES EVEN CASH.
Brody says, CHA-CHING!
Brody asks, WHAT'S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU FOUND IN THE PIT?
Gabby says, ONE TIME I FOUND A BASKETBALL. I DON'T KNOW HOW I GOT DOWN THERE. BRODY, IS THERE ANYTHING DOWN THERE THAT'S FUNNY?
Brody looks into the pit.
Brody says, HMM. NO CLOWNS, SO ALL CLEAR.
Gabby says, CONGRATULATIONS, BRODY. IT'S YOUR FIRST DAY AS AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC.
[Thudding, hands slapping]
Gabby closes the elevator door. She and Brody high-five.
Brody says, YES!
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays, thumping, clicking]
In the Skill Space, Brody and Akeylah stand behind the table. A wood tray with a rope attached to the four corners holds a blue cup. Brody puts a control panel on the table, and Akeylah puts a balloon in the cup.
Brody says, GOING UP.
Akeylah says, COPY THAT.
[Clicking]
Brody turns a dial on the panel, and the tray rises off the table.
Akeylah says, YES, IT'S WORKING! LET'S GO!
Brody says, SKILLED TRADES FOREVER!
[Hands slapping]
Akeylah and Brody high-five.
Brody says, IT WAS UP AND DOWN, BUT THANKS TO WORKING WITH GABBY, WE LIFTED OUR PROJECT TO NEW HEIGHTS.
Akeylah says, OUR JOURNEY TO LEARN ABOUT SKILLED TRADES HAS LEVELED UP, BUT WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF STORIES TO REACH.
Brody says, JOIN US NEXT TIME AS WE TRADE PLACES ON OUR JOURNEY TO LEARN NEW SKILLS.
Akeylah says, NEXT TIME, IT CAN BE THE TRADE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE TOP. BYE!
Akeylah and Brody wave.
Brody says, SEE YA! GOING DOWN.
[Beeping chime]
The wooden tray lowers to a workbench.
[Upbeat music plays]
End credits. Hosts: Akeylah James, Brody Agmon. Co-host: Anna Paul. Tradesperson: Gabby De Sousa. Written and directed by Johnny Mitchell. 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 Mohawk College. 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 showing a sparking blowtorch. Akeylah wears a dark grey tunic, and her short black hair is tightly braided. Brody’s dark brown hair is short, and 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 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.
[Upbeat music plays]
In the Skill Space, Brody and Akeylah sit on a
Akeylah says, WELCOME TO THE SKILL SPACE. BRODY AND I ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO ADD NEW STUFF TO THE SPACE.
Brody says, THAT'S RIGHT. WE LOVE TO TINKER AND TODAY IS NO DIFFERENT.
Akeylah says, WE'RE TRYING TO BUILD AN ELEVATOR SO WE CAN GET THINGS UPSTAIRS FASTER.
Brody says, IT HASN'T BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL. THERE WAS ELEVATOR ATTEMPT NUMBER THREE.
[Punk rock music plays]
Brody holds a chain slingshot taut, and Akeylah pulls it back and shoots a balloon toward the second floor.
Akeylah says, AND WE CAN'T FORGET ELEVATOR ATTEMPT NUMBER SIX.
[Punk rock music plays]
Brody pulls on a rope attached to a board. A cup on the board falls on the floor.
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody says, CLEARLY, WE NEED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ELEVATORS.
Akeylah says, OUR FRIEND ANNA, AN EXPERT IN SKILLED TRADES, KNOWS AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC. RIGHT ANNA?
Anna says, THAT'S RIGHT. MY FRIEND GABBY IS AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC, AND SHE SAYS SHE'S VERY EXCITED TO SHOW YOU THE UPS AND DOWNS OF ELEVATOR REPAIR. SHOULD I TELL GABBY YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY?
[Upbeat music continues]
In video footage, Gabby De Sousa, the elevator mechanic, leans against an elevator doorway with her arms crossed. Gabby has shoulder-length, curly black hair and wears a blue t-shirt and black slacks.
Akeylah says, YES, PLEASE. BRODY, I KNOW YOU LOVE RIDING IN ELEVATORS, SO WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THIS ONE?
Brody says, I'M IN. FOLLOW ME AS I OPEN THE DOORS TO ELEVATOR REPAIR.
[Clapping]
Brody claps his hands together and then moves them apart, imitating an elevator door opening.
[Whooshing]
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody enters a two-story building and walks across a mat that reads, “Welcome to Mohawk. Future-ready.”
Brody narrates, MY TRADES JOURNEY ELEVATED ME TO MOHAWK COLLEGE IN STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO. IF YOU WANT TO LEARN A SKILLED TRADE, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE.
Brody walks past windows opening into a large two-story room with machines on the wall.
Brody says, THAT'S COOL.
Brody enters the room.
Brody says, GABBY.
Gabby walks down a staircase from the second floor.
Gabby says, HEY BRODY. OVER HERE.
Brody says, HEY, THERE YOU ARE.
[Hands slapping]
Brody and Gabby high-five.
Gabby says, HEY, WELCOME TO MOHAWK.
Brody says, WHOA, THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. AND HUGE. AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC REPAIRS ELEVATORS, RIGHT?
Gabby says, YEP. WE REPAIR THEM.
Gabby climbs down a ladder to the bottom of an elevator shaft and crouches beside a drive sheave.
Gabby says, SERVICE THEM.
[Pages rustling]
Gabby opens a large book. She pushes buttons on a panel.
Gabby says, AND INSTALL THEM.
Gabby repairs equipment at the bottom of the shaft.
Gabby says, AND WHEN SOMEONE'S STUCK, WE GET THEM OUT.
Brody says, MY DAY IS ALREADY ELEVATED. CAN YOU SHOW ME THE TRICKS OF YOUR TRADE?
Gabby says, FOR SURE, FOLLOW ME.
Brody follows Gabby towards the door of the room.
Brody says, LET'S GO! LOOK AT THAT!
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music continues]
Beside metal grill walls around an elevator shaft, Gabby and Brody stand at a table. She gives him safety glasses.
Gabby says, SAFETY FIRST.
Brody says, RIGHT. SAFETY GLASSES ON. ARE THESE THE TOOLS FOR THE ELEVATOR TRADE?
Gabby says, YEAH. THIS ONE'S THE ELEVATOR LUNAR KEY. IT HELPS ME GET INTO THE HOIST WAY OF THE ELEVATOR ON TOP AND UNDERNEATH THE ELEVATOR.
[Key clicking]
Brody ways the lunar key in front of him.
Brody says, COOL.
Gabby says, THIS ONE'S A ROPE GAUGE. IT HELPS ME MEASURE THE ROPES.
[Whooshing, popping]
Brody holds the rope gauge.
Brody asks, WHY DO YOU HAVE TO MEASURE THE ROPES?
Gabby says, TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY DON'T LOSE DIAMETER AND THEY DON'T BREAK. THIS ONE'S A DOOR PRESSURE GAUGE. IT SHOWS HOW MUCH PRESSURE THE DOOR PUSHES.
[Whooshing, popping, squeaking]
Gabby pushes the door gauge against her palm.
Gabby asks, HOW STRONG ARE YOU?
[Squeaking]
Brody pushes the door gauge against his palm.
Brody says, JUST OVER 50. YES.
Gabby says, NICE.
[Whooshing, popping, clicking, upbeat music continues]
Gabby puts the door gauge on the table and picks up a door wedge. She gives it to Brody.
Gabby says, THIS ONE'S A DOOR WEDGE. IT HOLDS OPEN THE DOOR WHILE I DO MAINTENANCE.
Brody says, THIS GUY RIGHT HERE PRETTY MUCH JUST SAVED YOUR LIFE EVERY SINGLE TIME.
[Gabby laughing]
Brody asks, WHAT'S THIS?
Brody and Gabby walk to a wall with control panels and wires.
Gabby replies, THIS IS THE ELEVATOR CONTROLLER.
Brody asks, WHAT'S A CONTROLLER DO?
Gabby replies, IT'S THE BRAINS OF THE ELEVATOR.
Brody asks, WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THE BRAINS?
Gabby replies, IT TELLS IT WHERE TO GO AND WHICH ELEVATOR CALLS TO ANSWER.
Brody asks, HOW DOES IT DO THAT?
Gabby replies, WELL, IT TAKES A SIGNAL FROM THE ELEVATOR AND BRINGS IT BACK TO THE CONTROLLER. THEN THE CONTROLLER TELLS IT WHERE TO GO. EITHER IT GOES TO THE SECOND FLOOR TO THE THIRD FLOOR OR THIRD FLOOR TO THE FOURTH FLOOR.
Brody says, SO, THIS IS AN ELEVATOR'S BRAIN.
Gabby says, THIS IS AN OLDER BRAIN. THERE'S NEWER BRAINS NOW.
Brody asks, CAN WE GO SEE IT?
Gabby replies, FOR SURE. IT'S JUST OVER THERE.
Brody and Gabby walk to a metal box with two controller panels.
Brody asks, HOW'S THIS BRAIN DIFFERENT?
Gabby replies, WELL, IT'S A LOT SMALLER. SOMETIMES, WHEN TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES, THINGS GET SMALLER. BUT IT STILL HAS THE SAME COMPONENTS, LIKE RELAYS, TRANSFORMERS AND FUSES.
Brody says, YOU'RE SUCH A BRAINIAC.
[Gabby chuckling]
Brody asks, SO, THE CONTROLLER POWERS THE MOTOR OF THE ELEVATOR?
Gabby says, YEP, IT MAKES THE ELEVATOR GO UP AND DOWN.
Brody asks, CAN I SEE A MOTOR?
Gabby says, FOR SURE. IT'S DOWN THIS WAY.
Brody says, LET'S MOTOR.
[Whooshing]
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
An elevator door closes. On the other side of the metal grid wall, Brody and Gabby stand beside the motor.
Gabby says, THERE'S TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF ELEVATORS. ONE'S A TRACTION, AND ONE'S HYDRAULIC. THIS ONE'S A HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR.
An arrow points at the motor, and text reads, “Hydraulic Motor.”
[Popping]
Brody asks, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?
Gabby replies, WELL, THIS ONE USES OIL TO MOVE THE ELEVATOR UP AND DOWN. TO GO UP, THE PUMP PUMPS THE OIL THROUGH THE PIPE AND PUSHES THE PISTONS UP.
Brody asks, CAN I SEE THE MOTOR RUNNING?
Gabby replies, FOR SURE!
Gabby pushes a button, and the oil level in the motor lowers. The elevator beside Brody rises.
[Air hissing, elevator whirring]
Brody says, THERE IT GOES! WHOO!
Gabby says, WHEN IT WANTS TO COME BACK DOWN, IT RELEASES THE OIL BACK INTO THE TANK.
[Elevator whirring]
Brody asks, SO, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOOK OUT FOR WITH THE HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR?
Gabby replies, WELL, YOU HAVE TO LOOK FOR LEAKS AND SPILLS AND MAKE SURE THAT THE OIL DOESN'T GET DIRTY OR CONTAMINATED.
Brody says, SO, THIS IS HYDRAULIC. WHERE'S THE TRACTION?
Gabby replies, THAT'S UPSTAIRS.
Brody says, LET'S GO!
Gabby says, YEP!
Brody says, GOOD WORK.
[Tapping]
Brody pats the motor and then follows Gabby.
Text read, “Trading Skills.”
[Banging, whirring, popping]
Gabby pushes buttons on an elevator controller. A traction motor with four thick cables around it spins.
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody narrates, GABBY SHOWED ME THAT A TRACTION MOTOR USES PULLEYS, GEARS AND A COUNTERWEIGHT TO PULL THE ELEVATOR UP AND DOWN.
Brody says, KEEPING AN ELEVATOR RUNNING IS HOW TO KEEP IT FROM GETTING STUCK. BUT WHAT IF? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF SOMEONE'S STUCK?
Gabby replies, THAT'S A REALLY GOOD QUESTION BRODY. FIRST THING TO DO IS ALWAYS REMEMBER TO REMAIN CALM.
[Brody inhaling, exhaling]
Gabby says, NEXT THING, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE SOMEONE'S ACTUALLY STUCK.
[Knocking]
Gabby knocks on the elevator door.
Gabby says, HELLO? IS SOMEONE STUCK?
Brody, in a high-pitched voice, says, HELLO? HELLO? SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME. I'M VERY HUNGRY.
Brody says, SOMEONE'S DEFINITELY STUCK IN THERE.
Gabby says, THIS IS WHAT WE USE, OUR LUNAR KEY. WE'RE GOING TO USE THAT TO UNLOCK THE HALLWAY DOOR AND GET THE PERSON OUT.
Brody says, I DON'T SEE A KEYHOLE ANYWHERE.
Gabby points to a small hole at the top of one of the elevator doors.
Gabby says, THAT ONE.
Brody says, SO THAT'S WHAT THAT DOES.
Gabby says, YEP. SO, LET'S GET THIS PERSON OUT.
Brody says, ALL RIGHT.
[Clicking]
Gabby puts the lunar key in the hole and turns it.
Gabby says, YOU PUT IT IN, AND YOU TURN IT, AND IT UNLOCKS THE DOOR.
Gabby slides the elevator door open, revealing a second closed door.
Brody says, YOU'RE SAFE. OHHHH!
Gabby says, NOT YET. THERE'S TWO DOORS TO AN ELEVATOR. THIS IS ANOTHER DOOR.
[Clicking]
Gabby grabs the second door and pushes it open.
Brody stands in the elevator.
Brody says, I'M SAFE!
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
In the two-storey room, Brody and Gabby sit at a table with a plate of sliced fruit and napkins between them.
Brody narrates, NEXT, GABBY AND I ENJOYED THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR, AND I HAD A LOT TO ASK HER.
Brody says, GABBY, I GOTTA KNOW. HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC?
Gabby says, WELL, FUNNY ENOUGH, I WANTED TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN AT FIRST, BUT IT NEVER WORKED OUT. SO, I WENT INTO ELEVATORS. A FRIEND OF MINE SAID THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE WORK FOR YOU IF YOU GOT INTO ELEVATORS.
Brody asks, WHY WOULD YOU ALWAYS WORK IF YOU DO ELEVATOR REPAIRS?
Gabby replies, WELL, LOOK AT ANY BUILDING YOU SEE NOWADAYS. THERE'S ELEVATORS ALL OVER THE PLACE, EVEN TO GO ONE STOREY. SO THAT MEANS THERE'SA LOT OF MECHANICS OUT THERE TOO.
Brody asks, WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL FOR ELEVATOR REPAIR?
Gabby replies, I WENT TO DURHAM COLLEGE, BUT THEY ALSO OFFER IT HERE AT MOHAWK. I WAS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE FIRST STUDENTS AT DURHAM COLLEGE TO TAKE THEIR ELEVATOR PROGRAM.
Brody asks, HOW LONG DID YOUR SCHOOLING TAKE?
Gabby replies, IT TAKES AROUND SIX MONTHS, WHICH IS AROUND 720 HOURS. THE WHOLE APPRENTICESHIP IS 8,000 HOURS, WHICH IS FOUR AND A HALF YEARS.
Brody says, THAT'S A LOT.
Gabby says, YEAH, BUT THE THING IS, YOU GET PAID THE WHOLE TIME YOU'RE IN SCHOOL AND WORKING.
Brody says, 8,000 HOURS AND, THAT'S A GOOD DEAL! WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC?
Gabby says, WELL, I LOVE TRAVELING TO NEW PLACES EVERY DAY. EVERY DAY'S A NEW ADVENTURE. I'M ALWAYS SOMEWHERE NEW. SO MANY PEOPLE USE ELEVATORS, AND I HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE RUNNING SMOOTHLY. SO, A LOT OF PEOPLE PUT THEIR TRUST IN ME TO MAINTAIN AND FIX THEIR ELEVATORS. I GOT INTO ELEVATORS, AND NOW I LOVE THEM. THESE DAYS, I'M A PRETTY BIG ELEVATOR GEEK.
Brody says, I THINK I'M BECOMING AN ELEVATOR GEEK TOO.
Gabby says, NICE.
[Hands slapping]
They high-five.
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Whooshing, upbeat music plays]
Brody walks in the two-storey room.
Brody says, IF YOU'RE LIKE ME, YOU'RE PROBABLY WONDERING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF ELEVATOR REPAIR. WELL, LET'S FIND OUT.
[Lively music plays]
In a black-and-white video, Akeylah wears a bowtie and hat and stands in front of a closed elevator gate.
Brody narrates, ELEVATORS BECAME WIDELY USED JUST OVER 200 YEARS AGO, BUT THEY WERE UNSAFE, SO MANY PEOPLE CHOSE NOT TO RIDE. IN THE EARLY 1900’S, ADVANCEMENTS IN ELECTRICITY AND MOTOR TECHNOLOGY MEANT ELEVATORS GOT SAFER AND ELEVATOR REPAIR PEOPLE MADE SURE IT WAS A SMOOTH RIDE.
In the black-and-white video, Akeylah holds a large wrench and smiles.
[Upbeat music plays]
Video footage shows the C.N. Tower in Toronto, Ontario. Akeylah wears sunglasses and stands in front of two elevators in the C.N. Tower lobby.
Brody narrates, SAFER ELEVATORS MEANT BUILDINGS COULD BE BUILT HIGHER AND HIGHER. LIKE THE C.N. TOWER IN TORONTO AND ELEVATOR REPAIR TECHNICIANS WERE ALONG FOR THE RIDE.
[Upbeat music plays]
The video ends. In reality, Brody leans against the wall beside an elevator, facing Gabby.
Brody narrates, WHEN IT COMES TO FIXING AN ELEVATOR, I THOUGHT I'D TAKE A LISTEN.
Brody puts on a stethoscope and holds the end against the elevator doorway.
Brody says, HMM. WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM, MR. ELEVATOR? WELL, THAT DIDN'T WORK. SO, GABBY, HOW CAN WE DIAGNOSE WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE ELEVATOR?
Gabby says, WELL, THERE'S A COUPLE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT. REMEMBER THE BRAIN?
Brody says, YEAH.
Gabby says, WE'VE GOT TO GO CHECK THAT OUT FIRST.
Brody says, LET'S GO!
At the elevator controller, Gabby looks at a screen. She pushes buttons on a panel.
Brody narrates, GABBY, SHOWED ME THE HIGH-TECH BRAIN OF AN ELEVATOR AND HOW TO TAKE IT OUT OF SERVICE. ONCE IT WAS OUT OF SERVICE, WE TOOK READINGS USING A VOLTAGE METER TO MAKE SURE THE ELEVATOR HAD PROPER POWER.
[Background chattering, beeping]
Gabby touches a wire to the voltage reader. She gives Brody two wires and holds the voltage reader. Brody touches them to the voltage reader. Gabby measures the wires on the panel with the voltage reader, and the results are shown on a screen.
Gabby says, IT'S 121 VOLTS, 120 VOLTS.
They give each other a thumbs up.
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
Brody approaches the elevator shaft and finds Gabby standing on top of the elevator.
Brody says, WHOA, WHAT IS THIS?
Gabby says, THIS IS TOP OF THE ELEVATOR. DO YOU WANT TO HELP ME SERVICE IT?
Brody says, I GOT THE TOOLS.
Gabby says, PERFECT. CAN I SEE THE ROPE GAUGE?
Brody says, YEAH, HERE YOU GO.
Gabby says, THE ROPE GAUGE HELPS US MEASURE THE SIZE OF THE ROPES. AND MAKES SURE THERE'S NO FRAYED WIRES.
Brody asks, HOW'S IT LOOKING GABBY?
Gabby says, THEY LOOK GOOD TO ME.
Brody asks, WHAT'S NEXT?
Gabby says, WE GOTTA CHECK THE GUIDE ROLLERS NEXT. AND MAKE SURE THEY'RE NOT LOOSE. CAN I SEE THE PLIERS?
Brody says, YEP. HERE YOU GO.
Gabby says, THANKS.
[Rattling, whooshing, popping]
Gabby turns the guide roller with the pliers.
Brody says, WHAT'S A GUIDE ROLLER? THE GUIDE ROLLER HELPS MOVE THE ELEVATOR UP AND DOWN SMOOTHLY.
Brody asks, HOW'S IT LOOKING?
Gabby says, YEP. THIS ONE WAS A LITTLE LOOSE. GOOD THING WE CHECKED.
Brody asks, SO, IS THAT IT?
Gabby says, NOPE. WE GOTTA GO DOWN.
Brody says, JUST ONE MORE THING.
[Bell ringing]
Brody taps a bell with a wrench.
He says, NOW WE CAN MOVE ON.
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays]
On the first floor, Gabby and Brody kneel by the edge of the open elevator shaft.
Gabby says, AND ONE OF THE FINAL THINGS WE HAVE TO DO IS CHECK THE PIT.
Brody says, WHOA, I'VE NEVER SEEN THE BOTTOM OF AN ELEVATOR BEFORE. GABBY, WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN THE PIT?
Gabby says, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S NOTHING DOWN THERE THAT'S GOING TO MAKE THE ELEVATOR ACT FUNNY.
Brody asks, WHAT KIND OF STUFF DO YOU FIND DOWN THERE?
Gabby says, YOU CAN FIND PHONES, HEADPHONES, AND SOMETIMES EVEN CASH.
Brody says, CHA-CHING!
Brody asks, WHAT'S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU FOUND IN THE PIT?
Gabby says, ONE TIME I FOUND A BASKETBALL. I DON'T KNOW HOW I GOT DOWN THERE. BRODY, IS THERE ANYTHING DOWN THERE THAT'S FUNNY?
Brody looks into the pit.
Brody says, HMM. NO CLOWNS, SO ALL CLEAR.
Gabby says, CONGRATULATIONS, BRODY. IT'S YOUR FIRST DAY AS AN ELEVATOR MECHANIC.
[Thudding, hands slapping]
Gabby closes the elevator door. She and Brody high-five.
Brody says, YES!
Text reads, “Trading Skills.”
[Upbeat music plays, thumping, clicking]
In the Skill Space, Brody and Akeylah stand behind the table. A wood tray with a rope attached to the four corners holds a blue cup. Brody puts a control panel on the table, and Akeylah puts a balloon in the cup.
Brody says, GOING UP.
Akeylah says, COPY THAT.
[Clicking]
Brody turns a dial on the panel, and the tray rises off the table.
Akeylah says, YES, IT'S WORKING! LET'S GO!
Brody says, SKILLED TRADES FOREVER!
[Hands slapping]
Akeylah and Brody high-five.
Brody says, IT WAS UP AND DOWN, BUT THANKS TO WORKING WITH GABBY, WE LIFTED OUR PROJECT TO NEW HEIGHTS.
Akeylah says, OUR JOURNEY TO LEARN ABOUT SKILLED TRADES HAS LEVELED UP, BUT WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF STORIES TO REACH.
Brody says, JOIN US NEXT TIME AS WE TRADE PLACES ON OUR JOURNEY TO LEARN NEW SKILLS.
Akeylah says, NEXT TIME, IT CAN BE THE TRADE THAT TAKES YOU TO THE TOP. BYE!
Akeylah and Brody wave.
Brody says, SEE YA! GOING DOWN.
[Beeping chime]
The wooden tray lowers to a workbench.
[Upbeat music plays]
End credits. Hosts: Akeylah James, Brody Agmon. Co-host: Anna Paul. Tradesperson: Gabby De Sousa. Written and directed by Johnny Mitchell. 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 Mohawk College. 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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