Vick Kowell, Elevator Mechanic, Over 30 years

I had just got back from Viet Nam and got a job as an apprentice working on the elevators during the construction of the Transamerica Building. The shape of the building was pretty unusual.

Technology has changed. We don’t use false cars anymore. Now we build the car first, and then rope it up. Before we built a platform without overhead protection. I saw a false car run out of cable and go down 10 floors. Now we use as much protection as we can.

It was a privilege working with all the old timers who came up through the business. They were excellent mechanics, and I learned a lot from them. Now I love to teach the young guys and tell them as much as I can.

When it came to teaching, the old guys were horrible. They never let you look at the layouts and had you running. But it was for your betterment. When I look back on it, I appreciate it. They had a lot of talent. Things are simpler now. They knew their stuff. It was an honor to work with a lot of them. Back then, you learned hands on, and if you were good enough, you got promoted.  With the apprenticeship program,  the young guys are given more knowledge and opportunity. They let you look at the elevator print, where the old guys were afraid for their jobs and didn’t want to share. Back then the helpers didn’t even have coffee with them. The helpers had to sit by themselves, and all the mechanics were over in a group. There were guys who had been helpers for 30 years and never got to become a mechanic. Now they are encouraged to become mechanics. I think it’s good for the business, and the mandatory schooling is excellent. They were pretty gutsy, those old guys.

They would walk on the beams, and you don’t see that any more.  Do I miss that? Not one bit. I will turn 60 soon, and I want to leave in one piece.