Reaching New Heights

Tammy Poorman was the first person in her family to graduate high school, so she’d already accomplished more than was expected of her. But she wanted more. 

“I didn’t have any guidance or any idea of what I’m supposed to do next,” Tammy says. “I ended up working in retail for 10 years – moving store to store – and over time, I began to lose satisfaction with my work, pay, and overall lack of skills or knowledge.”

Tammy was working in a lighting store in 2016 when she started thinking about a career as an electrician. A quick Google search led her to the Electrical Applied Certificate course at the Saskatoon Polytechnic. 

Going Back to Go Forward

“I spent so much time out of school that I was worried about my capability to learn new things, but I found that my genuine interest in the trade made it less difficult to retain information,” she says. 

Tammy graduated in February 2017 with what she calls “pretty good marks,” but that’s when the real work started. 

“Getting my foot in the door was the hardest part. Being a small girl showing up to interviews with zero real-life experience was very discouraging. I didn’t even have that basic ‘working-with-dad’ experience that most people do. But I didn’t give up the search and I finally landed my first electrical job five or six months later,” she says.  

Starting Something Exciting

Since getting her first job, Tammy has gained real experience in the industrial and commercial sectors and this past winter she completed her Level Two training at the Polytechnic in Prince Albert. The Polytechnic is where she was introduced to the Office to Advance Women Apprentices. 

“I wish I had known a supportive team of women like this when I was just starting out,” Tammy says. “But I’m happy I do now! I know that the office  will make a positive impact on our upcoming women that may be discouraged about getting into the trades.” 

Flying High

It was through Tammy’s connection with the office she was able to find her new exciting job with Flyer Electric. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Flyer has been keeping Tammy working and gaining experience. She says they’ve been supportive and she’s really enjoying the opportunity to grow. 

“I am happy with how far I’ve come. I literally learned to use a drill on the job, and now I am capable of so much more! I take pride in what I do, and I feel good about my work at the end of the day. I am excited for what the future holds for me, and it is my goal to get my Red Seal certification in the near future.
“I want other women to know that it is never too late to learn new things and change your path in life.”

If you’re ready to explore your career options, looking for work in your chosen trade, or need advice getting started on your journey, get in touch with us and we’ll discuss how you too can go further than you’d imagined.