What barriers have you faced in your journey of becoming a tradeswoman?

The biggest barrier for me in taking up a trade was figuring out how to start. When I was trying to decide which trade to pursue, it was tough finding reliable information about them. Most of what I found came from random folks on Reddit and YouTube! After I decided to become an electrician, it was intimidating trying to figure out how to get hired. I found that the polytech here was oddly out of reach, considering that I was a prospective student! I finally found answers by making a bunch of calls with folks from the provincial apprenticeship office, the polytech, the union, and of course OAWA.

What is one piece of advice that you would offer to other tradeswomen?

Yoga! Or something like it. It took me a few months to condition my body to construction work. But even then, I quickly started feeling stiff and fatigued again, and found I needed to do yoga several times a week to feel good. Don’t forget hand stretches, too!

What is your career goal?

My goal for my career is to become a journeyman electrician, and from there to move to less physically demanding work that will be better suited for my body as I age. Before trades, I completed a teaching degree, so I’m a good candidate for work in a polytechnic setting.

What is your biggest accomplishment so far? This can be personal, or career based.

 I’ve been working for less than a year, so I’ve only done “first year” stuff! I’m just pleased that my tools feel natural to me. When I first got them, they felt quite alien, whereas now, they feel like an extension of my body. My drill is my friend.

What changes would you like to see in the trade industry to support more women entering the field?

I thought Alberta was supporting women in the trades pretty well but seeing how they’ve cut advancement grants for completing apprenticeship periods, I don’t know what they’re thinking. If Canada needs tradespeople, then they need to draw in women, and they need incentives to support those transitioning from other careers (like me!) and those with children. Tools, boots, trades school, childcare — none of that is cheap.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self just starting in the trade, what would it be?

 Don’t sell yourself short, to anyone or to yourself. You have so much to offer.