Susan Courty’s journey into the skilled trades has been shaped by persistence, grit, and a strong belief in showing up, even on the hardest days. A Red Seal Endorsed Journeyperson Construction Electrician and Instrumentation and Controls Technician Apprentice, Susan has built a successful career in an industry where women remain underrepresented. She also serves as the Women’s Committee Chairperson for IBEW Local 424 and as an Edmonton Chapter Lead and Skilled Trades Committee Advisor for Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE).
Susan entered the trades in her mid-30s after making the difficult decision to change careers. She enrolled in an Electrical pre-apprenticeship program and brought with her valuable life experience and resilience. During her apprenticeship, she faced challenges familiar to many women in construction, from being the only woman on a crew to navigating rigid workplace expectations and the unpredictable nature of project-based work. “Construction can be feast or famine,” she reflects, noting the long hours followed by periods without work.
The shift from a predictable career to project-based employment was challenging, but quitting was never an option. Each job offered an opportunity to learn and grow. “You have to adapt to the jobsite, to the crew, and keep honing your skills,” she says. That determination, combined with the support of mentors who recognized her potential, helped her persevere and thrive. Overcoming both physical and mental obstacles remains one of her proudest accomplishments.
Today, Susan’s goal is to be a journeyperson capable of handling any challenge on site. She believes consistency is key: “Every day you show up, get better at your trade. Even the little things contribute to your experience and expertise.”
As an advocate for women in the trades, Susan emphasizes the importance of mentorship, supportive policies, and visibility. She believes representation is one of the most powerful recruitment tools, encouraging women not only to enter the trades but to stay and build long-term careers.
If she could speak to her younger self, her advice would be simple: persist, show up, and give your best—your own version of your best—every day.
Through her work on job sites, in leadership roles, and in the community, Susan continues to open doors for herself and for the women who will follow. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience, mentorship, and believing in your place in the trades.