Safety Gear That Fits: Why the Trades Need Better Equipment for Women
When I started in the trades, I expected hard work. I expected long days, cold mornings, and the kind of tiredness you feel in your bones. What I did not expect was how often safety gear would feel like another obstacle. Not because I did not want to wear it, but because it simply did […]
Teaching Grit: What Young People Can Learn From a Career in the Trades
When I visit schools to talk about the trades, I see a lot of curious faces. Some students are excited about hands-on work, while others are unsure. They have been told that success means going to university or getting an office job. But when I start talking about what the trades really teach, something changes. […]
Tools and Tenacity: How the Trades Build Confidence Beyond the Job Site
When I first picked up a toolbelt, I did not realize how much it would change me. I thought the trades were only about skill and strength, about wiring buildings or fixing problems. What I learned over time is that the trades build something even more important than structures. They build confidence. Working with your […]
Why the Trades Need More Storytellers
When people picture careers in the trades, many still imagine the same old stereotypes. They see dirty job sites, endless heavy lifting, or work that does not require much skill. They do not see the truth, which is that the trades are filled with opportunity, growth, and pride. The problem is that not enough real […]
The Role of Women Leaders in Building Safer, Stronger Job Sites
When I first stepped onto a job site as a young tradeswoman, I felt the weight of being different. There were not many women in hard hats or steel-toed boots at the time. Over the years, that has slowly started to change, and with it, job sites are changing too. Women leaders are stepping forward […]
The Power of Role Models in Shaping Career Choices
When I think back to how I ended up in the trades, I realize it wasn’t just about choosing a career. It was about the people who believed in me, encouraged me, and showed me what was possible. Those people were role models — mentors, coworkers, and speakers who shared their journeys. Role models can […]
Local Leadership: How Small Acts of Service Build Strong Communities
When people hear the word “leadership,” they often think of politicians, CEOs, or people with fancy titles. But I’ve learned something very different through my years in the trades and volunteering: real leadership isn’t always about big speeches or official positions. Sometimes, it’s about the small, everyday acts of service that bring people together and […]