I became interested in the trades watching my grandfather working on his home doing renovations or other projects. I enjoyed helping him and learning how to use the power tools. I took wood shop classes in high school which then progressed into taking the ADSB house building program, which is sponsored by SalDan Construction Group. Taking the program really turned me to the idea of making construction my career. SalDan helped me further my experience and develop my skills. 

The ADSB House Building Program was what really allowed me to set the foundation for my career. I learned theory along with hands-on experience; building a home from the ground up is not something all students have the opportunity to do. It was exciting and motivated me to continue my journey in the trades.

The world of construction is so busy. Constantly learning and facing new challenges keeps things interesting for me. I enjoy working outside and being hands-on, so this field of work is perfect for me. Now that I am the Site Supervisor for SalDan’s current sub-division development, I have a greater appreciation for the work that goes into running a job site.

I have been very fortunate to work with very supportive and motivating coworkers. They have been patient and willing to take their time in teaching me the “tricks of the trade”. I have faced challenges such as learning new tasks and becoming fast and efficient in all that I do. Overall, having a company and co-workers that show respect and equality is a major reason I am able to continue my growth in construction.

I believe that there has been a shift in the way people perceive those who decide to work in construction. We continue to see young women enroll and try out the House Building Program through ADSB, which has been great. I also have noticed that going into the trades and going through with apprenticeships is a more common topic now a days. Although it is something that can still be seen as “non-traditional”, it’s not as prominent as it used to be.

If you are interested and motivated to join the trades, do it! You are more than capable. Even if the trades end up not being something that you want to take on as a career, it can equip you with amazing skills. You learn a lot of practical information and techniques. Be confident and if you make a mistake, keep trying and ask lots of questions!

I believe that it is important to recognize that construction can be for many different people. It is a stigma that the trades are for men and that women are not capable of the same things. There are plenty of people within the industry that can do one trade, and not so much the other! This goes for anything in life, really. Throughout history, construction has been deemed a “men’s world”. Now a days, I believe that society is doing a better job at shedding light on the fact that your gender does not dictate what you are capable of. Hence “Women in Construction Week” now being shared and supported all around the world.

Along with Women In Construction Week, today is International Women’s Day! Today is a time to raise awareness towards gender equality; to reflect on the progress that’s been made so far, and what work remains.

National Women’s Day began back in the early twentieth century. The labour movements in North America and Europe started up the call for women’s equal participation in society. The first Women’s Day took place on March 19th, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The amount of support was overwhelming, with over a million women and men participating in public events. The following years, the day was celebrated by more and more countries. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year, and began celebrating March 8th as International Women’s Day.

The world of construction and the trades has been predominantly male since the beginning of time. SalDan is a proud supporter of women working in the trades and has encouraged young women to take on construction as a career. They have sponsored the House Building Program through Algoma District School Board in Sault Ste. Marie for many years and continue to help share the message that more women are wanted and needed in construction. 

Both SalDan’s Health and Safety Coordinator and Site Supervisor are successful young women who have completed the ADSB House Building Program and continued their education through Sault College. To start off Women In Construction Week, we shared Chelsee Bye’s story and how she began her journey in construction. You can read that here.

For the next 3 days, we will continue to highlight some of the women we have had a pleasure working with who hold very important roles within SalDan. Make sure to follow us on our social media to hear more about their success.

I began as a high school student in the ADSB Student House Building Program where I then graduated with a Specialist High Skills Major in Construction. I Began working full time with SalDan as a general laborer and then as an Administrator and Health and Safety Coordinator. Then, completed my Health and Safety Certificate from Sault College.

I enjoy being outdoors and working with my hands so I was interested in being a General Laborer. Being able to walk away from a job and see immediate progression was fulfilling.

The Health and Safety Coordinator position interested me because I can still work outdoors and interact with the workers and continuously learn from them. I have always been a safety-conscious person, so it was a fitting position.

My job entails organizing health and safety training, conducting site inspections, distributing health and safety related information, assisting in the ongoing review of SalDan’s health and safety program, acting as a health and safety resource within the company, etc.

 

I enjoy the versatility my job provides. I have never had the same day twice. I love being outside interacting and learning from the workers on a daily basis. The amount of growth endured over the course of my employment in the construction industry has been the most rewarding aspect of my job.

Being a general laborer was physically challenging at times. Being a Health and Safety Coordinator can be challenging as the industry regulations and standards are always changing/improving so you really must stay on top of it.

Enrolling in the ADSB House Building Program and working as a general laborer with SalDan has given me the experience I needed to do renovations on my home by myself, which are 85% completed now without hiring out. I look forward to continuing gaining experience in the construction industry to further my knowledge and skills for both my career and at home.  

 

Being a new young female worker in the construction industry has surely been challenging. I overcome them by doing my job as efficiently as possible and working to the best of my ability every day.   

I recommend the construction industry to women because it is rewarding physically and financially and it is gratifying. There are so many different avenues in the construction industry that allows for endless opportunities.  

For other young people interested in the industry: be versatile, embrace challenges, and work to the best of your ability at everything you do. Keep your head up, always.